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THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY 2ⁿ place, weekly newspaper of the year — 2018 Pinnacle Awards
VOL. 60, NO. 23 MARCH 13, 2019
OUTNUMBERED Westboro Baptist Church picket overshadowed by opposition
Story on page 3
Westboro Baptist Church is known for its vitriolic views toward the LGBTQ community. But when its members came to Richmond Monday, they were drowned out by opposition. Photo by Erin Edgerton
Stoney budget in doubt after heated Council meeting FADEL ALLASSAN News Editor
A majority of Richmond City Council members oppose a tax increase that many of the budget’s measures rely on. CT file photo
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Richmond City Council began deliberations Monday on a slate of measures, including new tax revenues, from a broad budget proposed by Mayor Levar Stoney last week. Stoney told the council March 6 that he wants to raise the city’s property tax rate by 9 cents and levy a new 50-cent tax on cigarettes. The real estate tax increase would bring the city’s rate to 1.29 percent of any property’s assessed value. The proposed budget also includes a utility rate increase for water, wastewater, storm water and natural gas. Stoney said residents would pay an increased $5.82 a month as a result of the changes. The new sources of revenue would bring in more than $24 million for the city annually. A rise in property value is set to yield another $22 million. Stoney said he wants that money to go toward Richmond Public Schools and repairs on the city’s roads and sidewalks. In addition, Stoney is calling for a program to stem the city’s high eviction rate and funding for affordable housing. All changes would take effect July 1 if passed. See BUDGET on page 2
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