Council Corner: Notes On Tax Abatement Program, Town Manager Praise
$5.3 Million In Grants Received From 2011-2017 | By Carl Brinkley
Mayor, Town of Clifton Forge |
Clifton Forge, VA (Feb. 24, 2017) - I feel mystified that no more of our citizens have taken advantage of an opportunity to save money by using the tax abatement program that is available to all citizens living in the Alleghany Highlands to include the County, Clifton Forge, Covington, and Iron Gate.
The program is set up to allow citizens and business owners to repair or renovate their properties without having their real estate taxes be elevated at the time of completion of the project. There are some requirements that must be done before the program can be used to include filling out an application at the Alleghany County Commissioner of the Revenue's office except for Covington residents which can be done at the Covington Commissioner's office. The property has to be at least forty years of age to be eligible for the program. A declaration of proposed improvements must be established. The improvements must be inspected at time of completion by the home inspector in your particular area. The tax benefit is there will be no tax increase in the first year, 20% the second year, 40% the third years, 60% the fourth year, 80% the fifth year, and the full value of the renovation the sixth year. If you are planning renovation work on your property there is no charge for information that can be attained by stopping by either Commissioner's office. They will be glad to assist you in explaining the program to you. The only thing it can do is save you money!
While I have the floor, I would like to sing praises for our Town Manager, Darlene Burcham. During her six and one-half year period of employment by the Town of Clifton Forge, many positive changes have been made in our town. Some of her accomplishments include the securing of at least thirty nine (39) grants for a total of more than $5,308,000. This money has been used to accomplish many projects to include the Linden Park renovation, the removal of the buildings at the old C&O shop area to be in a position to locate a new business, the access road to the business park planned for east of Krogers, correction of I&I problems in the water and sewer area, the CDBG Roxbury Project, the establishment of a residential historic district, and support of the Historic Masonic Theatre, and many more. She has been a valuable asset as a member of the AHEDC and other regional boards and commissions, but most of all has been her ability to get cooperation in settling the water and sewer litigation with the County.
Even when Ms. Burcham is out of town for any reason, she is always available when problems arise. She is only a phone call away. I feel she has been a wonderful asset to the entire area as far as experience and decision making is concerned. I hope she will be willing to continue serving all of us for at least another year.
One other person that should be recognized is our Town Finance Director, Lee Anna Tyler. She has had the responsibility of administering these grants, which is quite an undertaking.
We are still on the move! | | | | | |
|
