Fredericksburg City Council

The City’s general property re-assessment is complete. New assessment values are effective July 1, 2024. Property owners can appeal their assessments. The City Council is considering adjusting the property tax rate from $0.89 to $0.78 per $100 valuation.

Brenda Wood, the city treasurer, explained the purpose of the ordinance, stating, “The state provides the authority for a city treasurer to do this. The ordinance is for imposing a collection fee on delinquent taxes to cover administrative costs, attorney, or collection agency fees.” The ordinance sets forth a collection agency fee of up to 20% of the taxes owed and establishes a timeline for addressing delinquent status if appeals are filed in a timely manner.

During the council session, Ward 2 Councilor Gerlach expressed his support, citing his extensive experience defending individuals in debt over the past 40 years. “This is not uncommon for municipalities,” Gerlach remarked.

hyperbole: “This Sunday, Fredericksburg bids farewell to 2023, and with it to the leadership of Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. For over 15 years (eleven as Mayor and four on City Council), Mayor Greenlaw has helped guide a growing city that’s striving to hold onto its small-town charm. As a lifelong resident, her work and efforts have touched upon local healthcare, homeless assistance, education, businesses development and the arts.”

Voters chose At-large Council member Kerry Devine to replace Greenlaw, who did not seek re-election. Devine ran unopposed.