The proposed tax rate of $.52 per $100 valuation would result in an increase of our real estate tax of over 29%. This is an unreasonable increase given current economic conditions. Recent U.S. economic data comparing Q1'24 with Q1'23 show overall prices continuing to rise. This is true of necessary items such as food and utilities. In addition, household expenses such as auto and home insurance are posting significant increases - often over 20%. For Augusta County to propose a 29% increase in our taxes in this economic environment is irresponsible. We are not in an economic environment that can sustain the proposed tax increase. The fact that property assessments across the county have increased has nothing to do with what the tax rate should be. An increase in assessed value does not represent an increase in income for county residents. The increase should not be used as a justification for increasing the taxes paid by residents and it should not be an excuse to increase the proposed 2024/2025 budget over the base line of 2023/2024. I am becoming increasingly concerned that the Board of Supervisors are not acting in the best interests of the community that elected them and whom they should be supporting - not undermining. Bring the '24/'25 rate down to the level where it generates the same tax revenue when applied to the new, 2024 assessments as the taxes generated in 2023. Discussions on possible budget increases should be separate and not aimed at the 2024/2025 year.