Speakers Again Pan Proposed Bay Ordinance

More than 30 speakers turned out during a regular public input session Tuesday night, mostly to urge the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to abandon proposed regulations aimed at protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The proposed regulations are scheduled for a Committee of the Whole discussion among supervisors during Wednesday’s board meeting.  The proposed ordinance has been roundly opposed during many public hearings and input sessions, prompting supervisors to scrap an earlier vote and send the item to an appointed commission.

The commission reached consensus on little, sending the proposal back to the board for the COW discussion.

During the board’s Jan. 18 public input session, opponents of the regulations outnumbered supporters about 3 to 1, with many suggesting topic could become a campaign issue this fall when all seats on the board are up for election. At least two supervisors — Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) and Susan Klimek Buckley (D-Sugarland Run) — have publicly stated that they will not seek reelection.

The state has mandated the rules for many counties, but not Loudoun. Option in Loudoun would be voluntary. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached an agreement with Virginia regarding the bay, the provisions of which are being examined.

Many speakers Tuesday expressed concerns about potential restrictions on their property, related costs and a lack of specificity.

Other items on Wednesday’s board agenda:

• Redistricting — Supervisors have scheduled a Committee of the Whole discussion on redistricting to continue debating how future county districts will be drawn. The board previously voted to maintain eight magisterial districts (eight supervisors and one at-large chairman comprise the board).
• Budget Direction — Supervisors will determine what potential real estate tax rates will be advertised for the FY 2012 budget negotiations that will soon begin. The board’s Finance/Government Services and Operations Committee voted 3-1-1 to recommend that the board advertise a maximum rate of $1.33 per $100 of assessed value. Once advertised, supervisors cannot select a higher rate without readvertising it; however, they may choose a lower rate.