July 27 Newsletter: Talkin' Taxes
Weather: The humidity returns. High of 89.
On this date in 1998, local governments complain that Gov. Jim Gilmore is not compensating them quickly enough for his promise to abolish the car tax.
GRTC: Service cuts may be necessary after private fundraising push finds few takers
The transit company will begin floating plans to cut bus service in the region by 20% — a step the agency says will be necessary if funding levels remain flat in coming years.
GRTC plans to put forward two scenarios for proposed cuts: One that would prioritize serving the most possible riders by focusing cuts on low-ridership lines, and a second that would prioritize high coverage by maintaining existing route coverage, but at reduced frequency. Read more here.
School funding roundup
RPS won’t have facility spending plan in place before November election – Jason Kamras said the district won’t have a facilities plan in place before a November election asks voters to raise the sales tax by 1% to fund school construction. The plan, required by state law, has been promised for the last two years. Read more here.
Avula pitches meals, property tax cuts to win support for sales tax for Richmond schools – The mayor and Council leaders said they will decrease the meals tax by 1% and the real estate tax by one cent if the new tax passes. Read more here.
Chesterfield Board proposes property tax cut if 1% sales tax increase for schools passes – The board's chair said Chesterfield parents are concerned about the condition of their children’s school buildings and the potential for overcrowding. Read more here.
Letter: RPS won't offer bus rides home to elementary students in after-school programs due to budget cuts – A grant from City Council will preserve transportation for middle-school students. Read more here.
Urban Design Committee recommends denial of Shockoe Valley road revamps
Under the project, four new roundabouts would be constructed at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, North 18th and Venable streets, Mosby and Venable streets and Leigh and Mosby streets. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure would be built throughout the network, and street trees and new lighting would be installed.
But they had concerns with pedestrian safety at one of the roundabouts, as well as the use of potential additional land that would be obtained by eminent domain. Read more here.
Megan Shockley hosts evenings of music and human connection
For traveling musicians, Megan and her husband Jeff offer up more than just a basement venue. They also extend them a free place to stay and dinner — experiences that they say have been some of the most memorable parts of their enterprise.
Like many of those spaces, the Shockleys’ Stonehenge residence offers listening room-style shows where the focus is on the music rather than just the social experience. Read more here.
In other news
- A $52K AI assistant is answering Richmond's non-emergency calls (Axios Richmond)
- About 10% to 15% of non-emergency calls are handled entirely by AI.
- A yearbook for the local music scene, Richmond Chronicle now has a permanent spot to take portraits (Style Weekly)
- "While not everyone is on the stage, they’re just as important to that community."
- 'In-Your-Face' Fireworks malfunction at Squirrels game; no serious injuries reported
- "Pyro Shows sincerely apologizes to all the fans and families in attendance during this distressing event."
The editor's desk
Congrats to Chesterfield's Noah Maclauchlan, who won the Tiger Woods Trophy this weekend as the best amateur golfer in America younger than 19.
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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