<sh>State Reps Discuss State Budget
<bt>The Vienna chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) will host a meeting with Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites (R-34th) and Del. Steve Shannon (D-35th) on Tuesday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center. Devolites and Shannon will report on current and pending budget legislation in the state's General Assembly. The public is invited to attend this event, which is free of charge.
<sh>Town Election Slated for May 4
<bt>Town citizens registered to vote may cast their ballots for the Vienna Town Council on Tuesday, May 4. Candidates for the three available council seats are Laurie Genevro Cole (incumbent), Edythe Frankel Kelleher (incumbent) and Mike Polychrones. Also up for re-election for Vienna Mayor is M. Jane Seeman (incumbent).
Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 4 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Terms are for two years, beginning on July 1.
<sh>Vienna Town Council Discusses Proposed Budget
<bt>For the past three weeks, the Vienna Town Council has been meeting to discuss the proposed town budget for fiscal year 2005. The $16.7 million-dollar budget, a 6.9 percent increase from last year, calls for the reduction of the tax rate by one cent to 26.5 cents, from this year's rate of 27.5 cents. However, because of rising property assessments, the 26.5-cent tax rate means a payment increase of 3.15 percent, according to the budget summary prepared by town manager John Schoeberlein. Real estate assessments increased an average of 10.2 percent.
The Town Council intends to conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 10. To obtain a free Budget in Brief summary, go to the Vienna Town Hall or contact 703-255-6350. Full copies are available for purchase, or they may be viewed at Patrick Henry Library or the Administrative Services office of Town Hall.
<sh>Vienna Police Host Fund-Raiser
<bt>The Vienna Police Department is participating in the 2004 Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The Police Department is asking the community to support this fund-raiser by purchasing T-shirts and hats, available at police headquarters, 215 Center St. S. For more information, contact Donna Rippley at 703-255-7832.
<sh>Master Plan Revision for Nottoway Park Stalls
<bt>The Fairfax County Park Authority has postponed plans to present a proposal for the Master Plan Revision for Nottoway Park on Thursday, May 20. Instead of holding a public hearing at that time, the plan revision has gone back to the Park Authority Board Planning and Development Committee for further review. A future date for the public has yet to be determined.
The proposed plan revision includes guidance for the continued use of the Hunter House and community gardens, preservation of cultural resources on-site, replacement of one lighted diamond field with one lighted rectangular field, an additional restroom facility, an improved playground, vehicle circulation improvements, additional picnic shelters, and additional lighted parking. The park is approximately 90 acres in size and is located at 9537 Courthouse Road in Vienna.