Three Horses Wounded
Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for wounding three horses. The incident occurred on a property in the 2600 block of Centreville Road, adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park, sometime between 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 and 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 26. All three horses were cut and required medical attention. The wounds appear to be non life-threatening.
A man was seen by park employees stumbling around Frying Pan Park around 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 26. He was described as white, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 160 pounds. It is unknown if he was involved with the incident.
Anyone who may have been in the area of the park during that time frame and recalls seeing anything or anyone suspicious is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, email at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
No Tax Increases in Herndon
The Herndon Town Council has adopted an ordinance that calls for maintenance of the town’s real estate tax, meals tax and all other taxes and levies at their current levels, for the upcoming fiscal year.
As per the approved ordinance, Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 real estate tax rates within the town will remain at $0.2650 per $100 of assessed value. The average residential property value in the town is $289,913, resulting in an average real estate tax bill of $768.27.
The town’s meals tax remains at 2.5 percent for FY 2013, and the cigarette tax remains at 75 cents per pack. All business, professional and occupational license taxes (BPOL) classifications and thresholds remain at their current amounts. The motor vehicle license fee remains at $25 for private passenger and other vehicles weighing less than 4,000 lbs; and $32 for vehicles weighing more than 4,000 lbs. The consumer utility tax, water and sewer rates and availability fees, and recycling fees remain unchanged, and there is no personal property tax in the town.
At its public hearing on April 24, the council deferred until May 8, 2012, a decision on fiscal planning, funds appropriation, establishment of a pay plan and reservation of ongoing and capital funding for FY 2013. The deferral is intended to give the council and staff time to analyze the impact that Fairfax County’s pending budget decisions, anticipated to be determined by the county’s Board of Supervisors on May 1, as well as changes to the Virginia Retirement System mandated by newly-instituted Virginia law, will have on the town’s budget.
A public hearing on these remaining issues is scheduled for May 8, 7pm, Ingram Council Chambers, 765 Lynn Street, Herndon. Citizens may also provide comment online at www.herndon-va.gov or send an email to budget@herndon-va.gov.
Deadline for Nominating Yard of the Month
Springtime’s rejuvenating spirit is in the air – and the Town of Herndon’s Yard of the Month award season is officially under way.
Yard of the Month is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of town residents whose yards contribute to the beautification of the town and its neighborhoods. Citizens may nominate their own or their neighbors’ yards for the award. Winners receive gift certificates from Meadows Farms and are recognized by the Mayor and Town Council at public meetings.
Nominations for the June Yard of the Month Award are due May 15. Nominations are due June 15 for the July award and September 15 for the October award.
Judges for the Yard of the Month Awards program are members of the Town of Herndon’s Cultivating Community committee, a group of citizen volunteers formed to encourage beautification and to enrich the quality of life in the town’s neighborhoods.
Nomination forms for the Yard of the Month Awards are available on the Cultivating Community" page of the town’s Web site, www.herndon-va.gov; see the link off of the homepage at "featured this month." Forms are also available at the at the Herndon Municipal Center and the Herndon Community Center. For more information, call 703/435-6800 X2084 or email information@herndon-va.gov.