Category: Caroline County

More proof that The Free Lance–Star doesn’t know jack about Caroline County.

As per standard operating procedure (SOP), get your own link:

The vast expanse of forest at A.P. Hill helps buffer noise from firing ranges. So the post has been working with conservation agencies to obtain conservation easements on land outside the gates to maintain that separation and restrict incompatible development.

I’m sure the folks at Port Tobago (just east of Port Royal) would love to know that the forest dampers the noise from the new explosive disposal training facility that’s right across the road from them.

I’m sure the folks in Bowling Green would also love to know that they don’t hear any of the noise from A. P. Hill because of the forest, either.

Out of curiosity, is the town of Bowling Green an “incompatible development”? Are they going to annex the town and bulldoze it? (Fingers crossed!)

Fort A. P. Hill has a lot of nerve to be whining about development around its borders when they bring nothing into the county.

The civilian staff that they hire is nonexistent compared to other places (e.g., Dahlgren). They bring in no commercial development compared to Dahlgren either. They pay a couple thousand dollars every year ($3,140 in FY07) in return for their tax-exempt status. If that land was privately held, the county would probably getting a hundred times that amount.

Why are we [the county] paying this guy $18,693.20 a year?

Jeff Sili at the November 13, 2008 Board of Supervisors meeting:

[flv:https://www.imsurroundedbyidiots.com/videos/gardengnome.flv 352 240]

Well, look what yours truly (this enterprising hate-blogger), found in five minutes of looking at the county’s web site. Caroline County Zoning Ordinance, Article XV, Section 19, Resource Sensitive Area Overlay District, Purpose and Intent (p. 15-56):

The purpose of this district is to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare by encouraging the most desirable development and use of land along the Route 17/Rappahannock River Valley corridor that reflects the historical development patterns within the corridor, to encourage architectural designs and land development patterns which result in functional and attractive relationships between buildings, cultural, historical, natural and scenic resources and the surrounding areas, and to preserve the agricultural use of land that dominates the corridor.

It is the intent of this district to implement the Resource Sensitive Area designation of the Comprehensive Plan.

And the Permitted Uses in the Resource Sensitive Area Overlay District, Section 19.5 (Ibid., at p. 15-57) [emphasis mine]:

All uses permitted by right or by special exception/use in the underlying zoning district(s).

And the Caroline County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter Eight – Land Use (p. 8-9 – 8-11):

RESOURCE SENSITIVE AREAS

The land bounded by the Rappahannock River, Portobago Creek, the Fort A.P. Hill Boundary and Snow Creek (collectively the “Corridor”) is an unusual, if not unique, area for a number of reasons.

The area is the location of significant wetlands. These wetlands function as habitat for numerous species, including game species and threatened or endangered species. Eagles nest along portion portions of the Corridor. The area is a watershed for the Rappahannock River, a significant tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The Rappahannock River is an unusually scenic river that is used for recreational purposes as well as water supply.

The area has attracted people for centuries, resulting in rich archeological resources ranging from prehistoric to colonial artifacts and sites. Because so much of the area has remained in private hands through the years, these resources have remained largely untapped.

The Corridor area is separated from the balance of the County by Fort A.P. Hill, which results in the funneling of commercial traffic into other jurisdictions such as Fredericksburg and Tappahannock. Because of the planned location of a commuter station near Fredericksburg, there will be an increase in the pressure for development within the Corridor. Traditional forms of unrestricted large lot subdivision development within the Corridor have not achieved the results desired by the County.

Large lot development still require that County services be extended to the Corridor area. Fire and police protection must be provided. Schools must be provided, and school buses still must travel to the most remote ends of the County. Unrestricted large lot development often leaves control of significant archeological features in private hands as well as leaving significant environmental features controlled by individuals and often unavailable to the public. Such development has the potential for increased runoff into the river and the unregulated destruction of both the scenic natures of the river and significant habitat features such as eagle roosting trees.

Unrestricted large lot development within the Corridor will likely preclude the achievement of other goals deemed significant by the County. Farms may not be protected or preserved, they may simply be divided into large housing tracts. If overall density is kept too low within this portion of the County, then the goals of stimulating new commercial development will not be achieved and the money of County residents will continue to be spent in other jurisdictions and the accompanying tax dollars associated with such expenditures will benefit those other jurisdictions.

Finally, because development pressure generated by the proximity of the commuter rail and the beauty of the Corridor is likely to be strong, detailed planning for this area is warranted.

Consequently, the Corridor is designated a “Resource Sensitive Area” (Figure 8-9) in which the following additional objectives are to be pursued:

OBJECTIVES

Objective 1

Encourage the use of innovative designs and planning to achieve goals which may be especially important within the Corridor. Encourage the use of planned unit developments, which cluster units and permanently preserve large areas of open space. Such developments should be designed to achieve the following:

  1. To develop according to a design derived from the natural forms while striving to preserve
    existing terrain, vegetation and other natural features;
  2. To develop a mixture of private and public uses that are organized in such a way as to be compatible with each other and with surrounding areas;
  3. To develop creatively, producing an efficient network of streets, walkways, utilities, and open areas;
  4. To develop a broad range of housing types and styles;
  5. To develop communities in which the social and community interaction is encouraged through a balanced mixture of compatible uses and through the provision of public or quasi-public facilities intended to foster social interaction;
  6. To develop according to high standards of land planning and site design in order to create
    distinctive visual character and identity for integrated development;
  7. To develop so that facilities and programs reduce reliance on the private automobile as a
    means of transportation and reduce the effect of development on the transportation network; and
  8. To develop so that necessary public facilities will be available contemporaneously with occupancy of new development by its citizens.
  9. To encourage the preservation of agricultural/forestal lands by preserving open space and reducing the potential for interface problems between agricultural/forestal and nonagricultural/forestal uses.

In general, the County desires to stimulate a flexible approach to land development that encourages the comprehensive design and integration of residential, commercial, cultural and recreational uses in a manner that will achieve the greatest harmony with the existing ecological balance in the area.

Objective 2

Require any development within a Resource Sensitive Area to document its likely impact in the following areas and to mitigate such impacts through necessary on-site and off-site measures:

  • Archeological resources;
  • Wetland resources;
  • River frontage and access;
  • Drainage and water quality;
  • County infrastructure and resulting fiscal impact;
  • Botanical and Wildlife habitat with special attention to threatened or endangered species;
    and
  • Existing Agricultural or timbering operations.

In undertaking assessment of these impacts the developer should consider the impact of other existing and planned developments within the Corridor as well. The County should strive for a design concept that utilizes carefully planned communities to attract residential density into towns, which significantly reduce the resource impact of such development. These towns should be developed in a context that resists the development of immediately adjourning development for the distance necessary to accommodate any unfiltered residual impacts. Thus, significant development cannot be located immediately adjacent to areas already identified for development but instead must provide sufficient separation for full mitigation. Moreover, “infill” development must also overcome such impacts on the area’s resources. Designs, which result in substantial “greenbelts”, are to be particularly encouraged.

Objective 3

Require that all development within a Resource Sensitive Area limit the number and extent of accesses to the Rappahannock River (or any other significant adjacent waterbody) and specifically plan where public access to that waterbody may be appropriate. Development fronting upon the river should be required to reduce its visual impact on the river so that, in any event, the minimum necessary river frontage is opened or developed.

Objective 4

Recognizing that the studies required for development within the Resource Sensitive Area, the reservation of substantial open spaces and the limitations on development necessary to adequately protect the resource area are sometimes expensive, the County should, in cases where it is appropriate to do so, permit developments meeting the objectives set forth herein, but only when such development independent of other County revenues, generate sufficient revenues to provide the infrastructure necessary for support of such density, including but not limited to, adequate water and sewer facilities, public roads, and sites for schools and other municipal facilities.

Objective 5

Because of the importance of achieving the objectives set forth for the Resource Sensitive Area, developers should be encouraged to proffer resource related mitigation measures and to commit in detail to the parameters of any proposed development.

Objective 6

Encourage the “scenic” designation of Tidewater Trail (Route 17) in order to preserve its natural charm, beauty and historic character. The County recognizes, however, that Route 17 is a primary transportation link to Tidewater Virginia. As such, this road must continue to be used by all types of vehicles, including trucks and other commercial vehicles.

The goals and objectives set forth in this section are to be applicable to residential development and commercial uses, such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores or other commercial uses arising from residential development. These goals and objectives shall not be applied to, other commercial uses arising from residential development. These goals and objectives shall not be applied to, otherwise limit or interfere with, any use, such as agriculture, silviculture, horticulture or sand and gravel extraction operations, permitted by right or by special exception within the zoning district in the Corridor.

Especially note part of the last paragraph: “These goals and objectives shall not be applied to, otherwise limit or interfere with, any use, such as agriculture, silviculture, horticulture or sand and gravel extraction operations, permitted by right or by special exception within the zoning district in the Corridor.”

Nice to see Jeff Sili is doing his job!

Pop quiz: How are Caroline County and the federal government alike?

Both of them built visitors center that went over-budget and took forever to complete (Citizens Against Government Waste Press Release):

The nation’s premier taxpayer watchdog group, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today expressed dismay over the exorbitant final price tag for the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC).

Initially conceived in the early 1990s and projected to cost $71 million, the CVC has become an example of out-of-control government contracting and mismanagement. After costs ballooned and construction schedules spiraled out of control, the three-level, underground monument to congressional excess finally came in at a whopping $621 million and three years behind schedule.

“The mismanagement and bloat associated with the construction of the Capitol Visitors Center is emblematic of the rampant waste in the nation’s capitol,” said CAGW President Tom Schatz. “This boondoggle should give pause to anyone contemplating the expenditure of hundreds of billions more taxpayer dollars for any federal infrastructure projects as part of any new stimulus package. Like the federal budget itself, Congress used the CVC as a warehouse for tens of millions of dollars in extravagant bells and whistles for itself. Even more reprehensible, members of Congress seeking to add special features for themselves used security concerns surrounding the September 11 attacks to justify their extravagant add-ons and constant change orders.”

H/t: Matt “threat to Democracy” Drudge

More lies from the Caroline County government and The Free Lance–Star…

From that rag (get your own link):

The visitors center was nine years in the planning and building, as the county sought private sponsorships and slowly amassed the money to pay for the 7,000-square-foot building, which also houses the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

No tax money went into the project; it was funded entirely by grants, gifts and donations.

Oh, really? Then why did the county borrow $600,000 or so just to finish building the visitors center?

The debt service on that loan will be paid out of the transient occupancy fund (that money comes from the transient occupancy tax) and the general fund (real estate and personal property taxes).

Not only that, but the county decided a whole next position was needed just to run the visitors center: the “tourism manager”, Kathy Beard.

The county is also in the process of hiring three or more “travel counselors” to staff the visitors center!

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending November 15, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On November 8, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan responded to a Ruther Glen business for a petit larceny call. After investigating, Bradford W. Coleman, 28, of Ruther Glen was charged with Petit Larceny and two (2) counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 18, 2008 was set.

On November 9, 2008, Deputy D.W. Mundie responded to a Port Royal residence for a disturbance call. After investigating, Jose Gutierrez, 40, of Port Royal was arrested on an outstanding Capias out of Caroline County. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 13, 2008 was set.

On November 9, 2008, Deputy R.J. Anderson responded to a Woodford address for a report of an assault. After investigating, Bryan K. Spurley, 42, of Woodford was charged with Assault and Battery. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 21, 2008 was set.

November 10, 2008, Deputy T.J. Ketchem responded to a Ruther Glen address for an assault. Upon further investigation, Valerie L. Graham, 44, of Winchester was charged with two (2) counts of Assault. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 12, 2008 was set.

On November 10, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard responded to a Ruther Glen address for a civil dispute. Upon further investigation, Krystal C. Davis, 27, of Richmond was charged with Identity Theft – To Avoid a Summons. She was also served with an outstanding Felony Capias out of Fredericksburg. Davis was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 13, 2008 was set.

On November 11, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a trespassing incident and the Caroline High School. After investigating, a male juvenile was charged with Trespassing and two (2) counts of Assault. He was ordered held without bond and he has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On November 12, 2008, Deputy M.J. O’Connor responded to Route 301 to assist the AP Hill Police. Upon further investigation, James M. Summers, 38, of Richmond was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of November 12, 2008 was set.

On November 15, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to a disturbance in the Woodford area. Upon further investigation, Anthony D. Turner, 44, of Woodford was charged with being Drunk in Public and Obstruction of Justice. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and a court date of November 26, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 0 drug arrests, 1 DUI arrest, 10 domestic violence arrests, 71 other criminal arrests and 3 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 191 civil papers, issued 60 traffic summonses, handled 11 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 33 alarm calls, and dealt with 9 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched calls for service and handled 1,662 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 444 calls assisting outside agencies and had 157 self-initiated calls.

Caroline County gets a mention on The WaPo‘s Virginia Politics blog.

From Tim Craig:

In July, Virginia Notebook published a list of 10 Virginia locations that were likely to be up for grabs in the presidential race between Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

At the time, many pundits thought it would be an uphill climb for Obama to become the first Democratic nominee in 44 years to carry Virginia. For Obama to win, he needed to carry many of the 10 locations that we wrote about in the summer.

Now that the election is over, it’s time to review the results in those counties and cities. Obama carried seven of them, helping him rack up a statewide lead of nearly seven percentage points.

Below are the earlier explanations of the 10 swing locations as well as the results, based on unofficial returns as of Tuesday.

[…]

CAROLINE COUNTY: Caroline, with about 27,000 people, is just south of Fredericksburg. It often sways between the two parties. Former vice president Al Gore (D) carried it by 441 votes during his presidential bid in 2000, but Bush won it by 121 votes in 2004. A year later, Kaine carried it with 54.percent of the vote; in 2006, Webb won it by 191 votes. Turnout among African Americans, who make up 29.percent of the county’s population, is key to Democratic prospects.

Result: Obama won Caroline County by 1,546 votes. Obama received 55.percent vs. McCain’s 43.percent.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending November 8, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On November 2, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped Rodicuez S. Pleasants, 29, of Doswell for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Pleasants was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drinking While Driving and Speeding. He was held on a $3,500 secured bond and a court date of November 7, 2008 was set.

On November 2, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard responded to a Ruther Glen address for a disturbance call. After investigating, Jermaine A. Wilson, 20, of Woodford was charged with Being Drunk in Public and Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was held on a $3,500 secured bond and a court date of November 6, 2008 was set.

On November 2, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan responded to a Ruther Glen residence for a petit larceny. After investigating, David E. Lively, Jr., 19, of Montpelier, Jayson F. Wilson, 19, of Ashland and Jessica C. Bowles, 18, of Ashland were charged with Petit Larceny. All three subjects were released on a $2,500 unsecured bond and a court date of November 12, 2008 was set.

On November 2, 2008, Deputy R.J. Anderson stopped Brian G. Brooks, 32, of Milford for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Brooks was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Felony Eluding and Failure to Submit to a Test. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 5, 2008 was set.

On November 7, 2008, Deputy C.S. Wooldridge responded to a Ruther Glen address for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, JB L. Sheets, 36, of Ruther Glen was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was held on a $7,500 secured bond and a court date of November 14, 2008 was set.

On November 8, 2008, Investigator M.M. Ellett completed the investigation of a credit card fraud which occurred on August 14, 2008 at a Ruther Glen business. Cherish N. Perry, 18, of Ruther Glen was charged with Credit Card Fraud. She was released on a $2,500 bond and a court date of November 12, 2008 was set.

On November 8, 2008, Sergeant S.L. Cary responded to a Ruther Glen address for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, John A. Carneal, 39, of Ruther Glen was charged with Reckless Handling of a Firearm. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 13, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 16 drug arrests, 2 DUI arrest, 14 domestic violence arrests, 90 other criminal arrests and 2 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 119 civil papers, issued traffic summonses, handled 10 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 32 alarm calls, and dealt with 8 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched calls 499 for service and handled 1,751 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 43 calls assisting outside agencies and had 153 self-initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending November 1, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 26, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped James A. Johnson, Jr., 39, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Johnson was charged with Felony Eluding, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drive Revoked DUI Related, Refusal to Submit to a Test, Obstruction of Justice and Failing to Drive on the Right Side of the Roadway. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 7, 2008 was set.

On October 27, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard responded to a Woodford address for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, Michael G. Hiort, 48, of Woodford was charged with Manufacture Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute. He was held on a $5,000 secured bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 28, 2008, Deputy G.J. Hamilton stopped Edmond L. Baylor, 50, of Bowling Green for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Baylor was charged with Driving Suspended, Reckless Driving and Fail to Obtain a County Decal. He was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of November 5, 2008 was set.

On October 30, 2008, Sergeant S.L. Cary and Deputy J.K. Miller responded to a Bowling Green business for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, Harvey L. Holder, 29, of North Carolina was charged with being Drunk in Public and Obstruction of Justice and was ordered held without bond. Additionally, David O. Preddy, 36, of North Carolina, was charged with being Drunk in Public and was ordered held without bond. A court date of October 31, 2008 was set for both subjects. A warrant for Malicious Wounding was also obtained for Dallas Doss of North Carolina.

On October 30, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan stopped Julian J. Gwathmey, 57, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Gwathmey was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – 3rd Offense, Driving after being Declared a Habitual Offender and Speeding. He was held on a $5,000 secured bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 31, 2008, Deputy R.J. Anderson responded to a Ruther Glen business for a disturbance call. After further investigation, Lloyd Ferguson, 49, of Ruther Glen was charged with being Drunk in Public and Destruction of Property. He is being held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of November 5, 2008 was set.

On October 31, 2008, Sergeant S.L. Cary responded to a Milford address for a curse and abuse call. After further investigation, Burwell D. Trivette, 45, of Milford was charged with Curse and Abuse Over the Phone. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 13, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 4 drug arrests, 2 DUI arrest, 9 domestic violence arrests, 175 other criminal arrests and 2 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 519 civil papers, issued 205 traffic summonses, handled 11 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 22 alarm calls, and dealt with 5 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 524 calls for service and handled 1,785 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 35 calls assisting outside agencies and had 230 self-initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending October 25, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 14, 2008, Deputy C.M. Garnett responded to a Ruther Glen address for a report of a larceny. After investigating, Taylor N. Lickey, 34, of Ruther Glen and Tracey M. Ferguson, 24, of Ruther Glen were charged with Petit Larceny. A court date of December 12, 2008 was set.

On October 19, 2008, Deputy J.O. Cecil was on patrol, when he encountered Corey Cromwell, 29, of Richmond. Upon further investigation, Cromwell was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol-3rd Offense, Refusal to Submit to a Test and Driving Revoked. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of October 22, 2008 was set.

On October 19, 2008, Deputy K.H. Eichenmiller stopped Robert L. Ford, III for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Ford was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Speeding 73/55. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 22, 2008 was set.

On October 19, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped Alan W. Beazley, 57, of Bowling Green for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Beazley was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Refusal to Submit to a Test. He was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of January 21, 2009 was set.

On October 20, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Barbara A. Hinton, 51, of Warsaw for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Hinton was charged with Failing to Yield to a Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Driving Suspended and Giving False Information to Avoid a Summons. She was held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of October 24, 2008 was set.

On October 21, 2008, Deputy M.A. Dip stopped Cirilo Hernandez, 32, of Beaverdam for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Hernandez was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drive without a License. He was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 22, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a larceny that occurred at Caroline High School. After completion of the investigation, Marcos Godinez, 18, of Ruther Glen was charged with Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He is being held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of October 28, 2008 was set. The juvenile was charged with Accessory to a Larceny and has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On October 23, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard responded to a motor vehicle crash in the Ruther Glen area. Upon further investigation, David M. Waldeck, 54, of Maidens, VA was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Fail to Maintain Control of Vehicle and Possession of Marijuana. He was released on a 42,500 bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 23, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Therman O. Hill, 47, of Manquin, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Hill was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Refusal to Submit to a Test and Possession of Cocaine. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 24, 2008 was set.

On October 24, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Elaine S. Dudley, 30, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Dudley was charged with Driving Revoked, Prescription Fraud, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Speeding 38/25. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 25, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped Ian K. Averette, 28, of Woodford for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Averette was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Failing to Signal for a Lane Change. He was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 25, 2008, Deputy K. Digravio-Ferguson responded to the Bowling Green area for a disturbance call and encountered Tara L. Payne, 27, of Fredericksburg. Upon further investigation, Payne was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 31, 2008 was set.

On October 25, 2008, Deputy B.N. Doucet responded to a Ruther Glen Business for a larceny call. After investigating, Julie A. Park, 28, of Ruther Glen was charged with Shoplifting. She was released on a summons and a court date of December 5, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 40 drug arrests, 7 DUI arrest, 8 domestic violence arrests, 165 other criminal arrests and 5 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 263 civil papers, issued 165 traffic summonses, handled 17 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 26 alarm calls, and dealt with 5 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 524 calls for service and handled 1,191 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 32 calls assisting outside agencies and had 252 self-initiated calls.

More on Caroline County’s debt: Well, actually Mr. Chairman…

Floyd Thomas at the October 14, 2008, Board of Supervisors meeting (side question: Why does it take the county eight business days to post the Board video?):

[flv:https://www.imsurroundedbyidiots.com/videos/debt.flv 320 240]

First, several of the jurisdictions surrounding Caroline County — Hanover, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, for example — have populations, and corresponding tax bases, that are four to five times higher than Caroline.

Second, Caroline County’s current debt is $58,366,658 (that’s just principal) with a projected debt service of $92,630,740 (that would the total payment for the principal and interest). The current proposal is to borrow more money, which would mean the county would owe $68,557,505 in principal, with a total debt service of $108,621,556.

Third, Caroline County’s $58 million of debt and King George County’s $64 million, Orange County’s $53 million, Powhatan County’s $84 million, and Warren County’s $100 million of debt — and their ability to handle the debt — are completely different.

King George County is the only one of those named counties that has a lower population and a lower tax base than Caroline County.

As for the others:

For 2007, the United States Census Bureau provided the following population estimates:

  • Caroline County: 27,282
  • Orange County: 32,492 (19% more than Caroline)
  • Powhatan County: 27,817 (2% more than Caroline)
  • Warren County: 36,294 (33% more than Caroline)

In 2005, according to the 2008-2010 Composite Index (PDF), the counties had the following assessed true value of property (a measure of total property values in the county):

  • Caroline County: $3,397,577,423
  • Orange County: $4,339,437,441 (28% more than Caroline)
  • Powhatan County: $3,013,552,182 (11% less than Caroline)
  • Warren County: $4,890,626,882 (44% more than Caroline)

Also in 2005 (Ibid), the counties had the following adjusted gross income in the county:

  • Caroline County: $511,932,206
  • Orange County: $735,062,134 (44% more than Caroline)
  • Powhatan County: $684,856,006 (34% more than Caroline)
  • Warren County: $800,320,331 (56% more than Caroline)

Again, in 2005 (Ibid), the counties had the following taxable retail sales:

  • Caroline County: $94,767,567
  • Orange County: $183,939,921 (94% more than Caroline)
  • Powhatan County: $119,543,492 (26% more than Caroline)
  • Warren County: $224,505,469 (137% more than Caroline)

I think those counties are a heck of a lot more able to handle their debt than Caroline County…