Welcome to West Point, Virginia

TOWN OF WEST POINT
Mosquito Control Program

The week of June 1st • the Town of West Point will begin its Mosquito Control Program. We will be targeting the following areas once per week, or as necessary.

1st Street Through 23rd Street - Evening spraying Tuesday

23rd Street through points North - Evening spraying Thursday

*ALL SPRAYING SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON WEATHER

Click here for more information

TOWN OF WEST POINT
From James H. Hudson III, Mayor

Fellow Pointers,

I hope all of you are well. I am pleased to bring you good news in these uncertain times.

When I was elected as your Mayor, one of my priorities was to increase the Town's undesignated fund balance, or "rainy day fund". These are funds which are not designated for specific uses by the Town but are available to cover unexpected increases in expenses or shortfalls in revenue. Given our dependence on one taxpayer for a large part of our revenue, it is necessary that this fund carry a reasonable balance. The Town Council agreed, as have Councils since then. Through good stewardship and plain old responsible governance, Councils have been able to build the fund balance to an acceptable level while continuing to provide funding for Town services.

Because of Council's sound financial planning and budgeting, we are now in a position to authorize tax reductions to you, our taxpayers. At its April meeting, Council unanimously approved tax rates and a budget for 2020 - 21 which includes a 6.6% reduction on real estate, machinery and tools and personal property tax rates. Council has been preparing for these rate reductions for several years, and the timing could not be better given the current economic challenges we all face. The newly adopted budget anticipates no cut in services. As you would suspect, we have a contingency plan in case revenues decline. While all of the budgeted expenditures are necessary, some are not critical. If needed, we can delay certain expenditures to ensure that necessary funding is available.

Town Council also voted unanimously to institute the West Point H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Pointer Economy) Initiative. In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the hardship it has caused our businesses and families, Council will provide a booklet of vouchers having a total value of $50 to each household in the Town. These vouchers may be spent at any participating business within the Town. The cost of these vouchers will be borne by the Town's General Fund, with no payment from households or participating Town businesses. Council has enlisted the Chamber of Commerce to help implement the program. We anticipate starting the H.O.P.E. Initiative in June, subject to delay if necessary to allow the economy to re-open and more businesses to participate. Specific details of the Initiative will be forthcoming. The Initiative is the brainchild of your Town Manager and staff, and Council thanks them for it.

Finally, let me say once again what a pleasure it is to serve with your Town Council, Town Manager and Town staff. Every member of Council is dedicated, unselfish, smart and gracious. They are public servants in the truest and best sense of the words. They work together tirelessly for no pay, but out of love for this Town and a heartfelt desire for it to be the best it can be for all of our citizens. Your Manager and staff are equally mindful of the needs of our citizens and committed to operating an efficient and caring local government. Give them a thumbs up when you see them.

As always, thank you for letting me serve as your Mayor. Be well and look out for each other.