WAYNESBORO -- Area Commissioners of Revenue W. Jean Shrewsbury (Augusta Co.) and Donald R. Coffey (Waynesboro) have formally expressed gratitude to Del. R. Steven Landes for his support in voting against recent state budget cuts that would have had a damaging effect on their respective localities and their ability to generate revenue.

     “These budget cuts would have caused layoffs in my office, and would have resulted in a severe reduction in services my office provides,” said Shrewsbury. 

     “If these budget amendments had been approved, our ability to generate revenue at the local level would have suffered,” said Coffey.

     The office of the Commissioner of Revenue is tasked with identifying and assessing all personal property, including real estate (Augusta Co. only), issuing business licenses, ensuring compliance with state and local tax laws, administrating fiduciary taxes such as the meals tax, and providing assistance with the filing of state income tax (Waynesboro only).  The proposed cuts would have eliminated 6% of state funding for both the Waynesboro and Augusta Co. office budgets, with the likely impact of the loss of essential personnel and county/city services.

     “The revenue that our offices generate helps to fund core services for localities throughout Virginia,” said president of the Commissioners of the Revenue Association, Sharon M. McDonald.  “I want to personally thank Del. Landes for recognizing the importance of the service that the Commissioners of Revenue provide.  He was really looking out for the Virginia taxpayers, and refused to compromise the exceptional customer service and operational efficiency that they deserve.  We are so grateful for his support.”