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Budget cuts may slash aid to ailing businesses
If spending cuts in Loudoun's government are as severe as promised, local businesses may be left yelling, "Is there any help out there?"County Administrator Kirby Bowers' proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 has options in it that severely slash funding for most agencies that assist businesses. Money for nonprofits that aid companies and entrepreneurs is also in jeopardy.
"It's a challenge for the county right now," said Robin Suomi, executive director of the Loudoun Small Business Development Center, which stands to lose 30 percent of its funding under Bowers' plan.
The center, she said, has been inundated of late with people who were laid off and are in search of advice on starting a business. She was not prepared to comment on how such a cut would affect operations.
"I'm in talks with our board of directors right now," she said.
Also under Bowers' proposal, the Department of Building and Development, which issues building permits and inspects job sites, could lose 15 building inspector positions and five permit and information services positions.
Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development could stop providing business support to Loudoun's towns, villages and neighborhood commercial areas.
This would include the elimination of the Loudoun Extension Office's Master Gardener Volunteer Program and significant reductions in its 4-H and other agriculture and natural resources programs.
Cheryl Kilday is executive director of the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association, which promotes the county's tourism industry. LCVA is funded largely from county taxes on hotel stays, which are expected to decline this year.
She said LCVA may absorb some of the rural tourism initiatives that Economic Development might have to eliminate.
"This is the time we need to do more," she said. "Not less."
The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on the next county budget Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., Feb. 26 at 3:30 p.m. and, if necessary, at 6:30 p.m. These hearings will take place in the board room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St. S.E., Leesburg.
Another hearing will take place Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn.
Call 703-777-0204 if you would like to sign up ahead of time to speak.
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
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