DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 30, No. 50 | Richmond Suburban News | April 16, 2014
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
County budget unanimously approved By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local The Hanover County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $390.8 million budget for 2015 at last Wednesday’s regular meeting. Budget Division director Jim Ridolphi for The Local Shelly Wright outlined severBudget Division director Shelly al minor amendments to the Wright presented Hanover proposed document totaling County’s final 2015 budget around $200,000. with minor adjustments for The Commonwealth’s consideration to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Attorney received an additional
and requested $25,000 to fund salaries in his office, and Fire/ EMS received an additional grant. The proposal also maintains current water and sewer capacity rates, and keeps the county’s real estate tax rate at 81 cents per $100 of assessed value. Supervisor Aubrey “Bucky� Stanley, Beaverdam District, pointed out that many surrounding localities are considering raising real estate taxes
while this current county budget holds the line on Hanover residents. “Rhu Harris [county administrator], his staff and with input from this board have come up with a budget and a five-year plan without a tax rate increase that, in my opinion, provides the citizens with their needs,� Stanley said. Board members thanked Harris and his staff for their work in presenting a budget that
restores 18 classroom teaching positions, increases Sheriff ’s Office employees and provides a 2 percent merit increase for employees. “We saw recently that people just aren’t stomaching tax increases. We worked very hard on this budget,� board chairman Sean Davis said. “I want to thank the finance department for all of their work.� Davis also acknowledged the efforts of the school super-
intendent, the county administrator, staff and his fellow board members. “All seven of us never laid our heads down at night without knowing the importance of what we were undertaking. I want to thank each and every one of you for your professionalism and dedication,� Davis added. He also took time to thank see BUDGET, pg. 28
Family prepares for another birthday without Brett By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com Shannon Wells is planning a birthday party, but the guest of honor’s seat will be empty. Her son Brett, who would be celebrating his 19th birthday on April 18, was killed by a single gunshot to the chest three years ago. Last Friday, she spoke in-depth about her son, the incident that
claimed his life and the trio who are now imprisoned for his death. Shannon lost Brett on Jan. 21, 2012, when Kevin M. Drayton Jr. of Mechanicsville and Da’von T. Byars and Xavia S. Highsmith, both of Richmond, came to the Wells’ Verdi Lane home in Mechanicsville. According to the preliminary report released by the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, they were supposed to have been there to buy marijuana.
A financial transaction, however, was not part of their plans, officers said, as they intended to steal the marijuana. An apparent altercation took place, with Brett being shot. Drayton, Byars and Highsmith were found guilty of second-degree murder and received 27-year sentences for killing Brett. Shannon and Darrell Wells had sent their youngest son to Luther Memorial School, a private school in
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Richmond, from preschool through eighth grade. As he approached his freshman year, Shannon said she decided to send Brett to public school “because I thought Atlee [High School] was safe.� Older son Michael had attended public school. When he was a sophomore Brett met Kevin, a senior, through basketball. “Brett played four years at
BRETT WELLS
see BRETT, pg. 39
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