Reaction: FY09 Budget Decision
Loudoun bloggers are buzzing about yesterday's decision by the Board of Supervisors to raise the property tax rate by 19 percent. LoudounExtra.com brought you the story here.

"We will all (do) well to remember that our Supervisors were elected to govern, to actually do something. That is what last night's vote is: an act of responsible government. It is always easier to sit back and snipe, to find fault, to discover some reason to oppose action, than it is to take responsible action," wrote blogger Paradox13VA. He has a post on his blog, Leesburg Tomorrow, commenting on what other media outlets had to say.

School board member Tom Reed (At-Large) has a post detailing the superintendent's recommendations on what to cut from the school budget. He is inviting the public to e-mail comments or attend Thursday's public hearing to share their thoughts on the proposed cuts. School board member John Stevens also has the superintendent's proposed cuts on his blog, Our Loudoun Schools.

Leesburg Today has this editorial assessing the supervisors' first 12 weeks in power and looking to the future.

Adult Detention Center Expansion
According to this article from The Examiner, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors is considering spending $60 million to ease crowding at the county jail by opening a new wing. The article says that, if approved, the new wing will be at capacity when it opens.

Loudoun GOP
Steve over at Steve's Leesburg Blog has some thoughts on the current state of the Loudoun County Republican Committee. "For any worthwhile compromises to take place, some members are going to have to yield from there long held positions. The new leader will need the wisdom of a great facilitator to demonstrate any progress in the next one or two years," he wrote. You can read LoudounExtra.com's profile of newly elected Chairman Glen Caroline by clicking this link.

Power Lines and Property
The Loudoun Times-Mirror has a story about a some residents of Dry Mill Road who are hoping that their scenic view is not impacted by Dominion's plans to bring power lines through the area. According to the story, they, along with their neighbors, have offered to allow the power lines to go underground without charging Dominion for the property.

Community Profiles: River Creek, The Carriages
Blogger Danilo over at Loudoun Stats has a profile of River Creek, the first gated country club community in the Washington region. "Properties in River Creek are on the higher-end of the price range compared to most of Eastern Loudoun County. Prices do vary greatly depending on the location within the community. The lots that back to the golf course, the Potomac River or Goose Creek definitely command a premium," he wrote. Jonathan Bunn over at The Real Estate Bakery has a profile of The Carriages in Loudoun Valley, a development in Ashburn. "The Loudoun Valley community is a 10-12 year project that will have around 2,800 total homes including 346 Carriage Homes. When the project is complete there will be beautifully landscaped walking paths, pools, tennis courts, and 3 community centers," he wrote.