Board approves Grandview Transportation Service District; members debate double-tax concerns

The Wythe County Board of Supervisors voted March 25 to adopt the Grandview Transportation Service District as presented, moving forward with construction and tax assessment plans while acknowledging concerns that two properties may be taxed as part of both the Grandview and Bentwood districts.

County staff and supervisors discussed options for addressing two parcels that were included in Bentwood and Grandview because of narrow property “flag” connections. Staff said one long-standing landowner (referred to in the record as Mr. Beasley) and a more recent purchaser had been included in the petitions that formed the districts; outreach to those owners had been unsuccessful in one case. County staff said removing the parcels from Bentwood would require an amendment and might raise rates on remaining Bentwood property owners unless the county opted to extend the Bentwood assessment period.

County Engineer/Project staff presented alternatives: proceed with adopting Grandview as submitted and later amend Bentwood to remove the affected landowners, accept a modest rate increase for remaining Bentwood owners (staff estimated roughly $40–$90 per year depending on treatment), or delay action and seek further petitioning from Bentwood residents. Supervisors noted the trade-offs between fairness to the landowner who would otherwise face double assessment and fairness to the existing Bentwood petition signers.

After discussion, Supervisor Cook moved to accept the Grandview service district as presented; Supervisor Lawson seconded. The board approved the motion by roll call vote.

Board members directed staff to continue outreach to the affected Bentwood property owners and to return with any petitioned amendments if Bentwood residents seek to change membership. No immediate change to Bentwood rates was made at the March 25 meeting.