Residents urge Shenandoah County supervisors to fund fire‑rescue staffing, radios and ambulances at budget hearing

At a public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2026 budget and 2025 tax rates, Shenandoah County residents pressed the Board of Supervisors to add paid staffing, radios and ambulances for volunteer fire and rescue companies and to prioritize capital improvements for elementary schools.

Speakers described long response times in remote communities and urged the board to fund 24‑hour staffing in Fort Valley and additional paid personnel in nearby stations. Several speakers also urged the board to adopt a countywide 4% meals tax for unincorporated areas to generate new revenue without raising property owners’ bills.

The proposed budget, read at the start of the hearing, includes recommended tax rate changes and multiple operating funds. The county’s announcement cited Title 15.2‑25 and Title 22.1‑8 of the Code of Virginia and lists the general fund, Shenandoah County Public Schools operating and cafeteria funds, social services, the Children’s Services Act fund, parks and recreation, the landfill fund, water and sanitary district funds and other enterprise funds. The proposal also outlines recommended tax rates: an increase of 3 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property (from $0.64 to $0.67 per $100), a personal property tax rate of $4.11 per $100 for non‑farm vehicles, and the establishment of a 4% meals tax in unincorporated parts of the county. The board said the budget is expected to be considered for adoption…