Dinwiddie supervisors set key 2025 tax rates; real estate rate set at 64 cents

Dinwiddie County supervisors unanimously approved a resolution on April 8, 2025, setting several 2025 tax rates after a public hearing and board discussion. The board amended the advertised rates by setting the real estate, mobile home, mineral land and public service rates at 64 cents and left the other advertised rates unchanged; the motion passed on a 5-0 roll call.

The vote followed a presentation by County Administrator Kevin Massengill, who read the advertised schedule of rates and told the board the county had placed those figures in the newspaper to solicit public comment. Massengill said the advertised figures included: real estate 65 cents, mobile homes 65 cents, mineral land 65 cents, public service 65 cents, personal property $4.60, qualifying volunteer vehicles 25 cents, machinery and tools $3.30, heavy construction machinery $3.30 and airplanes 50 cents. He also said staff consulted the commissioner of the revenue and recommended a 34% personal property tax relief rate for qualifying motor vehicles.

At the public-comment portion, Dana Tipton, who identified herself as a Dinwiddie County resident, praised county financial management but said she was concerned about the school system and rising per-student costs. "The concern I have with this county is the school system," Tipton said, adding that she had spent time reviewing departmental budgets.

Board members explained the reasons behind the proposed rates and the amendment. Supervisors said the budget moves some recurring capital purchases—school buses, ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles—into the annual operating budget rather than paying for them from year-end fund balance. County leaders also emphasized pay increases intended to retain and recruit employees, rising contract and supply costs tied to inflation, and continuing demands for public-safety services. Massengill told the board the equipment replacement plan would require about $1.8 million to $1.9 million annually, which he said corresponds to roughly five cents above the county's equalized rate; additional school operational and internal capital requests would require further revenue.

Supervisor Mark E. Moore moved to set the real estate, mobile home, mineral land and public service rates at 64 cents, holding other rates as printed; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call reading Aye from each supervisor. The formal vote record lists Eberron Bonner, Casey M. Dooley, Mark E. Moore, Mister Chavis and Daniel D. Lee voting Aye.

The board chair thanked the single public commenter and invited residents to participate in the next public hearing on the budget and Capital Improvements Plan, scheduled for April 29 at 7 p.m. in the same room.

The action establishes the county's advertised tax schedule with the noted amendment and confirms the 34% personal property tax relief percentage as presented by staff.