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Nottoway supervisors consider tax levy, property purchases as emergency medical services warn of collapse
Summary
Board members warned that Nottoway County’s primary volunteer ambulance service has reported steep losses and reduced coverage, and discussed options including a dedicated EMS/fire tax levy, county payrolling of crews, or purchase of squad properties to secure service continuity.
Nottoway County supervisors spent the meeting’s longest block of time on an urgent funding shortfall at local emergency medical services providers and potential county responses.
County administration reported that Nottoway Emergency Squad asked for $892,897 in next year’s budget — up from a baseline of roughly $214,000 — and that Burkville Volunteer Fire Department’s request included restoration of a roughly $200,000 item the group previously declined. County officials and supervisors said the level of the requests and the squad’s reported 90%-plus reliance on paid staff rather than volunteers pose an immediate risk to residents’ 911 response.
Why it matters: Board members described a realistic prospect that calls to 911 could go unanswered if local providers cannot stabilize finances and staffing. Supervisors discussed a range of options that would direct taxpayer money specifically to fire and EMS operations rather than into general county spending.
Most discussed options included: creating a dedicated fire/EMS levy (a tax earmarked for emergency services) under Code of Virginia authorities; switching to a county-run payroll model so county payroll and benefits cover EMS staff; or purchasing squad buildings and assets so the county controls facilities and can ensure service continuity if a nonprofit dissolves.
Board members said they prefer a transparent, earmarked funding stream. They discussed the mechanics of a levy based on assessed value (similar to the county’s existing real-estate tax model), which would be dedicated by statute to fire and EMS and could be set so that, for example, a 10-cent tax increase on assessed value would produce roughly the sums the board estimates are required to stabilize squad operations. Supervisors stressed the need to protect taxpayers while ensuring reliable service for residents.
County counsel and staff flagged legal and operational issues the board must resolve before committing taxpayer funds: whether and how to exercise oversight or require governance changes in volunteer organizations that receive public dollars; what contract terms or deed language would protect the public if the county purchases squad property; and whether county employment of EMS staff should include participation in Virginia Retirement System benefits and county insurance plans.
What the board directed: The board asked county staff to gather more information, to discuss options with squad leaders and neighboring counties, and to solicit public input. Several supervisors urged immediate outreach to the community so residents understand the situation and can comment on funding approaches before a final decision is made.
Ending: Supervisors said they will continue emergency-services discussions in coming work sessions and urged residents to contact their district supervisors with suggestions. No formal levy or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; supervisors treated the item as an emergent policy discussion and planning directive for staff.
