Mathews County to gift 498 Church Street to volunteer fire department; deed reversion discussed

The Mathews County Board of Supervisors voted to gift 498 Church Street (tax map 21A‑18) to the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department after a public hearing at its May 15 meeting.

County staff read Resolution 25‑18, which authorizes the special warranty gift of the property and authorizes the chairman to sign related documents and pay closing costs. The resolution followed a public hearing that produced no speakers.

Supervisor discussion focused on ensuring the county’s interest is protected if the volunteer fire department ever disbands or stops using the property. One supervisor asked whether the deed could include a reversion clause; the county attorney, who prepared the draft, advised that a reversion condition could be included in the deed rather than by amending the resolution.

“I was trying to be in favor of that. That doesn't restrict the fire department's use in any way. We're just saying that should the fire department sometime in the future cease to exist or not need the property … that property reverts back to the county because it's been paid for by taxpayer funds,” one supervisor said. The county attorney confirmed the deed can reflect that condition, the board noted.

Board members also discussed future planning for the old station and potential uses of other county‑owned property the county intends to market or sell.

The board approved Resolution 25‑18 to transfer the property to the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department and authorized the chairman to execute the deed and pay associated costs.