Council adopts ordinance classifying former BI parcels as blighted, imposes 5% higher tax rate

Bristol City Council adopted Ordinance 24-17 on Jan. 13 classifying a series of former BI parcels as blighted and increasing their real estate tax rate by 5%, citing authority in the Virginia Code as noted in the staff presentation.

City staff presented a second reading of the ordinance identifying multiple tax-map parcels and recommending the 5% rate increase after the city assessor determined the properties were blighted and derelict. The staff report cited the relevant provision of the Code of Virginia referencing the locality's authority to increase the tax rate on designated blighted property.

Mayor Nave called the measure "another step forward" during discussion, noting past efforts to compel the property owner to address the condition of the site following fires and ongoing city costs. Council members said they hoped the increase would prompt the owner to take corrective action, including sale or remediation.

The council discussed utilities and whether further tax increases would be permitted under the code; staff said one code section allows a 5% increase and that another section might permit an additional increase, but staff would need to research timing and specifics. The council voted by roll call to adopt the ordinance; all recorded votes were in favor.

The ordinance reading included the list of tax-map parcel numbers affected; the increased rate applies only to parcels where buildings are located. Council instructed staff to follow up with utility providers and to confirm dates when utilities were disconnected as part of enforcement and further action planning.