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Nottoway supervisors approve initial tax relief package for volunteer fire and EMS members
Summary
The Board approved a $36,346.62 package to start a volunteer incentive program that exempts one vehicle and provides other local tax relief for qualified volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, with board members saying the policy may be expanded in next year—s budget.
The Nottoway County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an initial volunteer incentive package totaling $36,346.62 to provide local tax relief for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
County Administrator Steve Bowen told the board the program, agreed in a recent work session, will exempt one vehicle 100% and provide exemptions on real estate and personal property for volunteers who meet program requirements. The board voted in favor after a brief discussion; the motion passed by voice vote.
Board members framed the incentive as part of a broader recruitment and retention effort for the county—s volunteer emergency responders. During discussion, one supervisor said the county may expand the program in next year—s budget and explore ways to increase the benefit to attract more volunteers; several members noted they expect "growing pains" as the program is implemented.
Supervisor Rourke (identified in the meeting transcript as a board speaker) said he favored a larger incentive but supported the approved package as a start, and the board signaled intent to revisit the program during the next budget cycle.
The package was described to the board as a local supplement to volunteer service rather than an operational subsidy for agencies. Officials said the program will be coordinated with volunteer organizations and that county staff will return with implementation details and administrative steps needed to process the exemptions.
The board also discussed the broader context for emergency services funding, including planned county budget items for three 24/7 advanced life support units. Supervisors said the volunteer incentives are one tool among several—alongside recruitment, grants and future budget requests—to shore up local emergency response capacity.
The board approved the motion to appropriate $36,346.62 for the incentive program by voice vote.
