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Council adopts ordinance classifying parcels as blighted and raises tax rate on those parcels by 5%
Summary
By unanimous vote, council adopted Ordinance 24‑17 to classify listed parcels as blighted and increase the property‑tax rate on those parcels by 5% under Virginia Code 58.1‑32‑21.6; members cited a recent fire and ongoing dereliction as reasons.
Bristol — The Bristol City Council on Jan. 13 adopted Ordinance 24‑17 on second reading, designating multiple parcels as blighted and applying a 5% higher real‑estate tax rate to those parcels under Virginia Code §58.1‑32‑21.6.
City counsel and staff noted the parcels are the former BI property where buildings were judged blighted and derelict; the office reported the assessor had recommended blighted status following inspections and a recent fire. Councilmembers said utilities on the property have been disconnected and described the ordinance as a step to encourage the owner to address the property or sell it. "We're hoping to get the attention of the owners," a councilmember said, describing the tax increase as a lever to prompt action.
The council moved for second reading by caption and then for adoption; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote with all present voting yes. Staff said the 5% increase is authorized under the cited Virginia Code section; staff will follow up with BVU on utility‑disconnection timing, which could affect whether additional code options apply.
What's next: Staff will monitor owner response and follow up on utilities disconnection details with Bristol Virginia Utilities as council considers further remedies or next steps.
