Board updates veterans vehicle-exemption ordinance to match state law
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Summary
Dickenson County revised a local ordinance to align with a 2021 change in Virginia law allowing a full exemption for one vehicle owned by a 100% disabled veteran; resident commenters urged the board to consider additional local relief for veterans who do not meet the state threshold.
The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors moved to correct and update its veterans-exemption ordinance so local law aligns with changes enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021.
County staff explained the existing county ordinance cited an incorrect code reference and did not reflect the state’s current approach, which allows a full exemption for one vehicle owned by a veteran who is 100% disabled (the staff referenced the change to the relevant state code section). The proposed update replaces the incorrect citation and updates local language to match the state statute.
During public comment, resident Ron Peters urged the board to consider additional local assistance for disabled veterans who do not qualify for the full 100% state exemption, saying many local veterans remain in need. Board members acknowledged the concern and said they could pursue additional local programs in the future but noted the county’s immediate action was limited by the state code.
The board adopted the corrected ordinance by voice vote.
The action aligns the county’s tax code with the state-authorized exemption and clears a conflicting local citation; the board did not adopt a broader new local benefit at this meeting. Staff said the county will continue to explore other options to support veterans outside of the state-mandated exemption.