Board approves Habitat and Wintergreen exemptions, tables Synchronicity pending legal review

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted on individual real‑estate tax‑exemption applications under resolution R2025‑87, approving Piedmont Habitat for Humanity and the Wintergreen Nature Foundation and tabling Synchronicity’s request for additional review and legal guidance.

A supervisor moved to adopt resolution R2025‑87, and the board amended the motion to consider each application individually. The board then conducted roll‑call votes. The application for Piedmont Habitat for Humanity passed on separate roll‑call (motion and recorded yes responses), and the board subsequently approved Wintergreen Nature Foundation’s application, with one supervisor noting the approval "automatically includes the new land."

Synchronicity’s application generated more debate. A representative or written note submitted on Synchronicity’s behalf said the organization had been tax‑exempt "since 2002" and warned the board that revoking exemption would prompt litigation: "We've always been tax exempt. And if you don't keep us tax exempt, we're gonna sue you," the note said. Other supervisors cited a 2002 settlement agreement recorded in the packet that appeared to grant Synchronicity an exemption; some members said the settlement was clear, while others noted changes in personnel (new commissioner of revenue, treasurer, and a new board) and asked for a legal review. A motion to deny Synchronicity was withdrawn; the board agreed to solicit the county attorney’s advice and table the item until staff returns with legal guidance, to ensure any final vote is taken in open session ahead of the tax billing schedule.

Why it matters: Tax‑exemption decisions affect the county’s tax base and can carry litigation risk if past agreements or settlement terms are contested. Board members explicitly identified the 2002 settlement as a central document and asked staff to re‑share that packet material and to consult the attorney before any final action.

Actions and procedure: The board voted to approve applications for Piedmont Habitat for Humanity and Wintergreen Nature Foundation, each by roll call. For Synchronicity, the board paused action and directed staff to solicit legal guidance; the item will return to open session prior to the tax deadline. No final denial or approval was recorded for Synchronicity during this meeting.

Next steps: Staff will provide the 2002 settlement documentation and the county attorney will be asked to advise whether Synchronicity’s exemption remains valid under the settlement and current facts. The board intends to resolve remaining applications in open session before the tax bill deadline.