Board adopts 85% personal-property valuation option; committee directs new revenue toward EMS and schools

Administrator Tracy M. Gee presented the county's personal property valuation report and said four categories — passenger vehicles, travel trailers, motorcycles and recreational vehicles — had increased more than 25% in assessed value. The Finance Committee recommended applying an 85% ratio of current assessed value for tax purposes for the 2022 tax year, with the tax rate remaining at $3.60 per $100.

Supervisor Frank Bacon moved to adopt the 85% valuation option and Supervisor Robert Zava seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation. Administrator Gee and committee members told the Board that the option would reduce taxpayer bills by about $600,000 while allowing the county to collect roughly $400,000 in additional revenue for county operations.

At the same discussion the Finance Committee reviewed community budget requests and recommended adjustments for several nonprofit and service providers: Piedmont Area Veterans Council ($2,500–$3,000), Southside Center for Violence Prevention ($2,000), Piedmont Senior Resources ($10,000), Med Flight ($800) and County Recreation Leagues ($15,000). The committee also recommended $30,000 increases to Victoria Fire and Rescue and Meherrin Fire and Rescue to support EMS services; Finance Chair T. Wayne Hoover said the combined $60,000 equates to roughly one full-time employee with benefits and will be routed toward emergency services and the school system.

The Board approved these valuation changes and funding recommendations as part of its April meeting actions; precise allocations will be reflected in budget documents and any disbursements after appropriation.