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Supervisors approve new tax classification to support volunteer firefighters; rate to be set by finance committee
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Summary
The board approved code changes creating a personal-property tax classification for active volunteer firefighters and EMTs aimed at recruitment and retention; supervisors referred the rate-setting to the finance committee (discussion included legally permitted minimal rates and at least one abstention by a volunteer member).
The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors voted April 20 to create a new personal‑property tax classification for active volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, intended as a recruitment and retention incentive.
Trey Pyle presented draft amendments to chapter 70 of the county code establishing authority for a separate motor‑vehicle classification for qualifying volunteers and directed the board to refer rate‑setting to the finance committee. Discussion among supervisors noted a desire to set the rate “as low as legally possible”; board members floated a nominal 1¢ rate while asking the finance committee to consider whether an effective 0% rate could be offered within legal constraints.
Volunteer leaders who spoke at the meeting urged swift action. James Redford, assistant chief at Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, said the association had done “our due diligence” and asked the board to pass the measure as a start toward broader recruitment and retention strategies. Daniel Clark, Farmville fire chief, and other chiefs stressed volunteer declines nationally and the local contribution volunteers provide.
One supervisor abstained from the rate‑setting motion because of membership in a volunteer company; the board nonetheless carried the motion to approve the proposed code change and to send the tax-rate question to the finance committee for recommendation at the May meeting. Staff recommended the county could set the new classification rate for implementation January 1, with actual rate to be set by the finance committee prior to final adoption.
What happens next: the finance committee will review rate options and return a recommendation to the full board (scheduled meetings noted). Implementation will require the commissioner of the revenue to codify procedures and eligibility verification for participating agencies.
Key quote: James Redford said the association supports the incentive and asked the board to pass it, calling it “a start.”
