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Wise County supervisors approve $0.69 tax rate, freeze nonessential purchases through June
Summary
The Wise County Board of Supervisors voted to raise the county tax rate to $0.69 (a $0.14 increase) and placed an immediate freeze on nonessential purchases through June 30, 2026, after a treasurer’s presentation showed projected fund balances under different tax scenarios.
The Wise County Board of Supervisors voted on March 5 to raise the county tax rate to $0.69 per $100 of assessed value — a $0.14 increase — and to impose an immediate freeze on nonessential purchases through June 30, 2026.
Delores Smith, Treasurer, opened the discussion with a Cash and Investments Update showing a General Fund total of $14,223,072 as of Feb. 28, 2026. Smith presented projected fund balances for June 30, 2026: $12,939,450 under a $0.65 tax increase scenario and $13,776,702 under a $0.69 tax increase scenario, and summarized other scenarios intended to inform the board’s decision on tax rates.
Supervisor Robert R. Adkins moved to set the tax rate at $0.69; Supervisor Steve Bates seconded. Chairman J. H. Rivers requested a roll-call vote. The roll call listed all supervisors and the motion carried unanimously.
After further discussion about the county’s budget and the need for additional cuts, Supervisor Fred Luntsford moved to place an immediate freeze on all nonessential purchases and expenditures — including, but not limited to, office supplies and equipment, travel, training, and seminars — through June 30, 2026. Vice-Chairman John T. Schoolcraft seconded the motion. The board took a roll-call vote and the motion carried.
The board’s actions were framed by the treasurer’s projections and repeated comments that additional difficult budget decisions remain. Board members offered brief closing remarks thanking attendees and noting more work on budget reductions will be required.
Votes and motions taken at the March 5 recessed meeting: The board set the tax rate at $0.69 per $100 of assessed value (motion by Supervisor Robert R. Adkins; seconded by Supervisor Steve Bates). The motion passed by roll-call vote with all supervisors recorded as voting in favor. The board approved an immediate freeze on nonessential purchases and expenditures through June 30, 2026 (motion by Supervisor Fred Luntsford; seconded by Vice-Chairman John T. Schoolcraft). The motion passed by roll-call vote with all supervisors recorded as voting in favor.
The board adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
