Powhatan County board sets FY27 real‑estate tax rate at $0.77 per $100 to fund EMS, pay adjustments

Powhatan County’s Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on April 6 to set the fiscal‑year 2027 real‑estate tax rate at $0.77 per $100 of assessed value, a move county officials said is intended to shore up reserves, preserve debt capacity and pay for public‑safety staffing and compensation adjustments.

County staff told the board the 77¢ proposal is below the county’s 30‑year simple average and would support a strategy of building reserves so the county can cash‑fund some capital needs rather than borrowing. Staff highlighted several budget priorities tied to the rate: three full‑time EMS positions, an $850,000 public‑safety compensation block, a 3% pay adjustment for county and school staff and a $1.9 million transfer to the school division. Staff also estimated borrowing capacity at the 77¢ rate as "just over $3 million," and noted outstanding capital needs such as an estimated $7 million Pocahontas HVAC project and potential roof replacements that could cost $7–8 million.

Public commenters urged caution and greater transparency. Resident Ranjit Mazumdar said he opposes how the PIO position is organized and questioned a proposed $122,000 salary, saying, “For the life of me, I cannot understand why someone who's going to be in a PR position would be reporting to an IT department.” Jim Carver of District 5 said residents want clarity on the dollar impact of rate changes, and David Anderson criticized presentation choices he called "disingenuous," arguing staff should pursue savings before raising taxes. Fran Carlton urged delaying a proposed $130,000 nonprofit funding threshold and questioned a $200,000 feasibility study for the Pocahontas Landmark Center, saying a 2023 study already assessed mold issues.

Board members defended the proposed rate as a balance between short‑term taxpayer relief and long‑term fiscal responsibility. In discussion the board cited estimated revenue losses from earlier rate reductions since 2022 and offered a sample impact: they said a $400,000 house would see roughly a $182 annual increase when the combined effect of assessment changes and the rate is applied. A motion to lower the proposed rate to 73¢ failed on roll call. The succeeding motion to set the rate at 77¢ passed 3–2 with the votes in favor recorded as Mr. Powers, Vice Chair Kenny and Chairman Dinati; Mr. McClung and Ms. Morset voted no.

Votes at a glance - Resolution R‑2026‑23 (personal property tax rates): approved 5–0. Staff said rates are unchanged: general personal property $3.60 per $100; business data center $0.40; disabled veteran and volunteer fire/rescue one‑vehicle exemptions 0.0001; machinery and tools $3.60. - Motion to set FY27 real‑estate tax rate at $0.77 per $100: approved 3–2 (Powers, Kenny, Dinati in favor). Motion to reduce to $0.73 was defeated 3–2.

County administrator and staff noted all budget presentations are posted on the county finance webpage and reminded residents that the board will hold a special meeting and a public hearing on the proposed budget and fee schedule later in April, with the regular meeting to consider adoption of the FY27 budget and CIP scheduled for April 27.

What’s next: The board’s FY27 budget schedule includes a special meeting and public hearing on April 20 and a vote on adoption at the April 27 regular meeting.