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Supervisors table volunteer vehicle incentive after chiefs raise fairness concerns
Summary
The board heard a proposed tax‑classification incentive for vehicles owned or leased by volunteer fire and EMS members; chiefs and a long‑time volunteer argued it would unfairly exclude many members, and the board tabled the incentive for further work but later approved code language clarifying eligibility for 'volunteer member in good standing.'
The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors postponed action on a vehicle‑tax incentive aimed at recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters, following questions from local chiefs and a longtime volunteer about fairness and eligibility.
The board opened a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 70 of the county code to create a separate tax classification for motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer members of county volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. Assistant County Administrator Sarah Puckett told the board the change was intended to add a classification and implementation authority so volunteers could receive a vehicle registration/license‑fee benefit.
Several volunteer chiefs and members attending the meeting urged caution. One longtime volunteer who said he had served for 50 years argued the draft policy would benefit only a small number of members in some departments, calling the draft "not fair to my constituents on this board" and urging the board to "table it for further discussion." He said, "we had three hands raised" when chiefs considered eligibility and worried many active volunteers would be excluded by vehicle‑value or ownership requirements.
Board members agreed to pause and ask the Fire Association and chiefs to revisit the eligibility criteria. A motion to table the incentive passed with the board voting to delay further action so chiefs could propose edits and explore reciprocity with surrounding counties.
Later in the meeting, staff returned with a clarifying amendment to the county code that replaces the prior phrase 'active member' with a definition of a 'volunteer member in good standing' and preserves the board’s historical intent that all county volunteer fire and EMS members be eligible under the local vehicle classification. The board voted to adopt that clarification, with implementation dependent on the roster and annual reporting from department chiefs.
The board asked staff to bring a refined eligibility process and sample forms back to a future meeting so the Fire Association and county can ensure the benefit is applied as equitably as possible.
