Bedford County adopts 2026 tax rates unchanged as residents urge impact fees and more school funding

Bedford County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 14 to adopt an ordinance carrying forward the county’s existing tax rates for tax year 2026, a decision tied to the county’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget.

Finance Director Ashley Anderson told the board the current and proposed rates would be carried forward, listing the figures for the record: "41 cent per $100 of assessed value for real estate and manufactured homes; $2.35 per 100 of assessed value for personal property such as motor vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft; $1.70 per 100 of assessed value for personal property such as heavy construction equipment, and rental boats; [and] $120 per 100 of assessed value for machinery and tools." She also noted there is no tax on vehicles used to transport the physically handicapped or qualified disabled veterans.

The vote followed a public hearing in which several residents urged the board to revisit the county’s long-standing low-tax policy and to consider growth-related funding tools. Amanda Bryan (District 1) said the county faces trade-offs between low taxes and maintaining high-quality services, arguing that "we cannot continue to expect highquality services, especially in our schools, while also maintaining some of the very lowest tax rates in the region." Bryan recommended exploring impact fees or similar mechanisms under Virginia law so new development helps pay for added school and infrastructure costs.

Valerie Staten (District 3) told the board she would support higher taxes to provide more deputies, emergency responders and teachers, calling it a mistake to leave the tax rate unchanged if it means underfunding essential services: "I am willing to pay more to see more sheriff's deputies, emergency responders, and teachers hired and paid well."

Board members discussed growth pressures and infrastructure needs before the vote. An unnamed board member raised concerns about traffic and emergency response capacity on growth corridors and said that if the board supports higher-density development, it should consider requiring impact fees from developers to fund services and facilities. The board also noted upcoming budget work sessions and that the county’s final budget could be affected by actions of the General Assembly.

Motion to adopt the tax-rate ordinance was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Davis; the roll call recorded unanimous yes votes and the ordinance was adopted.

The board scheduled a budget work session next Tuesday; supervisors said budget deliberations will continue as they finalize plans for fiscal year 2027.