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Council designates Bedford Community Christmas Station property tax‑exempt
Summary
After a brief public hearing and staff explanation of statutory criteria, the council adopted an ordinance exempting 510 Blue Ridge Ave. (Bedford Community Christmas Station) from town real‑estate taxation under Va. Code §58.1‑3651; council voted 6–0 to approve.
The Bedford Town Council on May 5 adopted an ordinance designating the Bedford Community Christmas Station's property at 510 Blue Ridge Avenue as exempt from town real‑estate taxation under Virginia Code §58.1‑3651.
Staff read the statutory notice and provided 2026 assessment figures: land assessed at $112,600 and the building at $353,300, producing annual town real‑estate taxes of $1,304.52 for 2026. The ordinance process was posted in accordance with town code and staff explained the 11 statutory criteria the council must consider when granting a designation exemption.
During the public hearing, Kevin Turner, who identified himself and his address, spoke in favor of the exemption and urged the council to approve the request, citing the organization's community service. Council members asked whether occasional retail activity would disqualify the nonprofit; staff counsel replied that retail operations do not automatically forfeit eligibility if the organization is otherwise operating in a charitable manner.
Council moved and adopted the ordinance; the motion carried with six members recorded as voting aye. Councilors praised the organization's long service to the community.
The ordinance directs staff to follow up as needed to ensure operations remain consistent with the charitable use that justified the exemption.
