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Proposed property tax hike would raise Smyth County real-estate rate by 10¢ per $100
Summary
A notice read to supervisors proposes increasing the county real estate rate from $0.59 to $0.69 per $100 of assessed value; public commenters warned the rise could force vulnerable residents into foreclosure and urged caution.
A staff presenter read a public notice proposing a 10¢ increase in the county real-estate tax rate, which would raise the levy from $0.59 to $0.69 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026–27.
The presenter said the full proposal is on file at the county administrator's office. During the hearing Charles Wasson and another resident told the board that higher property taxes could push elderly and ill homeowners out of retirement and into the workforce to meet housing and tax costs. Wasson urged supervisors to consider the impacts on disabled and older residents and asked whether revenue sources such as casino proceeds, lottery funds, or other expected revenue had been accounted for in the budget.
The chair closed the public hearing after the comments. The notice and comments were recorded as part of the public record; no vote was taken at the special meeting.
