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Residents urge relief as supervisors defend EMS levy and discuss senior tax options
Summary
Multiple residents told the board recent levies are harming seniors and low-income households; supervisors defended the EMS levy as needed to maintain emergency services and said options for senior relief would require code-based steps and funding decisions.
Dozens of residents pressed the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors on the financial effects of recent levies, emphasizing burdens on seniors and families on fixed incomes. Speakers said levies were imposed without a ballot referendum and described personal hardships, asking the board to pursue senior tax relief and alternative funding structures.
"You took it upon yourself to vote on these levies, which is not right," one constituent said during public comment, arguing the community should have had a vote. Susan Fee, a 74‑year‑old resident, urged the board to "consider the urgent need for assistance in the form of tax relief on seniors' real estate tax," saying many seniors rely solely on Social Security.
Board members and staff responded by explaining statutory constraints and financial realities. One supervisor noted the county's obligation to provide EMS and that the levy was enacted to fund paid, professional ambulance service after volunteer coverage and collection rates proved insufficient. "We owe the citizens of Nottoway County an ambulance if they need it," a board member said in describing the rationale for the levy and the challenge of funding 24/7 staffing.
Supervisors said they will pursue additional data and work sessions to examine targeted relief options (for example, senior‑reduction programs allowed under state code), but emphasized that any relief requires an identified local funding source so that county services are not undercut.
