Smyth County supervisors approve split real-estate due dates, set Oct. 5 for personal property

The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted 6–1 on July 23, 2026, to change the county’s tax billing schedule for tax year 2027, splitting real-estate payments to June 5 and Dec. 5 and setting personal-property bills due Oct. 5.

Chair (speaker 1) said the change followed a public hearing and staff recommendation and that the intent was to help county cash flow without changing total tax amounts: "That only just splits that up throughout the year." The motion to adopt the announced schedule was made and seconded (speaker 11 moved), and a roll-call vote showed one dissent: Atkins voted no while the other voting supervisors supported the change. Chair announced, "Motion passed 6 1." (Transcript roll call: Atkins — No; Sturgill — Yes; Billings — Yes; Dr. Ratliff — Yes; Wagner — Yes; Perez — Yes; Cole — Yes.)

Supporters said the schedule would not change tax liability but would spread payments to smooth receipts. Opponents worried about repeated schedule changes and whether the county had done adequate outreach; one supervisor cautioned the board to communicate changes clearly so residents would not be confused. Staff said the new schedule was advertised, effective for tax year 2027, and would be publicized through signage, the county website and social media.

What’s next: The schedule change takes effect for tax year 2027 as announced; staff will implement outreach and update public notices and forms.