Residents press Dickenson County board over holiday pay, taxes and rescue-squad funding

Residents used the public-comment period at a Dickenson County board meeting to challenge recent payroll decisions and to warn that emergency medical services are at risk.

Donna Comer, who identified herself as a resident of 242 Hackney Ridge in Birchley, told the board the county was “4 point some $100,000 into debt,” questioned why county employees received holiday pay and other bonuses while the county lacks an adopted budget, and warned that rescue squads and fire departments are struggling to pay personnel. “You guys say we're broke, but you're still spending money,” Comer said, adding that county-paid holidays “benefit nobody here yet.”

The board responded that it has not raised taxes or set a tax levy. A board member noted a required reassessment cycle that increased property values but reiterated the board has attempted to keep the tax rate unchanged. “We have not raised taxes. We have not set a tax levy yet,” a board member said.

Terry Bartley, who identifies with the Hayside Rescue Squad, said the squad laid off all paid employees and will operate with volunteers after a string of low collections from a billing company. “This … Sunday, I laid every member off at our squad. We no longer have a paid employee,” Bartley said. He provided approximate outstanding billing figures, saying the squad expected about $3,900 from Medicare, $5,200 from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, $1,500 from Medicaid and about $4,800 from other payers in recent cycles.

Bartley asked county counsel to contact the billing vendor; meeting participants and staff planned an in-person follow-up to try to reach the company.

The exchange highlighted two distinct board pressures: balancing discretionary services such as pools and youth activities against core obligations (schools, fire and rescue, social services), and addressing an apparent gap in EMS revenue collection. Board members said they understand residents’ concerns but also described limited choices and timing constraints related to tax books and statutory deadlines.

No formal motions or votes were recorded during the public-comment discussion. Board staff offered to follow up with Hayside Rescue Squad leadership and attempt to contact the billing company.

The board did not set a tax rate during the meeting and said it is waiting for the tax books and further information before acting.