Nelson County keeps real estate tax rate at $0.65 after public hearing
April 11, 2024 | Nelson County, Virginia
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The Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on April 11 to maintain the real property tax rate at $0.65 per $100 of assessed value after a public hearing in Lovingston.
County Administrator Candice W. McGarry opened the hearing by noting the Board had advertised a proposed one-cent increase to $0.66, which staff estimated would generate about $321,707. Dozens of residents who spoke at the hearing urged the Board to hold the line.
“Please keep the rate the same,” said Michael Hevener of Faber, arguing that the modest per-household increase would still burden homeowners. Daniel Rickerd of Lovingston added: “Any time a governing body is proposing an increase in taxes… it should be done with great sobriety and calculation,” and asked the Board to identify a specific purpose for additional revenue before raising rates.
Board members split on the approach. Vice Chair Ernie Q. Reed said the Board faced a projected loss of more than $1 million in state funding for schools and that a small local increase could protect employee cost-of-living adjustments and preserve debt capacity. “If we want to give a three percent cost-of-living increase to employees, we need revenue to do it,” Reed said during deliberations.
Opponents on the Board argued a preemptive tax hike was unnecessary. Supervisor Jesse N. Rutherford moved to adopt Resolution R2024-32 leaving the real property and mobile home tax at $0.65; Dr. Jessica Ligon seconded. The motion passed with Reed and Supervisor Thomas D. Harvey voting no.
The Board’s decision came after staff presentations showing the County’s combined recurring and non-recurring contingencies at roughly $1.215 million and discussion of alternatives such as using Debt Service reserve adjustments. The County must finalize rates with the Commissioner of the Revenue by April 30 so the tax book can be prepared.
The resolution approved that evening also left the tangible personal property rate at $2.79 per $100 and the machinery & tools tax at $1.25 per $100. The Board scheduled additional budget work sessions to continue discussions about school funding, debt strategy and capital projects.
County Administrator Candice W. McGarry opened the hearing by noting the Board had advertised a proposed one-cent increase to $0.66, which staff estimated would generate about $321,707. Dozens of residents who spoke at the hearing urged the Board to hold the line.
“Please keep the rate the same,” said Michael Hevener of Faber, arguing that the modest per-household increase would still burden homeowners. Daniel Rickerd of Lovingston added: “Any time a governing body is proposing an increase in taxes… it should be done with great sobriety and calculation,” and asked the Board to identify a specific purpose for additional revenue before raising rates.
Board members split on the approach. Vice Chair Ernie Q. Reed said the Board faced a projected loss of more than $1 million in state funding for schools and that a small local increase could protect employee cost-of-living adjustments and preserve debt capacity. “If we want to give a three percent cost-of-living increase to employees, we need revenue to do it,” Reed said during deliberations.
Opponents on the Board argued a preemptive tax hike was unnecessary. Supervisor Jesse N. Rutherford moved to adopt Resolution R2024-32 leaving the real property and mobile home tax at $0.65; Dr. Jessica Ligon seconded. The motion passed with Reed and Supervisor Thomas D. Harvey voting no.
The Board’s decision came after staff presentations showing the County’s combined recurring and non-recurring contingencies at roughly $1.215 million and discussion of alternatives such as using Debt Service reserve adjustments. The County must finalize rates with the Commissioner of the Revenue by April 30 so the tax book can be prepared.
The resolution approved that evening also left the tangible personal property rate at $2.79 per $100 and the machinery & tools tax at $1.25 per $100. The Board scheduled additional budget work sessions to continue discussions about school funding, debt strategy and capital projects.
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