Nottoway supervisors pressed over EMS levy as budget adoption nears

Nottoway County supervisors fielded public criticism and internal debate over a proposed increase to the emergency medical services levy during a June meeting, as the board prepares to adopt a budget next Thursday.

Chief Shu, who spoke during the public-comment period, told the board that rising costs and dwindling volunteers mean the county cannot support five fully staffed stations in coming years and urged consolidation and other changes to avoid long-term deficits. He pointed to a gap in the current levy numbers and said the county will need to rely on other revenue sources to balance operations.

Glenn Hart, another public commenter, rejected a broader 7% tax increase, saying “The average citizen cannot handle that” and urging the board to pursue economic development and business recruitment rather than further levy hikes. Hart and other speakers pressed the board to identify specific cuts already made and to explain what services the county provides for the tax burden residents pay.

County staff and supervisors clarified that the pending increase applies to EMS rather than fire, and noted the budget committee cut 19 of 52 line items while the school allocation and EMS remain the largest spending drivers. Mr. Bowen, speaking for staff, reminded the board it must adopt the budget in seven days and said the committee has been working to identify savings and offsets.

Supervisors repeatedly framed the choice as a trade-off: cutting services to lower the levy would reduce response capacity or other programs. Several board members urged residents to tell the board what services they would prefer cut if taxes must be held down. One supervisor suggested asking the school division to return some of its bonus allotment as a way to trim the levy; members agreed only that a public conversation is required.

On a related budget action, the board voted to move the county’s reassessment cycle so it occurs every fifth year rather than on the current fourth-year schedule, a change proponents said spreads timing and cost burdens. The vote passed after a motion and second.

The board did not adopt the final budget at the meeting; staff told supervisors the adoption vote is scheduled for next Thursday. The public hearing period was closed and the board moved on to other agenda items.

What’s next: The board must adopt the budget at a future meeting and will consider public input on proposed levy changes and any specific program reductions or service consolidations recommended by staff.