Accomack Supervisors vote to send draft budget proposal to public hearing

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted to send the draft county budget to a public hearing on March 24 at 6 p.m. at Metompkin Elementary School.

The proposed FY2026 budget includes moderate tax increases and key investments in infrastructure, public services—particularly EMS—and economic development. The real estate tax rate is set to rise from $0.484 to $0.534 per $100 of assessed value, while the cigarette tax will double from $0.20 to $0.40 per pack. The personal property tax remains unchanged at $3.72 per $100, though pending state legislation could impose future caps.

County Administrator Mike Mason explained that the tax increase is necessary due to a shortfall in the EMS budget. Without it, larger tax hikes may be required in the future.

Supervisor Robert Crockett emphasized the importance of EMS, noting that 92% of overnight emergency calls are handled by paid personnel. “When an emergency call comes in at 3 a.m., we need staff available. All revenue from these tax increases will fund EMS. The alternative is cutting EMS staff.”