ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – The Accomack County Board of Supervisors has voted to send the draft FY2026 county budget to a public hearing scheduled for March 24 at 6 p.m. at Metompkin Elementary School.
The proposed budget includes moderate tax increases and focuses on key investments in infrastructure, public services, particularly emergency medical services (EMS), and economic development. The real estate tax rate is set to increase from $0.484 to $0.534 per $100 of assessed value, while the cigarette tax will rise from $0.20 to $0.40 per pack. The personal property tax remains at $3.72 per $100, though future caps could be implemented depending on pending state legislation.
County Administrator Mike Mason stated that the tax increase is necessary to address a shortfall in the EMS budget. Without this adjustment, larger tax hikes may be required in the future.
The proposed increases are designed to support EMS services, with nearly 92% of overnight emergency calls being handled by paid personnel. If the tax increases are not approved, there could be a risk of reducing EMS staffing.
