Amherst County sets 58-cent real estate tax rate, raising bills after reassessment

May 7, 2026 - 22:43

Property owners in Amherst County can expect to pay more in taxes next year, even as county leaders approved a lower real estate tax rate. The Board of Supervisors voted this week to set the rate at 58 cents per $100 of assessed value, a reduction from the previous rate of 62 cents. However, the county recently completed a reassessment that significantly increased property values across the area. As a result, most homeowners will still see a higher tax bill despite the lower rate.

Officials explained that the reassessment brought property values closer to current market conditions, which have risen sharply in recent years. The 58-cent rate represents a compromise. It is lower than the revenue-neutral rate, which would have kept total tax collections flat. By choosing this rate, the board aimed to soften the financial impact on residents while still funding essential services like schools, public safety, and road maintenance.

Some residents voiced frustration during public hearings, arguing that the county should have cut the rate further to offset the full effect of higher assessments. Others acknowledged the need for stable funding but asked for more transparency in how the county spends tax dollars. Supervisors noted that the budget process included multiple work sessions and that the final rate was a balanced decision. The new tax rate takes effect July 1, and property owners will see the change on their fall tax bills.