Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Surry County, what an awesome place to live!

On Oct. 3 I saw the most amazing thing: the Board of Supervisors’ vote against farmers by deciding to change the annual tax billing cycle to a split billing cycle. Last month, Surry had a public hearing on proposed biannual taxes. An overwhelming majority, including farmers, spoke against it. This month a public hearing was held on split taxes, a proposal three board members agreed to in a work session, suggesting this was best for the farmer.

This means citizens will pay personal property taxes in June 2025 with an extension until September 2025 (after paying all taxes in December 2024), giving the county a one-time influx of money, uses of which have not been shared with the citizens. Real estate taxes will be due in December 2025.

Supervisor Timothy Calhoun made two different motions to not make the change and listen to the citizens who spoke. Only Supervisor Amy Drewry voted with him. Ms. Drewry pleaded with the board to listen to the majority of citizens (13) who spoke and the 165 signatures on a petition against the split tax proposal, plus letters from both the commissioner of the revenue and the treasurer.

Ms. Drewry advocated for sending notices to citizens, informing them they can pay anytime during the year to offset their December bill — a solution that would not harm any citizen, including farmers who do not get paid until their crops are picked. Supervisor Robert Elliott’s comments during the work session that citizens who come to public hearings and speak up do not represent the majority of the county appears to hold true. It appears the few who wanted this change were well represented by a majority on the board who presented no proof that a majority of citizens wanted this change.

When I ran for office and spoke to the citizens, citizens were not complaining about taxes being due in December, but rather how much their tax bill has gone up over the years from repeated assessments. Supervisors Elliott, Walter Hardy and Breyon Pierce agreed that citizens would not pay ahead and would need to be billed to make a payment. How belittling is it to think that your citizens cannot think for themselves or budget themselves?

Surry promotes agri-tourism but not the farmers. Way to go, Surry.

 

Susan Corvello

Spring Grove