By Debbie Adams
When members of Vinton Town Council met on April 2, their main focus was on tax rates
involving real estate, personal property, and machinery and tools. A public hearing was held on
setting real estate tax rates for the calendar year 2024.
Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton explained that a public hearing was required when the
annual real estate assessment (less new construction) results in an increase of 1% or more. The
Town of Vinton’s total real estate assessment (less new construction) increased by approximately
7.49%. The total increase in assessed values was $50,074,000, less new construction of
$1,637,500, for a net increase of $48,436,500. As a result, tax levies in 2024 will increase by
$34,905 to $487,478.
Council adopted an ordinance maintaining the current tax rate of 7 cents per $100 of assessed
value. The town collects real estate taxes semi-annually by June 5 and December 5. While a tax
bill may be higher in 2024, that is due to assessed value increases, not a tax rate increase.
Council also elected to maintain the current tax rates on personal property, tools, and machinery
at $1 per $100 of the assessed valuation. The tax levy in 2024 will be set at 50 cents per $100 of
assessed valuation of one motor vehicle owned and regularly used by a disabled veteran –
subject to certain qualifications.
Council then adopted a resolution setting the allocation of Personal Property Tax Relief in
Vinton for the 2024 tax year. The town uses a model developed by the state to calculate the
effective reimbursement rate, using historical trends and a five-year rolling average. Tax relief
on personal use vehicles is eliminated for vehicles valued at $1,000 or less; is set at 39.35% for
personal use vehicles valued at $1,001 to $20,000; and at 39.35% on the first $20,000 for
personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or higher.
Jon Lanford, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, presented the
organization’s annual Operating and Reserves budget for FY 2024-2025 in the total amount of
$16,749,590. The RVRA must submit its budget for approval to each of its governing bodies,
which includes the Town of Vinton, Roanoke City and County, and the City of Salem. The
budget reflects an increase of $835,000. Vinton’s tipping fees will increase from $181,180 to
$186,120. Council members recently toured the RVRA landfill site to become more familiar
with operations.
Council adopted a resolution authorizing renewal of the employees’ group health insurance
coverage with the Local Choice Program with no increase in premiums. Sexton said this is a
“nice benefit for employees,” with no impact on the town’s budget in the upcoming year, and
“makes the town an attractive place to work.”
Planning and Zoning Director Anita McMillan asked council to adopt a resolution accepting a
proposal from 3TP Ventures, Inc., to provide professional services for the Vinton 2050
Comprehensive Plan Update Project and to authorize the town manager to execute a contract with the firm. The town received three bids in a Request for Bids (RFP) process, then invited
those three companies to do technical presentations and be interviewed by members of the
Selection Committee in March. 3TP Ventures received the highest ranking. Its fee for the project
will be $206,052. Preparation of a comprehensive plan is required by state code every five years.
Council adopted a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Roanoke
City to support the Regional Skate Park (in Wasena) with a $50,000 one-time contribution. Town
Manager Pete Peters said that while the new multigenerational park being built in Vinton will
include basic skate park amenities, the skateboard park in Roanoke will become a regional
destination. The estimated cost of the Wasena park is $2 million. Roanoke City will maintain the
park.
