BY JANET BERNOSKY, Eastern Shore Post —
Chincoteague homeowners will not be affected by the proposed property tax increase that is part of the proposed $76.6 million fiscal year 2026 draft budget, according to Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason.
The real estate tax rate would jump 5 cents per $100 of a property’s tax assessed value, from 48.4 to 53.4 cents, if it is adopted by the Accomack County Board of Supervisors.
The revenue from this increase, according to Mason, would help offset the difference between incoming revenues versus higher outgoing expenditures in the county EMS department.
However, Chincoteague has its own EMS services — its property owners would not be subject to this increase.
“Chincoteague Island has provided paid EMS services for well over 25 years,” said Mayor Denise Bowden.
Bowden said the town of Chincoteague has a good relationship with the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Whereas the town pays the EMS salaries, the fire company pays for ambulances and equipment (plus housing for them, along with training.
“It’s a partnership that’s worked extremely well,” Bowden said.
