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Unless something changes, Kenbridge residents are set to see multiple tax increases as part of the new fiscal year. That issue will be the subject of a public hearing, set to be held next week as part of the town council’s monthly meeting. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:50 p.m. in the Kenbridge Town Hall Council Chambers Room 200. 

The proposed tax rate increases would impact Rolling Stock tax and Machinery and Tools tax with a bump from $.30 per $100 of value to $.60 per $100 of value.  The proposed tax increases would also impact two business license rates, with an increase for the Contractors Business license from $.10 per $100 of value to $.16 per $100 of value and a bump for the Retail Business license from $.12 per $100 of value to $.15 per $100 of value. Town staff say the changes are needed, but in the end, it’ll be up to council members to make a decision and up to residents to argue against it, if they want to see things stay the same. 

“As we all know, everything in our world is getting more expensive to operate. We would like to provide our town citizens with the best services that we can,” said Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews. “This is the time of year we analyze the cost of these services versus the revenue that is used to make those services take place within the town. The town will hold the public hearing on the listed issues and then vote to either amend the proposal, dismiss the proposal or keep it as proposed.”

The proposed tax rates would take effect in Kenbridge during the upcoming tax cycle beginning July 1. The business license rate increase would take effect for current business license holders on the license renewal date of March 1, 2026 while any new business in Kenbridge would immediately be impacted by the new proposed rate. 

Kenbridge council weighs different options

Towns take into consideration factors like inflation and economic growth or decline when considering tax increases. Kenbridge’s tax rates are below the regional mean for several of its fees, which is directly proportional to the revenue the town has to provide services for citizens. 

For the long run, both Kenbridge and Lunenburg officials hope that growth will help fund the town’s needs. Both Kenbridge and nearby Victoria are singled out as growth corridors in the newly approved Lunenburg-Kenbridge-Victoria Comprehensive Plan, which was unanimously voted in by all of the political bodies involved.
“These towns provide essential public utilities and a variety of concentrated business services, including grocery stores, restaurants, and parks,” the plan states. “Additionally, they offer educational facilities, healthcare services, and recreational amenities, making them attractive locations for new residential and commercial developments. The availability of these services supports the growth and development of the surrounding areas, ensuring that the needs of residents and businesses are met efficiently.” 

As for now, however, town council members hope that a slight increase in the taxes and fees will cover costs. 

The Kenbridge Town Hall, where the meeting will be held, is located at 511 E. 5th Ave. Residents with additional questions about the upcoming public hearing can reach out to the Kenbridge Town Office at 434-676-2452.