Albemarle County Supervisors Reject Personal Property Tax Hike

Board finds alternative funding for affordable housing investment fund

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:37pm

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A serene, realistic painting of a single car parked on a quiet residential street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of contemplation and the importance of personal transportation in the community.The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors' decision to reject a proposed personal property tax increase aims to keep the cost of car ownership more affordable for local families.Charlottesville Today

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors deadlocked 3-3 on a proposed 15-cent increase to the personal property tax, commonly known as the car tax. The increase was intended to provide $2 million in funding for the county's affordable housing investment fund. Instead, the board voted to transfer money from the economic development fund and use reserves to fund the affordable housing initiative without raising taxes.

Why it matters

The personal property tax, or car tax, is a significant expense for many Albemarle County residents, especially with rising gas prices and higher property assessments. The board's decision not to raise the tax rate aims to keep the county more affordable for families during challenging economic times.

The details

During Wednesday's meeting, supervisors Fred Missel, Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, and Ann Mallek indicated they would oppose the proposed tax increase, while Chairperson Ned Gallaway, Mike Pruitt, and Sally Duncan supported it. Missel, who had initially supported the rate hike, changed his stance after evaluating the current economic climate and concerns that the increase would function as a 'regressive tax.' Instead, the board voted to transfer $1.15 million from the economic development fund and use reserves to provide the $2 million for the affordable housing investment fund.

  • The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the proposed tax increase and next fiscal year's budget on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The board is scheduled to vote on the county budget on Wednesday, April 23, 2026.

The players

Fred Missel

Vice chairperson of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors who initially supported the tax increase but later changed his stance, citing concerns about the impact on residents during challenging economic times.

Ned Gallaway

Chairperson of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors who supported the proposed tax increase to fund the affordable housing investment fund.

Albemarle County Republican Committee

The local Republican party organization that praised the board's decision to reject the tax increase, stating that residents' engagement and the supervisors' responsiveness led to a better outcome.

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What they’re saying

“It was really just the snowball effect of all the additional costs that are moving forward. The additional costs that we're all seeing in the market.”

— Fred Missel, Vice chairperson, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors

“Residents across Albemarle made their voices heard, and it mattered. People showed up to town halls, contacted their supervisors, and spoke directly at Board of Supervisors meetings. That level of engagement helped stop the car tax increase that would have raised the cost of a basic necessity for thousands of families.”

— Phil Riese, Chairperson, Albemarle County Republican Committee

What’s next

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will vote on the final county budget, including the funding plan for the affordable housing investment fund, on Wednesday, April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors' decision to reject the proposed personal property tax increase and find alternative funding for the affordable housing investment fund demonstrates the importance of local government responsiveness to community concerns, especially during challenging economic times. This outcome highlights the impact that engaged citizens can have on shaping policy decisions at the local level.