Highland County Crafts Gets Approval For Tax Exemption From Highland Supervisors

Monterey, VA – The Highland County Board of Supervisors acted on a request by Highland County Crafts for tax exempt status at this week’s meeting. County Administrator Roberta Lambert says the request is for an exemption from the property tax. She says Highland County Crafts currently owns a building and lot in Monterey valued at $122,500.00. Property taxes in the amount of $490.00 were assessed in 2010.

The Board of Supervisors has the authority to grant property tax exemptions following a public hearing. Ms. Lambert goes on to describe the charter and activities of Highland County Crafts.

“Highland County Crafts is chartered to carry on educational and promotional work in connection with the production and sale of crafts and to sponsor sales of crafts, but not for profit” says Lambert. “Highland County Crafts provides a space for display and a volunteer staff to show their wares. More than 40 vendors are members of Highland County Crafts.”

Lambert says because Highland County Crafts paid less than $500.00 in property tax in 2010, the impact of the tax exemption on the county would be minimal.

“During the same time period, Highland County Crafts paid more than $700.00 in state sales tax, a percentage of which comes back to the county” say Lambert. “Highland County Crafts was incorporated in 1969 and owns a century old building on Main Street in Monterey, formerly known as the Highland Mercantile Company.”

Lisa Jacenich, owner of a business on Main Street in Monterey was the only speaker during the public hearing. She emphasized the importance of helping businesses in Monterey to stay open.

“If you drive through a town and store fronts are empty, it’s a signal that there’s nothing to stop for” says Jacenich. “So I’m in full support of the exemption request. The amount of monies that the the Craft shop has to work with are minimal and the amount of expenses are great.”

During Board Comments, Supervisors Jerry Rexrode and David Blanchard spoke in support of Highland County Craft’s request. Supervisor Sullenberger asked County Administrator Roberta Lambert if there was a recent precedent for granting tax exemption. She brought up the request by the Highland Historical Society that was approved by the Board a few months ago.

The Board then passed a motion to approve Highland County Crafts request for exemption from county property taxes.