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1. Is probate or administration of an estate required?

It is necessary to probate the will when the decedent owns assets, whether personal or real estate, solely in his or her name (assets that do not have a joint owner with right of survivorship, beneficiary named, or payable upon death designee). Assets include:

• Life insurance policies
• Personal property such as bank accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Savings bonds
• Stocks
• Other types of valuable items including personal belongings and vehicles

There is no set time limit to which a will must be probated or estate administration must begin. It is recommended however that you begin the process within 30 days after the death of your loved one.

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1. What is the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a document that establishes policies that guide the future development of the County, establishes a vision for the future and identifies a strategy for achieving that vision. Although general in nature, the Comprehensive Plan includes a review of many different aspects of physical development including:

• Economic Development
• Environmental Resources
• Historic Preservation
• Land Use
• Parks and Recreation
• Public Utilities
• Redevelopment
• Transportation

The Comprehensive Plan enables local government officials and citizens to anticipate and deal constructively with changes occurring within the community. Though its format varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the comprehensive plan is a broad effort to address a wide range of community issues and concerns, understanding the important relationships between each part.

2. Why have a Comprehensive Plan?

Virginia State law requires that all local governments have an adopted Comprehensive Plan, which spells out policies for future development in order to ensure orderly growth and the protection of the public health and welfare. The Comprehensive Plan may consist of a number of components, such as local area plans, service plans, and specific land-use related resolutions of the Board of Supervisors. Section 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia states:

The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the territory which will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants.

By requiring local governments to adopt comprehensive plans, the legislature implied that local government issues are best handled at the local level of government. This Comprehensive Plan, therefore, is the vehicle by which the local government officials and citizens of Middlesex County express their goals for the future of their community.

3. Why update the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is used by citizens, developers, County staff, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors to develop and implement a course of growth for Middlesex County. As much has changed in our community over the last five years, the update is necessary to assess new needs, develop solutions for new and long-term challenges, and to plan for new growth while enhancing our existing community. The Plan update will consist of researching and analyzing the County’s:

• Current Conditions
• Future Land Use Plans
• Future Trends
• Goals and Objectives
• Implementation Strategies

4. What is the relationship between the Comprehensive Plan and zoning?

The Comprehensive Plan forms the guide for zoning in Middlesex County, and can be considered a "blueprint" for future zoning decisions. While future land use plan designations are only recommendations of possible future use, they are used as an important guide for the changing of any zoning classification. The Plan is not a zoning ordinance and amendments will not change existing zoning designations, but it is a guide for which zoning changes are anticipated and considered.

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1. How do I apply for a job with the County?

Please fill out a Middlesex County employment application

2. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming Board meeting?

You may view the agendas for upcoming meetings of various Boards, Commissions and Authorities

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1. What is considered a “meal” that is subject to the Meals Tax?

A meal is any prepared food or drink offered or held out for sale by a food establishment for the purpose of being consumed by any person to satisfy the appetite and that is ready for immediate consumption.

2. What is the Meals Tax rate in Middlesex County?

The proposed Meals Tax rate in Middlesex County is 4% of the amount paid for prepared foods purchased in the County. Meals Taxes collected within the Town of Urbanna are paid to the Town.

3. When are Meals Taxes due to Middlesex County?

Taxes are due the 20th day of the month following the month in which the taxes are collected, or should have been collected, from the consumer. For example, Meals Taxes collected from consumers in January are due to be remitted to the County on or before February 20.

4. Does the meal, or prepared food, have to be consumed on the premises of the business where it is purchased to be taxable?

No, the meal, or prepared food, is subject to the Meals Tax whether it is intended to be consumed on the seller’s premises or elsewhere and without regard to the manner, time or place of service.

5. Are beverages such as soda, beer, water and others that are in a can, bottle or other factory sealed container subject to the Meals Tax?

No alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages sold for off-premise consumption in factory sealed containers are exempt from the Meals Tax.

6. What is considered a “restaurant”?

Definition

A restaurant as defined by the ordinance is:

1. Any place where food is prepared for service to the public whether on or off premises
2. Any place where food is served to the public
3. Any place or operation which prepares or stores food for distribution to persons of the same business operation of a related business operation for service to the public

Examples

Examples of restaurants include:

• Bakery
• Cafe
• Cafeteria
• Catering Service
• Coffee Shop
• Confectionery
• Convenience Stores
• Delicatessen
• Dining Facility in a Public or Private:
  • Bar
  • Club
  • Lounge
  • Resort
• Dining Room
• Drugstore
• Eatery
• Eating House
• Grill
• Ice Cream/Yogurt Shops
• Lunch Counter
• Lunch Wagon or Truck, Push Carts, or Other Mobile Facility from Which Food Is Sold
• Lunchroom
• Restaurants
• Short Order Place
• Snack Bar
• Tavern
• Theatres

7. Do businesses get a commission for aiding the county in the collection of the Tax?

Yes; any business that collects the tax may retain a commission of 5% of the total tax they collect to cover administrative costs associated with collection. For example, a restaurant that collections $1000 in tax will be able to retain $50 for its administrative expenses.

8. Are gratuities subject to the Meals Tax?

No; The Virginia Code, section 58.1-3840 says:

• No such taxes on meals may be imposed on:
  1. The amount paid by the purchaser as a discretionary gratuity
  2. That portion of the amount paid by the purchaser as a mandatory gratuity or service charge added by the restaurant in addition to the sales price of the meal, but only to the extent that such mandatory gratuity or service charge does not exceed 20% of the sales price
  3. Food and beverages sold through vending machines or on any tangible personal property purchased with food coupons issued by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Program or drafts issued through the Virginia Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

9. Are there any exemptions to the Meals Tax?

Exempt Items

Yes, the following items, when served exclusively for off-premise consumption, are exempt from the Meals Tax:

1. Factory-prepackaged snacks including candy, gum, popcorn, cookies, chips, doughnuts, ice cream, crackers, nabs, and the like and items of essentially the same nature
2. Food sold in bulk
3. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages sold in factory-sealed containers
4. Any food or food product purchased with food coupons issued by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Program or drafts issued through the state special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children
5. Any food or food product purchased for home consumption as defined in the federal Food Stamp Act of 1977, 7 USC 2012, as amended, except hot food or hot food products ready for immediate consumption. The following items, whether or not purchased for immediate consumption, are excluded from the definition of food in the federal Food Stamp Act (Items 3, 4, and 5 are not affected by this item):
   • Nonfactory-sealed beverages
   • Prepackaged single-serving salads consisting primarily of an assortment of vegetables
   • Salad bar items sold from a salad bar
   • Sandwiches

Exempt Purchases

The following purchases of food and beverages are exempt from the Meals Tax:

1. Food and beverages furnished by food establishments to employees as part of their compensation when no charge is made to the employee
2. Food and beverages sold by day care centers, public or private elementary or secondary schools or food sold by any college or university to its students served on site and paid for as a part of a tuition, meal or similar plan
3. Food and beverages furnished by a hospital, medical clinic, convalescent home, nursing home, home for the aged, infirm, handicapped, battered women, narcotic addicts or alcoholics; or other extended care facility to patients or residents thereof and the spouses and children of such persons
4. Food and beverages furnished by a public or private nonprofit charitable organization or establishment or a private establishment that contracts with the appropriate agency of the Commonwealth to offer meals at concession prices to elderly, infirm, blind, handicapped or needy persons in their homes or at central locations
5. Food and beverages sold on an occasional basis, not exceeding six times per calendar year, by a nonprofit educational, charitable or benevolent organization; church; or religious body as a fundraising activity, the gross proceeds of which are to be used by such organization exclusively for nonprofit educational, charitable, benevolent or religious purposes
6. Food and beverages sold through vending machines

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1. What is considered individual personal property?

Virginia State Code Section 58.1-3503 defines personal property as:

• Aircraft
• Automobiles
• Boats
• Campers
• Golf Carts
• Jet Skis
• Manufactured Homes
• Motorcycles
• Recreational Vehicles
• Trailers
• Trucks

2. When is the personal property tax bill due?

Personal property tax bills are due on December 5th.

3. If I move out of Middlesex County or sell an item of personal property, will my tax bill be prorated?

Middlesex County does not prorate personal property. You will be responsible for the tax bill for the entire year.

4. What do I do if I dispose of a vehicle?

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately if your vehicle has been sold, stolen, donated, or totaled. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires notification within 30 days of selling, trading, or junking a vehicle by completing the back portion of the vehicle registration form.

5. What do I do if I dispose of a boat or jet ski?

Notify the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or Coast Guard Documentation Center immediately if your watercraft has been sold, stolen, donated, or junked. You will need to notify Department of Motor Vehicles if you sold a boat trailer.

6. I am in the military; do I have to pay personal property taxes?

If your legal domicile is Virginia, your vehicle(s) is/are subject to personal property taxes from the locality where you are registered regardless of where the vehicle is garaged during your active military service. If your vehicle is titled in Virginia, but your legal domicile is not in Virginia, your vehicle is not subject to Virginia property taxes. A copy of a current leave and earnings statement is required to absolve any liability to Virginia. This statement must be filed with the Commissioner’s office each year.

7. What do I do if I have purchased a new vehicle or boat?

For vehicles, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles and register the vehicle in your name with a garage jurisdiction of Middlesex County. The Department of Motor Vehicles will forward this information to our office at the beginning of each year. For boats, you must register the vessel with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or Coast Guard with a docking or usage location of Middlesex County.

8. How do I contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles?

Website

Visit Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Phone

You can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles by phone at 804-497-7100.

Mail

The mailing address for the Department of Motor Vehicles is:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269

9. How do I contact the Virginia Department of Game?

Website

Visit Game and Inland Fisheries website.

Phone

You can reach the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by phone at 866-721-6911 or 804-367-6135.

Address

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is located at:
4010 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230

10. How do I contact the Coast Guard?

Website

Visit the Coast Guard website.

Phone

You can reach the National Vessel Documentation Center by phone at 800-799-8362 or 304-271-2400.

11. I own an antique vehicle with antique / vintage-restricted tags; do I have to register this vehicle?

Yes, all vehicles need to be registered with Middlesex County. If the vehicle is classified as an antique or vintage and has permanent license plates issued, then the vehicle is not subject to taxation.

12. What is Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) and how does it affect the taxpayer?

The 1998 Virginia General Assembly passed legislation to phase out the payment of personal property taxes by individuals on certain motor vehicles. The State’s “No Car Tax Program” has been eliminated as of September 1, 2006.

A new program was implemented by the State as of January 1, 2006. The personal property tax relief program is no longer intended to eliminate the personal property tax, but rather provide a reduction to the taxpayer. Your tax bill will be reduced by a percentage which will be determined annually. The relief now represents an annual block grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

13. When does a vehicle not qualify for PPTRA?

Vehicles do not qualify under the following circumstances:

• Campers, recreational vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes do not qualify for PPTRA
• If the gross weight is more than 10,000 pounds
• If more than 50% of the mileage for the year is for business purposes
• If the vehicle is registered in a business name
• If the vehicle’s cost is expensed pursuant to Section 179 of Internal Revenue Service Code
• Vehicles with "Farm Use" or "For Hire" plates

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1. Do bats get rabies?

Yes. Bats are mammals and are susceptible to rabies, but most do not have the disease. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it; rabies can be confirmed only by having the animal tested in a laboratory. To minimize the risk for rabies, it is best never to handle any bat.

2. What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?

If you are bitten by a bat or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing.

People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.

People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled!).

3. What should I do if I find a bat in my home?

If you see a bat in your home and you are sure no human or pet exposure has occurred, confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon. If not, it can be caught, as described below, and released outdoors away from people and pets.

However, if there is any question of exposure, leave the bat alone and call animal control or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance. If professional assistance is unavailable, use precautions to capture the bat safely. What you will need:

• Leather work gloves (put them on)
• Small box or coffee can
• Piece of cardboard
• Tape

When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place a box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely. Contact your health department or animal control authority to make arrangements for rabies testing.

4. How can I tell if a bat has rabies?

Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example in rooms in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Therefore, it is best never to handle any bat.

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1. When is the Middlesex County Rabies Clinic?

Generally held the last Saturday in October.  For 2021, with the assistance of Dr. Skinner from Hartfield Animal Hospital, Tri-Rivers Health District, and the Middlesex County Treasurers Office, the County will be hosting a drive-through Rabies Vaccination Clinic on October 30th from 8am-10am at the Middlesex County Courthouse.   

This will allow you to have your animal vaccinated and to obtain your county dog/kennel license.   Email Cpl. R.T. Hirtz at r.hirtz@co.middlesex.va.us with the number of dogs you intend to bring, or call the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and leave message for Cpl. Hirtz at 804-758-2779 with the same information.  This is to ensure that we have enough vaccinations available.  Cost is $10.00 for dogs and $17.00 for cats. 

2. How can I protect my pet from rabies?

There are several things you can do to protect your pet from rabies. First, visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, ferrets, and dogs. Second, maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision. Third, spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.

Lastly, call animal control at 804-758-2779 to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.

3. Why does my pet need the rabies vaccine?

Although the majority of rabies cases occur in wildlife, most humans are given rabies vaccine as a result of exposure to domestic animals. This explains the tremendous cost of rabies prevention in domestic animals in the United States. While wildlife are more likely to be rabid than are domestic animals in the United States, the amount of human contact with domestic animals greatly exceeds the amount of contact with wildlife. Your pets and other domestic animals can be infected when they are bitten by rabid wild animals.

When "spillover" rabies occurs in domestic animals, the risk to humans is increased. Pets are therefore vaccinated by your veterinarian to prevent them from acquiring the disease from wildlife, and thereby transmitting it to humans.

4. What happens if a neighborhood dog or cat bites me?

You should seek medical evaluation for any animal bite and call animal control. However, rabies is uncommon in dogs, cats, and ferrets in the United States. Very few bites by these animals carry a risk of rabies. If the cat (or dog or ferret) appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days. If a dog, cat, or ferret appeared ill at the time it bit you or becomes ill during the 10 day quarantine, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian for signs of rabies and you should seek medical advice about the need for anti-rabies prophylaxis.

Reason for the Quarantine

The quarantine period is a precaution against the remote possibility that an animal may appear healthy, but actually be sick with rabies. To understand this statement, you have to understand a few things about the pathogenesis of rabies (the way the rabies virus affects the animal it infects). From numerous studies conducted on rabid dogs, cats, and ferrets, we know that rabies virus inoculated into a muscle travels from the site of the inoculation to the brain by moving within nerves.

The animal does not appear ill during this time, which is called the incubation period and which may last for weeks to months. A bite by the animal during the incubation period does not carry a risk of rabies because the virus is not in saliva. Only late in the disease, after the virus has reached the brain and multiplied there to cause an encephalitis (or inflammation of the brain), does the virus move from the brain to the salivary glands and saliva.

Also at this time, after the virus has multiplied in the brain, almost all animals begin to show the first signs of rabies. Most of these signs are obvious to even an untrained observer, but within a short period of time, usually within 3 to 5 days, the virus has caused enough damage to the brain that the animal begins to show unmistakable signs of rabies. As an added precaution, the quarantine period is lengthened to 10 days.

For More Information

For more information on recommendations about biting incidences, quarantine, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), see: Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 2000 and Rabies Prevention - United States, 1999 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP).

For more information on dog bites, please see the bibliography maintained by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

5. What happens if my pet (cat, dog, ferret) is bitten by a wild animal?

Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal should be placed in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated 1 month before being released. Animals with expired vaccinations need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Dogs and cats that are currently vaccinated are kept under observation for 45 days.

For information on rabies in domestic ferrets, see: Niezgoda, M., Briggs, D. J., Shaddock, J., Dreesen, D. W, and Rupprecht, C. E (1997). Pathogenesis of experimentally induced rabies in domestic ferrets. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 58(11), 1327-1331.

6. I am moving to a rabies-free country and want to take my pets with me. Where can I get more information?

The details of regulation about importing pets into rabies-free countries vary by country. Check with the embassy of your destination country.

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1. How do people get rabies?

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

2. Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?

Non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that post-exposure prophylaxis is given.

Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a potential non-bite route of exposure, but other than laboratory workers, most people are unlikely to encounter an aerosol of rabies virus. Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis.

3. How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?

Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failures in the United States (i.e., someone developed rabies) when post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after an exposure.

4. What medical attention do I need if I am exposed to rabies?

One of the most effective methods to decrease the chances for infection involves thorough washing of the wound with soap and water. Specific medical attention for someone exposed to rabies is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. In the United States, PEP consists of a regimen of one dose of immune globulin and five doses of rabies vaccine over a 28-day period. Rabies immune globulin and the first dose of rabies vaccine should be given by your health care provider as soon as possible after exposure.

Additional doses or rabies vaccine should be given on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the first vaccination. Current vaccines are relatively painless and are given in your arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine.

5. Will the rabies vaccine make me sick?

Adverse reactions to rabies vaccine and immune globulin are not common. Newer vaccines in use today cause fewer adverse reactions than previously available vaccines. Mild, local reactions to the rabies vaccine, such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, have been reported. Other symptoms more rarely reported include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

Local pain and low-grade fever may follow injection of rabies immune globulin.

6. What if I cannot get rabies vaccine on the day I am supposed to get my next dose?

Consult with your doctor or state or local public health officials for recommended times if there is going to be a change in the recommended schedule of shots. Rabies prevention is a serious matter and changes should not be made in the schedule of doses.

7. Can rabies be transmitted from one person to another?

The only well-documented documented cases of rabies caused by human-to-human transmission occurred among 8 recipients of transplanted corneas, and recently among three recipients of solid organs (see MMWR article). Guidelines for acceptance of suitable cornea and organ donations, as well as the rarity of human rabies in the United States, reduce this risk. In addition to transmission from cornea and organ transplants, bite and non-bite exposures inflicted by infected humans could theoretically transmit rabies, but no such cases have been documented.

Casual contact, such as touching a person with rabies or contact with non-infectious fluid or tissue (urine, blood, feces) does not constitute an exposure and does not require post-exposure prophylaxis. In addition, contact with someone who is receiving rabies vaccination does not constitute rabies exposure and does not require post-exposure prophylaxis.

For more information on person-to-person transmission of rabies, see: Fekadu, M., Endeshaw, T., Alemu, W., Bogale, Y., Teshager, T., and Olson, J. G. (1996). Possible human-to-human transmission of rabies in Ethiopia. Ethiopia Medical Journal, 34, 123-127.

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1. Should I be concerned about rabies when I travel outside the United States?

Yes. Rabies and the rabies-like viruses can occur in animals anywhere in the world. In most countries, the risk of rabies in an encounter with an animal and the precautions necessary to prevent rabies are the same as they are in the United States. When traveling, it is always prudent to avoid approaching any wild or domestic animal.

The developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have additional problems in that dog rabies is common there and preventive treatment for human rabies may be difficult to obtain. The importance of rabid dogs in these countries, where tens of thousands of people die of the disease each year, cannot be overstated. Unlike programs in developed countries, dog rabies vaccination programs in developing countries have not always been successful.

Rates of post-exposure prophylaxis in some developing countries are about 10 times higher than in the United States, and rates of human rabies are sometimes 100 times higher. Before traveling abroad, consult a health care provider, travel clinic, or health department about your risk of exposure to rabies and how to handle an exposure should it arise.

2. Should I receive rabies pre-exposure vaccination before traveling to other countries?

In most countries, the risk of rabies and the precautions for preventing rabies are the same as they are in the United States. However, in some developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, dog rabies may be common and preventive treatment for rabies may be difficult to obtain. If you are traveling to a rabies-endemic country, you should consult your health care provider about the possibility of receiving pre-exposure vaccination against rabies. Pre-exposure vaccination is suggested if:

• Your planned activity will bring you into contact with wild or domestic animals (for example, biologists, veterinarians, or agriculture specialists working with animals).
• You will be visiting remote areas where medical care is difficult to obtain or may be delayed (for example, hiking through remote villages where dogs are common).
• Your stay is longer than 1 month in an area where dog rabies is common (the longer you stay, the greater the chance of an encounter with an animal).

3. If I get pre-exposure vaccination before I travel, am I protected if I am bitten?

No. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is given for several reasons:

• First, although pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for additional therapy after a rabies exposure, it simplifies therapy by eliminating the need for human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and decreasing the number of doses needed; a point of particular importance for persons at high risk of being exposed to rabies in areas where immunizing products may not be readily available.
• Second, it may protect persons whose post-exposure therapy might be delayed.
• Finally, it may provide partial protection to persons with unapparent exposures to rabies.

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1. What animals get rabies?

Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are:

• Bats
• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Raccoons
• Skunks

Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.

2. How can I find out what animals have rabies in my area?

Each state collects specific information about rabies, and is the best source for information on rabies in your area. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes rabies surveillance data every year for the United States. The report, entitled Rabies Surveillance in the United States, contains information about the number of cases of rabies reported to CDC during the year, the animals reported rabid, maps showing where cases were reported for wild and domestic animals, and distribution maps showing outbreaks of rabies associated with specific animals. A summary of the report can be found on the CDC website.

3. What is the risk of rabies from squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents?

Small rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks) and lagomorphs (such as rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans in the United States. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a risk of rabies unless the animal was sick or behaving in any unusual manner and rabies is widespread in your area.

However, from 1985 through 1994, woodchucks accounted for 86% of the 368 cases of rabies among rodents reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Woodchucks or groundhogs (Marmota monax) are the only rodents that may be frequently submitted to state health department because of a suspicion of rabies. In all cases involving rodents, the state or local health department should be consulted before a decision is made to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

For more information about rabies in rodents and lagomorphs, see: Childs, J. E., Colby, L., Krebs, J. W., Strine, T., Feller, M., Noah, D., Drenzek, C., Smith, J. S., and Rupprecht, C. E. (1997). Surveillance and spatiotemporal associations of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the United States, 1985-1994. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 33(1), 20-27.

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1. What are the Commissioners duties as they relate to real estate?

The Commissioner of the Revenue is the Real Property Tax Administrator for the County as such we:

• Administer all tax exemptions and special assessment programs of the County and State 
• Assess annually all taxes on each taxable parcel
• Create new parcels based on recordation in the Clerk of Circuit Courts
• Maintain all records of ownership based on deed transfers, wills, chancery and special warranty deeds
• Maintain tax maps
• Oversee the Public Service taxation and Bank Franchise validation for the Commonwealth
• Supplement and exonerate all changes in value

2. What is the real estate tax rate?

The current tax rate for real estate is 0.62¢ per $100. The Board of Supervisors sets this rate annually.

3. What is the purpose of the land use program?

The purpose of the program is to preserve land where real property is specifically devoted to agriculture, forestry and horticultural uses. The program is designed to defer the fair market value and in its place assign a special assessment based strictly on use value versus market value. Market Value represents the highest and best use of real property where Special Assessments for Land Preservation represent limited uses which benefit all citizens.

When real property changes from its limited use to the highest and best use, the difference in value or deferment in value assigned through special assessment is taxed for the current and five previous tax years. For example, when parcels change from Forestry or Farm use to residential developments.

4. Why are some properties tax exempt?

In accordance with Title 58.1 Chapter 36 of the Virginia Code real property as delineated in the statute are exempt from taxation by classification or designation. The state code tax exemptions are based on specific "uses" and this office ensures those "uses" are being adhered to prior to granting an exemption. The term exempt by classification refers to real property used by a specific group such as a church, to be exempt by designation a governing body must specify the property owner by name. Property owned by a specific group is not automatically exempt based on ownership name, but that the owner is "using" the property for the exempt purpose of the organization. In order to receive the exemption a letter and/or application is required and in certain cases approval by the Board of Supervisors.

5. How are tax relief programs administered?

Tax Relief programs have qualifications that are either listed in the Code of Virginia, Title 58.1 or the County Code of Middlesex. This office is the administrator for the programs; however, the qualifications and policies that determine whether and individual qualifies are codified in the State and County Codes.