Here are your top announcements from Bedford County, VA government for December 2023:
Personal property taxes and the second installment of real estate taxes are due by Dec. 5.
There are several ways to pay:
- Mail check or money order to: Bedford County Treasurer's Office, P.O. Box 63014, Charlotte, NC 28263. Make checks payable to Bedford County Treasurer. Read this article about why your payment is sent to Charlotte, N.C.
- Credit/debit cards are accepted in the office, by phone (888-272-9829, jurisdiction code 1067). You can also pay with a credit card online.
- Pay in-person at the Treasurer's Office located at 122 E. Main St., Suite 101, Bedford. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except holidays).
- Leave your payment in the drop box located outside of the County Administration Building's East Main Street entrance.
If you did not receive a bill but should have, contact the Treasurer’s office at taxinquiry@bedfordcountyva.gov.
The outdoor burning ban in Bedford County remains in effect through Dec. 8.
Bedford County officials issued the ban on Nov. 8, 2023, due to dangerously dry conditions. The ban includes the Town of Bedford.
Through Dec. 8, it is against the law to:
- Burn brush, grass, leaves, trash, debris, or any other flammable material.
- Ignite or maintain any open fire, such as a campfire or fire pit. (The ban does NOT apply to propane or natural gas outdoor grills or gas-fired cooking equipment.)
Violation of the burn ban is a class-one misdemeanor.
If no action is taken by County officials, the ban will expire on Dec. 8. We will update the public as the deadline approaches.
Learn more about the burn ban.
Bedford County administrative offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
CHRISTMAS: Administrative offices will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 22 and will remain closed on Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day. The Waste Management Facility and gated waste convenience centers will be closed on Christmas Day only. The Bedford Area Welcome Center will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
NEW YEAR’S: Administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. The Waste Management Facility, gated waste convenience centers, and Bedford Area Welcome Center will also be closed.
The Festival of Trees is on display through Jan. 5, 2024, at the Bedford Area Welcome Center.
This is the 15th year of the holiday event that’s organized by Destination Bedford.
There are 40 trees on display this year—the most ever! Each tree is decorated by a community organization or business. You vote for your favorites for $1/vote. Proceeds are donated to a nonprofit of choice for the respective tree.
The Bedford Area Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) and has extended hours until 8 p.m. Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10.
Parks & Recreation will host several holiday-themed events in December.
Parents and children are invited to the Elks Home (931 Ashland Ave., Bedford) for Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 9. Children can meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy breakfast. Coffee will be served for parents. This is a free event but a donation of canned or non-perishable food is encouraged.
The Senior Christmas Social is set for Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bedford Moose Lodge (2986 W Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford). Visit with Santa, enjoy a meal, listen to musical entertainment, and play Santa Bingo. Cost is $3 per person. RSPV to Parks 7 Rec by Dec. 11 by calling (540) 586-7682.
Art Instructor Jenn Fitzgerald will be hosting two sessions of Winter Art Camp on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. Learn more on the Youth Programs page.
There are several ways you can give to those in need this Christmas through Bedford County departments.
Social Services has “Adopt a Child” and “Adopt a Family” options through Dec. 13. For more information, call 540-586-7750 x2276 or email laurel.atwood@dss.virginia.gov.
Donate to the Shop with a Cop fundraiser through Dec. 13. Checks can be made out to Bedford County DSS; memo, “Shop with a Cop.” Mail to Bedford DSS, Attn. D. Kennedy, PO Box 1187, Bedford, VA 24523.
Food donations are accepted at Social Services (119 E. Main Street, Bedford) during regular business hours through the New Year.
As a reminder to those in the Land Use Assessment Program, the renewal cycle for submission of applications is now every other year, on even tax years.
That means current participants in the Land Use Assessment Program did not receive a renewal this year. They will receive an application in September 2024.
A new application is required to enter a property into the Land Use Assessment Program for the first time or in the event of an acreage change due to a property split.
Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at 540-586-7621 or email comrevinquiry@bedfordcountyva.gov for more information.
