Business & Economy
Changing for the Better
From agriculture to tourism, Greenbrier Valley remains committed to the enhancement of its economic development
Timber and agriculture have always been important segments of Greenbrier County's economy, while tourism has emerged as a major force, thanks to the Greenbrier Resort and the development of state and federal parks. The health care industry has grown dramatically with facilities such as the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and The Greenbrier Valley Medical center providing increasing employment for area residents. A new National Guard Armory is being built near the airport and should bring with it many other ancillary businesses. The following is a look at Greenbrier County's key industries.
Agriculture: The county's 1,063 active farms focus primarily on beef and dairy cattle, turkey and sheep. Greenbrier County is the largest beef producer in West Virginia and also is home to British United Turkeys of America, which operates two hatcheries, 121 growing farms and nine breeding farms. Staple crops include alfalfa, corn, mixed grass and hay, with county farms covering approximately 180,000 acres.
Timber: More than 400,000 acres of local forests provide a sustained flow of timber to three hardwood mills and a large paper manufacturer in adjacent Allegheny County, VA. Mead Westvaco, Georgia Pacific and several smaller companies operate in Greenbrier County.
Limestone: Local quarries produce agricultural lime, ballast, road rock, cement and related products.
Manufacturing: ABB Process Analytics and Appalachian Electronic Instruments produce chromatographic monitoring and switching equipment for national and worldwide markets. Hardwood products are manufactured by Mullican Lumber & Manufacturing. American Foam Products, Inc., produces phenolic craft foam products. Gateway Industries makes rubber and vinyl industrial aprons, and Meadow River Enterprises manufactures metal railroad car seating components and ceramic light panels.
Utilities: Verizon and Allegheny Power Electric and Gas are the principal providers of electricity and gas. Water and sewage services are maintained by county or local public authorities.
Retail and Wholesale: Chain and local food markets, regional and national department and discount stores, as well as a wide variety of antique, craft, clothing and other specialty shops offer a wide range of shopping opportunities for local residents.
Tourism: With its unspoiled natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, historic landmarks and variety of dining and lodging options, Greenbrier County has seen tourism develop into a major industry over the years. With a county-wide convention and visitors bureau aggressively promoting tourism, it is poised for future growth.
Government
Greenbrier County is the second largest county in West Virginia. Governed by an elected three-member commission that meets in the County Courthouse in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County elects two members to the West Virginia House of Delegates. As part of the 10th Senatorial District (Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, part of Fayette, part of Mercer) the county helps elect two state senators.
Incorporated municipalities are Alderson, Renick, Lewisburg, Quinwood, Rainelle, Ronceverte, Rupert and White Sulphur Springs.
Taxation
Sales Tax: State sales tax is 6% per $1 on all purchases including food and clothing.
Income Tax: State income tax is imposed on all income to include state and federal pensions. Only police and firefighter pensions are exempt from state income tax.
Taxable income is that determined to be the federal adjusted gross income reduced by a $2,000-per-person exemption. There are additional exemptions for citizens over 65 years of age. State income tax rates are as shown:
- Taxable income under $10,000 is 3%.
- $10,001 to $25,000 is $300 + 4% of excess over $10,000.
- $25,001 to $40,000 is $900 + 4.5% of excess over $25,000.
- $40,001 to $60,000 is $1,575 + 6% of excess over $40,000.
- Over $60,000 is $2,775 + 6.5% of excess over $60,000.
Property Taxes: Counties operate on an ad valorem tax on both real and personal property. The appraised value is multiplied by 60% to get the assessed value, which is then multiplied by the current tax rate to determine the tax owed.
Real & Personal Property Tax Classes
Class I: All tangible personal property employed exclusively in agriculture to include farm machinery and equipment, all products of agriculture (including livestock) while owned by the producer.
Class II: All property owned, used and occupied by the owner exclusively for residential purposes, and on farms used and occupied by their owners or bona fide tenants. Farm Exemptions and Homestead Exemptions may be applied to Class II property with proper applications to the Assessor's Office.
Class III: All real and personal property outside of municipalities exclusive of Class I and Class II.
Class IV: All real and personal property inside municipalities exclusive of Class I and Class II.
Tax rate X 60% Assessment = property tax
| Locality All Districts Alderson Falling Spring Lewisburg Quinwood Rainelle Ronceverte Rupert White Sulphur Springs |
Class I .0049345 .0068095 .0061845 .0068095 .0061845 .0061845 .0068095 .0061845 .0061845 |
Class II .0098690 .013619 .0123690 .013619 .0123690 .0123690 .013619 .0123690 .0123690 |
Class III .019738 none none none none none none none none |
Class IV none .027238 .024738 .027238 .024738 .024738 .027238 .024738 .024738 |
For further information on property taxes:
Nancy Sartor, Assessor
304-647-6615
nsartor1@assessor.state.wv.us
Greenbrier County Assessor's Office
P.O Box 881
Lewisburg, WV 24901.
For information on state income taxes:
800-982-8297
http://www.state.wv.us/taxdiv
State Tax Department Taxpayers Services Division
Building 1, Room 417
Charleston, WV 25305.
