Online Payments can be made for several of our municipal services. To check to see if payments may be made online click here.
Automobiles:
Under Virginia law, new residents must obtain a valid state vehicle registration card and Virginia License Plates for their motor vehicles(s) within thirty (30) days of moving to Virginia. For more information you can contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as follows: www.dmv.state.va.us
Local Office: 1729 Park Ave SW
Norton, VA 24273
M-F, 9am-5pm
Sat, 8am-12 noon
phone 1-866-368-5463.Within thirty (30) days of any move you must notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
Electric Service:
Electricity service is available from Old Dominion Power, a Kentucky Utilities Company. Residential Service Call Center hours are M-F, 7am-7pm EST at 800-981-0600 www.eon-us.com/ku.
The leading U.S. provider of solar electricity. Solar electricity is a green alternative to traditional electric utilities.Sunpower is the leading provider of residential solar with over 100,000 customers, including many in Virginia. Sunpower is the global leader in solar power. As well as their residential system, they provide solar to many of America's leading companies, including Apple, Google, and Walmart. Sunpower Corporation us.sunpower.com Solar Solutions for Homes, Businesses, and Utilities, 77 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 1.800.SUNPOWER(1-800-786-7693).
Telephone Service:
Telephone service is provided by Verizon Communications and their system in this area has digital telecommunications and fiber optic capability. To establish phone service call at 954-6222 or log on to http://www.verizon.com/. Customers with disabilities may phone 1-800-974-6006.
Verizon also offers high speed internet service in your area and you may check out the service by going to this website: http://www.verizoninternet.com/ and the toll-free phone number is: 1-877-773-8399.
HughesNet provides residential phone solutions and high-speed internet services to our community, website: internet.hughesnet.com/satellite-internet and the phone number is 1-877-715-4820.
Water and Sewer Service:
Water and sewer service is provided by the Town of Wise. Any application for residential water or sewer service must be made in person at the Wise Municipal Building at 501 West Main Street. A completed application, including photo identification, a signed users agreement and payment of a $20 (cash or check because we don't accept credit of debit cards) application fee is required before any service can be connected. Renters of residential or commercial premises must also pay a refundable $100 (cash or check) deposit at the time of application for service.
Pay your bill online at : www.townofwise.org
IN TOWN WATER RATE FIRST 1,000 GALLONS $14.38
RATE EVERY 1,000 GALLONS THEREAFTER $5.75
OUT OF TOWN WATER RATE FIRST 1,000 GALLONS $23.00
RATE EVERY 1,000 GALLONS THEREAFTER $9.20
IN TOWN SEWER CHARGE AS A PERCENT OF WATER 125.00%
FLAT FEE FOR SEWER IF NO TOWN WATER $40.98
OUT OF TOWN SEWER CHARGE AS A PERCENT OF WATER 125.00%
FLAT FEE FOR SEWER IF NO TOWN WATER $65.55
WATER METER ACCURACY TEST $25.00
Garbage Collection Service:
When you sign up for Water and/or Sewer service with the Town of Wise Utility Billing Department, you automatically become a Solid Waste Collection customer. Local ordinance requires Town collection, removal, and disposal of contained solid waste from all buildings in the town. In preparing your garbage for collection, it is important to remember that all waste needs to be bagged and placed in a lidded can. Do not place loose garbage in your can. In addition, all garbage must be contained inside a can with lid closed. Cans purchased for containment of waste may not exceed 35 gallons in size.
Garbage cans must be at your collection point on your collection day, by 7:00 AM each week. Collection day is assigned by the Town of Wise Utility Billing Department. Routes are created so the Solid Waste Collection Department can work in the most cost-effective way. Therefore your day cannot be changed. Generally, your garbage is picked at about the same time every week. Changes in weather conditions, crew assignment, and equipment problems can disrupt these schedules so customers are advised to have cans in place for collection by 7 AM. The Town will not come back if you did not get your cart out on time and you will not receive a credit for collection charges.
Garbage collection is a special service for our paying customers only. Taking or using another resident's collection point is illegal. If you see illegal dumping anywhere in the Town of Wise, please report the license number, vehicle description, person involved in the dumping, and the item that was dumped by phoning 328-6013
The monthly rates for garbage collection and disposal services are as follows:
SERVICE CURRENT RATE
RESIDENTIAL
1 Pickup/Week $12.00/Month
2 Pickups/Week $24.00/Month
3 Pickups/Week $36.00/Month
4 Pickups/Week $48.00/Month
5 Pickups/Week $60.00/Month
6 Pickups/Week $72.00/Month
7 Pickups/Week $84.00/Month
8 Pickups/Week $96.00/Month
9 Pickups/Week $108.00/Month
10 Pickups/Week $120.00/Month
Leaf Removal by Vaccuum
Up to 6 cu yds (1/2 box) $30.00
1/2 to one box $60.00
Brush or Bulk Pick Up & Disposal
Up to 1/2 truck load $30.00
1/2 to one truck load $60.00
Internet, Phone and TV:
Comcast/Xfinity
1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278) 24/7
www.comcast.com
Satellite Internet Service
Exede.
Natalia Hernandez
Public Outreach specialist
Provider of Exede + WildBlue satellite Internet services
www.exede.com
Satellite Television
DIRECTV
Toll Free Number: 1-866-271-9853
Website: www.direct.tv
BestSatelliteProviders
www.bestsatelliteproviders.comReturn to top
Voting:
To register to vote you must :
Be a U.S. resident
Be a resident of Virginia
Be 18 years old by the next General Election
In addition, if the individual has been convicted of a felony or judged by a circuit court to be mentally incompetent your voting rights must have been restored.
To vote in a general or primary election, you must register at least 29 days before the election in which you plan to vote.
Virginia law requires every voter to present identification at the polls.
For more information, contact:
The Wise County General Registrar
Wise County Courthouse
206 East Main Street
P.O. Box 309
Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-8331
Taxes:
Real Estate Tax
The Town’s real estate tax rate is set annually by Town Council.
The current rate is .30 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Real estate taxes are due December 5th of each year.
Town residents must also pay county taxes
The County’s real estate tax rate is set annually by the Board of Supervisors.
The current rate is .60 per $100 of assessed value.
County real estate taxes are billed twice a year and are due May 15th and October 15th of each year.
Personal Property and Mobile Homes Tax
Personal property is defined as cars, aircraft, boats, buses, mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks that are parked, garaged, or stored in the Town.
The Town’s personal property tax rate is set annually by Town Council.
The current rate is .63 per $100 of assessed value.
Personal property taxes are due December 5th of each year.
Town residents must also pay county taxes
The County’s personal property tax rate is set annually by the Board of Supervisors.
The current rate is 1.56 per $100 of assessed value.
County real estate taxes are due October 15th of each year.
Tax Contacts are as follows:
Town of Wise Treasurer’s Office Wise County Treasurer’s Office
501 West Main Street 206 East Main Street
P.O. Box 1100 P.O. Box 1308
Wise, VA 24293 Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-6013 (276) 328-3666
(276) 328-2519 (276) 328-4570
Pay your taxes online at: www.townofwise.org
Nuisances:
Through its various ordinances, the Town attempts to maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and attractive community for the enjoyment of its residents and businesses. Below are some of the local codes to help us all be good stewards of our property:
The Town has adopted the International Property Maintenance
Code which requires that all premises be kept free of weeds and
grasses in excess of 10 inches in height.
Our local litter ordinance requires that all properties be kept free
of trash and debris.
Motor vehicles or trailers on private property must be in good
operating condition and display both a valid license plate and a
local decal, and a state inspection sticker.
To report violations please contact:
Wise Zoning Administrator
Wise Municipal Building
501 West Main Street
P.O. Box 1100
Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-6013 phone
(276) 328-2519 fax
Education
Kids Central, Inc. operates several Head Start Centers throughout Wise County. Wise residents may contact the Wise Center on the campus of the University of Virginia at Wise at 276-328-9002
The Wise County Public School system includes 14 schools in six towns. Residents of the Town of Wise are served by:
Interested students can obtain an Associates Degree or complete the first two years of a Bachelor’s Program at Mountain Empire Community College, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, State Route 387 U.S. 23 South, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, 276-523-2400, www.mecc.edu.
The Town of Wise is proud to be home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which has been recognized as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, One College Ave, Wise, VA 24293,
276-328-0100 or 888-282-9324, www.uvawise.edu.
Adult Education programs are available to provide vocational, educational, and pre-employment training to adults who are economically disadvantaged, unemployed, under-employed, or displaced homemakers. For more information contact the Wise Skills Center, 515 Hurricane Road, Wise, VA 24293, 276-328-8081.
Virginia Tech extends university educational resources to the citizens of Wise through its programs in agriculture and natural resources, pesticide education, plant and insect identification, 4-H youth development, family and consumer science, consumer education, family and human development, and food and nutrition. Contact The Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, P.O. Box 1156, Wise, VA 24293, 276-328-6194 or 3699, www.ext.vt.edu
BUILDING & ZONING:
The Town of Wise requires that a Zoning Permit be obtained before making most improvements to your property. Once obtained, the Zoning Permit should be taken to the Wise County Building Inspector’s Office in order to secure a building permit. A landowner should contact the town Zoning Officer at 328-6013 before beginning construction activity to find out if a Zoning Permit will be required for planned activities.
For most new construction, including but not limited to constructing a new driveway, installing a storage building, adding onto your building, or constructing a new building, you must complete a zoning permit application. Fences that do not exceed six feet in height may be constructed without a zoning permit Said application must be accompanied by a copy of your deed and property survey or plat. The fee for issuance of a standard Zoning Permit is $25.
Some uses requiring the exercise of planning judgment as to location and site development will involve additional permits and a more extensive protocol of review by the Planning Commission, Town Council, and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals. They are as follows:
Appeal of an Administrative Decision $ 50
Application for a Special Exception $ 50
Application for a Variance $ 50
Application for Site Plan Review $100
Application for a Conditional Use $150
Petition for Rezoning $150
BUILDING/ZONING PERMITS
Building permits for construction activity may be obtained from the Inspector’s office in the Wise County Courthouse. Before a building permit can be issued you must present a copy of a Zoning Permit. Zoning Permits for construction activity in the Town are obtained from the office of the Town Zoning Administrator located in the Wise Municipal Building. Any one requesting a Zoning Permit must complete an application and provide a copy of the property deed and survey. In addition, if a contractor will be performing the wok, the contractor must obtain a license to do business in Wise. In many cases significant repairs and building additions require permits as does demolition. Check with the Town Zoning Administrator and the County Building Inspector before starting any work.
Before you do any digging or excavation on your property please read this Virginia 811.pdf
Under Virginia law, new residents must obtain a valid state vehicle registration card and Virginia License Plates for their motor vehicles(s) within thirty (30) days of moving to Virginia. For more information you can contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as follows: www.dmv.state.va.us
Local Office: 1729 Park Ave SW
Norton, VA 24273
M-F, 9am-5pm
Sat, 8am-12 noon
phone 1-866-368-5463.Within thirty (30) days of any move you must notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
Electric Service:
Electricity service is available from Old Dominion Power, a Kentucky Utilities Company. Residential Service Call Center hours are M-F, 7am-7pm EST at 800-981-0600 www.eon-us.com/ku.
The leading U.S. provider of solar electricity. Solar electricity is a green alternative to traditional electric utilities.Sunpower is the leading provider of residential solar with over 100,000 customers, including many in Virginia. Sunpower is the global leader in solar power. As well as their residential system, they provide solar to many of America's leading companies, including Apple, Google, and Walmart. Sunpower Corporation us.sunpower.com Solar Solutions for Homes, Businesses, and Utilities, 77 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 1.800.SUNPOWER(1-800-786-7693).
Telephone Service:
Telephone service is provided by Verizon Communications and their system in this area has digital telecommunications and fiber optic capability. To establish phone service call at 954-6222 or log on to http://www.verizon.com/. Customers with disabilities may phone 1-800-974-6006.
Verizon also offers high speed internet service in your area and you may check out the service by going to this website: http://www.verizoninternet.com/ and the toll-free phone number is: 1-877-773-8399.
HughesNet provides residential phone solutions and high-speed internet services to our community, website: internet.hughesnet.com/satellite-internet and the phone number is 1-877-715-4820.
Water and Sewer Service:
Water and sewer service is provided by the Town of Wise. Any application for residential water or sewer service must be made in person at the Wise Municipal Building at 501 West Main Street. A completed application, including photo identification, a signed users agreement and payment of a $20 (cash or check because we don't accept credit of debit cards) application fee is required before any service can be connected. Renters of residential or commercial premises must also pay a refundable $100 (cash or check) deposit at the time of application for service.
Pay your bill online at : www.townofwise.org
IN TOWN WATER RATE FIRST 1,000 GALLONS $14.38
RATE EVERY 1,000 GALLONS THEREAFTER $5.75
OUT OF TOWN WATER RATE FIRST 1,000 GALLONS $23.00
RATE EVERY 1,000 GALLONS THEREAFTER $9.20
IN TOWN SEWER CHARGE AS A PERCENT OF WATER 125.00%
FLAT FEE FOR SEWER IF NO TOWN WATER $40.98
OUT OF TOWN SEWER CHARGE AS A PERCENT OF WATER 125.00%
FLAT FEE FOR SEWER IF NO TOWN WATER $65.55
WATER METER ACCURACY TEST $25.00
Garbage Collection Service:
When you sign up for Water and/or Sewer service with the Town of Wise Utility Billing Department, you automatically become a Solid Waste Collection customer. Local ordinance requires Town collection, removal, and disposal of contained solid waste from all buildings in the town. In preparing your garbage for collection, it is important to remember that all waste needs to be bagged and placed in a lidded can. Do not place loose garbage in your can. In addition, all garbage must be contained inside a can with lid closed. Cans purchased for containment of waste may not exceed 35 gallons in size.
Garbage cans must be at your collection point on your collection day, by 7:00 AM each week. Collection day is assigned by the Town of Wise Utility Billing Department. Routes are created so the Solid Waste Collection Department can work in the most cost-effective way. Therefore your day cannot be changed. Generally, your garbage is picked at about the same time every week. Changes in weather conditions, crew assignment, and equipment problems can disrupt these schedules so customers are advised to have cans in place for collection by 7 AM. The Town will not come back if you did not get your cart out on time and you will not receive a credit for collection charges.
Garbage collection is a special service for our paying customers only. Taking or using another resident's collection point is illegal. If you see illegal dumping anywhere in the Town of Wise, please report the license number, vehicle description, person involved in the dumping, and the item that was dumped by phoning 328-6013
The monthly rates for garbage collection and disposal services are as follows:
SERVICE CURRENT RATE
RESIDENTIAL
1 Pickup/Week $12.00/Month
2 Pickups/Week $24.00/Month
3 Pickups/Week $36.00/Month
4 Pickups/Week $48.00/Month
5 Pickups/Week $60.00/Month
6 Pickups/Week $72.00/Month
7 Pickups/Week $84.00/Month
8 Pickups/Week $96.00/Month
9 Pickups/Week $108.00/Month
10 Pickups/Week $120.00/Month
Leaf Removal by Vaccuum
Up to 6 cu yds (1/2 box) $30.00
1/2 to one box $60.00
Brush or Bulk Pick Up & Disposal
Up to 1/2 truck load $30.00
1/2 to one truck load $60.00
Internet, Phone and TV:
Comcast/Xfinity
1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278) 24/7
www.comcast.com
Satellite Internet Service
Exede.
Natalia Hernandez
Public Outreach specialist
Provider of Exede + WildBlue satellite Internet services
www.exede.com
Satellite Television
DIRECTV
Toll Free Number: 1-866-271-9853
Website: www.direct.tv
BestSatelliteProviders
www.bestsatelliteproviders.comReturn to top
Voting:
To register to vote you must :
Be a U.S. resident
Be a resident of Virginia
Be 18 years old by the next General Election
In addition, if the individual has been convicted of a felony or judged by a circuit court to be mentally incompetent your voting rights must have been restored.
To vote in a general or primary election, you must register at least 29 days before the election in which you plan to vote.
Virginia law requires every voter to present identification at the polls.
For more information, contact:
The Wise County General Registrar
Wise County Courthouse
206 East Main Street
P.O. Box 309
Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-8331
Taxes:
Real Estate Tax
The Town’s real estate tax rate is set annually by Town Council.
The current rate is .30 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Real estate taxes are due December 5th of each year.
Town residents must also pay county taxes
The County’s real estate tax rate is set annually by the Board of Supervisors.
The current rate is .60 per $100 of assessed value.
County real estate taxes are billed twice a year and are due May 15th and October 15th of each year.
Personal Property and Mobile Homes Tax
Personal property is defined as cars, aircraft, boats, buses, mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks that are parked, garaged, or stored in the Town.
The Town’s personal property tax rate is set annually by Town Council.
The current rate is .63 per $100 of assessed value.
Personal property taxes are due December 5th of each year.
Town residents must also pay county taxes
The County’s personal property tax rate is set annually by the Board of Supervisors.
The current rate is 1.56 per $100 of assessed value.
County real estate taxes are due October 15th of each year.
Tax Contacts are as follows:
Town of Wise Treasurer’s Office Wise County Treasurer’s Office
501 West Main Street 206 East Main Street
P.O. Box 1100 P.O. Box 1308
Wise, VA 24293 Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-6013 (276) 328-3666
(276) 328-2519 (276) 328-4570
Pay your taxes online at: www.townofwise.org
Nuisances:
Through its various ordinances, the Town attempts to maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and attractive community for the enjoyment of its residents and businesses. Below are some of the local codes to help us all be good stewards of our property:
The Town has adopted the International Property Maintenance
Code which requires that all premises be kept free of weeds and
grasses in excess of 10 inches in height.
Our local litter ordinance requires that all properties be kept free
of trash and debris.
Motor vehicles or trailers on private property must be in good
operating condition and display both a valid license plate and a
local decal, and a state inspection sticker.
To report violations please contact:
Wise Zoning Administrator
Wise Municipal Building
501 West Main Street
P.O. Box 1100
Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-6013 phone
(276) 328-2519 fax
Education
Kids Central, Inc. operates several Head Start Centers throughout Wise County. Wise residents may contact the Wise Center on the campus of the University of Virginia at Wise at 276-328-9002
The Wise County Public School system includes 14 schools in six towns. Residents of the Town of Wise are served by:
- Wise Primary School, 276-328-8019
- L.F. Addington Middle School, 276-328-8821
- Central High School, 276-328-8015
- Wise County Career-Technical Center, 276-328-6113
- Alternative Education Center, 276-328-8612
Interested students can obtain an Associates Degree or complete the first two years of a Bachelor’s Program at Mountain Empire Community College, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, State Route 387 U.S. 23 South, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, 276-523-2400, www.mecc.edu.
The Town of Wise is proud to be home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which has been recognized as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, One College Ave, Wise, VA 24293,
276-328-0100 or 888-282-9324, www.uvawise.edu.
Adult Education programs are available to provide vocational, educational, and pre-employment training to adults who are economically disadvantaged, unemployed, under-employed, or displaced homemakers. For more information contact the Wise Skills Center, 515 Hurricane Road, Wise, VA 24293, 276-328-8081.
Virginia Tech extends university educational resources to the citizens of Wise through its programs in agriculture and natural resources, pesticide education, plant and insect identification, 4-H youth development, family and consumer science, consumer education, family and human development, and food and nutrition. Contact The Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, P.O. Box 1156, Wise, VA 24293, 276-328-6194 or 3699, www.ext.vt.edu
BUILDING & ZONING:
The Town of Wise requires that a Zoning Permit be obtained before making most improvements to your property. Once obtained, the Zoning Permit should be taken to the Wise County Building Inspector’s Office in order to secure a building permit. A landowner should contact the town Zoning Officer at 328-6013 before beginning construction activity to find out if a Zoning Permit will be required for planned activities.
For most new construction, including but not limited to constructing a new driveway, installing a storage building, adding onto your building, or constructing a new building, you must complete a zoning permit application. Fences that do not exceed six feet in height may be constructed without a zoning permit Said application must be accompanied by a copy of your deed and property survey or plat. The fee for issuance of a standard Zoning Permit is $25.
Some uses requiring the exercise of planning judgment as to location and site development will involve additional permits and a more extensive protocol of review by the Planning Commission, Town Council, and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals. They are as follows:
Appeal of an Administrative Decision $ 50
Application for a Special Exception $ 50
Application for a Variance $ 50
Application for Site Plan Review $100
Application for a Conditional Use $150
Petition for Rezoning $150
BUILDING/ZONING PERMITS
Building permits for construction activity may be obtained from the Inspector’s office in the Wise County Courthouse. Before a building permit can be issued you must present a copy of a Zoning Permit. Zoning Permits for construction activity in the Town are obtained from the office of the Town Zoning Administrator located in the Wise Municipal Building. Any one requesting a Zoning Permit must complete an application and provide a copy of the property deed and survey. In addition, if a contractor will be performing the wok, the contractor must obtain a license to do business in Wise. In many cases significant repairs and building additions require permits as does demolition. Check with the Town Zoning Administrator and the County Building Inspector before starting any work.
Before you do any digging or excavation on your property please read this Virginia 811.pdf
