Chamber News

Patrick Board of Supervisors-Patrick County-Meeting July 26

This is the report on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, July 26, 2010

Board of Supervisors Meeting on July 26, 2010 As reported by Tom Bishop Public Comment Period Charles Vivier of the Blue Ridge District commented that when the County enters into a “Revenue Anticipation Loan�, it is the same as “Payday Loans� by individuals, getting loans anticipating future revenue. He said, the County has entered into a $2.5 million loan with Carter Bank and Trust anticipating the Virginia Department of Corrections giving us a grant for the jail. He says the Board needs to be cautious and not be tempted to spend the surplus they are experiencing now due to getting advance tax payments (twice year billing) No other public comments were offered. Glen Roycroft Reports on EDA (he is chairman of the Economic Development Authority) He reported that the EDA is an all volunteer board, with seven voting members. He has been on this board for close to 11 years and represents the Smith River District. He reported the EDA had been the catalyst to create or retain close to 1000 jobs in the county. He said they had an open and constructive relationship with the Board of Supervisors. In the spirit of the ongoing open communications, EDA would comply with the Board’s request for quarterly reporting. The Board’s discussion of elimination of the EDA cannot be done due to the Code of Virginia. Dr. Lock Boyce said we need to manage the County finances efficiently and keep taxes down. Therefore the Board needs be kept informed on EDA spending and creation of debt. Mr. Roycroft said EDA would keep the Board informed, just that some cases due to time sensitivity there would be a delay in reporting some things, where companies asked there be no public comment for a period of time. Mr. Roycroft was concerned that the public has the perception that EDA has done something wrong. Roger Hayden made the comment that the EDA had not been transparent enough and a lot of their business had been conducted in closed session. Economic Development Southern Virginia. Lt. Gov. William Bolling has requested the Board contribute $16,176 toward an Economic Development Partnership with the Governor’s office, Henry County, City of Martinsville, Halifax County, Pittsylvania County and City of Danville. This would be used with $200,000 from the Governor’s office, $200,000 from the Tobacco Commission and contributions from each of the Counties and Cities mentioned above. A total of $600,000 would be used to develop a regional marketing plan. After much discussion and debate, Crystal Harris made a motion to fully fund the $16,176 from the EDA. Second by Ron Knight. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote, with Dr. Boyce voting no. Karl Weiss clarified that the $16,176 would be taken out of the Rental Income from Results of Stuart and would not use General Funds. Jay Scudder clarified that half would be paid out in this budget year and half would be paid out in the next budget period. Carolyn Tatum Financial Report as of June 30, 2010 Ms. Tatum gave a highly detailed report on the financial status as of June 30, with a Trial Balance showing the Cash Accounts and the balances in all accounts. $662,000 of the cash funds on hand was for property taxes paid in advance for the second half of the year. The Contingency Fund showed a balance of $2.1 million. She also reported on the Jail Construction and School Construction Fund Balances. She reported a 97% collection rate on taxes. She said that “Stops� put on getting individuals auto tags, helped improve the collection rate. Ms. Tatum reported she would not send reminders for the second half of the year taxes, because it would cost $6000-7000 to send them out. She will get the local newspaper and radio station to announce a reminder to residents when the 2nd half tax payments would be due. Motion was made to not publish delinquent taxes in the newspaper. Motion by Ron Knight and second by Dr. Boyce. Motion passed unanimously. Transfer Station Loading Scale Repairs. Jay Scudder reported on the problems with the Loading Scales at the Transfer Station. He said it had been malfunctioning for some time repairs would need to be made. Motion made by Dr. Boyce to put out bids for repair. Roger Hayden seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Repairs to County Administration Building. Jay Scudder reported on roof leaks and failing air conditioner units. He said air conditioner units needed replacement and that likely this is the cause of roof leaks. Also, fixing entrance doors was needed to keep the ADA compliant. He was not asking for action at this point, but felt this would need to be addressed at some point. Courthouse Repairs Jay Scudder reported that bids have been received by to construction companies to make extensive repairs to the Court House that includes such things as painting, replacing rotten eaves, repairing gutters, cleaning and other misc. repairs. He said money is available in the Courthouse Repair fund to pay for this. Motion was made by Dr. Boyce to accept the bid of Hazelwood Construction, amount $42,401. Second by Ron Knight. Motion passed by 4-1 vote with Crystal Harris voting know. Crystal wanted County maintenance personnel to do the work. Committee Appointments The Board unanimously agreed to make these appointments: Parks and Recreation Committee-Wayne Scott, Smith River Tourism Advisory Committee reappointed the following serving 2010-2013 terms: Agri-Tourism - Jeannie Puckett, Dan River Artisan - Charlotte Gardner - Mayo River Musician - Mary Jo Leet - Peters Creek Tourism Advisory Committee - New appointment- At Large - Bessie Webber of Fairystone Park, 2010-2013 EDA - Reappointed Ronnie Haley - At Large Member from the Peters Creek district Tourism Advisory Committee The Tourism Advisory Committee had $4,138 in unspent funds at the end of the June 30 fiscal year. Karl Weiss discussed the possibility of giving this to the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. Motion was made by Ron Knight to carry this over to the next budget year and let the Tourism Advisory Committee decide how to use this. Second by Dr. Boyce. Vote was 4-1 with Roger Hayden voting no. Transient Occupancy Tax-Campgrounds Roger Hayden wanted to remove the Transient Occupancy Tax on Travel Campgrounds. He felt the private businesses were being treated unfairly, when the government owned campgrounds such as Fairystone Park and Philpott Lake did not charge this tax. After discussion by the Board they decided they could take no action on this since it is in the Virginia Code. Meeting Adjourned at 8:55 p. m. Next Meeting Set for Monday, August 9, 2010 at 6:00pm