Chamber News

Board of Supervisors Meeting - December 13-Stuart, VA

Tom Bishop reports on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, December 13, 2010 in Stuart, VA

Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 13, 2010 Trails Enhancement Funding for 2011 Last month the Board approved a resolution to renew funding from the VDOT transportation enhancement program for the year 2011, for the Mayo River Trail and the Dan River Trail. It was approved on a vote of 3-2, with Dr. Lock Boyce and Roger Heyden voting no. At this meeting, Dr. Lock Boyce attempted to rescind this action, but his motion died for lack of a second. Dr. Boyce conceded that Phase I of the Mayo River Trail project was a “done deal� and they would not be able to change it now. Historical Covered Bridge Preservation Lisa Hughes, from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reported that Patrick County had been awarded $220,000 for the Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge historical preservation. She said 20% matching funds obligation had been met which was obtained from the Federal highway funds. Town of Stuart Request for Revenue Sharing Money for street improvements The Town of Stuart had requested that Patrick County support their application for $26,000 from Revenue Sharing funds for street improvements such as, lighting, cross walks, handicap accessibility, and other incidental street work. In order for the Town to receive 50% of the cost, it would have to be requested by the County and grant would have to pass through the County. The Board approved a letter of intent in order to meet a December 17 deadline. This resolution was passed on a 3-2 vote with Dr. Boyce and Roger Hayden voting no. Litter Grant Tom Rose announced that Patrick County had received a $8260 Litter Grant which would be used to re-equip the County’s recycle bins. Budget Reduction of 5% The board by consensus decided to ask all County Department heads to be thinking about how they could reduce budgets by an across the board reduction of 5% for the Fiscal Year 2011-2012. They believe the cuts should include the School System also. The calendar for the budget process is receive budgets from Department Heads by Jan. 15. Conduct work sessions in February and make final approval in April. The Annual Audit is due anytime and should be reviewed before the budget process begins. Telephone System The board agreed to replace the County telephone system with CenturyLink equipment on a unanimous vote. Cost will be $41987 with a contract to be finalized by the end of December. This would eliminate a $3300 per month lease payment with the current system and it would be paid for in 16 months. Line of Duty Act Tom Rose discussed the State mandated changes for the life insurance and accident/disability which will go into effect in July 2011. The responsibility for this funding will be placed on the County. There are 3 options as to how this will be handled. Three classes of employees will be included and they are: Sheriff Dept. employees, Emergency Services Coordinator and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads. A census of all employees in these categories must be accumulated and reported to the State. Lease of building to MARC of Martinsville The board agreed to lease the building on Buena Vista, formerly the Step, Inc. office, to MARC for $250 per month. MARC will pay the cost of renovating the building. Relocation of the Shooting Range Motion was made to have Sheriff Dan Smith to prepare options for relocation of the Shooting range with pro’s and con’s. Key requirements reported by Sheriff Smith are: 1. Must have adequate room, 2. Secure building, 3. Shelter with lighting, 4. Rest rooms, plumbing, and water. 5. 100 yard range that is 50 yards wide. Sheriff Smith reported there are no law enforcement grants currently available. Heating Budget for Court House and Old Jail. Roger Hayden questioned the Actual cost of heating for the Court House and the Old Jail. Budget was $4000 compared to Cost of $13000. This will be researched to get better understanding of why cost have skyrocketed, before the utility bills are paid. Building Inspection Appeals Board The Board voted unanimously to re-appoint the existing Appeals Board as presented by Building Inspector, Jason Brown. Planning Commission Appointment Tom Russell of Peters Creek District was appointed to the Planning Commission Board on a unanimous vote. Adjournment The public meeting adjourned at 9:52 P. M. at which time the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel. This news report was prepared by Tom Bishop