Botetourt County

The Board of Supervisors discussed and approved the fiscal year 2027 general budget and the fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget appropriations. Key discussions included an update on the upcoming Google Data Center open house, a review of the audit process regarding school funding, and the allocation of funds to the school system. Additionally, the board scheduled a future closed session to discuss the acquisition or disposition of real property.

The board meeting included a closed session regarding issues with the library board. During the open session, citizens provided comments regarding fiscal school funding, school building maintenance, the need for recreation facilities, and the request for renovations to the Buchanan Library.

The board meeting focused on the financing of multiple capital projects, specifically the emergency communications radio system, the 911 center, and upgrades for the Reed Mountain Fire Department. Discussions included a comparison of two funding options, with the board opting for a $25 million borrowing strategy that utilizes a portion of the fund balance to reduce overall debt service costs. Additionally, the board considered the potential refinancing of the 2014 public safety building and regional jail debt to achieve savings. Council members reviewed project timelines, bond rating impacts, and the current fund balance policy.

The board meeting featured a citizen comment period and a consent agenda including financial transaction reports and accounts payable reviews. Discussions covered various departmental expenses, including drug testing services, technology maintenance contracts, communication department payments, crime prevention, vehicle replacements, and animal control regional agreements. Additionally, the board received updates on road paving schedules, traffic engineering projects, and site plan reviews. A work session was conducted regarding the secondary six-year plan, explaining funding sources and project priorities for secondary road improvements.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. A modification to the agenda was approved to add resolutions concerning early voting (4A) and BMI (4B). The meeting included recognition for Lieutenant Gary Fischer on achieving his bachelor's degree. Public comments raised concerns regarding traffic safety on a short stretch of 220 near the apartments, surveying activity at Valley Road, and potential traffic impact from the Millstone subdivision onto Mimosa Street. A request was made to amend the January 27th meeting minutes regarding an announced walk-on item from economic development. Updates were provided on resurfacing contracts (2025 routes complete, 2026 prep work starting), traffic engineering work orders (including addressing concerns near Valley Road), and ongoing plan reviews for multiple subdivisions. Construction project updates included work at exit 162 to extend an acceleration lane onto I-81 northbound, and progress on the exit 143 to 150 widening project on I-81. Maintenance focused on pothole patching, prep work for resurfacing, tree trimming, and gravel road maintenance. A citizen concern was raised about a flooding culvert on Jennings Creek Road. A significant portion of the meeting involved the reading and resolution concerning early voting for a constitutional amendment referendum scheduled for April 21, 2026. The resolution declined to establish satellite absentee voting locations due to legal concerns regarding the referendum's constitutionality and called upon the General Assembly to reimburse related costs.