Betsy Drewry

The strategic plan for Prince George County focuses on improving public health, safety, and emergency response by investing in community facilities, services, and personnel. It aims to ensure education opportunities meet the needs of a growing population through early education, K-12, higher education, and career services. The plan also focuses on better connecting the community to recreation opportunities by increasing access to natural resources and parks. Additionally, it seeks to improve governance and modernize facilities to enhance public service effectiveness.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included several key items. Financial reports were presented, covering general fund revenues and expenditures, utility fund collections, CIP projects, and lodging and meals taxes. Discussions included budget amendments for additional school state funding, ordinance amendments to permit tattoo parlors and body piercing salons, and amendments to address water and wastewater capacities. Budget transfers were approved for school CIP projects, a second Operation Ceasefire grant application, and HVAC and generator replacements at fire stations. The purchase of an APCO IntelliComm Guidecard system for the Emergency Communications Center was also authorized.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included public comments regarding concerns about a proposed solar farm's potential impact on radio equipment and TV signals, as well as environmental and property value concerns. The board also addressed several resolutions, including commendations for Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, budget amendments for a state library records preservation grant, and the approval of a contract amendment for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure program. Public hearings were held on a rezoning request for a travel center, a special exception request for an addiction treatment facility, and a comprehensive plan amendment to allow for commercial/industrial development. The board also approved a lease renewal for the American Legion Post 1703 and revisions to personnel and administrative policies. Finally, a contract was awarded for county grounds maintenance.

The meeting included a closed session for appointments and legal advice, followed by an open session with public comments, adoption of the agenda, and an order of consensus. Key discussion points included a rezoning amendment to remove a requirement for land dedication for a fire station, updates from VDOT on road projects, the FY2024 audit report, and discussions on Clean Community Day and Central Wellness Center parking. The board also addressed resolutions regarding a shooting range in Sussex County, the suspension of the chicken ordinance, a "Children at Play" sign, the annual audited financial report, a FEMA SAFER grant application, and several appointments to various boards and commissions.

The Board of Supervisors held a pre-budget work session to discuss projected FY2025 revenues. Key discussion points included a fund balance overview, real estate assessments and tax rates, personal property taxes, machinery and tools taxes, mobile home taxes, public service taxes, business, professional, and occupational license taxes, consumer utility taxes, sales taxes, investment income, permit fees, planning fees, and various grant revenues. The session also covered expenditure increases for items such as Riverside Regional Jail costs, software, vehicle fuel, Virginia Retirement System employer rates, health insurance, step increases, market regrades, and additional staffing requests. Significant discussion was dedicated to the allocation of funds for schools, debt service obligations, contingency funds, and new positions. The board reviewed various revenue streams and expenditure requests from different departments, including the Health Department, Sheriff's Office, Police Department, and Fire/EMS. The session concluded with a discussion of key dates and upcoming budget work sessions.