Crystal Phillips

This Strategic Economic Development Plan for Dickenson County, Virginia, is designed to create good-paying jobs and diversify the County's economy by wisely utilizing its assets. The plan focuses on enhancing educational and workforce development opportunities, developing industrial sites, improving quality of life, and attracting businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, information technology, and healthcare. Its ultimate goal is to increase household incomes, decrease poverty, stabilize the population, and improve the overall health and welfare of its citizens.

Key discussions included the property transfer of Ervinton High School, involving conveyance of the entire site from the School Board to the County, and subsequent conveyance to the IDA for a potential five-year option agreement with Contura concerning Deep Mine #42 and the Springfork property mitigation. The Board also reviewed the Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Budget. Discussions focused on clarification regarding previous votes on the demolition of school properties (DMHS, Haysi, Longs Fork, Clintwood), the potential to save Ervinton High School as a regional asset, and the budget allocations for school capital improvements, emphasizing the urgent need to address the Clintwood roof and the Ervinton sewer system. Furthermore, there were discussions regarding revenue adjustments, E-911 building damage costs, and proposed allocations for road projects. The meeting concluded with moving into and certifying a closed session where personnel matters, specifically the hiring of a Bear Pen pool manager, were addressed.

The document covers multiple proceedings held on the same date, starting with a public hearing to receive comment on the proposed amendment to the Dickenson County Solid Waste and Litter Ordinance. Public comments were received regarding the proposed tipping fee amount. This was followed by a second public hearing regarding proposed Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Tax Levies, where no public comment was offered. Finally, a regular meeting was held where the agenda was approved with additions, including discussion on a Mowing Agreement and a bid for painting the Bear Pen Pool. The County Administrator's financial summary for the period up to February 2017 was approved. Expenditures for several County funds were approved. Road concerns were discussed across multiple districts. Dr. Scott Hamilton provided an update on Mountain Empire Community College, noting enrollment challenges but highlighting new funded programs like a lineman program and a cybersecurity program, and announced his retirement. The Historical Society provided updates on the Splashdam bridge project, a historical marker dedication, and received inquiries about the DMHS building's future. During public comment, representatives discussed broadband expansion plans and strongly urged the Board to support the School budget, specifically concerning program reinstatements, aide positions, bus safety, and retiree insurance costs. Appointments were made to the Board of Building Code Appeals, and agreements were adopted for the Cumberland Plateau Transfer Station Manpower and the Georges Fork Sewer Line Extension, as well as the Mowing Agreement with Sergent Lawn Care. The Board adopted the amended Solid Waste and Litter Ordinance, decreasing the tipping fee, and adopted the Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Tax Levies without change. Authority was given to negotiate the Bear Pen Pool painting contract. The Board entered and certified a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters, including the Bear Pen Pool manager, and consultation with legal counsel regarding DCWIN and Contura Option. Following the closed session, the Board hired a pool manager and declared DCWIN assets as surplus property. Future budget workshop dates were set, and the April Board of Supervisors meeting was rescheduled.

The budget workshop session included several key actions and discussions. The Board reconvened from a closed meeting where they discussed consultation with legal counsel regarding the Contura Option, which was subsequently accepted. The Board also approved a motion authorizing the County Administrator to submit a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding restrictions on the Ervinton High School property. A USDA Rural Development Loan Grant for maintenance and security equipment was adopted. Discussions during the workshop focused on budget schedule planning, collection reports, and the need for asset accountability, such as a postage meter. The Board approved the purchase of a used vehicle from Haysi Fire Department for Emergency Management utilizing Capital Outlay funds. Decisions were made concerning the relocation of the Sheriff's Department, E-911, and the Magistrate's office, including a vote to move future Board of Supervisors meetings to the Dickenson Center for Education and Research starting in March 2017. The Board approved reducing co-pays for chiropractic, physical therapy, and occupational therapy retroactively to January 1st. Furthermore, the Board approved funding for ten sets of turn out gear for the Clintwood Fire Department and scheduled a public hearing to address changing the tipping fee levy at the Transfer Station to $40.00 per ton. A subsequent closed meeting addressed personnel matters within the County Administrator's Office, resulting in the interim transfer of an employee to an accounts payable clerk position.

The public hearing was convened for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Budgets for the General County Fund, Coal and Gas Road Improvement Fund, and the E-911 Fund. A representative from the Dickenson Education Association urged the Board to reconsider the budget allocations to ensure adequate funding for students, citing concerns over low educator salaries relative to the statewide level, and the need for more classroom aides and retention of talented teachers. Following the public comment segment, the board voted to recess the public hearing and continue to a regular Board meeting scheduled for June 18, 2018.