Dawn Hatzer

The Board discussed a variety of agenda items, including citizen comments regarding dog-racing events, an Employee of the Quarter award presentation, and a VDOT update on road maintenance and safety improvements. Key actions included the approval of a Brownfields restoration grant, the approval of personnel appointments to various boards, and a discussion regarding Senate Bill 974 mandates. Additionally, the Board reviewed a work session summary concerning Route 7 safety, received financial and administrative updates, and conducted an executive closed session to discuss employee discipline.

The 2026 Rural Lands Plan, an implementing component of the 2022 Clarke County Comprehensive Plan, serves as a roadmap for decision-making impacting the county's rural, unincorporated areas, consolidating and superseding previous agricultural and mountain land plans. It outlines a 'resource-conscious' land use management approach to preserve the rural character, natural resources, and agricultural sector. The plan focuses on key areas including agriculture and open space preservation, mountain area protection, and future planning for the Villages of Millwood and White Post, while also addressing challenges from development pressures and emerging threats like nutrient credit banks and utility-scale solar.

The board discussed an update from the Voter Registrar regarding an upcoming special election, including the impact of recent court rulings and early voting participation. Additionally, the session focused on the proposed FY2027 Budget, with key topics including adjustments to the real estate tax rate, proposed salary increases for county and school employees, funding for health insurance and FireEMS staffing, new personnel positions, salary compression solutions for the Sheriff's Office, and various capital project allocations. The board also planned to consider authorizing a public hearing on the budget and tax rates at a future regular meeting.

The board discussed a variety of administrative and community matters, including a comprehensive update from the Clarke County Public Schools regarding facility projects, budget, and school calendar adjustments. Other key topics included VDOT maintenance projects, setting a public hearing for the Secondary Six-Year Plan, and a speed limit study for Old Chapel Road. The meeting also covered the approval of a resolution for Boyce Elementary School, easement purchase requests, letters of support for USGS and NRCS conservation applications, and a scope review for a special event permit at Historic Long Branch. Additionally, the board addressed personnel committee appointments, reviewed the Shenandoah Farms Refuse Collection Site Agreement, and discussed temporary recreational land use ordinances, concluding with updates on various county government projects and committee status reports.

The Board of Supervisors held a budget work session to review and approve the FY2016 budget and associated fiscal resolutions. Key topics included the approval of the FY2016 budget, appropriations for various county departments and funds, and the adoption of the calendar year 2015 tax rates, which remained unchanged from the previous year.