Donna Ponton

The Amherst County Strategic Plan aims to nurture a vibrant and healthy community through transparent and fiscally responsible leadership and quality public service. It envisions Amherst County as the community of choice for living, working, playing, and learning, recognized for its safety, neighborly atmosphere, business, education, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty. Key strategic areas include increasing citizen satisfaction, promoting high-quality core services (community safety, education, recreation, solid waste management), fostering economic development (business expansion, tourism), optimizing county staffing and performance (recruitment, retention), and ensuring environmental stewardship (preserving natural beauty, agricultural heritage).

The Board discussed the process for selecting a new County Administrator, with input from HR professionals. Important characteristics for candidates were identified, including education, experience, administrative skills, communication, and organization. The Board also went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, specifically reviewing County Administrator applicants and discussing the Economic Development Director position.

The Board reviewed feedback from the Emergency Services Council (ESC) meeting, focusing on the restructuring of the ESC. A review and discussion of the Amherst County Fire and EMS Study from November 2013, VDFP, highlighted major themes. The Board discussed amending the ordinance to make the Sheriff a non-voting member. The Emergency Services Council will evaluate the criteria for active volunteer members. Recommendations of the findings and next steps will be presented to the Board at the March 18, 2014 meeting. The ordinance regarding the Emergency Services Council reorganization will be revised for adoption without a first reading on March 18, 2014.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various ordinances and resolutions. Key items included a request by Corner Stone Baptist Church for a special exception, modifications to the County Code regarding park usage, and amendments to the code for establishing a Mixed Use/Traditional Neighborhood Development District. The board also addressed a one-time bonus for county employees and a resolution commemorating Kathleen C. Wood's retirement. Additionally, the appointment of Clarence Monday as County Administrator was approved.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors convened to interview candidates for the position of County Administrator in a closed session. The agenda was approved, and after the interviews, the board certified that only matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed during the closed session.