Janelle Ball Brooks

The key discussions during the meeting involved the process for public hearings, including establishing rules for citizen address to the board, and action taken on agenda amendments. A primary focus was on zoning case R-26-012, a petition to rezone 86.2 acres from dual zone district to A1 agricultural district to permit use as a private campground, contingent upon a special use permit. Significant concern was raised by the Pennsylvania County Campground Owners Association regarding environmental impact, the applicant's lack of experience, and setting a precedent that could undermine existing zoning regulations concerning camper occupancy on private residences. Following testimony, a recommendation was made to approve the rezoning to A1. The commission also addressed zoning case R-26-013, which involves petitioning to rezone 5.67 acres from M1 Industrial District Light Industry to M2 Industrial District Heavy Industry to allow for a concrete mixing plant, with a representative present to discuss the petition.

The Finance Committee meeting focused primarily on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget overview and current FY2026 revenue projections. Discussions included the impact of over $9 million in SCAP money offsetting literary loans, resulting in a lower appropriation for the second literary loan ($17 million instead of $24 million). Revenue projections for FY2026 showed positive growth in real estate taxes ($336,798 increase) and increases across several personal property categories, though solid waste household fee revenue was lower than budgeted. For FY2027 projections, a conservative 1% growth estimate was used for real estate, while personal property tax estimates remained volatile due to annual revaluations. Major financial challenges highlighted included potential debt financing required for the Arnell Smith water line ($5.6 million) with associated annual debt service payments, financing for Landfill Phase 3 ($8.2 million) and potential landfill equipment replacement ($10-12 million), and the projected $1.2 million increase (two cents) needed for the mandated school contribution based on the Governor's budget proposal. The committee noted that current general fund revenue estimates only support $94 million, which is less than the requested $100 million and the expected escalation of $98 million. The committee noted the tight schedule for setting the tax rate to ensure timely bill distribution by May 15th for the June 10th payment deadline.

The joint meeting focused on several key areas including school division updates and budget requests for the 2627 school year, highlighting positive student outcomes demonstrated by SO test results where the county scored higher than the state average in multiple subjects, and noting that Pennsylvania County Schools achieved 100% accreditation with seven distinguished schools in Region Six. Capital improvement priorities funded by the 1% sales tax revenue were discussed, including completed projects like HVAC and window replacements at several elementary schools and additions to eliminate mobile units. The presentation also covered local per pupil expenditure comparison, showing an improved ranking from 125th to 107th among Virginia school divisions, and updates on the Governor's budget proposal expecting an increase in state revenue. Staff priorities presented included a 3.5% salary increase, maintaining specialty support positions funded by CARES and all-in funding, and administrative adjustments for middle school sports.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, moments of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda discussions included moving an item from the consent agenda to new business, and subsequent approval of the overall agenda. The consent agenda was approved with one item removed. A presentation was given by Tina Sumpter from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, recognizing Pennsylvania County's Sheriff's Office for achieving DCJS's crime prevention community program certification. Citizen comments focused on the need for supportive engagement, opposing the designation of large portions of the county as industrial parks due to potential negative impacts on tourism, and concerns regarding board ethics, communication responsiveness, and the process for zoning amendments. A public hearing was held for a rezoning petition (R-25-035) requested by Charles Bodner to change 2.75 acres from a double zone district to A1 Agricultural District to permit an accessory building, which the Planning Commission recommended for approval, and the Board subsequently approved the rezoning.

The joint meeting commenced with the calling of the roles for both the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission. Key discussion points focused on agenda approval, which passed unanimously. A public hearing was opened to address proposed text amendments and zoning map amendments to the Pennsylvania County Code, Chapter 35, Zoning Ordinance. This amendment aims to create a specific zoning district encompassing an area previously designated for development and heavy industry, intended to streamline access and use for specific industrial projects like data centers and on-site power generation. Several citizens spoke during the public hearing, expressing concerns over the rapid pace of the zoning change, the potential negative impacts on the environment, natural resources, and quality of life, and arguing that this process bypasses proper procedures which require a comprehensive plan revision first. Specific concerns were raised regarding the byright allowance of data centers and power generation, citing lack of job diversification and excessive demands on water and energy resources. Speakers urged the board to delay the action or vote no.