Jeanene Foster

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to move the resolution honoring FFA week earlier in the schedule to accommodate attendees, and to move a presentation from Mr. Tim Trent of the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority ahead of the citizen comment period. The Board adopted the resolution recognizing the week of February 21st to 28th, 2026, as National FFA Week. Mr. Trent presented details on a proposed substance use and re-entry program at the jail, funded through opioid abatement money with a required match from member jurisdictions. The Board subsequently voted to authorize the County Administrator to sign up for this grant program. The citizen comment period included concerns regarding alleged violations of county code by the applicant for the Rifleman's Resort related to land-disturbing activity without permits, and concerns about a proposed data center, including issues related to promised tax revenue, asset depreciation, and potential harm to local ecology.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. The initial segment included a citizens comment period where one individual expressed their candidacy for US Congress and another resident voiced opposition to a proposed rifle range complex, requesting the board consider several additional factors, including an environmental impact study and necessary permits. The Registrar then presented an update on the 2026 election schedule, highlighting potential budget implications due to redistricting and potential April and June elections. A significant discussion involved the proposal to relocate the Oakville polling location to Quail Run Wedding Venue, citing improved parking and cell service as primary benefits; the board voted to schedule a public hearing on this relocation for the February meeting. Subsequently, a public hearing was held regarding a zoning variance (CUP250870) for Benton W. Bowman to operate an outdoor shooting range, which drew opposition from residents concerned about noise, environmental impact (water runoff and lead mitigation), and the effect on vulnerable populations and livestock.

The organizational meeting commenced with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items addressed included the setting of the agenda, followed by the election of a chairman, where Mr. Hinkle was elected. Subsequently, Reverend Jones was elected as the vice chairman for the 2026 year. The board proceeded to discuss the adoption of rules of order, specifically confirming that Robert's Rules of Order would be adopted with an amendment allowing the chairman to make motions. The board then adopted the board bylaws and rules and procedures for the 2026 calendar year, noting no changes from 2025. Furthermore, Susan Adams, the County Administrator, was confirmed as the Clerk of the Board. Finally, the schedule for regular meetings for 2026 was set, establishing the third Monday as the regular meeting day, with exceptions for January and February meetings to be held on Tuesdays, all commencing at 6 p.m.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by citizen comments regarding the allocation of taxpayer money towards the construction of a new boardroom. Judge Cunningham spoke about the creation of a recovery court program to address substance abuse issues in South Central Virginia, highlighting the need for a residential recovery center and workforce development programs. He invited the county to participate and invest in the recovery process.

The meeting included discussions on adding the aromatics arpa project and funds back to the atics Civil War Museum to the agenda. Presentations were given by representatives from Virginia Crossroads regarding their fy2 Community agency funding request, and by the executive director of the Small Business Development Center of Lynchburg region. There was also a discussion regarding funding for the American Civil War Museum.