John Broughton

The agenda for this organizational meeting included the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Key discussions planned were the approval of the 2026 Broadband Authority Meeting Dates and a project update from Zitel regarding broadband deployment. Additional updates covered Riverstreet progress, specifically concerning RSN activities such as permitting and construction progress across several areas (Sandy Level, Glade Hill, Dry Hill, Oak Level, Snow Creek, Washburn, Waysboro) and APCo updates on routes including Dickinson, Sago, Endicott, and Ingramville. Substantial Completion Letters for VATI 2021 and 2022 from Shentel were also noted as attachments.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of a new Board Member and a presentation of a generous donation from a local pastor for a new shower/bathroom facility. Key discussions focused on staff shortages, recommending overtime pay for emergency work in the Services Division due to five current vacancies, particularly within the Foster Care unit. Job duties for Family Services Specialist I were updated to align with new On-Call policies, allowing experienced new hires to join the On-Call schedule earlier, and requiring all eligible workers to complete at least one week of On-Call shifts annually. Department updates covered the VIEW Program details, including TANF time limits and supportive services offered. Statistics for the Benefits Unit showed performance indicators for SNAP, TANF, VIEW participation, Medicaid Reviews, and Child Care. The Services Unit reported on SafeMeasures data, meeting most goals except for the First Victim Contact timeliness rate. The Director reviewed the staff vacancy report, noting eight total vacancies across divisions. Other matters included board appreciation for staff performance, clarification on sponsoring foster care children for Christmas, and a commitment to seek updated information regarding the county's homeless situation.

The meeting covered several key operational and project updates. Representatives from Shentel provided an update, noting dramatic improvements in the make-ready project progress and good communication with AEP, while also mentioning a potential workaround for an issue at a Blue Ridge Parkway crossing. AEP confirmed the progress, noting that some areas previously requiring helicopter access might now be accessible via track machines due to drier conditions. The Authority subsequently authorized a requested extension, in consultation with the DHCD, to allow project completion by the end of the year. An update was also provided by the West Piedmont Planning District, expressing satisfaction with the AEP partnership. Further updates included progress on the RiverStreet project, targeting March 2026 for fiber splicing completion, and discussions regarding internet service outlook for the Snow Creek district.

The organizational meeting agenda included the Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. Key procedural items involved opening the floor for nominations for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2026. The Board also planned to set the schedule of meeting dates, times, and County employee holidays for 2026, and review the Board's Rules of Procedure. The agenda included a request for a Closed Meeting to discuss personnel matters, the acquisition or disposition of real property, and consultation with legal counsel. Following the Closed Meeting, there was scheduled FOIA & COIA training. The Board noted that members might reconvene later for disposition of a Special Use Permit Application and were scheduled for a future Broadband Authority meeting and regular Board of Supervisors meeting.

The meeting included discussions regarding personnel matters, specifically the disciplining of a public officer and the appointment of a County Administrator. Steven Sandy was appointed as the new County Administrator, effective February 1, 2026. Additionally, Supervisor Dan Quinn was censured for disclosing closed meeting business.