Keith Anderson

The regular monthly meeting, which was the first of the year, included discussions and actions on several items. A motion was passed to amend the agenda to include a closed session for consultation regarding actual or probable litigation pursuant to Virginia Code 2.2-3711A7. The board also addressed the naming of a bridge in honor of Master Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, involving coordination with VDOT and obtaining family approval. Board appointments were made, including a representative and an alternate for the Britta (Blue Ridge Economic Development Authority) advisory committee, and representatives for the Carol Grayson Solid Waste Authority. Appointments were also made for the Cleos (workforce development) board positions. Finally, the board reviewed matters related to the Eagle Bottom Housing Project.

The meeting resumed order with the approval of the previous minutes and discussion regarding the financial report, including a note about correcting line 74 to read "quiet landscaping" and confirming a December repayment date. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation regarding the Roundhouse project. The presenter detailed the history of acquiring the property, the initial scope centered on restoration and tourism revenue generation, and the subsequent complications arising from a major storm that caused flooding up to the rafters, changing the nature of the project due to new FEMA flood elevation regulations. The presenter took responsibility for not securing documentation promptly amidst personal and project setbacks (including loss of equipment). Key discussion points included the financial imprudence of proceeding with full historic restoration under current conditions, and proposing alternative paths forward such as an extension or a buyout of the obligation related to the estimated 10-year tourism tax commitment.

The meeting began with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to include a discussion on the VDOT route for the secondary six-year road plan under new business. The Superintendent of Grayson County Public Schools presented updates on facilities, emphasizing the critical need to replace inadequate temporary classroom trailers at Independence Elementary and expand the undersized cafeteria, referencing potential state grant funding opportunities for the estimated $4 million renovation. Board members expressed support for touring the facilities and considering funding during the budget cycle. Following the presentation, the CPA firm presented the FY 2025 audit results, noting an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements. One material weakness finding was reported concerning proposed audit entries related to accrual adjustments. A management recommendation letter detailing non-material improvements was also provided.

Key discussions during the meeting included the financial report, noting LGIP interest activity and loan payment receipt. Regarding old business, the authority discussed the future of the Round House property, ultimately deciding to market the property instead of pursuing demolition or alternative uses. Under new business, there were no items. Presentations covered funding requests from Almost Famous Café for operational capabilities and a mobile unit, and a grant request from Country Sisters, a new restaurant venture. Updates were provided on the Meadow Creek Project and Gold Hill Cidery. The meeting included an executive session for discussions related to prospective business or industry. The authority also agreed to reschedule the next meeting date due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The regular meeting agenda for February 12, 2026, included opening business such as the approval of the Organizational Meeting Minutes and Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2026, review of bills and payroll for January 2026, and the Wythe-Grayson Regional Library 3rd Quarter Appropriation Request. Key action items in new business involved a Resolution declaring an emergency due to a Winter Storm and an MOU between the Grayson County Sheriff's Department and Washington County Sheriff's Department. The agenda also covered reports from the School Superintendent and CPA regarding the FY2025 Audit, and an update from the Mt. Rogers Regional Partnership. Further agenda items included the 2026 Large Item Schedule for Solid Waste and various Board Appointments.