Kelvin M. Edwards

The Board discussed and approved ad valorem tax appeals on motor vehicles. They also considered and approved a Joint Cooperation Agreement and Resolution for the Establishment of the Choanoke Area Housing Consortium. The Trillium Health Resources Annual Report for the County was presented. The Board reviewed and approved a contract with eBodyGuard, LLC for interagency digital evidence collection. Additionally, budget amendments were approved for funding received by DSS and the Health Department. The Board also discussed the expansion of internet services in the County, the new courthouse construction, and the workforce housing project.

The agenda included discussion and approval of an amendment to the agenda, conflict of interest statements, and a consent agenda. Citizens were given the opportunity to comment, with specific guidelines provided. The board discussed and approved the sale of public personal property. A resolution congratulating the Northeast Academy boys golf team was also on the agenda.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A conflict of interest policy was reviewed and approved. An amendment to the contract to audit accounts was approved. Budget Amendment Number 87 was approved, moving ARPA funds to contracted services and the courthouse annex matching line. The county manager presented the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a decrease in the property tax rate, an increase in medical insurance costs, merit increases for employees, and funding for opioid operations and education. Capital project ordinances were discussed for EMS and building and grounds improvements.

The meeting included discussions on a lead service line inventory project, with the board authorizing the pursuit of funding opportunities for the project. Citizens voiced concerns and were given the opportunity to speak. The board also discussed the Golden Leaf Foundation site assessment program and efforts to attract companies to the industrial park land on 95, including making the site 'shovel ready' through grant funding and environmental studies.

The Commissioners meeting included discussions on districting, a request for continued support from John Community College, and insurance increases for County Employees. The meeting also featured department head overviews from Public Works, Cooperative Extension, Veteran Services, EMS, and E911 Communications.