Lee Freddie Gray

The Southampton County Comprehensive Plan, with a Vision 2035, serves as a long-range policy guide for the County's future physical development. It addresses key elements such as land use designation for various development types, transportation facilities, community services, historical preservation, groundwater protection, and affordable housing. The plan aims to preserve the County's rural and scenic character, foster consistent growth in employment and capital investment, and protect agricultural and forestal interests, while also considering evolving needs in areas like housing, education, and energy.

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors convened to discuss various matters, including concerns about speed limits on Route 35 Plank Road and a request for a speed study. Updates were provided on the Newsoms CBDG project, the joint public safety radio system project, and the compensation and classification study. The board also discussed the establishment of an Employee Committee and improvements to refuse collection sites. Economic development initiatives, such as the Beale Farm/VEDP Grant and site study RFPs, were reviewed. Additionally, the board addressed the voter registrar building, courthouse holding cells, and the Clerk of Circuit Court Records Room. Financial reports, including revenue and expenditure updates, were presented. The board made appointments to the STOP Inc. Board of Directors, the SPSA Board, and the Industrial Development Authority. Resolutions were adopted regarding a FOIA settlement with the Southampton County School Board and safety studies on Bryants Church Road and Lakeside Drive. Finally, the board approved a work session and the date for the annual organizational meeting.

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting covering a range of topics. Citizens voiced concerns about the school system, road conditions, and the potential renaming of the Courthouse. The Board discussed VDOT matters, including Hemlock Street, Statesville Road, Bryant Church Road, Lakeside Drive, and Southampton Parkway. Monthly reports were presented by the County Administrator, Financial Officer, and Treasurer, covering updates on various projects and financial statuses. The Board addressed appointments to the Litter Control Council and STOP, Incorporated. Public hearings were held regarding the Monroe Bridge Kayak/Canoe Launch Project and a taxation exemption for the Virginia Nottoway Indian Circle & Square Foundation. Additionally, the Board discussed the Radio Project, a safety study resolution for Buckhorn Quarter Road, the Commerce and Logistics Park Study, and updates from the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Incorporated. The meeting also included a closed session to discuss prospective business, litigation, and the investigation of the Southampton County Public School System, followed by a settlement agreement regarding FOIA litigation.

The Board addressed concerns about a curve on Lakeside Drive and other VDOT matters, including a culvert pipe and signage needs. Updates were provided on the Newsoms CBDG project, the radio project, personnel matters, and various economic development initiatives. The Board discussed financial matters, including a School Fund Appropriation Resolution. Appointments were made to the Litter Control Council. Updates were given on SPSA, and a public hearing was held regarding a rezoning request. The Board also discussed no through truck traffic on Buckhorn Quarter Road and a taxation exemption request. The Opioid Settlement Resolution was approved, and additional items for the Courthouse Project were discussed. Amendments to the Leave Share Policy were approved, and fees were waived for the Southampton County Historical Society Museum. The October 1, 2025 work session was canceled, and economic development updates were shared. The Board also discussed Spearmint Energy and the County Attorney's legal services.

The special-called meeting was convened to acknowledge receipt and authorize public disclosure of the report regarding the external investigation of Southampton County Public Schools. The Board acknowledged receipt of the final investigative report, waived privilege for public disclosure, and directed counsel to present the findings and recommendations. The Board also expressed appreciation to counsel for their investigation, thanked witnesses and community members, adopted the recommendations in the report, directed the County Administrator to transmit the report to the Southampton County School Board, and called on the School Board to take meaningful action to address the concerns raised and restore public trust.