Leslie Litton

The meeting included discussions regarding EMS, specifically a potential meeting with KDK Transport. A motion was passed prohibiting employees from bringing animals into the courthouse, with an exception for medical reasons. The Board entered and exited Closed Session to discuss matters including the investment of public funds and personnel actions such as interviews for the County Administrator position. Subsequent actions included the hire of Clint Carter as the new County Administrator, effective February 1, 2026, and the hire of Dane Poe as a part-time employee to assist with the transition, effective February 2, 2026.

The meeting addressed the proposal from the City of Bristol concerning changes to the Bristol Transportation District Regional Improvement Commission regarding the distribution of casino proceeds to the fourteen localities. The Board discussed two options: agreeing to the City of Bristol's terms or taking no action, following recommendations from local delegates and senators to abstain from action. The Board unanimously voted to take no action regarding the proposal. Subsequently, the Board entered and exited a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the investing of public funds where financial interests could be adversely affected. Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of County Administrator Robby Wright, effective January 31, 2026, and authorized advertising for the position.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several important items. The Commissioner of the Revenue presented concerns regarding the Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief Program, recommending adjustments to income and asset thresholds, and changes to excluded income definitions. The Board authorized the County Administrator to apply for the Opioid Abatement Indirect Funding Grant. A representative from Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board requested Opioid Abatement Funds for the R.O.P.E.S. Program, which assists individuals in recovery transitioning to the workforce. An evaluation of privatized EMS services was presented as an alternative to the current system. The Board approved several financial actions, including supplemental appropriations for the Central Garage, Clerk's Office, and Airport Expenditures, approved disbursements for December, and adopted a Quarterly Appropriations Resolution for the upcoming fiscal year. New appointments and reappointments were made to various local boards and authorities, including the Department of Social Services Board, Dryden Water Authority, Heart of Appalachia, Public Service Authority, SW VA Emergency Medical Services, SW VA Workforce Investment, and Upper Tennessee River Round Table. A request for additional funding for the St. Charles Fire Department was approved. The Board authorized an RFP for General Services Agreement for Engineering Services and an RFP for trash pickup pricing. Discussions also covered the status of the County Garage Addition, Institute Building revitalization efforts, and updates on the Forensic Audit.

The Lee County Board of Supervisors convened a meeting that included a public hearing on proposed Zoning Text Amendments, which were subsequently approved. The board received a VDOT update, discussing maintenance plans, project statuses, and responses to board member concerns regarding road conditions and mowing. The Treasurer's Report was submitted, and public comments were heard on topics such as rescue squad funding and a forensic audit of the school system. The board discussed a request for a convenience center in Seminary, expressed appreciation for Fire & EMS agencies, and addressed misleading figures in the paper regarding the forensic audit. The County Administrator provided updates on the forensic audit, Fire & EMS monthly water bills, and congratulated Emily Ashley on an award. The board also discussed old business, including Civic Plus archiving services, and new business, such as board appointments and sheriff's cruiser equipment. A closed session was held, followed by actions on the annual audit, pre-audit bid, and St. Charles Rescue Squad funding. Finally, a presentation was given by Pro-Med Company regarding EMS services in Lee County.

The Lee County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on proposed Zoning Text Amendments related to data centers, including definitions and special uses in industrial districts. Discussions covered the Planning Commission's recommendations, public concerns, and potential tax revenue. The board also addressed departmental reports, constitutional officers' reports, and public expression, including concerns about tax increases and rescue squad funding. Additional topics included the purchase of new cruisers for the Sheriff's Department, funding for Thomas Walker Rescue Squad, the VACO Conference, social media archiving, and a VDEM NG911 Additional Funding Grant. The board also discussed a request from First Baptist Church of Big Stone Gap to donate mineral rights to the county, repairs to Sheriff's Department cruisers, phone and internet service for the courthouse, and Lee County Schools appropriations. They also covered a 1% county-wide sales tax petition, a walking trail in Stickleyville, and various board appointments. The board approved an extension for the tax due date, payment of a Regional Jail reconciliation invoice, and reviewed a preliminary audit report. Further discussions included a potential asset trade with Pennington Gap concerning EMS equipment, a new postage machine, a Victim Witness Grant budget amendment, and several closed session items, including an asset trade and St. Charles Rescue Squad funding.