Lonny Hamlett

The Appomattox County Comprehensive Plan serves as the County's primary document for guiding growth, development, and visioning, in conjunction with the Town of Pamplin. It establishes government policy for land use, forms the basis for land development regulations and capital improvement programming, and protects environmental and historical resources. The plan acts as a community guide for future development, providing a twenty-year outlook, with its core being the Future Land Use Map. It is implemented through regulatory tools and requires review every five years to ensure consistency with community views and address current issues.

The board meeting focused on several key agenda items. A citizen commented on the Valley Link power project, urging the board to commit funds for legal challenges. A presentation was provided regarding the Central Virginia Safety Action Plan, which includes strategies for reducing fatal and serious traffic accidents, and the board formally adopted a resolution to support this initiative. Additionally, the Treasurer discussed real estate and personal property tax issues, resulting in the board's approval to extend the tax payment due date. Finally, the Registrar initiated a discussion concerning the potential impact of the sale of the Quail Run wedding venue on voting precincts.

The Board conducted a budget work session to review the FY 21 expenditure budget. Key actions included approving the state-recommended local match funding for schools with a provision to revisit the discussion for potential additional funding later. The Board also approved the addition of five cell phone lines for the Commonwealth Attorney's staff and authorized a 5% pay increase for deputies earning under $40,000, with a commitment to re-evaluate remaining salaries in the following year based on revenue collection.

The board discussed and took action on several items including a lease and purchase option agreement with Appomattox Christian Academy, a streetlight easement for the Town of Appomattox, the authorization to schedule a public hearing for the abandonment of Hunter Street, and the appropriation of funds for a new fire truck for the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, the board approved re-appropriations for the school operating budget, various departmental budget supplements, and handled refund requests for personal property taxes and building permits. The meeting concluded with reports on delinquent tax status and closed session discussions concerning personnel and pending litigation.

The board discussed the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget, including a transfer of funds for the volunteer rescue squad. The board also addressed the acquisition of property in Campbell County to facilitate the construction of a water pump station and discussed potential joint meeting dates with the school board. Additionally, a public hearing was conducted regarding the proposed consolidated budget for fiscal year 2020, featuring testimony from representatives of the local volunteer rescue squad and the American Civil War Museum. Discussions also occurred regarding supplements for constitutional officers and their staff.