Michael Shane Coomes

The Galax City Electoral Board meeting included discussions about the General Registrar's performance review, final plans for the poll workers' training session, and finalizing the setup of polling places.

The City Council meeting included recognition of the Galax High School Swim Teams. A public hearing was conducted regarding an ordinance related to retail locations of tobacco, vape, and hemp products near schools and child day cares, and the council voted to adopt the ordinance. Another public hearing addressed a zoning district change request for a property on Kenbrook Drive, which the council approved. Additionally, the council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance authorizing one-time bonuses for Galax DSS employees. The council also reviewed and adopted the FY2026 City Budget, including tax rates and water and sewer rates, and the School Budget.

The Galax City Council held public hearings and discussed several topics, including the appointment of School Board members, updates to the City Code regarding animal nuisances, and a zoning district change request at 501 North Main Street. The council also discussed a VDOT FY27 grant application for pedestrian and road improvements. Appalachian Power gave a presentation, and Destination By Design presented on Grayson Street Area Downtown Improvements. The council discussed a proposed state bonus for DSS workers and the proposed FY2026 City Budget, setting public hearings for June 2nd. Old business included a discussion regarding a Special Use Permit for Storage at 200 West Old Town Street, which was tabled. New business included an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant and a proposed ordinance to regulate retail locations of tobacco, nicotine vapor, and hemp.

The Electoral Board convened to address several key items, including the organization of the board, deciding to maintain the current composition of officers for 2025. The board discussed travel and lodging arrangements for the VEBA 2025 Annual Meeting and began setting dates on the Election Task Calendar for the June 2025 primary. The board also scheduled David Phipps' Performance Review for June 25, 2025, and discussed a meeting with the City Manager regarding LESS. Rhonda Hatmaker will perform ADA compliance tasks.

The Galax City Electoral Board meeting covered the approval of the slate of Officers of Election and a review of the budget for submission to the City Manager. Key tasks were scheduled for future meetings, including finalizing the candidate slate, addressing LESS and ADA requirements, and conducting a performance review for the General Registrar.