Paula Benke

The recap covers the February 24th Board of Supervisors meeting. Key discussions included a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month and another declaring March as Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month. The board passed a resolution opposing a state referendum that would grant the general assembly temporary authority to redraw congressional districts mid-decade. A public hearing was held regarding the redevelopment proposal for the Hollands Fire Station, although no citizens spoke. The board approved the consent agenda, including the proclamations, without discussion. Supervisors expressed concerns about collective bargaining bills pending in the state legislature and encouraged voting on constitutional amendments. A supervisor promoted upcoming public meetings for FEMA flood plane map changes. The evening session included a joint meeting with the planning commission to discuss the housing study.

The meeting included an annual organizational session where the Chair and Vice Chair were elected, and the board adopted a code of ethics and conduct. A subsequent session recognized the Caves High School competition cheer team for winning the 2025 Virginia High School League class 3 championship, with individual honors for a student and the coach. Briefings were presented by Virginia's Blue Ridge regarding 2025 tourism results, noting a $2.6 million economic impact from the USA cycling national championships, and by the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission on ongoing projects like smart scale transportation and greenway plans. The board discussed county support for schools across administrative functions and directed staff to explore tax relief possibilities as part of the budget cycle. Citizen comments included a statement on the value of dark skies.

The meeting recap covers events from the January 27th session. Highlights include a resolution of appreciation for David Radford's service as 2025 board chairman and recognition for Sheriff Deputy Ethan Sweeney and Sergeant Alex WZ being named to the Roanoke's 40 under 40 list. New business involved the first reading of an ordinance to accept and appropriate a $46,000 donation from Friends of the Roanoke County Library to support programs like the summer reading program and a new story walk. The board approved several appointments without discussion, but the updated Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission pre-disaster mitigation plan was removed from the consent agenda for further review due to supervisor concerns. In the evening session, the board unanimously approved a special use permit for repainting the Clearbrook Walmart, overriding the planning commission's previous recommendation for denial based on design guidelines. Board members concluded by recognizing staff and entities for their work during the winter weather storm and discussed the revenue sharing agreement with school board members.

The meeting commenced with the addition of two items to new business by the County Attorney. The board recognized the Roanoke County snow removal team members for their service during recent winter storms. The county administrator provided a briefing on the real estate assessment process, explaining that properties are assessed at 100% fair market value. New business included authorizing competitive negotiation for professional services related to renovations at the Hollands Fire Station, and adopting a resolution to oppose House Bills 1374 and 1377, which could impact the Virginia Military Institute. An emergency ordinance was approved to extend the deadline for tangible personal property payments to February 17th due to snowstorm delays. The board also approved the first reading of an ordinance to temporarily relocate the Hollands district precinct 206 polling place during Holland Library renovations. The consent agenda was approved without discussion. During citizen comments, one individual spoke in opposition to a resolution directing the planning commission to study the redistricting of abortion clinics within the county's zoning districts. The supervisors concluded by giving reports, noting recent advocacy trips to Richmond for the county's legislative agenda.

The meeting resumed its evening session following an afternoon open session, work session, and closed session where discussions were limited to matters permitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Key actions included the adoption of a certification resolution. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and subsequent adoption of maximum tax rates for Calendar Year 2023 for Real Estate, Personal Property, and Machinery and Tools taxes, which members noted was a procedural step pending final budget deliberations. There was also a motion passed directing the Roanoke County Planning Commission to study and recommend amendments to the industrial use types defined in the county code, referencing economic changes since the provisions were adopted in the early 1990s. Board members also provided updates on the Roanoke County 200 plan community meetings, noting strong citizen participation, and discussed ongoing I-81 corridor study efforts.