Richard M Lewis

The board discussed several items, including tourism and marketing reports, the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club event sponsorship request, and workforce development initiatives. The board reviewed and considered approval of the FY 26-27 budget, discussed the rescission of the County's noise ordinance and the formation of a review committee, and addressed Project Access infrastructure updates. Furthermore, the meeting involved discussions regarding treasurer reports, the appointment of an alternate for the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, and various committee reports covering agriculture, business development, and infrastructure.

The Board discussed several key topics including the current budget status, the shortfall, and strategies to address the deficit. Specific deliberations focused on amending the BPOL tax cap for the upcoming fiscal year, local impacts related to the uncertainty of the state budget calendar, and the potential use of the fund balance to satisfy budget deficits. Additionally, the Board evaluated concerns regarding internal equity and morale related to state-funded employee bonuses, and reviewed a grant opportunity from the River Counties Community Foundation for the acquisition of a waterborne emergency services vessel.

The Board of Supervisors meeting covered several administrative and financial items. Key discussions included an update on road safety improvements on Regent Road, a status report on a local golf cart regulation, and an introduction of three new county employees including a GIS coordinator, a superintendent of grounds and facilities, and a planning and community development director. The board reviewed and approved budget supplements for the Middle Peninsula Summer Regional Governor's School and state revenue allocations. Additionally, the board moved to adopt the appropriation resolution for the 2027 fiscal year budget.

The board conducted a public hearing to discuss the recession of the noise ordinance that was previously adopted. It was clarified that the rescinding of the current ordinance would not revive the 2004 version. The board decided to form a noise ordinance review committee to gather public input from various stakeholders, with official appointments to this committee expected at the next meeting. Following the discussion, a motion was approved to formally rescind the noise ordinance enacted on April 7, 2026.

The agenda covered numerous administrative and policy items including the approval of disbursements and payroll, reports from constitutional officers, and updates from the VDOT, social services, and school departments. Key discussions involved the FY 2026-2027 budget appropriation, budget supplement requests, the rescinding of a noise ordinance, and various citizen appointments to boards and committees. The Board also reviewed administrator updates regarding the cigarette tax, the Heritage Trail Park signage, and potential staff bonuses. Additionally, a closed session was scheduled to discuss real property acquisition and legal matters, followed by a public hearing on rescinding a noise control ordinance.