Samuel Viars

The board meeting agenda included several public hearings concerning the proposed adoption of a new County Code, proposed County and School Board budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, and the proposed tax levy for the calendar year. Additional business included the payment of invoices, appointments, land use classification ordinance guidance, a review of treasurer and staff reports, and a closed session for consultation with legal counsel regarding an estoppel statement.

The board reviewed financial reports, including Pool Reimbursement Request Reports and budget summaries, and discussed increasing foster care caseloads and budget expenditures. The final report of the Wythe County CSA Audit was discussed, along with the incorporation of audit observations into the Strategic Plan and the status of the VJCCCA Program Audit. New business included a review of OCS Administrative Memo 26-03 regarding the use of CSA funding for drug testing, the completion of the FY 2026 CSA Service Gap Survey, and an amendment to local policy regarding FAPT referral for day care services. The board met in closed session to discuss confidential client information and subsequently approved a series of FAPT-reviewed services and expenditures.

The board meeting addressed various public concerns regarding data center development, including water usage, economic impacts, and land use ordinances. Key actions included the payment of invoices, appointments to local boards and commissions, and authorization of public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and tax rates. Additionally, the Board received an update from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, reviewed statistics from a recent special election, passed a resolution designating casino gaming tax proceeds for emergency services, and scheduled a public hearing regarding the conveyance of property. A closed meeting was held to discuss personnel matters.

The board meeting focused on several key topics, including a public comments session where citizens expressed concerns and support regarding a data center project in Progress Park, land use assessments, local school funding, and the development of maps for historical and environmentally sensitive sites. The board also addressed the payment of invoices, finalized appointments to the Wytheville Community College board and the New River Regional Water Authority, and reviewed departmental reports.

The Planning Commission discussed ongoing public forums related to a land use classification ordinance, with an update on participation numbers and outreach efforts. The board reviewed a resolved variance request where the applicant opted to maintain existing property boundaries. Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposed conservation easement for approximately 243 acres, including discussions on development restrictions, timbering practices, and the long-term nature of such easements.