Shilton R. Butts

The Regular Meeting agenda was amended to remove discussions regarding the Food Bank/Resident Assistance and the Atlantic Waste Disposal Host Fee Adjustment Request. The Consent Agenda, including approval of warrants, treasurer's report, departmental reports, a budget amendment for Public Safety/Parks and Recreation Operations, and an extension for the 2026 Reassessment completion, was approved. The Board approved resolutions recognizing Catherine Owens, David Poole (for his 101st birthday), and Dr. Charles Robb on his retirement. An overview and introduction of the Executive Director of the Crater District Area Agency on Aging (CDAAA) was provided, discussing senior center operations and the Sussex Trace Apartments Rehabilitation Program, for which a public hearing regarding bond financing was scheduled for December. The Board also discussed the Sussex Trace Apartments rehabilitation plans, which involve significant investment and renovation over 12-18 months. A public hearing was held concerning the Henry Technology Park Property Hunting Lease, resulting in the extension of the current lease for the First Shot Hunting Club through January 31, 2026, and a commitment to solicit new bids starting in October 2026. Action was taken to increase the grant expense threshold for Sussex Green Enterprise Park (SGEP) projects from $250,000 to $750,000 to facilitate required down payments before reimbursement. The Board convened in Closed Session to discuss the disposition of public property, an employee matter in the Public Works Department, and consultation with legal counsel regarding a pending solar application, before reconvening and certifying that the session complied with Virginia law.

The Special Meeting commenced with a determination of quorum and approval of remote participation for one supervisor. Following the invocation and pledge, the Board approved the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Closed Session to discuss the disposition of public property and consultation with legal counsel regarding a proposed intergovernmental contract agreement. Upon reconvening to Open Session, the Board certified the Closed Session proceedings and approved the Wastewater Agreement with modifications.

The meeting began with the call to order, invocation, and pledge, followed by agenda amendments which included adding the Sheriff's Cut Deputy Position and reordering a closed session item. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included approvals for previous meetings from May, July, and a July Personnel Committee meeting, as well as warrants, financial reports, and budget amendments. Key discussion items included a summary of the completed countywide broadband project and recognition of a Building Services Permit Technician for her professional contributions. Action items focused on the approval of the Cassius Blue Solar Project Conditional Use Permit and Siting Agreement, which passed with a divided vote, and the approval of the Big Pine Solar Project Conditional Use Permit and Siting Agreement, which also passed with a divided vote. The Board also approved a moral obligation pledge for a Water Facilities Revolving Fund Loan for the Wakefield Drainage Improvements Project. Citizen comments addressed the Fire & EMS Chief 1 position. New business included an overview of proposed Zoning Amendments and clarification on the need for a work session for further review. The Board approved a resolution to pay the Sheriff's Department for outstanding overtime and holiday pay, not to exceed $300,000, to come from reserves, and directed the department to develop a policy. The meeting concluded with a closed session covering legal consultation, prospective business, and specific legal matters, followed by certification and adjournment.

The meeting involved several key administrative and financial actions. The Board elected the Chair and Vice Chair for Calendar Year 2026 and established the schedule for regular meetings, suspending the August meeting. They also adopted updated By Laws and Rules and Procedures, including changes to Citizens' Comments time and confirming the Chair/Vice Chair's authority to cancel Special Meetings. Discussions included updates on VDOT activities, the introduction of the new Public Safety Coordinator and Interim Finance Director, and a presentation on the Sussex County Public Schools performance. The Board recognized the retirement of Sandra Blunt from the Circuit Court Clerk's office. A public hearing was held and approved the Technology Zone Boundary Adjustment to attract a data center user. Unfinished business included approving an amended contract with Atlantic Waste Disposal for a reduced host fee and approving the hiring of an Accounting Manager, with the Finance Director retained as a part-time consultant for six months. The Board also approved budget amendments for debt service, Deputy Registrar salary adjustment, the new Accounting Manager position, and SPOT funding for the Sheriff's Department. Finally, the Board confirmed the County Administrator's January 23rd declaration of local emergency concerning Winter Storm Fern.

The meeting agenda included organizational matters for the calendar year 2026, specifically the election of the Chair and Vice Chair, establishment of regular meeting schedules, and adoption of rules and procedures. Key items involved public hearings regarding a Proposed Technology Zone Boundary Adjustment and the Proposed Business Personal Property Classification for Data Centers. Other topics for discussion or action included the introduction of the new Public Safety Coordinator and Interim Finance Director, a performance update from the Superintendent of Sussex County Public Schools, review of an Atlantic Waste Disposal Host Fee Adjustment Request Agreement, and consideration of proposed personnel changes, such as a new Part-Time 4-H Educator Position and a Deputy Registrar Salary Increase Request. The agenda also reserved time for board members' comments and a closed session for consultation with legal counsel.