Summary of the Board of Supervisors Meeting: May 13, 2025
SUMMARY of May 12 , 2025
MEETING OF THE NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
2:00 P.M.
Present: Supervisors Jessica Ligon, David Parr, Ernie Reed, and Jesse Rutherford
Absent: Supervisor Tommy Harvey
I. The Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Reed. There was a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Allen Hale: a former Supervisor spoke in support of the “older citizens’ proclamation and reported on the collapsed culvert at Rockfish River Rd and Rt 612. He also reported a large pothole that needs attention at Digs Mountain Road and Arrington Road.
2. Ann Vogelman: applied to be on the board of PVCC and wanted to put a face to the application.
III. CONSENT AGENDA: The board unanimously approved the following resolutions.
A. Resolution – R2025-30 Minutes for Approval:
RESOLVED, by the Nelson County Board of Supervisors that the minutes of said Board meetings conducted on November 14, 2024 be and hereby are approved and authorized for entry into the official record of the Board of Supervisors meetings.
B. Resolution – R2025-31 FY25 Budget Amendment:
I. Appropriation of Funds (General Fund)
Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account (+)
$ 4 ,875.00 3-100-001901-0032 4-100-031020-3038
$ 1 ,355.61 3-100-003303-0107 4-100-031020-1013
$ 2 41.82 3-100-001901-0033 4-100-031020-3039
$ 6 98.40 3-100-002404-0006 4-100-031020-5419
$ 3 3,190.65 3-100-009999-0001 4-100-031020-5419
$ 1 5,000.00 3-100-003303-0055 4-100-032010-5409
$ 2 ,197.84 3-100-001899-0008 4-100-091030-5202
$ 1 ,872.00 3-100-002404-0034 4-100-031020-1014
$ 6 ,230.00 3-100-001899-0020 4-100-091030-5680
$ 1 00,000.00 3-100-001901-0007 4-100-999000-9905
________________
$ 167,544.22
II. Transfer of Funds (General Fund Contingency)
Amount Credit Account (-) Debit Account (+)
$ 567.82 4-100-999000-9901 4-100-011010-5203
$12,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-091030-5617
_____________
$ 12,567.82
III. Transfer of Funds (Debt Service Fund)
Amount Credit Account (-) Debit Account (+)
$ 7 ,474.75 4-108-095100-9150 4-108-095200-9127
$ 1 1,086.30 4-108-095100-9150 4-108-095100-9128
_______________________
$ 18,561.05
I. Appropriations are the addition of unbudgeted funds received or held by the County for use within the current fiscal year budget. These funds increase the budget bottom line. The General Fund Appropriations of $167,544.22 include requests of (1) $845.00, $1,267.50, $1,755.00, and $1,007.50 appropriations totaling $4,875.00 requested for Sheriff's FY25 UVA MOU Special Events Overtime funding for March-April 2025; (2) $1,355.61appropriation requested for Sheriff's DEA Task Force Grant funding for March 2025; (3) $241.82 appropriation requested for Sheriff's FY25 Bedford MOU Southern VA Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Overtime funding for February 2025; (4) $698.40 appropriation requested for Commonwealth Attorney's asset forfeiture funds received inFY25; (5) $1,882.90 appropriation requested for Sheriff's asset forfeiture funds received in FY25; (6) $33,190.65 request to reappropriate unused FY24 Sheriff's Asset Forfeiture funds for use in FY25; (7) $15,000 appropriation requested for FY24 Emergency Management Performance Grant award funds for use in FY25 (50% local match); (8) $2,197.84 appropriation requested for FY25 OPIOID Abatement Funding received in April 2025; (9)$364.00 and $1,508.00 appropriations totaling $1,872.00 requested for Sheriff's Temporary Detention Order & Emergency Custody Order (TDO & ECO) transport funding for February- March 2025; (10) $6,230.00 appropriation requested for Cover the Caboose campaign funds received in FY25; and (11) $100,000.00 appropriation requested for reimbursement received from Nelson County Service Authority (NCSA) for connection fees paid as a part of the NCHS Renovation Project. The total appropriation request for this period is below the 1% of expenditure budget limit of $771,756.56 for May. Of the total appropriations this month, $100,000.00 (Item 11) of funds are being added to Non-Recurring Contingency.
II. Transfers represent funds that are already appropriated in the budget, but are moved from one line item to another. Transfers do not affect the bottom line of the budget. Transfers from General Fund Contingencies in the amount of $12,567.82 are reflected in (1) $567.82 transfer from Recurring Contingency to the Board of Supervisors Telecommunications line item to cover the cost of a phone and monthly plan for a Board member for the remainder of FY25 and (2) $12,000.00 transfer from Non-Recurring Contingency to cover the Lovingston Fire Department fireworks display on July 4th (not to exceed this amount, approved on April 8, 2025). Following approval of these expenditures, the balance of Non-Recurring Contingency will be $660,117.31. This net balance includes the addition in I. and reduction in II. The balance of Recurring Contingency will be $505,585.18.
III. Transfers represent funds that are already appropriated in the budget, but are moved from one line item to another. Transfers do not affect the bottom line of the budget. Transfers between Debt Service Fund accounts in the amount of $18,561.05 are reflected in (1) $7,474.75 transfer from the Debt Service Reserve line to Interest (BAN2024A) NCHS Renovation Project line item to cover the interest paid on the Bond Anticipation Note for this project and (2) $11,086.30 transfer from the Debt Service Reserve line to Interest (BAN2024B) DSS Building Project line item to cover the interest paid on the Bond Anticipation Note for this project.
IV. PROCLAMATION - MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH (P2025-03) The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, on this 13th day of May, 2025, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2025 to be Older Americans Month. We urge every resident to Flip the Script on Aging, this year’s theme, and transform how we talk about and perceive aging, celebrating older adults’ profound impact on our local community, empowered by social connections, health resources, and support for older adults. “
V. RESOLUTION – NELSON COUNTY GARDEN CLUB DAY (R2025-32): The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby officially recognize May 15, 2025 as Nelson County Garden Club Day and respectfully asks all citizens alike to join in expressing their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many long hours of outstanding volunteerism and commitment to our community by the members of the Nelson County Garden Club for the past 90 years.”
VI. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL POLICE WEEK (P2025-04): The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 11, 2025 through May 17, 2025 as National Police Week in honor of law enforcement officers both past and present who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice through their loyal service to their community.”
VII. PRESENTATIONS:
A. FY24 Audit Report – Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates: Farmer and Cox presented the following audit report:
“We have audited the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, the aggregate discretely presented component units, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of County of Nelson, Virginia for the year ended June 30, 2024. Professional standards require that we provide you with information about our responsibilities under generally accepted auditing standards, Government Auditing Standards, and the Uniform Guidance, as well as certain information related to the planned scope and timing of our audit. We have communicated such information in our engagement letter. Professional standards also require that we communicate to you the following information related to our audit.
Significant Audit Matters
Qualitative Aspects of Accounting Practices
Management is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies. The significant accounting policies used by County of Nelson, Virginia are described in Note 1 to the financial statements. No new accounting policies were adopted, and the application of existing policies was not changed during 2024. We noted no transactions entered into by the entity during the year for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus. All significant transactions have been recognized in the financial statements in the proper period. Accounting estimates are an integral part of the financial statements prepared by management and are based on management’s knowledge and experience about past and current events and assumptions about future events. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting them may differ significantly from those expected. The most sensitive estimate(s) affecting the County’s financial statements was (were):
Management’s estimate of the depreciable lives of capital assets is based on the actual lives of prior assets and industry standards. We evaluated the methods, assumptions, and data used to develop the depreciable lives in determining that it is reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.
Management’s estimate of pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities is based on actuarial valuations performed by a qualified independent actuary. We methods, assumptions, and data used to develop the estimated liabilities in determining that they are reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole. The financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear.
Difficulties Encountered in Performing the Audit
We encountered no significant difficulties in dealing with management in performing and completing our audit.
Corrected and Uncorrected Misstatement
Professional standards require us to accumulate all known and likely misstatements identified during the audit, other than those that are clearly trivial, and communicate them to the appropriate level of management. Our procedures disclosed no misstatements that required correction by management
Disagreements with Management
For purposes of this letter, a disagreement with management is a disagreement on a financial accounting, reporting, or auditing matter, whether or not resolved to our satisfaction, that could be significant to the financial statements or the auditors’ report. We are pleased to report that no such disagreements arose during the course of our audit.
Management Representations
We have requested certain representations from management that are included in the management representation letter dated March 15, 2025.
Management Consultations with Other Independent Accountants
In some cases, management may decide to consult with other accountants about auditing and accounting matters, similar to obtaining a “second opinion” on certain situations. If a consultation involves application of an accounting principle to the entity’s financial statements or a determination of the type of auditors’ opinion that may be expressed on those statements, our professional standards require the consulting accountant to check with us to determine that the consultant has all the relevant facts. To our knowledge, there were no such consultations with other accountants.
Other Audit Findings or Issues
We generally discuss a variety of matters, including the application of accounting principles and auditing standards, with management each year prior to retention as the entity’s auditors. However, these discussions occurred in the normal course of our professional relationship and our responses were not a condition to our retention.
Other Matters
We applied certain limited procedures to management’s discussion and analysis and the schedules related to pension and OPEB funding, which are required supplementary information (RSI) that supplements the basic financial statements. Our procedures consisted of inquiries of management regarding the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management’s responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We did not audit the RSI and do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the RSI. Our responsibility with respect to the budgetary comparison information, which also supplements the basic financial statements, is to evaluate the presentation of the schedules in relation to the financial statements as a whole and to report on whether it is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
We were engaged to report on combining and individual fund financial statements and schedules, supporting schedules, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, which accompany the financial statements but are not RSI. With respect to this supplementary information, we made certain inquiries of management and evaluated the form, content, and methods of preparing the information to determine that the information complies with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the method of preparing it has not changed from the prior period, and the information is appropriate and complete in relation to our audit of the financial statements. We compared and reconciled the supplementary information to the underlying accounting records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves.
We were not engaged to report on statistical information, which accompany the financial statements but are not RSI. Such information has not been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on it.
Restriction on Use
This information is intended solely for the use of Board of Supervisors and management of the County of Nelson, Virginia and is not intended to be, and should not be, used by anyone other than these specified parties.”
B. VDOT Report: Robert Brown reported that VDOT provided unexpected funds and 64 miles of the 120 miles of th4e rustic roads have been machined in the past month. The pipe jacking under Rt. 151 has been completed and the slope repair at Avon Road and 151 is almost complete. Supervisor Ligon reported that the potholes on Lonesome Pine Road needs a lot of gravel NOW. Mr. Brown said VDOT would look into the immediate request. VDOT is working on the culvert which requires an open cut and addressing the cleaning out of the pipe. Issues at Diggs Mountain and Arrington were also brought to VDOTs attention. Supervisor Reed reported water running over the road on Moses Hughes Lane.
1. FY26-31 Secondary Six Year Road Plan (R2025-33). The board unanimously adopted The following resolution:
WHEREAS, Sections 33.2-331 and 33.2-332 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, provides the opportunity for each county to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation in developing a Secondary Six-Year Road Plan, and
WHEREAS, this Board had previously agreed to assist in the preparation of this Plan, in accordance with the Virginia Department of Transportation policies and procedures, and participated in a public hearing on the proposed Plan (2025/26 through 2030/31) as well as the Construction Priority List (2025/26) on April 8, 2025 after duly advertised so that all citizens of the County had the opportunity to participate in said hearing and to make comments and recommendations concerning the proposed Plan and Priority List, and
WHEREAS, Staff of the Virginia Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board and recommended approval of the Six-Year Plan for Secondary Roads (2025/26 through 2030/31) and the Construction Priority List (2025/26) for Nelson County,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that said Board finds the Plan(s) to be in the best interests of the Secondary Road System in Nelson County and of the citizens residing on the Secondary System, and as such said Secondary Six-Year Plan (2025/26 through 2030/31) and Construction Priority List (2025/26) are hereby approved, as amended if applicable.
2. Approval of the Rural Rustic Design Standard for FY26-31 (R2025-34): The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:
“WHEREAS, Section 33.2-332 of the Code of Virginia, permits the hard surfacing of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for designation as a Rural Rustic Road; and
WHEREAS, any such road must be located in a low-density development area and have no more than 1,500 vehicles per day; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Nelson County, Virginia desires to consider whether these Routes should be designated as Rural Rustic Roads as follows:
• Route 623, Davis Creek Road, From: Dead End To: Road 625,
• Route 646, Hunting Lodge Road, From: Route 604 To: Route 645,
• Route 674, Jenny’s Creek Road, From: Route 56 To: Route: 151,
• Route 640, Wheelers Cove Road, From: 1.50 miles South of Route 620 To: Route 620,
• Route 667, Fork Mountain Road, From: 1.29 miles North of Route 56 To: 2.29 miles North of Route 56
• Route 613, Berry Hill Road, From: 1.10 miles South of Route 788 To: Route 788,
• Route 606, Buffalo Station Road, From: Route 626 To: Route 1.4 miles East of Route 626,
• Route 764, Walk Around Lane, From: Route 628 To: Dead End,
• Route 648, Eagle Mountain Drive, From: Route 703 To: Route 56
• Route 721, Green Field Drive, From: .70 mile North of Route 626 To: 2.8 miles North of Route 626
• Route 629, Gulleysville Road, From: Dead End To: Route 634,
• Route 649, Lonesome Pine Road, From: Route 771 To: Route 694
WHEREAS, the Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the existing traffic on these roads; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that these roads should be so designated due to their qualifying characteristics; and
WHEREAS, these roads are in the Board’s six-year plan for improvements to the secondary system of state highways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board hereby designates these roads as Rural Rustic Roads, and requests that the Residency Administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation concur in this designation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board requests that these roads be hard surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing right-of-way and ditch-lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic character along the roads in their current state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation Residency Administrator.”
C. Social Services Building Final Design & Authorization to Bid – PMA (R2025-35): The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors approves the Department of Social Services Office Building Design as presented by PMA Architecture; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the County Administrator and PMA Architecture to advertise and receive bids for the Department of Social Services Office Building Project. “
The highlights of the plan of the DSS building presented to the Board are below:
D. High School Renovation and Social Services Building Project Plan of Finance – Davenport:
Davenport reported on the interim financing which has already been received and the long term financing plans. The highlights of their power point presentation are set forth below:
VIII. NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Move Safely Blue Ridge – Draft Comprehensive Safety Action Plan Update: They came back to respond to the Boards questions from their last appearance. They have addressed the spoken with VDOT and the staff of Nelson County. No action is required today. They were looking to go on the consent agenda next month. Ms. McGarry pointed out the plan provides options subject to funding and it’s up to the Board what to pursue.
B. Authorization for Public Hearing on Flood Plain Ordinance Updates (R2025-36): The
Board unanimously adopted the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to §15.2-1427 and §15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia 1950 as amended, the County Administrator is hereby authorized to advertise a joint public hearing between the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission to be held on June 25, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the General District Courtroom in the Courthouse in Lovingston, Virginia. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on an Ordinance proposed for passage to amend Appendix A - Zoning, Article 10 General Floodplain District FP. Proposed amendments would keep the County’s floodplain management ordinance and enforcement procedures incompliance with NFIP requirements (44CFR 59.22) by replacing the definitions for “Post FIRM,” “Pre FIRM,” and “New Construction,” and updating references to the upcoming effective date in Sections 10-7, 10-8 and 10-9. This proposed ordinance would also adopt the new floodplain maps effective August 5, 2025.”
Dylan Bishop presented the following memorandum to the Board.
“FEMA is the federal agency that administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and creates the maps for regulatory purposes. State agencies such as Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and responsible for guiding and providing technical assistance with floodplain administration to the locality. And the locality is responsible to administer its floodplain ordinance in compliance with FEMA regulations. The current effective flood maps are dated June 10, 2010.
The latest Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) have been finalized for Nelson County and are due to be effective on August 5, 2025. This involved years of data compilation, studies, and community meetings facilitated by FEMA. To remain active in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the locality is required to amend, update and its floodplain ordinance, and submit the adopted ordinance back to DCR for review at least 30 days prior to the effective date. The current floodplain ordinance was amended in 2017, and was sent to DCR for a compliance review. Only minor changes were required, including replacement of definitions for “Post FIRM,” “Pre-FIRM,” and “New Construction,” and updating references to the upcoming effective date.
Staff is requesting that the BOS authorize a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to be held on June 25, 2025. Upon adoption, the ordinance will be sent back to DCR and FEMA for final review and acceptance.”
The proposed ordinance begins on page 126 of the Board of Supervisors packet and is 24 pages in length. Interested parties are encouraged to review entire ordinance.
IX. REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS, DIRECTIVES AND CORRESPONDENCE
A. Reports:
1. County Administrator’s Report for May 13, 2025 Board Meeting
A. DSS Building Project: See Agenda Item VII. C
B. High School Renovation Project Financing: See Agenda Item VII. D
C. FY26 Budget: See Agenda Item Evening Session III. A
D. Larkin Phase 1 Well Evaluation & Dillard Creek Flow Evaluation:
1. Well Evaluation Task Order 4: Resistivity testing is pending a 2-3 week lead time from scheduling the use of the equipment, with the field work estimated to take 3-4 days. This is tentatively scheduled for the week of May 26th pending confirmation of the equipment availability. Staff is working with the School Division on accessing our property for this through the already logged portion of the adjacent school property.
2. Dillard Creek Flow Evaluation Task Order 5:
a. Identification of USGS gauges in the project area: The research identified three (3) USGS gages in the general area of the Larkin property. They evaluated the gages to determine which one was the most appropriate for use in the estimation of flows for Dillard Creek since the creek does not have its own flow gage. A gage on the Tye River was identified as the most appropriate gage to use.
b. Flow data review and calculations: The data from the Tye River gage was downloaded and is being reviewed and evaluated from multiple perspectives including overall average, monthly averages, and low flow periods. This data from this reference gage was extrapolated to provide data for the location of a water intake on Dillard Creek and using the drainage area comparison approach frequently used by Virginia regulatory agencies.
c. Endangered and threatened species review: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource’s (DWR) Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service (VaFWIS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)’s Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) databases were reviewed to determine if there is the potential for any endangered and threatened (E&T) species impacts that could impact the permitting and/or complicate the location of the intake in the selected waterbody or the volume and rate of withdrawals.
The methodology and results will be summarized in a memo along with the other items included in their scope, including the potential permit requirements and assumptions/limitations and estimated engineering and permitting costs associated with a creek withdrawal system.
E. Piney River Phase II Pump Station: The pump station is now functioning with both motors installed, however; one of the VFDs on one of the pumps is not working correctly; with the VFD fix pending. If we have an emergency, this pump will run bypassing the VFD. An onsite meeting is in the process of being lined up for this week with CHA, Jeff Brantley, Commonwealth Engineering, the supplier of the replacement pump station, Smith and Lovelace, the replacement pump station manufacturer, and NCSA staff to review the site and the new pump station specifications so that the
F. NCSA Meeting: County and NCSA staff met to discuss the Piney River Phase II system, inclusive of the Phase II pump station replacement plans and plans for moving towards the Service Authority’s ownership of the system. This included some preliminary discussion of potential future rate adjustments; which County staff is working on for presentation to the Board at the June regular Board meeting. NCSA is holding a public hearing at 8:30 am on May 15th on a proposed 15% base sewer service rate increase for all of their systems ($69.70 to $80.15) that would be effective July 1, 2025. As NCSA makes periodic rate adjustments, equalizing the County’s rates with those of NCSA will continue to be a moving target. There are other service differences to be worked through which would affect our current customer base financially and it will be prudent to provide exceptional public engagement along this path. We discussed establishing a working group including County and NCSA staff and willing Board members (2/Board) to devise a workable action plan to transition the system ownership. Attached is a letter from the former County Administrator to NCSA dated September 17, 2019 and NCSA’s response dated November 7, 2019, which serves as a basis for current discussions. Board feedback on the workgroup concept is requested.
G. Wild Rose Solar Project Update: Savion is expecting to enter into the Interconnection Agreement with PJM this fall. PJM is the regional transmission organization that serves 14 states and D.C. including VA and they will be submitting their CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) with the SCC for the utility line road crossings in the next couple of months. A notice of intent to file the CPCN is required 90 days before formal submittal. Savion will be hosting another open house in August/September after the 90-day notice of intent period. They will also be submitting their notice of intent to seek a Permit by Rule (PBR) from DEQ, which requires that they hold a public meeting in the County and there will be a 30-day public review and comment period after submittal and before authorization. They will be checking “yes” for project is located on a “Brownfield” and determining if the site qualifies based on the site’s history of iron/hematite mining in the late 1800s at the north end of Route 60. Ms. Johnson also stated that the total disturbed area is increasing to 650 acres including the roads and substation with no change to the area under panels at 550ish acres. Staff will update the Board and public as public comment periods are established. Relevant Code and DEQ links: Virginia Administrative Code - Title 9. Environment - Agency 15. Department of Environmental Quality - Chapter 60. Small Renewable Energy Projects (Solar) Permit by Rule, § 10.1-1197.6. Permit by rule for small renewable energy projects, and Solar | Virginia DEQ.
H. Region 2000 Services Authority: A public hearing on proposed tipping fee rates of $35.44/T – Member Rate Disposal and $45.44/T – Market Rate Disposal will be held at the regular June 25, 2025 Authority meeting. These rates have been $30.25/T and $40.25/T respectively since FY18. The FY26 budget proposal is based upon the proposed rates and Member tonnage of 71,265 T and Market Rate tonnage of 125,038 T for a total of 196,303 T and budget of $8,207,358. Nelson’s FY26 projected tonnage is 10,243 T which translates to a cost of $363,012 based on $35.44/T; which is right at the amount budgeted of $363,000. The Authority’s proposed budget includes funding for the first year of an employee retention/compensation study ($467,995) aimed at retaining employees through expected closure in January 2029 and a few employees remaining for several months beyond. This option is approximately 4 times less expensive than privatizing operations if not enough employees remain in place to operate through closure. The Authority will have a continued meeting on May 28th to review the employee retention/compensation study for decision as to what level it will be included in ensuing budgets. The budget also accounts for the Authority’s vote to transfer all monies held in reserve related to Excess Revenue and the Financial Policy to closure/post-closure reserves; approximately $4.8 Million and $4.2 Million respectively.
I. Regional Jail Renovation & Expansion Project: Six Construction contractors were pre-qualified to bid on the project, with bids due May 30th at 2pm and opened at 2:15 pm. ACRJ staff and Financial Advisors – Davenport will be reporting to each of the Member Jurisdictions in June and at Nelson on June 10th. The plan of Finance will be reviewed and the Board will be asked to take approval action on the ACRJ financing of VRA Bonds, a Grant Anticipation Note, and respective Financial Support Agreements. Construction is expected to begin on September 15, 2025. In March, the County’s jail utilization was 1,310 bed days and we had an average daily population of 43. The County’s website has a link to the project at: RENOVATION PROJECT | acrj
Rockfish Re-Use Shed Issues: A week and a half ago, I advised the Board that there are people verbally cussing and fighting over the shed contents, people hanging out in the shed for hours or hanging around the site to take items from people before they even get it into the shed, people leaving bags of things that contain dirty diapers, needles, and other unsavory items which is incredibly unsafe for the public and our staff. The Rockfish site is very busy and the attendants may not have time to tend to the shed and its issues. As first steps, we issued a warning letter to a known person that required their poor behavior to stop or they would be banned from the re-use sheds and issued a no-trespass notice. We also stationed a re-use shed attendant at the site to specifically and only monitor activity at the re-use shed and attempt to educate patrons on the rules while interacting with them. This person’s first shift was last Friday-Sunday; no issues were reported for Friday and we will get a report on the weekend’s shifts to share. (there were 6 persons over the weekend who cursed and shouted at the attendant and had to be warned that they could be banned) David Parr said, “we need to get this on a short leash”. People doing this are reselling and we may have to shut it down)
J. Wintergreen Fire Marshal Follow-up: Scheduling a meeting in the next couple of months with Mr. Hux and 2 designated Board members, before bringing this back to the Board for re-consideration is pending.
K. Meals and Lodging Tax Collection & Lodging Entity Tracking: See Attached Charts - # of Lodging Units is 824, down from 826 in the previous report. Glen Yi (GIS Specialist) has plotted the registered STRs in the County and developed an interactive map, this shows 821 STRs with 489 Wintergreen Rental Units and 332 in other parts of the County. (See attached Map as of March/April)
L. Staff Reports: Department and office reports for March/April have been provided.
Board Reports:
Supervisor Reed: TJPDC will get HUD money in the amount of $85,000 in 25-26 and in 27 will receive $170,000 as it is Nelson County’s turn for rotation bump (2x what is usually received). The money is for building/ buying/rehabbing of affordable housing. Mr. Reed attended the “Short term” rental meeting. The Rockfish Valley Foundation did its “in lit” kick off. They have they have set up 20 modules with on different topics on the hiking trails. This project involves a large collaboration with a number of agencies. Recovery Court had its 3rd graduation. The School Board Meeting: reviewed title 1, 2, 3, & 4 grant applications and discussed what will happen if the grants are not received. Friday May 16, 2025 is Nelson High School’s graduation. VACO is documenting the effects in real time if not the federal grants forthcoming. VACO Regions 3& 5 meeting was in Richmond. Christine Jacobs made exemplary presentation. TJPDC is doing excellent work on our behalf.
Supervisor Ligon: Discussed at the planning commission that the Board of Supervisor’s representative is not a voting member.
Supervisor Parr: Reported that the Emergency Services meeting for April was cancelled. Social Services has had many closed session meetings regarding legal matters in last 6 weeks. DSS now has its own attorney. Mr. Parr wants a closed session BOS meeting so he can brief the Board on what is going on.
Supervisor Rutherford: Attended a TJPDC meeting. The Board should be getting an update on housing stock and starts from TJPDC. He talked with Lovingston businesses about bringing in more business compatible with “hometown feel “ including providing housing directly over businesses. The July 4th fireworks are on the 4th at the high school, and the parade is at 9:00 am on 5th in Lovingston. Mr. Rutherford is continuing to see what the block grants might be available and looking to Service Authority about expansion of services.
The board unanimously appointed Ann Vogelmann to serve on PVCC, Dan Quillen to serve on the JABA Board, and Patricia Heggie was unanimously reappointed to Region 10. The other appointment was deferred. Dan Hicks has applied for Jaunt. Ms. McNaught would like to be reappointed to Jaunt. That appointment was deferred. The other sited openings do not yet have applicants. Jean Holiday may wish to remain on the Library Committee.
C. Correspondence: Per Supervisor Rutherford: Schulyler Water: Letter went out on May 1.
D. Directives: Regarding the outbreak of fighting and harassment of donors at the “donation shed” at the Rockfish dump site, Supervisor David Parr requested that there be a report back on developments at next meeting and if the problem continues, that the Board be presented a pwith a plan of action.
X. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO 2.2-3711(A)(1) Personnel
XI. OTHER BUSINESS (AS PRESENTED): None
XII. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AND CONTINUED TO THE EVENING SESSION AT 7PM
EVENING SESSION
I. The meeting was called to order.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
III. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Proposed FY25-26 County Budget, All Funds: the proposed budget begins on page 169 of the packet of the Board of Supervisors meeting and is 89 pages in length. Readers are encouraged to download the package. Only limited highlights will be included in this summary. Grace Mawyer reviewed the budget with the Board.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Stephen Bayne spoke and stated that Nelson County does not have a revenue problem to pay for the county’s needed services. He thanked the Board for its fiscal responsibility and discipline.
V. OTHER BUSINESS (AS PRESENTED):A work session was scheduled for May 16, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
VI. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED UNTIL MAY 16, 2025 AT 1:00 PM.