Bedford Supervisors to review funding for business groups; Powhatan Supervisors to be briefed on steep utility fee increases
Another look at what's happening in local government in Virginia's Fifth District
Welcome to another edition produced while I am a temporary resident of Lynchburg, just about 400 feet away from where I got the idea to do this work. I’m hoping eventually to spend more time all around the Fifth District visiting all of these various places. It’s rewarding to do this work and I’m grateful to those supporting me through Patreon and those pledging subscriptions! I plan to keep this up and look forward to the time when my capacity is back to normal!
Business groups to present to Bedford Supervisors reasons to continue being funded
The seven member Bedford County Supervisors will meet at 5 p.m. today for a work session followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Both are in the administration building. (meeting portal)
There’s no specific theme identified for the work session, but it appears there is one anyway. There will be presentations from the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, the Virginia Small Business Development Center, and the Sedalia Center.
Judging from one document, it appears that Bedford County has asked some of the organizations it funds to provide a justification for continued funding.
“Bedford County has been an active full partner in regional economic development since 1998 when Region 2000 was created,” reads a letter from Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Officer for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. “If Bedford County were to step away as a full partner in regional economic development, all direct and indirect economic development support, services, opportunities, and leads would cease.”
The agenda packet includes a presentation that seeks to document all of those leads.
The regular meeting begins with a consent agenda with two items. One is a resolution in support of a business class hotel in Bedford. Justin Faulconer had a recent article about this in the Lynchburg News and Advance. The county will provide tax rebates for a period of eight years for the 85-room hotel with space for events for up to 100 people.
The other is a resolution seeking authorization of a vehicle purchase for the Director of Emergency Management. The new Ford Expedition will cost $54,197.40 and the budgeted amount was $67,000.
There are four public hearings:
One is for a rezoning and special use permit request on 9.41 acres of land on U.S. 460 in New London from Low Density Residential District (R-1) to General Commercial District (C-2) for a retail building, workshop, and storage building. Staff recommends denial.
One is a rezoning request for Verdian Properties for a 1.186 acre property from Agricultural Rural Preserve District (AP) to General Commercial District (C-2) near Moneta. The purpose is for a mini-warehouse. .
One is consideration of an amending of an ordinance related to “Intentional Interference with a Guide or Leader Dog.”
The final one is to amend the taxation ordinance related to the exemption of some farm machinery and farm implements.
There are six action items:
One is a consideration of a resolution amending the zoning ordinance for short-term rentals. One change would be to require yearly registration and a $500 penalty for failure to do so.
The second is consideration of a resolution approving amendments to the zoning ordinance related to establishment of a halfway house. This would prevent them from being established within one mile of a school.
The third is a resolution seeking a waiver from the State Board of Elections to operate a splint precinct in 2023. This relates to the July 1, 2023 annexation of the Town of Bedford of county land.
The fourth is a resolution authorizing a contract with Shentel for a 2023 Virginia Telecommunications Broadband Grant in the amount of $1.373 million. This is to bring service to the Charlemont and Cifax areas. .
The fifth is to authorize purchase of power generation equipment for the Sheriff’s Office and 911 center. .
The sixth is to authorize extension of contractual agreements for Solid Waste and Recycling Hauling Services.
Powhatan County Supervisors to review capital financing in wake of tax rate cut
The five-member Board of Supervisors in Powhatan County meets at 6:30 p.m. today in the Village Building. The meeting can be reviewed remotely and people can participate in public comment. (meeting agenda)
The meeting begins with a proclamation recognizing Connie Moslow for her service to the Free Clinic.
“We further declare that Connie Moslow is an inspiration to us all, and that her example of selflessness and service will continue to inspire and motivate us for years to come,” reads the resolution. “May her dedication to the Free Clinic of Powhatan serve as a reminder of the power of volunteerism and community service and may her legacy of caring and compassion continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”
As this newsletter continues, I want to make sure to draw attention to the Virginians in our Fifth District that have set an example for all of us.
Next is a presentation from Davenport Financial Advisors on planning for capital projects in the future.
“The County currently enjoys Aa2 / AA+ Credit Ratings from Moody’s and S&P, respectively,” reads the presentation. “These ratings were most recently affirmed / assigned in Summer of 2016 (S&P) and Winter of 2022 (Moody’s).”
I also learned from the report that Albemarle reduced its real property tax rate from 77 cents to 69 cents for the calendar year. A decision made in one year affects other years as local governments must look to the future as they look to finance infrastructure. I don’t know the needs in Powhatan, but this entire newsletter is an exercise in building up all of our knowledge of how it works.
From the minutes of the May 1 meeting we learn that that Supervisors did a lot of things to reduce spending to accommodate that lower rate.
An originally proposed seven percent salary increase for county employees was reduced to five percent
The position of public works director was eliminated
A grant writer position was created instead
Under old business is an update on a study on water and sewer rates, as well as an update on the convenience center. On the former, Powhatan County proposes raising rates gradually to reduce the amount from the general fund that subsidizes the system. This means substantial increases in fees in the short term. Some of these increases are substantial. I wish I had the capacity to really report on this as this seems major.
Under new business, there’s a discussion of a zoning text amendment related to meat processing facilities.
There are two public hearings.
The first is a ratification of an emergency ordinance to extend the due date for certain taxes.
The second is for a request of 6.72 acres of land on Route 60 from Residential Utility (R-U) to Commerce Center (CC). The project is to use an existing building as an office.
Reading material:
What’s next for Sandy River? Nearby residents raise traffic question, Brian Carlton, Farmville Herald, June 22, 2023
Private development could soon come to Charlottesville-area intelligence campus, Haley Sandlow, June 23, 2023
Campbell superintendent says division will stay 'focused on the basics' ahead official start
Projects transforming landscape of Danville's downtown, John Crane, Danville Register & Bee, June 25, 2023
Where the magic is: The fundraising numbers that moved the Democratic primary, Jason Armesto, Charlottesville Daily Progress, June 25, 2023