Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

But before I called the meeting, you what? I think this is the very first time that before we started, everybody got quiet. Don't I don't know if that's serendipity. I I just don't know what it is. Yes. Yeah. We're just accept well, first of all, welcome everyone to the Enrico County, board of supervisors 04/14/2026 meeting. Public comments will be given from a lectern in the back for everyone who is watching, livestream of tonight's meeting on the county website. You can participate remotely in the public comment portion of the meeting. Go to board of supervisors webpage at henrico.usbackslashsupervisors.

Click on the guidance for the board of supervisors meeting, scroll down, and clip on Webex event. Moderator will let you know when it is your time to think to speak. Thank you so much. We're gonna begin this evening with the pledge of allegiance, followed by the invocation given this evening by Richard Hamilton, a chaplain for the Araco County Police Chair. I ask that you all stand and please remain standing, during the prayer.

Please join me as we go to the Lord in prayer. Dear heavenly father, we just wish to thank you for the grace and mercies, Lord. Even the freedom to gather here tonight. We are all blessed to carry each other's burdens as the volunteer showed up tonight carrying other people's burdens and giving them their own time that we appreciate. Lord, we appreciate our leaders that you've appointed, that you would guide their steps every day and watch and protect every one of us. We just thank you for all your blessings, our breath every day, for it's in Jesus Christ's name, amen.

I will call for a motion to approve the regular and special meeting minutes from the Tuesday, 03/04/2026, regular and special meeting. Second. Moved by miss Rountree, second by reverend Nelson. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Mister Banner, do you have any comments this evening?

I do. Mister chair, members of the board, I have two comments this evening. I'm going to ask Debbie Lumpkin, our intern coordinator with the Department of Human Resources to come forward as well as other folks that are here from Human Resources. If you all would come to the podium. So this is a moment of recognition but also acknowledgment of Debbie's efforts and a program that we started a number of years ago for interns countywide that we are now hiring into the workforce.

And so Debbie Lumpkin is our intern coordinator, Department of Human Resources. We're pleased this evening to share that Henrico has been recognized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia as a twenty twenty six top Virginia employer for interns. This is a statewide recognition and it highlights organizations that deliver high impact internship experiences, not routine duties that are assigned, but actually high impact internship experiences combining hand on work, mentorship, exposure leadership and opportunities that prepare students for in demand careers. This year, 161 employers were actually selected and Henrico County has earned this distinction since 2023. These are both public and private, largely private employers mostly that are selected.

The recognition reflects the intentional effort our teams have made to build a strong, inclusive talent pipeline from structured internships with meaningful project work to create pathways into full time roles. Our internship program is helping bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness. Now Debbie, you have done this for us for a number of years. You started as the internship coordinator what year?

2012.

Yeah. So that would have been actually the year that I was appointed and you and I had a conversation about internships and I never envisioned that we would be hiring. Are we up to one in ten, one in eight of the interns that actually go through are actually in our workforce now? So it is creating, it is an incredible pipeline that you've created. Before you say anything, I just want you all recognize this lady for what she has done over the years with a round of applause because it's been so So your turn Deb.

I can't stand up to that. I just want to thank the board and the managers and all the department supervisors and all the teams of employees that help bring this program to fruition. I couldn't do it without you all supporting this and providing such great experiences for these students.

Thank you so much. You're welcome. All right. So our second recognition. We we

do recognize a number of months as heritage months throughout the year.

Our And April is actually recognized nationally as Arab American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans to our nation and communities. Arab Americans have made meaningful impacts across many fields, including education, public service, business, health care and the arts, helping to shape and strengthen the communities we serve. Now here in Henrico, we're proud to recognize the diversity and cultural richness of our Arab American residents whose contributions help foster a more connected and inclusive community. Now, I would like to introduce you to our newly hired multicultural liaison, Ilham Carey, to share some remarks on behalf of the community in celebration of Arab American Heritage Month. Ilham?

Good evening, manager, chair, and members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Ilham Khairi, as the manager said, and I am honored to serve as the new Multicultural liaison for Henrico County. I am also proud to share that I'm Sudanese American, a Nubian woman originally from Si Island in Northern Sudan, near the border with Egypt. As in some other African countries, such as Mauritania and Egypt, Sudan is an African country with a lot of Arab influence.

Arabic is the official language of the country, and many of the tradition came from Arab culture. This recognition means a lot to me because it represents visibility, understanding, and the acknowledgment of cultures that have long contributed to the fabric of our communities. For me personally, as an Arabic speaker, it remind me of the richness of our heritage. It is tradition, resilience, and a strong sense of community shown in the way people run small businesses, care for their families and for their neighbors, and in their work and jobs. Being here today in a space where heritage is recognized is both humbling and encouraging.

It reflects a commitment to ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and included. In my role as Multicultural Li Zan, I look forward to build bridges across communities, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for engagement that reflect the diversity of Henrico County. My goal is to ensure that every resident feels the sense of belonging and connection. Thank you again for the opportunity, and I look forward to serving and supporting this community.

Mister chair, I have no other comments this evening.

Thank you so much, mister Metta. Colleagues, are there any comments from you? Alright. Thank you so much. I wanna recognize, the media that's present. First of all, Gillian Marano, University of Richmond Capital News. You here? Thank you so much for being here. As well as Liana Hardy, Henrico Citizen. Thank you for being here as well. Alright. Mister manager? UPM is here. UPM as well. Alright. UPM as well. Thank you so much. Alright. Thank you, Reverend Nelson.

Mister Manager? Yes, sir. Mister chair, members of the board, you have four presentations on your agenda this evening. We begin with a proclamation for Arbor Day. This proclamation recognizes 04/24/2026 as Arbor Day and calls this observance to the attention of our county residents. I'm gonna ask our Tuckahoe District Supervisor, Jody Rogich, to present the proclamation to Samantha Hudson, sustainability division manager.

Thank you, mister manager. Mister chair, Samantha, come on down. We, we learned earlier today that, I think in the past three years, we have planted almost 18,000 trees and 10,000 this year alone, this calendar year. So Arbor Day on April 24, this proclamation. So whereas Arbor Day is observed throughout the world as a day set aside for planting trees, and whereas trees reduce erosion and precious topsoil by wind and water, lower heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide a habitat for wildlife, And whereas trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in their biomass, and releasing oxygen.

And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products, and whereas trees increase property values, enhance economic vitality of business areas, and beautify the community, And whereas Henrico's environmental action resource team, also known as HEART, has planted over 17,750 trees since 2023. And whereas the board of supervisors and county are committed to continuing to maintain an increased tree canopy, and whereas Henrico County proudly celebrates Arbor Day as a way to educate the community on the importance of trees. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the board of supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia hereby proclaims 04/24/2026 as Arbor Day and calls this observance to the attention of Henrico residents. Signed by our chair, Roscoe d Cooper, attested by Tanya Brackett, Marclerk. Sam, thank you for everything you do do for us.

Thank you.

Next, mister chair, members of the board, we have a proclamation recognizing April 19 through the twenty fifth as Crime Victim Rights Week. This proclamation recognizes that week as Crime Victims Rights Week in our county to ensure that crime victims' rights are not only recognized annually but provided daily. Our Vice Chair, Misty Rountree, is going to present this proclamation at the podium, and she will do so to Shelly Schuman our victim witness protection coordinator

with

the Commonwealth's Attorney. Joining her are Jessica Rubio, Ashley Cruz, Erica Clark, Jenna Woodburn, Renee Duffy, Nicole Maten, Taryn Susan Haynes, Kristen Camp, and Brittany Krebs. And if I've missed anyone, please come forward if I missed your name. Okay.

Jody Randall. Oh, Tony Randall. Deputy Commonwealth's attorney Tony Randall. I know you all didn't all think you were gonna sit back there and, let make Shelley do this ourselves. I am, so thrilled. We all have roles that we play in the courthouse, and, the role that these

all ladies

play is instrumental. And and I say that even as a defense attorney, I want you all to know that even as a defense attorney, I, value what you guys do so much, and I see firsthand the impact that you have as you work with folks in some of the most difficult times in their lives. So thank you so much for your your dedication to, person who is in probably their worst moment of their lives and they have a bright face and helpful, people to work with. So it is my honor to read this proclamation of the Board of Supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia, Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 2026. Whereas crime in America has a devastating impact on victims and survivors and tears at the social fabric of our society, and whereas no victim or survivor should have to endure the trauma of victimization and impact, physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and social alone, and whereas the community of crime victims and survivors, those who serve them, and countless allies work together to ensure that victims' needs are identified and met with quality, collaborative, and comprehensive services, and whereas there are more than 12,000 system and community based victim service programs across the nation that help crime survivors and promote community safety and over 32,000 laws that define and protect victims' rights, and whereas 2026 is the forty fifth anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week first proclaimed by president Ronald Reagan in 1981, and whereas this time honored tradition unites all who care about crime, victimization, and survivors to acknowledge and honor survivors, their challenges, and their strengths, and whereas during twenty twenty six National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April '25, we recommit our efforts to promote and strengthen the extensive community that supports and serves victims and survivors of crime.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Board of Supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia hereby recognizes April 2026 as Crime Victims' Rights Week in Henrico County with this proclamation amplifying our commitment to ensure that crime victims' rights and services are not only recognized annually but provided daily. Signed Roscoe d Cooper, the third chair, board of supervisors, attested Tanya N. Brackett, clerk.

Thank you, Misty. Mr. Chairman, members of the Board, Mr. Manager, thank you for recognizing Victims' rights week year after year in this county. We know how lucky we are to have a board and management of the county that support us in the way they do. I do wanna recognize people behind me because they do the work. We work with over 6,000 new victims a year. I wish I could tell you it was less, but that's how many people that we are able to provide services for, and I'm sure we are missing some. This year, we'll be having an event next week on the twenty third at 06:00. We're having an event out in the courthouse, in front of the courthouse and the memorial statue where we'll have some speakers and then do a walk around and then a resource fair out there with lots of people with lots of resources for victims and for community.

So if anybody's available, we'd love for you to come. Thank you.

Next, Mr. Chair, members of the board, continuing within our presentations, we have a proclamation recognizing April twenty fifth as National Library Week. This proclamation recognizes that week as National Library Week and encourages all of our residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate all the ways the library helps our community find joy. So I'm going to our Verina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson to the podium to present the proclamation to the following members of the library advisory committee. And they are Patricia Bain.

And miss Bain, I apologize for miss mispronouncing your name last year. Valerie McBee, Sharon Cox, Joshua Skillman, Karen Johnson, and all Henrico Reeds representative, let's see, and Barbara Wiedemann, our director, Angela Bennett, Alex Hamby and Chrissy Balzer. Did I get everybody? Okay.

Let me read the proclamation first. Don't

wanna mess you mess your notes up here. National Library Week, April 19 through 04/25/2026. Proclamation of the Board of Supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia, whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy through exploration, and discovery, and whereas libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment, and whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive, and whereas libraries partner with schools, other governmental agencies, businesses, and organizations to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community, and whereas libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by providing success to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success, and whereas libraries nurture young minds through story times, STEM programs, STEAM programs, and, literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. And whereas libraries protect the right to rethink and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression, and whereas dedicated librarians and library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all.

And finally, whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme find your joy. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the board of supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia that the week of April '25 through, 04/25/2026 will be celebrated in the county as National Library Week, and the board encourages all residents to visit their library, explore, its resources, and celebrate all the ways that libraries help our community find joy. Signed by chair, Roscoe d Cooper, the third board of supervisors, clerk, Tanya m Brackett, April 14.

Thank you Reverend Nelson. I believe the same person wrote the proclamation that wrote my little one and a half minute. Good evening Mr. Manager, Mr. Chair and Board Members.

The Library Advisory Board thanks you for recognizing National Library Week, an event that gives immense appreciation to public libraries, the librarians and other staff. Your support for the libraries in Henrico County speaks volumes about your dedication to the citizens of our wonderful county. Libraries offer more than books. There is free access to information, technology, job search assistance, and a place for community gatherings and events. We appreciate that the Board of Supervisors publicly acknowledges the vital work of library staff. Your support ensures the doors remain open to all.

Mr. Chair and members of board, our final proclamation is an annual highlight in that we recognize April 19 through the twenty fifth as volunteer week. This proclamation recognizes that week as Volunteer Week and expresses the county's deep appreciation to each volunteer for their time, talent, commitment to meeting the critical needs of our community. I'm gonna ask our Brooklyn district supervisor, Dan Schmidt, to the podium to present the proclamation to Victoria Davis, volunteer coordinator with the Department of Outreach and Engagement. And once that proclamation is presented, I think the board of supervisors would like to say thank you to all the volunteers by asking you to come forward and take a picture with the board.

So mister Schmidt?

Thank you, mister manager. Thank you, madam Rockstar. Good to

see you.

This is not only a privilege to read this, proclamation, but it's a privilege to be here with you for all you do for us. Thank you. This proclamation is to celebrate volunteer week, April 19 through the twenty fifth twenty twenty whereas the board of supervisors of the county of Henrico, Virginia has proudly supported an active and thriving volunteer program since 1984, and whereas the county continues to expand and strengthen volunteer opportunities that advance its commitment to civic engagement, community outreach, and inclusive public service in 2026 and beyond. Whereas county volunteers gain meaningful and rewarding experiences that inspire continued service while providing invaluable support to community based organizations that reflect the diverse values and spirit of the Hintergard County residents. And whereas an average of 6,928 volunteers per month contributed eighty three thousand one hundred and thirty seven hours to the county during 2025.

Eighty three thousand one hundred and thirty seven hours, thereby enhancing services, strengthening programs, and enriching the lives of residents across this county. And whereas the value of these volunteer efforts can be made equivalent to $2,800,000 in service value to the county and her residents. Whereas that act upon giving oneself and service to others strengthens our community, uplifts both the giver and the recipient, and fosters a culture of compassion, connection, and shared responsibility. And whereas the County Of Henrico recognizes and celebrates the dedication, generosity, and impact of its volunteers who continue to make a lasting difference throughout our entire community. Therefore, be it proclaimed that this board of supervisors of Henrico County, Virginia hereby recognizes the week of April 2026 as volunteer week and expresses our deepest appreciation to each and every volunteer for their time, their talent, their commitment to meeting the critical needs of our community.

Signed by our chair, mister Rosco d Cooper, and attested to by our clerk, Tanya Brackett. Thank you, ma'am. Take picture. Yep. And we'll take

a picture of them as well.

Every chance I get, the sheriff says if it isn't a selfie, it didn't happen.

So That's right.

That's for you, man.

Yes, ma'am.

Good evening, mister chair, members of the board, county manager, and residents of Henrico. Thank you to our board of supervisors for proclaiming April as volunteer week here in Henrico County. This recognition aligns with the national volunteer week that everyone will celebrate in our nation and honors the individuals who help move our community forward every day. Volunteerism is more than service. Its impact, its connection, its transformation. It strengthens Henrico and brings our community together. Throughout, next week, we will offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for our employees as well as our residents, and so I encourage everyone to take a visit at the Henrico outreach and engagement web page to get more involved and sign up

for

activities. Along with next week, we will celebrate the honorees that will be awarded the Henrico Heart of Service Awards on Tuesday, April 21 at 6PM here in the boardroom. I'm especially honored to have several volunteers here with me this evening representing various county departments and initiatives. And as I call your name, I'll ask you to stand. We'll have our volunteers from the library that is here to us here with us tonight. So stand. We have our Henrico CERT, some individuals for their department that is here. Henrico Extension Master Gardeners volunteers, and then, of course, our motorist assistant from our police division. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your time, your talents, and your heart for service here in the county. You truly make a difference, and we're deeply grateful for you. So join me as we celebrate National Volunteer Week and take a photo with our board members on the Diaz.

Alright. If you all would just come forward. We're all gonna squeeze in this little space. Yeah.

Before mister Emerson comes with the public hearing on that rezoning case, I'd just like to recognize our school board member Marci Shay from the Tuckahoe District. Mister manager.

Mister chair, members of board, we move into public hearings. You have one rezoning case, agenda item 78 dash 26 in the Fairfield District, I'm applicant is proposing to amend proffer 28 related sorry. To alley served lots. Mister Emerson?

Thank you, mister manager, mister chair, members of the board. Offered for the board's consideration this evening is a proffer amendment to allow homes to be constructed without garages and part of the crossings at Mulberry development. The r six c zone site is located at the east line of Chamberlain Road, approximately 250 feet north of its intersection with Azalea Avenue. And the reason you do have all the different parcel numbers, as the manager noted, is because this project is under development. It is a townhouse community, which of course exists with multiples of narrower lots, generally around 20 feet in width.

So many of those have been subdivided. Subdivided. So that's why you have all those parcel numbers. They haven't necessarily changed hands at this point, but in order for the developer to move forward, has to bring forward his plan and development and his subdivision to achieve that. The subject property is comprised of 160 townhouse lots, of which only one row has been developed.

With this request, the applicant is proposing to amend proper number 28, originally accepted with REZ twenty twenty two zero zero one three regarding the requirement for garages on alley fed lots. As written, the existing proffer requires lots with rear yards adjacent to an alley to be improved with homes using rear loaded garages. Only 59 of the 160 units in the development will be affected by this change, and those are circled in red on on the map in front of you. Although the applicable part of the community has not been developed yet, the applicant is interested in this change to respond to recent market demand for units without garages to the floor floor floor of the Alley Fed units. And I did speak with the developer yesterday and he has multiple contracts waiting for these 1st Floor bedrooms.

So it's a very, very popular option. This proposed change does not impact parking because garage space does not factor into the parking requirement calculations. Parking requirements would continue to be met using the two spaces in each driveway. Again, these would be rear off the alley. The appearance of the units would not change.

And the elevations that came in with the original case, I'll show those to you now. Of course, that's a that's a front loaded. These would be ones that are rear loaded, so you would not see the cars or the or the rear of the units. So you do have a two story and a three story option here. Thus far, the applicant has only constructed two story or put forward plans for the two story units.

With that said, all other proffers would remain the same. This would provide an option for aging in place and for other individuals that need a zero entry 1st Floor bedroom type of option. Staff does not believe property property. Is not property.

Emerson. This is a public hearing. Are there anyone present in the audience that'd like to speak to this case? Is there anyone on Webex?

Yes. Now let me speak to this item.

Thank you so much. So mister Emerson, have we developed any other properties like this in regards to changing what was approved to allocate for this kind of rear 1st Floor bedroom?

No, sir. This will be a first in townhome. And of course this is an alley fed community so it provides that opportunity. You still have to have those two parking spaces so there's a pad where that would lead up to the garage. There's no requirement that the garage would be used. So cars may very well, if they were garages, sit there anyway because people use their garages for many different things. I'd I'd be hard pressed to get a car in my garage right now, to be honest.

So Also, I mean, I've seen others who have taken garages on homes, even townhomes, and turned them into other rooms if

you Yes, sir.

They

have. So by doing this, that'll give the developer the opportunity to go ahead and do it before persons move in. So therefore, it would eliminate that kind of necessity.

Yes, sir. It would. And it would be more uniform that way because it'd be done at the time of construction.

Alright. College, any questions for mister?

I just have one one statement. I do like the new version of the the layout, mister Emerson. Thank you very much for that change. Appreciate it. Thank you and the staff for that.

Well, I thought you wanna talk about the case.

No questions on the case, mister chair.

Thank you for that. I got one coming for yours next time. Well, I I was actually there for the ribbon cutting of Mulberry Crossings, and it's it's been a very great good product for our community. It's been transformed, if you will. So, I move that we follow the recommendation of the Planning Commission approve RZ2026Dash100113 crossings at Mulberry Development Company LLC with the revised profits dated 02/16/2026. Second. It's been moved by myself, second by Robert Nelson. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed, ayes have it. It is approved.

Next, mister chair, members of the board, you move into your public hearing agenda. Public hearing other items, you actually have six items before you and we begin with agenda item 70 nine-twenty six, which is a resolution for real real estate tax levies for calendar year 2026. Miss Miner?

Thank you, mister manager, and good evening, mister chair, members of the board. Tonight's item would set the real estate tax rates for calendar twenty twenty six. Tonight's public hearing and the proposed rates were advertised on April 3. These rates remain unchanged from their current year levels, with the general real estate tax rate remaining at 83¢ per 100. One new addition to the paper this year is the establishment of an ad valorem real estate tax rate for the Green City two Community Development Authority.

This was made at the request of the CDA board. This additional rate is only applicable to properties within the Green City two CDA. The Director of Finance recommends approval and the county manager concurs. I'd be happy to answer any questions of the Board before our public hearing.

Thank you so much, Ms. Minor. Colleagues, anyone have any questions for Ms. Minor? This is a public hearing. Is there any person present that would like to make comments on this particular item? Is there any body present on Webex that would like to speak to this item?

There's no one to speak to this item.

Thank you so much. And that being said, is there a motion? So move. Byron Nelson. Is there a second? Second. Second by mister Rogus. All those say aye. Aye. Opposed, ayes have it. The resolution is approved.

Next, mister chair, members of board, 80 dash twenty six is a resolution for the adoption of personal property and machinery and tool tax levies for calendar year 2026. Miss Miner.

Thank you again, gentlemen, ladies. This would also set the rates for various classes of personal property for calendar year 2026. The this public hearing and the rates were also advertised on April 3. The rates remain unchanged from the current year rates with the general property and vehicle rate remaining at $3.35 per 100 of assessed value. The director of finance recommends approval and the county manager concurs. Again, I'd be happy to answer any questions of the board before the public hearing.

Any questions colleagues? Ms. Madam when was the last time that was changed?

That was changed for this current year from $3.5 for the general property rate and $3.4 for vehicles. We consolidated back to a $3.35 combined rate.

So we went down?

Yes sir we did.

Alright. Thank you. This is a public hearing. Is there anybody present that would like to speak to this item? Is there anybody present or WebEx?

There's no one to speak to this item.

Thank you, madam. Hearing no comments, this public hearing is concluded. Is there a motion? Moved by miss Rountree. Is there a second?

Second.

Second by reverend Nelson. All in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, ayes have it. The resolution is approved.

Next, mister chair, members of board, eighty one dash twenty six is a resolution for signatory authority. This is actually a utility easement agreement with Virginia Electric and Power Company for 4908 Terry Lane. This is in the Brooklyn District. Mister Anthony?

Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, mister manager, mister chair, honorable members of the board, ladies and gentlemen. This one and the one to follow are VEPCO easement requests. This particular one would authorize the chair to execute the easement agreement with Virginia Electric Power Company for a 15 foot underground utility easement across the property located at 4908 Terry Lane. The proposed utility easement would allow VEPCO to provide more reliable electric service to surrounding residents. The easement will not interfere with the county's use of its land. The real property division has processed its request departments of planning, public utilities, public works. Without objection, the directors of public works and real property recommend approval of the board paper. County manager concurs. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, mister Anthony. Welcome, sir. Colleagues, any questions or comments, miss Anthony? Hearing none, this is, again, a public hearing. If there's any person present that would like to speak to this item, you can do so now.

Is there anyone on Webex?

There's no one to speak to this item.

Thank you so much, ma'am. That being said, this public hearing is closed. Colleagues, is there a motion? So moved. Moved by mister Schmidt. Is there a second?

Second.

Second by reverend Nelson. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed, the ayes have it. The resolution is approved.

82 dash 26 is similar as mister Anthony noted, a utility ease easement agreement with VAPCO in this case for 2129 2133ParkLane, both of those in the Brooklyn District. Mister Anthony.

Thank you once again, mister manager, mister chair, honorable members of the board. This would authorize the chair to execute an easement agreement with Virginia Electric Power Company VEPCO for two foot for two fifty foot underground utility easements across a property located at 2129 And 2133 Park Lane. The proposed utility easements will allow VEPCO to provide more reliable electric service to surrounding residents. The easements will not interfere with the county's use of its land. The Real Property Division has processed its request to the departments of planning, public utilities, and public works without objection. Directors of Real Property and Public Works recommend the board paper. The county manager concurs. I'll be happy to address any questions.

Colleagues, anyone have any questions, comments, miss Anthony? This is a public hearing. Is there any person present that would like to speak to this item? If so, you may do so at this time. Is there anybody on Webex that would like to speak to this item?

There's no one to speak to this item.

That being said, the, public hearing is closed. Colleagues, is there a Thank you so much, mister

Schmidt. Second.

Seconded by mister Rogich. All in favor, sir. Aye. Those opposed, ayes have it. The resolution is approved.

Next, mister chair, members of board eighty three dash twenty six is a resolution acquisition, reservation, and delineation of easements, exchange of real property within the Bloomingdale subdivision, all for the Fall Line Trail project, which is in the Fairfield Magisterial District. Mr. Anthony?

Yes, indeed, sir. Thank you once again, mister manager. I am happy

To bring this forward.

Yes. I am. Thank you for your patience. This paper would authorize two actions for the Fall Line Trail project. First, the board paper authorized the county manager to terminate the previously executed exchange and donation agreement with miss Joyce Luck and execute a new purchase and exchange agreement with missus Luck.

Under this new agreement, the county will purchase portions of missus Luck's property for $33,007.18 dollars and also exchange portions of the county's nearby property for other portions of Mrs. Lutz's property while serving easements on the county's property necessary for utilities and construction. Second, board paper authorizes the county chair to sign any plats as part of the boundary line adjustments of the properties through the minor subdivision process. The real property division has processed its request to the Department of Planning, Public Utilities, and Public Works without objection. Director of Real Property recommend approval of the board paper.

County manager concurs. I will try to answer any of your questions as this has been a four year negotiation.

Thank you for your perseverance and your patience. This is a public hearing. Is there anybody present that would like to speak to this item? Is there anyone on WebEx that would like to speak to this item?

There's no one to speak to this item.

Thank you, madam. This res this, public hearing is closed. Is there a motion? I move that the resolution be approved.

Second.

Moved by myself, seconded by mister Rogich. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Ayes have it. This has come to a

four year conclusion. Resolution. Next,

mister chair, members of board, 84Dash26 is a resolution, in this case, condemnation for rights of way and easements for the South Lubernum Avenue northbound and southbound sidewalk projects that traverse 4800 South Lubernum Avenue, all of this in the Vorana District. Mister Anthony.

Thank you, sir. Mister chair, honorable members of the board, this would authorize condemnation proceedings for the property that is needed for the construction of South La Burnham Avenue northbound and southbound sidewalk projects. The county needs to acquire this space from the Gonzales family. Based on an independent an independent appraisal, the county made an offer of $15,888 for the required property interest, but the parties have not reached an agreement due to some personal extenuating circumstances. The board paper authorizes the county attorney to institute and conduct condemnation proceedings in accordance with the code of Virginia.

The board paper further authorizes and directs the county manager to continue to seek voluntary acquisition of rights of way and easements to take all necessary steps to acquire the rights of way and easements to enter and take possession of the required rights of way and easements in accordance with the core code of Virginia. The directors of public works and real property recommend approval of the board paper. County manager concurs. I'll be happy to address any questions.

Thank you, miss Anthony. College, any questions or comments? Miss Anthony, the second part of that that statement as far as the second ask tonight Yes, sir. Giving the county attorney the opportunity to continue to negotiate. That is correct.

What's the window? The window is all the way to court date.

Thank you, sir. You're welcome. This is a public hearing. Is there anybody present that would like to speak to this particular item? Is there anyone present on Webex that would like to speak to this item?

Yes. No one will speak to this item.

Thank you so much, doctor. This public hearing is closed. Reverend Nelson. So move to resolution. It's been moved by Reverend Nelson. Is there a second by mister Rogars? In favor say aye. Those opposed? Ayes have it. The resolution approved.

Next, mister chair, members of board, agenda item 85 dash 26, also an annual ordinance, and this is to change utility charges by amending and reordaining section 23 dash three sixty one titled water service and volume charges and section 23 dash three sixty two titled sewer service charges and rates of the code of the county of Henrico. Mister Chan.

Thank you, mister Ranger. Mister chair, members of the board, good evening. This board paper would change the bimonthly service and volume charges for water and sewer usage with the total increase in water and sewer charges for the median residential account holder using 10 CCF of water every two months to be $7.70 or approximately 13¢ per day. The changes would be effective July 1 and are recommended to support annual operating debt service and capital costs associated with water and sewer projects. With that, I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Thank you so much, sir. Colleagues, any question, miss Shane? Hearing none, this is a public hearing. Anyone present that would like to speak to this item? Yes, sir. Please, go to the back if you could to the mic. State your name as well as the air in which you live. Thank you, sir.

Can you hear me? Okay. Thank you. I just had a simple question. My name is, lieutenant colonel Douglas Clark. I live here in Henrico County, 5005CastleCourt. Just a quick question. I understood the amount of the increase. What is it currently, and what will it will be? Can you give me a current, and what's it going to be so I can know the amount of the increase? Thank you.

Okay. As the board paper says, the amount of increase will be $7.70 every two months or 13¢ per day. If you would look for and and this is different for each individual bill depending on how much you use but happy to calculate that for you should you desire it.

The overall increase Bentley percentage wise across the board is 5%.

Yes sir it

is.

That's what you were looking for 5%. Okay.

Thank you Ms. Shan. Thank you Ms. Manager. Is there anyone online who'd like to speak to this item?

There's no one to speak to this item.

Thank you, madam. Hearing none, this public hearing is closed. Colleagues, are there any, comments? If not, is there a motion?

So moved. Second.

Been moved by miss Rountree, seconded by reverend Nelson. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed, the ayes have it. The resolution is approved. We now move into, public comments. For tonight's public comments, speakers will be participating through Webex. Speakers will address their comments to the board and begin by stating their name and address. To provide public comments, speakers can follow these instructions. Go to narco.govsupervisors. Click on guidance for board supervisors meeting. Scroll down and click on the Webex event. A moderator will let you know when it is your time to speak. Every speaker has five minutes. Five minutes.

Five minutes and you will not be able to allow someone else to use your time. So every speaker has five minutes themselves, mister manager.

Alright. Mister chair, I know that miss Nadine Oswald, where are you, miss Oswald? You've been waiting patiently. I know you're here with a group. You can do it right here. Just go to this closest microphone.

Okay.

Well, thank you. So my name is Nadine Oswald. I live at 2005 Millington Court in Henrico 23238. And I am the president of the Henrico Master Gardener Association. So, mister chairman, mister manager, and, members of the board, extension master gardeners are volunteer educators trained by and working with Virginia Cooperative Extension who serve their communities by providing outreach and education related to horticulture.

The Henrico Master Gardeners are a vibrant group of 142 who needs community. Community. Have a a team 354,895 members of our community, donating just under ten thousand hours with a computed value of approximately $344,200 Vital to our success is the support we receive from Cooperative Extension and Henrico County. Unfortunately, meeting and storage space is a concern. Henrico Extension had been housed in the Social Services Building of the Western Henrico Government Complex.

There, we had meeting and workspace with easy access to our supplies and extension staff. Last year, extension was moved to the Recreation And Parks Building where space is limited. The availability of rooms for meetings work has been a problem. Office supplies are no longer accessible to us, so we have to rely on the administrative assistant to perform tasks we otherwise would do ourselves. Equipment is stored off-site.

Our new Master Gardener training as well as other trainings and events have been held at various recreation and parks facilities and libraries. The inconsistency of moving to various locations creates confusion and makes planning difficult. Extension is not just about six or seven employees. It's the volunteers that are the driving force who are actually out in the community making a difference for you and your constituents. We've brought you gardens.

We're teaching environmental principles. We're at farmers markets and garden stores answering your questions. We come to your homes and communities consultations. We present at schools and civic organizations, and we are involved in improving our neighborhoods. We realize recreation and parks needs meeting space, as did social services, but we who who contribute our time to Henrico County need consistent meeting and storage space too.

In the spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we ask what can you do to help us be the best volunteers that we possibly possibly can. Can. We invite you to join us at one of our many events or programs, and a list of our offerings is is attached to my letter. So thank you for your consideration.

Thank you Ms. Oswald. Is your phone number the 410 number? Okay. I'll be reaching out.

Thank you.

All

right. Mr. Chair, next speaker have signed that up is Douglas Clark. Mr. Clark?

Board of supervisors, county manager, county lawyer, citizens of Enrico. My name is Douglas Clark. I'm a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. Lived at 5005 Castle Point Court in Glen Allen for many years. I wanna thank you, first of all, for giving us the opportunity to speak.

This is a really good thing so we can talk to our county officers that actually manage the county. So thank you. On February 24, almost two months ago, I covered the fiscal year 2027 Henrico County budget. I focused on the registrar's office funding request for an additional $600,000 in electronic voting system equipment. In 2025, the county spent $1,100,000 on additional electronic voting system equipment, so the three year average is approximately half $1,000,000.

I provided each of you a packet showing public records for the Henrico County Budget Office proving everything I said here was true. I have invited a subject matter expert on the electronic voting systems and handpaper counting to speak with you. Mark Cook has briefed county managers, board of supervisors, congressmen, and thousands of other government officers and citizens across the country. He's in high demand for his skills and expertise. I've been fortunate to be able to get him to come to speak with you about the security integrity of our voting systems and hopefully save the taxpayers of Henrico County half $1,000,000 a year.

Mark Cook will be providing a private briefing tomorrow at 02:00 in the County Manager's Briefing Room. Currently, only the Brooklyn board of supervisor, Dan Schmidt, is attending. I would personally like to ask that at least one other member attend, not to give the impression to the public that the only republican is interested in election security and cost savings in ERICO. We know the democrats are too, so I would like to have at least one democrat attend the meeting if possible. I also am holding a public meeting tomorrow here at 6PM, citizens of ERICO, to hear Mark Cook talk about these issues and about the vulnerabilities in these electronic voting systems and our and solutions to take care of that and hopefully save Henrico County money as well.

And I would also like to invite you to attend as well, and I'm sure the citizens of Henrico would love to see you there. In conclusion, I am requesting a decision by the Henrico Board of Supervisors not to approve the $600,000 in expenses, obviously, in addition an additional spending from the registrar's office so that we can save Henrico taxpayers money, about half $1,000,000, by going to hand paper count instead. If you come to the briefings as I've requested respectfully, I think that it would be an easy vote for you to make. And I look forward to seeing you there, and I thank you again very much for your time. Thank you.

Thank you, miss Clark. Mister Newby, just as a point of information, there's a new law that went into effect July 1.

Yes, sir. And correct a statement I made to you earlier. It actually has a delayed effective date of September 1. Mister chair, members of the board, there's a law that the general assembly passed and the governor approved, I believe, yesterday that would require machine readable ballots to be counted by machines and not to be hand counted. But we'll, of course, consider that legislation in more detail now that it's been approved.

Yes. And we're aware of that, and we can speak to that at the meetings with you.

Thank you.

Alright. Next is

Mister manager, I'm sorry. Mister chair, may I because I was directly in vote in this conversation, mister chair.

Yes, sir, mister chair.

Lieutenant colonel, if I heard you correctly, what district do you live in?

Brooklyn District.

Thank you, sir. That's all I needed. I just wanna make it clear, and I appreciate you being here tonight, and I certainly appreciate you making the time tomorrow. But I'm attending the meeting tomorrow because you're a resident in my district, which I would take a meeting with any resident of my district when they ask. And I'm glad that you clarified the fact that I'm under no obligation by a political party listen to tomorrow's meeting.

Thank

you. Thank you Mr. Chair. Yes, Mr. Smith? Mr. Management?

Yes. Next is Mark Cook.

Sorry. I literally just got here, like, thirty minutes ago. Came about 400 miles. It's been a a long day. So thank you very much. My name is Mark Cook. I've been, studying election, systems, the architecture of the election systems and vulnerabilities of it as well for good solid almost six years. I've been in IT since 1986. I started programming, so I've been around computers just for a minute. And I run an IT company that I started when actually I was 13 years old.

So I've got some got some knowledge, and I'd love to share that knowledge with you. I hope you guys can show up tomorrow and learn what I've got to share. But I just wanted to go over some things here that kinda stood up to me. You know, elections belong to the people. Elections belong to the citizens.

Elections do not belong to the government. Elections do not belong to corporations, and elections do not belong to the media. And we, the citizens, use our elections to measure our will to determine who we choose to put into a seat to serve us as public servants and to choose which laws we want to follow. And so there's a problem when elections are not run by the citizens any longer. When corporations are running the elections, private corporations that don't have the best interests of the citizens at heart, and when the government is running the elections that the citizens use to determine who is government, there's a conflict of interest here.

In this county and in this state, I found out that you guys don't release cast vote records, which is a list of every ballot and every choice on every ballot. That's critical information for citizens to have in order to determine if there is, we'll say, some manipulation within an electronic voting system, for instance. Even the the risk limiting audit that's done afterwards, the citizens are told everything's fine if it passes the risk limiting audit, but the risk limiting audit isn't even done properly. And it uses what's called a ballot polling, So you're not actually checking the paper ballots against what is in the machines. You're just grabbing some of the paper ballots, quote unquote randomly selected, and then looking at statistics from those to compare them with other statistics.

But this is real simple. Voting's simple. We put dots on pieces of paper, and then we count the dots. We add the dots up, and whoever has the most dots wins. The amount of obfuscation of that simple process of counting dots and adding dots up is worse than I've seen in any other state, and it's bizarre.

I also see taxes going up like crazy here as well in this state, which affects all citizens. The citizens have no way to verify that their votes are accurately counted. They have to just blindly trust what the government tells them. And I think that's very wrong, especially when the elections control every aspect of the citizens' lives. The citizens should absolutely have 100% transparency in every bit of the process so they can 100% verifiably determine that their votes are all counted properly with 100% certainty.

That should be just the standard right there. And I'm I've got some concerns that we're very far off from that. So I'm looking forward to discussing these issues and identifying the risks associated with a system that keeps the citizens completely in the dark like this one seems to do. In addition to that, hand counting paper ballots, hand counting the dots on the ballots like we did for a hundred and fifty plus years somehow in this country that we were all able to do, and the citizens did it and then reported the results. We know we can do it.

We did it for a hundred and fifty plus years, and it costs very little, if nothing, to count dots on a piece of paper instead of taking hardworking taxpayers' money to give it to corporations for other companies to count the dots for them. And as Joseph Stalin said in 1923, it doesn't matter who votes, it matters who counts the votes. And right now, the citizens of this county are not the ones counting the votes. Thank you very much.

Next is

chair, mister Frank Callahan. Mister Callahan, if you would come up.

Yep. My name is Frank Callan. I live in the 3 Chop District 11229, Wesley Terrace Court. And I'm here tonight to, express a strong support of the school board's request for the funding for 50 English teach learning teachers and 27 exceptional education positions. I know that this is something that the boards both boards have already been talking about.

And my presentation comes tonight because I do have forty years experience in education with four of those being in private school working with students with special needs. And, also, my presentation is gonna deal with, extensive research that I've done already, dealing with the school board, and these administrations, information that it's given to the locals, local and state governments and The U and, I would like to present, findings that I've come up with based on, reports that the school district has given to the Department of Education. And in that, if you look at Henrico School District, your class of 2025 and I've done this for several years, and this is the latest one I could do. Class of 2025, you had a you had a dropout rate of seven point four percent. The state average is five point one percent.

You have students with disabilities dropping out of school at fourteen point seven percent. The state average is six point eight percent. The number of students that are black that have dropped out of school in Henrico County are seven point six. State average, four point nine. Students with English learning problems in Henrico County dropout rate, thirty one percent. State average, twenty one percent. Students with economic problems in the background, Henrico County dropout rate of twelve point three percent. The dropout rate state is 6.7. Students with Hispanic background, 21% dropout rate. State average is 12%.

So when you look at those, that that is something that if you look at it year after year, the school district has to submit this report to the state, the Department of Education. And if you look at it, it's continually that way. The other thing is that this year, the state also has put out a a list of schools that need that have chronic absenteeism and other factors and need intensive support. And when you look at this, there are nine elementary elementary schools that this falls into. And also off track, I think there's something like 13 or 14 elementary schools that need help.

On the middle school level, if you look at it, needs intensive support, there are three. And off track, there are five. When you look at the high school, this does not off track and needs intensive support does not show up, and the reason is they drop out. We have a very high dropout rate in this county, and a lot of these are minority students and students with disabilities. And that's that's been shown over and over again in constant reports.

The other report I would like to submit is I was only able to find out, I think it was two years ago, funding by the, funding of average cost spent per pupil in this in this in the students. And I looked at the one for 2025, and I had to go through four pages before I could find out what the average, amount of money that the county spends on a student. So when you look at all of these these these reports by that are going to the state level and are going also to the federal level, there's definitely a need to work with these students that are special needs students student that that I've listed here, and if there is federal fund money that comes down for these. So all in all, I hope that when you look at your budget request that the school board has given to you, that you actually fully fund the students that they have the teachers teachers that they have requested to help these students. Thank you.

Next is, Jennifer Lieberman.

Hi. My name is Jennifer Lieberman. First, I don't get why so many people or it seems like so many people care about voting efficiency even though there are way bigger issues at hand, but whatever. And if someone wants to get an idea as to why people drop out of school, just ask me. I dropped out fifteen years ago.

The title of my speech is the security of illusions and the compromise with engaging in harm, the instilling of the national security presidential memorandum seven within government. I had no idea that I would have to give a speech regarding the First Amendment and police, but apparently, I need to as I think there is such a great amount of this heathelment within this chamber. I'm going to start with something personal as I think this chamber lacks an introspective on this experience of life. With the lavender scare, we saw an absolute upheaval of respect if there ever was one for our queer neighbors with the collective being a scapegoat for communism and the government wanting to dismantle the view using any means possible. Starting in 1947, under the guise of the pervert elimination campaign, people, mostly men, were arrested for who they loved.

1952, homosexuality was added to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders as a sociopathic condition. In 1950 April 1953, gay people were labeled as a community security threat and barred from federal employment. I hope you all know this one, but the Stonewall riots occurred in 1969 after the police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay bar that attracted men of color and transgender women where many would get arrested under anti sodomy laws. Or if we jump around a bit and I should note that I find it deeply inappropriate to say this as a white person. But if we look at the history of why police exist, there's a significant connection to police and slavery where police were used to suppress dissent and capture slaves where they were able to escape.

If we look at the thirteenth amendment, there's a reason why it was written the way it is. Because after the civil wars, America had a large swath of decimated areas, and there wasn't enough people that wanted to do the labor at the little amount the state went in to was willing to pay so they convicted people of color on basis crimes so they could get could circumvent this freedom they were given and get free labor out of them. And Virginia, like many states, has yet to amend the state constitution put forced servitude in our past. Even if we look closer to today and while I'm not able to remember nine eleven that well as I'm I was only seven when it happened. There was a mass hysteria regarding people from certain countries and of certain religions.

After that, the Patriot Act was signed into law, and there was a mass surveillance campaign to have an eye on everyone and only prevent things that didn't advance America's goals. And what did that lead to? More people going to prison. Even if it was per se dismantled in 2015 with the USA Freedom Act, we have a federal government who is against solving real problems and instead focuses their efforts on stomping on the heads of people who are against the post 1970 capitalist view views of America that wants a different economic system in place. Furthermore, if we look at the complexities of crime, there is a huge correlation to crime and poverty.

People that don't have access to the necessities are more likely to do things like steal, do drugs, prostitution, and even manslaughter. There are a few outliers, say, speeding and using phones while driving, where people who have the ability to pay fines are more likely to commit such acts, but those are just select instances. Look. I have to say that I frequently ponder on what it takes to prove a point as I feel as if my words fall on deaf ears most of the time. Does it take spending a quarter of the median income in Henrico County meaning $11,592 to prove a point?

If so, I'll take that bet. Anyhow, I think that I've made it pretty clear that I have no interest nor any intention in using my words in any way outside of using them as a record to make sure that in the media I mean, make sure the five of you are ousted next year. That's all I do in the media is post my speeches on Nextdoor and and post them on Instagram with a photo of an animal attached. I am not asserting that police in totality that they do not do a job that they do a job not worth doing that can benefit society. But with that said, I suppose that at least based on how I'm able to interpret the view board's view on the police state based on conversation that happened within this chamber, What I'm trying to say is that I feel as if I'm truly vindicated with how I was fired for quoting the song choose a side or open wide by death by stereo when I called a Richmond cop a fucking Nazi.

Thank you.

To folks in person and listening. Staying within the room, is there anyone else that wishes to address the board this evening? In person. Okay. Because I know we've got someone that has signed up on Webex.

Yes.

Good Tuesday evening, members of the board, board supervisor, county manager as well. My name is Bruce Richardson. My address is 1004 County Park Place. I'm here this evening to commend, the efforts of not only the board of supervisors but staff. And I speak directly towards the efforts related to housing assistance.

Henrico County has been innovative in its views relative to their partnership for housing affordability. We cannot underestimate this important program. It is creating opportunities for many who may not be able to afford homeownership. I request that we remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting this program. It is a key clog not only for residents of the county, but residents who may not be able to become homeowners.

We need to really support this program just reading some of the data relative to this program and the many wins families are receiving as homeownership. Some of these programs throughout this Partnership for Housing Affordability are helping families who may only make income within 80% of the median income. Some of those families So that could be income as low as 65 k within one household. And you're now able to afford a home. This program, guys let me not underestimate this from my profession.

This program is game changing. It really is. The effort of families who We had an earlier presentation on the crossings in Mulberry, and that was related to proffers. But there are communities such as that that allow affordability for families and individuals to become homeowners. Homeownership is often the gateway to wealth building.

And we have to remember that as we serve our residents in this county. I doubled down on that program when I've often spoken with this board. I've encouraged the importance of the real estate advantage program for our seniors. This program, again, allows those with fixed incomes to maintain stable homeownership. Those with fixed incomes to maintain stable homeownership.

They are not burdened with additional taxes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. So many of these programs that we're doing within this county, at some point, we wanna commend those programs. I would encourage that we remain diligent and steadfast, as referenced before, in continuing those programs and support those programs. Homeownership is a key clog, as stated, to building wealth. And more importantly, we see many of the residents who have never believed that they would own homes are now able to participate in homeownership.

I leave you in conclusion with this. We may not be at the numbers for homeownership that we true desire. However, we have given a path. We've created an opportunity through this partnership for housing affordability to at least encourage individuals to pursue homeownership. And that is so important.

It really is. So I come this evening, not so much to give complaints. I come this evening to applaud the efforts of this board and more importantly, its staff who have supported this idea and have created opportunities for housing for many of our residents. Kudos to each of you. Kudos to your staff. Thank you for your time.

Thank you, mister Richardson. No one else in person? Yes. Yes, ma'am. L. Francis?

Good evening. County manager, board chair, and everyone in the dais. My name is L. Francis Brown. I reside in the Tuckahoe District, 11941 Blandfield Street.

And I'm here standing here with my colleague, Frank Callahan. And we are here also to give thanks and kudos to the Board of Supervisors. You've been very supportive of a number of activities that we have been involved in. And we'd like to acknowledge and recognize one of your board members, vice chair, Misty Rountree, who participated in one of our activities, for the month of February during Black History Month. And I stand here representing the Henrico NAACP.

And it is to Misty Rountree, vice chairwoman, Henrico County Board of Supervisors, for your commitment to ensuring black history is acknowledged acknowledged in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vice Chairwoman Rountree presented to students at Freeman High School, Douglas Freeman High School. And they were well attentive to Ms. Rountree's presentation. And we would just like to acknowledge her participation and some of the other board members who have participated in the past.

And this is for Ms. Rountree. Thank you.

Alright, so anyone else in person before I go to WebEx? Okay, so WebEx I understand we do have one speaker and that is Christopher Malmquist.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you.

Yeah. This is Christopher Mamquist. I live at 5406 Edgefield Street here in the Fairfield District. First of all, I don't think the requirement to provide a name and address is consistent with the language of section 15.2 dash one four one six d of the code of Virginia. I'd like to ask the board to look into that and maybe make exceptions for people appearing in person.

I don't think it's required by the law, it's unnecessary because someone was able to look up my name and address online because of that exclusively and commit a crime against me, you know, since we've got crime victims rights month coming up, may as well mention that. And, also the fact that when I tried to report that crime, instead of the police doing anything about it, I was arrested for making a false police report somehow even though I retained perfect evidence commission of a crime against me. I guess that's why you subsequently modified the charge to some sort of telephone harassment, claiming that because I was upset when I called to ask for a supervisor that somehow I called to harass you intentionally intentionally with malicious forethought. That never happened, but spent two and a half years nearly, and that's still winding its way through the courts of Virginia now at the appellate stage because of your circuit court judges who, simply put, cannot read. Speaking of not being able to read, I'm wondering about the emails that I sent recently.

Misty Rountree expressed, an unawareness of who I was when I left comments on her social media, and she invited me to email her. So I did, and I've yet to hear back. I'm curious. Is my email blocked? Could the board address that also? I think you guys should also reexamine your position as public officials. You are required to endure quite a bit of criticism. And when Tyrone Nelson recently told me that he felt harassed that I made some critical remarks on what I thought to be Misty's Instagram page, I took high great offense to that because I can pretty much criticize you all I want, and you don't get to pretend it's harassment because I do. That makes me feel harassed. In fact, they call it chilled speech.

I think, your friend there can tell you all about what that is. And speaking of chilled speech, back to the core issue, of course, January 2014, I left critical remarks on the Henrico County Police Facebook page, and I was banned. I've been banned since then. You've yet to acknowledge this in any capacity whatsoever. You're very insistent upon making all these celebratory proclamations and lining up and concerning yourselves whether everyone's in order of height so the picture doesn't look off yet.

Will you log into the Facebook page and confirm whether I'm banned? Yes or no. But I can understand why you won't, because then you'd have to admit you did something wrong, and that's really what it's all about, isn't it? I'm really disgusted with human behavior in general, this total lack of accountability people exhibit, especially when they take it upon themselves to occupy positions of such importance and power. What do they do that power?

My direct male ancestors literally fought in the American Revolutionary War and the Maryland militia to create this country, and now you won't even let me enjoy my First Amendment rights. That to me is wow. I don't know, I don't have kids, but I guess, wonder what the people 200 from now are going do to your descendants. This is what you're doing to me. So, you know, I had a lot of stuff that I wanted to say, but it's really hard to think straight you guys doing this to me for so long.

And it's not just about the Facebook page thing, it's about the dozens of other accompanying violations subsequent to it. Because my life has been lived as a singular, unbroken causal chain, I've thoroughly documented with tens of thousands of pieces of evidence, being that the media is the fourth estate, I'd like to request you make a proclamation that the local media demonstrates some sort of interest in this issue. Because I saw recently a woman elsewhere in Virginia was arrested because of a mistake from AI, and she received coverage and attention and assistance. But where's mine? Nowhere to be found.

I wonder why. Let's see. You know, there's a difference between hating people and absolutely reviling them and simply thinking that what they're doing is stupid and wrong and could be corrected readily. So I'd like to ask the board of supervisors tonight, since they've essentially robbed me of the last twelve years of my life, if they'd simply consider admitting they did this to me and offering some sort of settlement so I can actually go on living my life again and not have to concern myself with the fact that you've probably done this to countless other people in Henrico County who won't speak up. And I guess in closing, since the last time I spoke from WebEx, you sent police to my house to retaliate against me even though I specifically told you not to do that.

Again, could you not send cops to my house to bang on the door at all? Like, don't come here unless you got a warrant or you've been explicitly summoned. Alright? You have my email address. You can email me. Have a good one.

Alright, mister chair. Is there anyone else on Webex that wishes to address the board this evening?

There's no one else to speak on Webex. Alright.

Okay. Mr. Chair members of board that concludes your public comment period. The first item on the agenda is the adoption of the annual operating and capital budgets. For those of you that were here you noticed that there were two tax rate papers, real estate and personal property, water and sewer rate paper that were adopted ahead of this board paper. The board actually held a public hearing on the budget two weeks ago, and that was deferred as required by law so that the tax rate papers the tax rates for calendar year 2026 could be adopted. And Mr. Crawford is here to offer overview on the proposed budget for fiscal twenty seventh.

Yes, sir, mister manager, and good evening, mister chair and members of the board. This is the resolution to adopt the operating and capital annual fiscal plans for fiscal year 02/2627. Also sets the allocation of car tax relief at 42% for calendar year 2026. That percentage is unchanged from the previous year. As a recap of the budget process that while staff has been working on since late summer, early fall, the budget was the manager's proposed budget was introduced to the board on March 14.

You held extensive hearings from March going through the budget line by line. And as the manager noted, the public the last board meeting on March 24. The operating budget totals nearly $2,000,000,000 with the capital budget at $343,600,000. That is a very broad overview as we've had many discussions regarding the budget over the past month. I'll be happy to answer any additional questions the board has.

Thank you so much, mister Crawford. Colleagues, who wants to start? Mister Smith, you to start with you?

Sure, mister chair. Thank you very much. Justin, thanks for the quick overview. As as you We certainly have been through these a bit. I do have some questions, Mr. Crawford. Not just questions for me, but for anyone who's dialed in for residents who might be on WebEx, certainly for the news media that's here today to cover appropriately. It's my impression, Mr. Crawford, there's some misunderstanding particularly with regard to the education piece of our budget. I just want to ask a couple of questions to make sure I understand it correctly.

Yes, sir.

Our residents also get the answers that they've e mailed for. Certainly heard from them. If I can start with a couple of quick questions just so everyone is aware of how the process works because quite frankly I think part of the miscommunication is the process, at least some of the quotes that I've read. Can you tell me, mister Crawford, mister Newby, actually, it's required that the school board submit their estimate of funding necessary to the board of supervisors every year. Right? They have to send us what they would like to see.

Yes, sir. That's correct.

And then the board of supervisors must approve that budget, our budget, but particularly the budget for the school division by the later of May 15 or thirty days after receipt of that estimate. Is that right?

That's also Alright.

So the later would be May 15. Is that that's right. Because if I recall, we received that request in a joint session during budget hearings on March 18. Right?

Yes. May 5 oh, well, I'll answer your question about May 15. Yes. That's the date we would recommend adopting a bipar law.

Gotcha. And we received their proposal their proposed budget on March 18. That was in our package that we received. Their school budget was in there on March 18. That was when we were discussed it in a public forum during budget week. Right?

That's when you held a special meeting and met with the school board. Yes. Believe that's correct.

Right. So and again, we had a speaker here tonight. Mister Callahan, good to see you. A speaker that is very engaged. Civic servant is everywhere. And he says he said something that struck me. I wrote it down. He said that the school board's request for 50 ELL teachers had been denied. And the budget proposal that we saw and we were when we discussed did not have that request in it that I recall. Is that is that correct, Justin? When we got our package, that request wasn't it? Not for us to deny it?

The the budget that was discussed on March 18 did not include 50%. Yeah.

So I just wanna be clear about that for the folks, first of all, that says that this board I'm only speaking for myself at this point in time. My colleagues are very capable of speaking for themselves. But I have yet to deny 50 positions in a budget, number one. Mr. Newby, is it also fair to say that funds aren't paid to the school division until they're appropriated by this board and those funds may not be less than what's necessary to meet the state standard of quality?

Yes, that's correct. So the approval of the budget isn't an appropriation of funds. The appropriation of funds is typically done in June of each year and must at a minimum meet the standards set by the state under the standards of quality formula.

Justin, you've mentioned this. What is the fiscal state of qual it's a fiscal number. Right? It's a it's a monetary number that we must meet, a standard of quality. Is that correct? What is that number?

Correct. The the required local effort, the estimates that have been put forward by the state around $274,000,000 for fiscal year twenty seven.

That is what the state tells us. It recommends a required minimum local contribution to meet the standard of quality.

That is correct.

And what is our local contribution if the state says that we should do $2.74?

The so that's that's what the state says. The amount of local funding within the fiscal year '27 proposed budget that's actually there is nearly $360,000,000.

360,000,000 of local funding?

Yes, sir.

I don't know. 85,000,000, 86,000,000 more?

Yes, sir.

Which 30 something percent more. Mister manager, this one's for you. We we can appropriate funds to the school division in, I wouldn't say a multitude of ways. I would say two. Right? We are permitted to provide a lump sum amount that has been in our historical practice, or we can appropriate it via classifications, nine of them. Is that true?

That is true, Mr. Schmidt.

And we have not done that. So these nine classifications as as as provided here. You can provide it in instruction lump, administration attendance lump, pupil transportation lump, operation maintenance, school services, facility over and we have never done we not to our knowledge, we haven't done that.

You you have done lump sum?

And part of that I would I would argue is because Virginia code prohibits that we can appropriate funds to the school division by line item. Correct. We are not permitted to tell the school division line item by line item how to spend their dollars.

Correct.

We probably would if we could, but we can't. Okay. But we could do it by category or by loan. Then after the money is appropriated, and again, this is for the citizens, I hope you're watching it and I hope it's reported correctly. School board has the exclusive right to determine how those funds are spent just as the government does, just as this board works with you, mister manager, to allocate resources towards priorities that we have. We and we have them. And I would say, mister mister Nelson, I I've only been here eight years going on nine. Mister Nelson has certainly been here longer. Our priorities have evolved and morphed in water. Right?

That's that priority has changed in infrastructure and sewer. But we have the prerogative to move around budget line items working with you and your staff to meet priorities that this board has. At least I from my perspective, you've come to me every single year and said, let's sit down and talk. What priorities are are yours? And I I think he I share that with my colleagues. He's done that with us forever. Mister Crawford, expenditures by school officials beyond what's budgeted is malfeasance in office. Is that what they classified us? If they spend more than the budget we give them?

That is correct.

So the budget is the budget they're spend. And whatever is left, I believe, it says that it's reverted back to the board for surplus and easy on next year. Got it. Alright. A couple couple things, mister Sharon. I apologize for the length, but I wanna really make sure that this communication gets straight to the people that are asking questions because I'm getting asked questions that are nonfactual. Did mister Crawford, did Henrico receive a state reduction in funding due to the LCI? And can you explain what the LCI is really briefly and what the state did to this county? And I believe how we ranked in the top four in the Commonwealth on loss of dollar. Are we fifth? Top five?

Yes, sir. So, yeah, the LCR, local composite index, is the state's calculation of a low a locality's ability to pay for public education expenses. And, yes, this county, you know, on a typical year, we can anticipate somewhere between three and five percent increase in the first year of a biennium based in, you know, initial estimates based, you know, looking at that, you know, had anticipated a, you know, roughly, I would say, 12 and a half percent incur or 12 and a half million dollar increase. That increase, as we, you know, received estimates after the governor's budget introduction did not materialize. So we we did not receive we essentially received that decrease that we would have anticipated from from the state.

Therefore, the the $25,000,000 increase that is there for the school division for fiscal year '27, 98% of that funding will come from local revenues.

So the an algorithm of formula the LCI cost this county by formula based $12,500,000

Yes sir.

So we naturally just met with our school counterparts and said you know sorry we'll we'll just move on from there. You know, take 12 and a half million out of your budget and we all move on together? I assume we just took it. We just they just took the hit.

Yes. I no, sir. We the this look the budget that was introduced to the board of supervisors took local revenues to backfill that.

So we covered it?

Yes, sir.

We took local revenues, covered the 12 and a half.

You covered both?

Covered both sides.

Shortfall plus the increase.

Thus, the 98% of the school budget increase came from general fund.

Mister Smith, I'm sorry. Mister Manager, can you explain the LCI formula? Yes. I think that's important because there is some misnomer, some misinformation that because we have, more revenue coming in because of particular industry that that is we're at fault because of that. But but but those numbers come from real estate, commercial, all of that.

Yes, sir. So the LCI was created in the nineteen seventies. It's a very old formula. It uses some premises that were valid at that time for local government. They are no longer valid. To give you an example, our neighbor to the south, Chesterfield County, had an increase in its state funding of $33,000,000

Yes sir.

Your counties actually went down by a million and a half. Two counties, two suburban counties side by side both growing in population But this antiquated formula and these industries that are being referred to didn't exist in the 1970s. So I really don't know where these comparisons are coming from. But the formula is outdated. It needs to be redone.

The reason it hasn't been is because there are 130 some school divisions or counties and cities in the Commonwealth Of Virginia and there are always going to be winners and there are always going to be losers. So it's been an epic fight going back to the '80s when it was first considered by I believe it was Tom Moss. And there was a commission called the Moss Commission that the General Assembly approved. That may be too much information but the reality is that we did not anticipate a reduction in the in this LCI formula. The biggest contributor to the reduction for Henrico County was the fact that our student population once again decreased period And there some other variables where our sales taxes increased, our real estate tax revenues increased by a little bit.

But the biggest variable is that the fact that our student population did not increase I think for the fifth consistent year fifth sixth whatever it is. But that is the biggest. Did that answer your question Mr. Nelson as far as trying to explain? No.

Thank you, sir. So I wanna be clear, mister Crawford, there was a shortfall from the state. Schools can't take it on the chin. They're doing all they can with what they got, and we just covered it with local general fund, covered both sides of it with local, let's say, taxpayer dollars. So we just said we gotta gotta get it whole and made it whole. 98% of their increase comes from general fund dollars, which is probably at a record high for budget over budget year. It's gotta be. It it's It's gotta be. Yeah. It's 98%. Pretty there's not much room.

It's definitely not the norm.

Alright. The total proposed schools ops budget, mister Crawford, do I have 900,000,000 as an accurate number?

Yes, sir.

The operating side of budget? Of course, capital.

Exactly 914,000,000 all funds.

914,000,000. And then these fund these positions that we're talking about that that we see reported in the media that we get these form emails, carbon copy email after email after email with just the same verbiage sent from the email campaign. The positions, if we were just to fund them all, cost how much to fund them all?

Just fix About $6,000,000.

Alright. $6,000,000. $6,000,000 divided by $900,000,000 operating budget. I'm gonna save you the math, mister Crawford, but because we just did it. I I believe it is two thirds of 1%. 6,000,000 divided by 914 might be even a little less. Yes, sir. Divided by 900 and got point 667%. So these positions that that are a priority, clearly a priority for constituents, certainly for the HEA, and two or three school board members have mentioned it. It's clearly I've heard from school board members in the in the in the meeting.

Right? We heard from the chair. Heard We from from a few other representatives that it's a priority. I concur. Every time we've talked about test scores and and and and indicators of testing, we hear the same thing, that the student of state the of we're talking about point six six seven of 1% of of their entire budget. I'll revert back to what I said a minute ago about our budget. Our budget is 1,100,000,000. Is that correct?

Yes, sir.

And point $6.06 7 of that, two thirds of 1% of our budget, 7 and a quarter million dollars ish. Mister management, we have priorities. We discussed them. We meet I I've seen this board and this county make adjustments for $7,000,000 in a year based upon these five elected folks' priorities and the people that we serve and represent. So if people we serve and represent have that as a priority and they mark it as a priority, advocate that they work within two thirds of 1% of a budget and make the necessary changes.

I've also heard and I read a quote in the March 20 citizen report from a school board chair that says they he expects any additional state dollars from the state to be handed back right over. Mr. Chair respectfully again I'll speak on my own behalf. I would argue that the thank you would be in order if are fortunate enough to get state funding back on behalf of the taxpayers that we represent of the 0% interest loan that we have just provided by fully funding it and then thankfully getting the refund from the state with additional allocation. That would be my argument.

And final two points I have, mister chair, would be with regard to additional funding for schools. These positions we're talking about, 158, and the and the quote has been the quote that has been had is that these are required number. Is that correct, mister Hubbard? A required number for for for the standard of quality for these ELL teachers. They need to have, what, 227 this coming fiscal year. Is that accurate in order to meet the standard? That's what the the standard is.

Based on

And they have one fifty eight. So there's a shortage of 70, which is a 16 they're fulfilling 69% of those positions. If it's a priority this year, well, how come last year they were 72 short, funding 66% of that standard? And in 2025, they were 94 short of the standard of two zero seven with one fourteen only meeting 55%. So I actually concur with the residents and the school board.

I think the ELL teachers, I concur with with the speaker today. I think it's a priority. And I think they should work within the $900,000,000 budget with two thirds of 1% and showcase it as their priority. We do it. We just made a priority with regard to $50,000,000 of of funding for water infrastructure to start the process. That was a priority for us. I would say that there were other things that got sidelined a little bit to make that happen. You don't you don't you don't you don't focus on priorities with those kinds of dollars and not have things have to get set to the side a little bit. I get it. Those are hard decisions.

Hard decisions. And we're not here to make the easy ones. But the emails that I've been getting and the articles in the paper and and the and the comments on the school board, one or two of them right in the March 18 meeting clearly said to me, it's a priority. We're not meeting the standard. Four out of the last five years, that standard hasn't been met. 2,023, 92% of the standard. 2024 was met. 2025, 55. 2026, 56%. 2027 proposed budget gets it to 69%.

Clearly clearly making gains. Meals tax? Meals tax was guaranteed to the schools when mister Nelson and his colleagues had the courage that I can't say many elected officials have to come to the what you did, sir, to go to the public and ask for a meals tax has fundamentally changed this county, built you a new built you a new school, built the folks in Tucker a new school. And it's funded since 2014 when that courage was had, $340,000,000. 9,000,009 million 9,000,000 to operating capital and debt service has only increased to 10,000,000, 9,000,000, and 16,000,000 to debt service in fiscal year twenty five.

340,000,000 since 2014, plus a surplus because it's the meals tax has done even better than projected. There's been a surplus of meals tax of $98,000,000 in those, I don't know, twelve plus years, of which $72,000,000 on top of the 340 has already been issued to schools. We you made a promise, mister Nelson. I just voted for it. And you made a promise that all those dollars would go to schools.

You've delivered this this board since then has delivered. School board has delivered on that. There's a list of every dollar that's been sent in surplus that's been paid for. It's incredible the amount of support that these two boards have have have worked towards. And finally, mister chair, budget amendments folks who are listening also happen.

The budget isn't final. We don't make a budget, pass it, and sit on it for twelve months until we get to sit in a room upstairs and march again and do it again. Budget amendments have happened every year. Since 2014, the meals tax year, twelve to thirteen years ago, $407,000,000 of budget amendments have been made. $407,000,000 strictly associated to schools. This is above the budget. Correct, mister mister Crawford? This is this is above the budget. This is in year budget amendments, and it is page after page after page. Yes, sir.

In the last seven years alone, 28.3 last year, 28.3, 31.4, 54,000,000, 31,900,000, 101,800,000, 63,800,000, 32,500,000, $344,000,000. In seven years, 344,000,000 has been amended throughout the year to cover needs when necessary. Could and it's a million things. My god. It's everything. It spans the gap of what the needs are. Folks who are listening, mister chair, I swear I promised you I'd be brief. I'm sorry I was not. This the the the collaboration between the school board has been phenomenal. Mister Cooper has seen it from both sides.

These two boards have worked together to do the best we possibly can with funding from state, federal, local level. Budgets have grown tremendously. Support in year has been tremendous. Calculations by some really gutsy elected officials in 02/1415 has paid off to the tune of 340 plus 72. $412,000,000 in meals tax, directly 100% every penny to schools.

A $900,000,000 budget, mister chair, point 667%, two thirds of 1%. I'm very, very, very confident that a body of elected officials and wonderful staff over the schools can figure out how to prioritize that if that's what they wanted. Particularly, since this year, I believe we've taken back taken over middle schools. I believe they were closed for two weeks. I'm sure, mister Rogich, your point is exactly right.

There's been some savings in there. I mean, the additional funding on maintenance and HVAC, the the things that we do together, we've we've we've spoken to those things with legal assistance and HR assistance and internal audit. Again, folks listening, it is not it is not about denying positions. It's about taxpayer dollars being spent on priorities, and $900,000,000 allows for many priorities. And I concur that ELL teachers are a priority because of the growing population. So make it such with point 667% of your budget. Mister mister chair, thank you very much.

Thank you so much, mister Schmidt, miss Rountree. Reverend Nelson. Thank

you, mister Schmidt, for for pointing out some of the things that, I was gonna share. I actually had prepared to come tonight and not really say much. I've been real quiet recently. But Leanne Hardy wrote this article that came out right around three something. I almost wanna say it was strategic, right in the middle of our work session that made me feel like I needed to say something.

Mister manager, real quick, if you don't mind, just walk us through the process of the budget. Like, take thirty seconds to a minute and just tell us how the budget gets to us. Certainly. So

the budget really begins with an estimate of revenues that are available to the county. And process will start for next year in August of this summer. So we'll start working on revenue estimates for next year in August and we'll refine them all the way through December. Meanwhile the budget office is looking at all of the changes that have occurred in all operations of the county. They could be changes in law that require us to do things differently.

They could be new facilities that come on line. Could be a myriad of factors that go into this is what is required for next year. Same is happening in conversations that they are having with finance staff at schools, conversations that I am having with Doctor. Cashwell. Now the Doctor.

Cashwell County Manager conversations really begin in earnest in the November time period as far as okay you've had a look at all of the requirements that you have on the expenditure side and we start putting together between the two of us a budget that factors in all known costs all could be school board directives policies that have changed. And so it is a complicated operation because within the general government we have 40 some units separate units within schools. You have 76 different facilities now 7,000 employees. There's a lot going on and I can tell you that going into the new January February February timeframe those estimates are solidified. And then she will go to the school board and present a budget that we have discussed.

Sometimes and oftentimes there are changes to that budget between January, February, March, especially if you think of the fact that the General Assembly sometimes is in session. This year we had a change that Ms. Crawford I think covered well in the composite index. We anticipated one number in NovemberDecember and then JanuaryFebruary we had another number come in and that was compounded by the fact that we had some significant cost increases. I think every person in The United States Of America has experienced whether it's gasoline, diesel, electricity, groceries.

Costs are going up. And so that caused me to worry. Not only did we have to make up a $12,500,000 shortfall, the budget ended up going up by $25,000,000 for schools. So that is in bean counter talk a 37 and a half million dollar swing that the county of Henrico had to ultimately make up. So Mr. Nelson does that answer your question as far as communication because those budgets are constantly in flux.

Sir, at what point do we we sit down with the school board's budget and go through it line by line?

So once the county manager's proposed budget comes to you then typically it's two weeks later you will sit down and meet with the school board and literally go through could line by line it You actually go through every agency of the county. You spend a full week going through that review.

But we make adjustments to the school board. So do we have authority to make adjustments to to their particular budget? Are we just looking at the number or do we are we able to go in as a board of supervisors and make adjustments to school board line by line?

The only adjustment you can make. There is no line by line. There is no triple underscore position. The Board of Supervisors cannot. So when you hear or read that the Board of Supervisors did not approve a position that is actually that is incorrect.

That's illegal almost, isn't it?

You do not have the ability of doing that. You can increase. You can decrease. Those are your two choices. Or About

dollar amounts, not positions.

Correct. Dollar amounts.

Alright. You thank you, mister manager. So I wrote down a couple of notes today, mister chair, if you don't mind. Just a reminder to those who are in our local community. And, you know, I actually enjoy this. I've been doing this now for fifteen years in my 15 budget. And, you know, I I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. You know, the budget is a forecast. Right? So it guides, it leads, and as mister Smith said, can be amended.

So, it's not etched in stone. It just guides our spending. Manager just said it's a week of discussion for us. So when we get it, I think we get the budget like, the Tuesday before we do a week of a week of meeting. So departments come to us, and when it comes to the budget, schools is a department.

Schools does not have taxing authority, so they can't raise their own funds. And so we have to allot to fund. So when we meet the school, the division of schools, public school system, they're bad, the school board, They come to us like a department. So we talk about themes, we talk about projects, we talk about focus areas, they give us updates. Manager just said no line item adjustments can we make for schools.

So, you know, if there is an area that we wanna see increased, then we can share it, and it's between the manager and the school superintendent to get to the bottom of it. You know, I thought today, I've been with Dave Cackley, Dick Glover, Frank Thornton, Petal Band, and Tommy Brannon. Regardless of what our ideologies were, what partisan side we miss we may have said on, We always shared one thing, and that was to make sure that schools were fully funded and that we did the best that we could by Henrico County Public Schools, the families, and their kids. And so the funding, as mister Smith shared, as the manager shared, as Justin shared, comes from multiple pots. So we got local funding that comes from real estate and other play fees, etcetera, and the state gives money.

And the federal government even gives a little bit of money every now and then. And so we have all these pots. And when all of the pots are good, then it's a happy time. And it's not been often over the past decade and a half I've been on this board that we've not really gotten the state funding, that we expected. This year was one of them. And so what did the manager do? The manager let us, well, let the department heads know, as he let us know, that we did not the LCI did not produce what it normally produces, and so we're gonna have to tighten the belt. Every department is going to have to cut their budgets. Every department. Everybody had to go in and find 3%.

And and and let me use the word fine versus cut. Alright? And so every department had to find 3% that they could reduce so that we can get to the place that we needed to get to, and, that included schools. Now I I already shared what the the process was. But one of the things that we do is during the week, we get together with the school board, etcetera. School board, board members always can talk. You know, I wanna shout out Marcy for even coming tonight. You know? That bold of you. And and, you know no.

But respect because we we have that relationship, and and we we thank you, for that. You know? And Ryan Ryan talks to to us, and, you know, I guess Christy talks to Dan sometimes. You know? But we we have conversations.

This piece came up at the end of our school board board of supervisors meeting. It it was a question asked about what the 91 positions were, and then somebody responded from the school board, I think, that it was a 153. And all of a sudden, then that's when the conversation starts. Now, you know, I do I do go with what, mister Smith said. When you're looking at 900,000,000, 800,000,000, 700,000,000, and you got you had to find 6,000,000, you know, it's probably easier if you control the 6,000,000 than going to ask for the 6,000,000.

And I think when you are approaching a billion dollars, finding 6,000,000, if it is your priority, you know, that's that's what we suggest. Everybody else had to do that. I'm sure that, chief English didn't wanna make any cuts. I'm sure that, five chief don't wanna make any cuts. I'm sure that, you know, I'm looking here at Barbara Wieman in in in libraries and real estate.

You know? Everybody had to feel the pain here. And it it has nothing to do with us not loving kids, etcetera. Now, you know, mister Chen, I got time. This is my I'm taking my time from, budget week when I said nothing. I'm using it right now. If you are an elected official, it is it is it is almost funny when you say you don't wanna be political. Like, this this job is a political job. So I don't have a problem with politics. It's I love it.

Somebody went to the HEA. Somebody encouraged the HEA. They gave them the give them the information, or they greenlighted it. The HEA sent out an email to 800 teachers and told them to send us, emails, and that's what they did. So we may have gotten 30 emails, 40 maybe, cumulative.

Each each one of us have different amounts in our district. And, you know, the teachers, they send the information based upon what they know. And if they care about special ed, they care about English as a second language, and they feel like the board of supervisors is shorting them, then they're going to share the information. Unfortunately, it's not all the way truthful. And so I think that's where, it starts getting difficult. Now Henrico Citizen called me, like, a week ago and, had a good conversation. But because I'm a veteran, I said, let's talk. Let me give you some background, but it's off the record. Alright? You know what that means.

Off the record mean I'm a talk to you, but you can't print it. Alright? I gave one sentence as a on the record comment. Now the conversation conversation started because she sent me a text with a video from one of your colleagues, Marcy, who, at their last school board meeting, made a public statement announcing to the public that they were gonna ask me four questions. That person listed the questions that was on a Thursday or whatever in a public meeting.

I ended up seeing the person at the same public meeting, and we were at a meeting together thirty minutes after she made that comment. Nothing to me. She sent me an email at 10:32 on the next day with the four questions and then posted on Facebook, like, a couple minutes afterwards. So that's political. Like, cut it out. You know, you you you don't do politics. That was a very political move. And so I received the email, etcetera, to try to draw me into some public, discourse. No disrespect. It's it's fine.

That's that's what that's your approach. But I don't like it if we're not being honest and we're manipulating the truth. I'm on this board fifteen years. If there is a need from schools, we try to meet it. Alright? Just as facts, you can go back and look. We make sure schools are funded. So when there is a discourse about the board of supervisors not funding schools, that's offensive. Alright? Now we can have the disc discourse amongst ourselves, but I mean, since you wanna take it there, let me let me let me tell you, Leanne, you know, and I told you.

I said, Leanne, I'm mature, and I know that if I say anything to you, it's gonna be a part of the story. So I'm not gonna say nothing to you. You don't see my name in this article at all. But I did say, I bet you I know a school board member that's gonna just talk. And y'all wanna know what the school board member said?

I'm a read it to you because this is what's being put out in the in the in the media. I got my family members, aunts and cousins. They're ready to, you know, they they upset. School board member says she stands by the original proposal, which says the school board developed and approved based on real operational needs. The county's proposal cuts that request despite that clear justification we provided.

I'm guaranteeing you, you're gonna hear our board chair tonight talk about the word cut. The board of supervisors cannot say, and I'm that was my comment talking about our our board chair. The board of supervisors cannot say, quote, this is a quote, this is a quote, it's a quote. The board of supervisors cannot say that they prioritize education while simultaneously underfunding the very people and resources required to deliver it. School board's budget is built on facts, not extras, every dollar, etcetera.

I'm a keep going. Not because you you said this, that we can't care about schools. That's both. But there's more. If anything, the joint well, that's just a commentary piece. No. Yeah. Don't quote. During the joint budget session, there were multiple examples of disrespectfulness and dysfunction. Honestly, it frustrates me when the conversation drifts into ill will of politics.

It is contradictory to show up to a ribbon cutting for the new building, shake hands, take photos, and then turn around and refuse to fund the staff required to actually open these doors. We cannot celebrate progress with one hand and and defund it defund it defund it defund it with the other. Alright. I'll pause right there. Some bold stuff.

And there's there's more here, but I'm I'm gonna stop. The reason I'm saying this is because it takes a certain level of maturity to this. You can make your comments, but the stuff that you're saying is not right. You send us over a budget with 91 positions. The county manager said that we need to make cuts.

School staff made the cuts, and those positions were a part of the cuts. It's $8,900,000,000 worth of stuff that could have been cut. So the stuff that was cut was cut for a reason. Don't blame that on us. That is not our fault. If those positions would have been in there, then they would have been approved like we are planning to approve the budget. Now the budget process is fluid, and I'm assuming if state money comes in, then education would be a top priority. And I don't know whether or not it'll be those positions because that's up to the school system. We can't tell the school system what to do with the money. We just send the money over.

Just a reminder, cannot say they prioritize education. I don't have time to list this stuff over fifteen years. We have a brand new Highland Highland Springs High School that was not a part of a CIP. Correct? Somebody got off front of that. I wonder who that was. We got land for the living building that persons are promoting. We didn't own that land. We had to buy that lane. Yes, sir.

I wonder I wonder who led that effort. The Wilton Building was on the referendum. The meals tax that I put in my neck out as I ain't know what I was doing, honestly. I just I just thought it was the right thing to do then realize the political implications that came with it, and it barely won. '52 to 48 or '53 to 40 something like that.

Carried mainly by Verena and Fairfield districts. And from that $3,400,000,000, you just gave us 20 pages of projects that we have funded because of the meals tax. I don't have time to through and talk about all the kitchens and bathrooms and gym floors and etcetera. Don't don't talk to us about prioritizing education. Every single budget that has come this way, we have funded it plus some.

And so ribbon cutting are exciting events exactly they are. And we can shake hands and still disagree. That's maturity. And so, and and just just just for the fact, based upon the proposed reductions, the living building has 17 employees, and now the new budget has 15. So that comment was about two people, which I'm sure if the schools wanted to, they can put them back in.

So, I'll leave it there. I've never had a problem working with school boards before. We disagreed, and I don't have a problem now because I'm a big boy, and I can handle it. And I'm excited about all the incredible things that are happening in our school. That's why I am enthusiastically going to improve this budget. And anything comes in, manager, mister chairman, vice chair, my colleagues, I know we will make education. So state funds come in. I'm sure we'll do what we have to do to continue to make schools a better place.

Thank you, reverend Nelson. Miss Roche?

Okay. Thank you, mister reverend Nelson. Just a couple quick things on the budget process. I just I wanna acknowledge something. First of all, Justin Crawford, you and your team, putting this document together, it takes a a matter of skill and, a a special skill for that.

So thank you. And I also I I can't say enough about our county manager, you know, Vitalkis, who there's a reason why we are Quadzilla, and I don't think people we we didn't mention that. But the the triple a bond ratings, that's because we budget well. And what that means is our when our bond rating is good, we have triple a. What does that mean, mister Crawford, when we borrow money?

We don't pay nearly as much as others.

We don't pay as much as others. Right? So if you have good rating, good credit ratings and that's very important. So I just want to make sure that, Mr. Manager, you and your team are all acknowledged for that. Number two, and it was briefly touched, thank you Ms. Shea for coming, the Tuckahoe School Board member. We work together very well. And we may not always agree on everything, but we are very collegial. We probably text 3 or four times a day, a week, etcetera.

But we talk a lot. And what that says is there there there is a very collegial, respect for both of us, and I think we're all about Henrico County Public Schools. And I won't speak for everybody up here, but I have a feeling that, you know, we a lot of us have kids still in school, graduated from school. We care a lot about Henrico County Public Schools up here. And one of the examples, and mister Schmidt just briefly touched on it, the middle school fields.

It's something that we're trying to it's not takeover. We're we're trying to help the maintenance on the middle school fields to take that off of the schools. Why? Because we want the schools focusing on educating students in the buildings. Nobody talked about how many positions we're creating on general government, taking that effort off of the school side.

We work together on these things. And it's it's because we care about the kids that are out there. And the last thing I wanted to say is one of the one of the things that started this was the per people spend. And you heard the manager talk about the LCI index on, I think, the last five years where enrollment or membership of our students has been either flat or decreased, and that does affect the LCI. And I think could and be wrong, but one of the speakers that spoke earlier today in public comment mentioned about per people spend.

And even adjusted for inflation, I think I have in front of me from from fiscal eighteen to what's proposed today, it's a 72% increase for a per people spend. 72% increase in per pupil spend. So, again, I just wanna make sure that people understand this board, and I'll go to I'll repeat what my colleague right beside me said. It's not just this board, but the previous boards. There's no one that I'm aware of up here that has denied education funding because we all we all care and prioritize Henry County Public Schools. So I don't have any questions for you, Justin. I want to make those comments. Thank you.

Thanks, sir.

Well I just noted that I can certainly comment on schools but there's something else another topic as well so I didn't know

if we wanted to finish the school Okay.

So if you anybody that if you follow me on social media you know how I feel about this the schools piece. I have spoken about it at length really trying to correct misconceptions and the piece that I will add to this is I'm not going to repeat what I have been putting out on social media about it but what disheartens me and I think about people are motivated for a lot of different reasons to say things right. There are those who have aspirations and in order to make people feel like they need them sometimes you've got to make people feel like they're not cared for by the people that are in place place now. And I think that that is at the heart of a lot of some misinformation not just with schools but a lot of things that I have seen in my seat. And when I think about this particular issue and we're talking about families who are immigrants, talking about ELL students and families.

We're talking about families with children with special needs. Really all families because we're all struggling right now with trying to afford gas in our tanks and all the other things that life is bringing to bear on us. We talk about our teachers who are already so used to doing more with less and trying to justify support and the fact that we don't pay them nearly enough relative to other professions that don't yield as much for our future. I just think it's cruel. I think it is cruel to create a false sense of insecurity in these people that really should know how much they are cared for, how much hundreds of millions of dollars of priority that this county has given to schools and to especially vulnerable populations in particular.

And Frank, those statistics that you quoted as far as children of color and children from disadvantaged opportunities. I will say that I think when I hear the stat that these positions have been underfunded for a few years now, and this is the first year this has become such a red light issue. And I think about, well, it came on the heels of us asking questions about, is HVAC being properly maintained? And are we doing enough to ameliorate discrepancies between Eastern schools and Western schools? And we were asking really tough questions of our school staff. And then all of a sudden it became this, well it almost felt, and

I will say this,

it almost felt retaliatory or a if you're question us about this, then we are going to take this approach. And if politics is politics, guess it is true. But my heart breaks for any teacher, any staff member, any parent of an English language learner, any parent of an ESL student, special ed student who's already struggling with so much that had to deal with the false misinformation that we don't care about them, that we're not committed to funding them and giving our schools everything that they need. I hope the numbers show that that is absolutely not the case. We have gone far beyond what is required of us because that's how much we prioritize investing in our children of all needs.

And so I hope that we can move forward from this. I really do because we've got to stop. Political gamesmanship or whatever aside, we care about our people, we put our money where our mouth is. We put our time where our mouth is. We dedicate ourselves to this. We don't always get it right. I'm not saying that. We don't always make everybody happy. But we're trying and we're doing so in good faith. So I hope that any reason for a false narrative ceases and ends today. We can continue having dialogues. I do appreciate the healthy dialogues I have with Marci Shay with Ryan Young on the school board. I hope that those continue to happen so that we can really do continue doing what we need to do for our students.

Thank you. So I'm going to be brief. So I served eight years on the school board. Two years and four months on this board. And so Marcia was a peer of mine and there were times when her and I came to the manager and mister Smith, I believe.

And we had some challenges and we we had to ask. We didn't what we asked for, we we were going back and forth saying, it's a lot. Do you think they're gonna give it to us? And and the manager and mister Smith blew our mind because they gave us more we asked for, because they showed a commitment to the schools, to our superintendent. When I was on the board, Verona's district and Fairfield district had the highest substitute teachers in core to we're There are 12 schools that are now Opportunity Schools, all of them being in ir the Fairfield and the Verona districts.

The purpose of Opportunity Schools was to increase the compensation for staff to help us with staffing those schools, getting persons who were credentialed to be in those schools. And this past year, Ryan Young and myself went to Brooklyn Middle School and the principal told us this is the first time, probably ten years, on the first day of school that Brooklyn Middle School was fully staffed. I use that as a parallel to this issue that when you're a school board and running a division with 76 buildings, 50,000 students, 7,000 employees, A lot of needs. And I wanna say that we are committed along the county manager and our peers on the school board to making sure that those needs are met. Every relationship has challenges.

I tell my members when counsel them, it's about commitment, compromise, and communication. That's the path forward, that's solution focused. And this budget shows that, and we're gonna make sure going forward that we have to do it to make sure our schools are funded. So that's being said. Alright. Now, miss Rountree, you stated you have something else to talk about. Before she says, mister Smith, anything for budget sir? Mr. Rogish? Reverend Nelson. Ms. Rountree.

So this is going to feel like a hard turn but it is something that I wanted to take the opportunity to speak about when we talk about the power of the budget and how we control our dollars. This is an issue that we haven't really talked a lot about and I do want to take the opportunity. I know it's late but there's information that I wanna share. And so a portion of the police budget does contain line items for technology. And I've spoken with chief English about this.

He knows I'm gonna make these comments. This is a discussion that he and I have had for for quite some time now. But the technology in the budget is for the continuation of flock cameras, as well as a new technology called liferaft technology, which is a monitoring of online presence, social media, blogs, so forth and so on. Technology that gathers and compiles that information to create profiles of people that is used by law enforcement. Just by way of a little bit of background information, there are currently 100,000 flock cameras nationwide, more than 1,000 in Virginia and here in Henrico County.

I believe by last count we're approaching 100. As designed, flock cameras are designed to be a part of a national database, and it is designed for sharing of that data nationally. And when I say sharing, I'm talking about nationwide, over 7,000 law enforcement agencies, and in the state of Commonwealth of Virginia, about three sixty law enforcement And so all of those individuals employed by those agencies have access to data collected by FLAC. A Virginia court in 2024 likened FLAC cameras to tracking devices, and the Virginia Court of Appeals further explored that issue. And in that case, they didn't strike down the flock camera system.

This was in the city of Norfolk. But the court did find that while the current use of flock did not rise to the need of warrants to gather that information, that that was a yet. The current existing technology does not require it yet, but that they noted that constitutional privacy standards would likely change as technology evolved. The issue was not any one photo or video. That is, I will concede, akin to a police officer standing on a corner and taking a license plate down one by one at a time.

That in and of itself is not the issue. It is the aggregation of the data that is collected and the use of AI to create patterns and conclusions based on that data. And the ever increasing scope of the technology that is used has little to no oversight at any level, be it federal, state, or local. What this means for John Q Public is that while a police officer standing at the top of your neighborhood may know that you left your house at 08:30 this morning, flock cameras in the aggregate know everywhere you went for about twenty one days. Your medical appointments, your legal appointments, your places of worship, any political meetings that you attended, your school, your children's school and activities.

All of that data exists. And they paint a picture of you. AI paints a picture of you, whether it's a right or wrong picture that can be used by an incredibly wide scope of people for an incredibly wide scope of purposes. In the law, I'm a lawyer, we call this the mosaic theory. Each individual piece may not be harmful, but the collected aggregation of those pieces can certainly be harmful.

That's just with the most basic information talking about a small fifteen second video or a photograph. However, one of the larger concerns that we have is that the scope of flock is ever increasing. It is expanding from simple photos of license plates to full fledged surveillance cameras with live feed options and noise detection. For example, last year FLAC acquired a company called Aerodome, which is a producer of drones. Why would they want to produce drones?

Well, we can certainly surmise that it isn't to increase the scope of they are able to do. There is a flock alert app that law enforcement agencies may subscribe to that allows even off duty officers to automatically get pinged on their phone with notifications within parameters of alerts. Last May, journalists uncovered internal flock company documents and recordings that showed that flock was actively developing a product to link license plate data to commercial data broker records, including stolen breach data. Let me make this live for you. We've all used, or perhaps a lot of us have used the parking app ParkMobile.

You go somewhere to park and you log into the app so that you can pay for your parking. When you log in, what do you put? You put your name, you put your phone number, you put your email address, sometimes you put your physical address. Well, ParkMobile had a huge security breach. Hackers breached ParkMobile's data.

And all of a sudden they had all of this where your license plate is linked to all of this personal information. Well, they did what hackers do, and they sold it on the dark web. And so this internal data on FLAC revealed that they were planning to use that stolen data to link with the camera data. So now all of a sudden a license plate image that FLAC has collected is designed to aggregate with this stolen breach data to create this picture of your personal information. Now after journalists uncovered this, Flock had to come out and say, we will not use stolen breach data.

That was their compromise. We will not use stolen breach data. But the baseline programming and can be used with non stolen data, so anything that is out there can still be used. And that's assuming that FLAC keeps its word to not use the stolen data. Another thing about the scope is that FLAC is not limited to law enforcement agencies. Any HOA, business, any retailer can on their own purchase a FLAC camera, and that data can then be assigned to the FLAC national network. And that is not subject to any legal we have a law in Virginia that I'll talk about in a second. It's not subject to that. That law only applies to law enforcement data. So there are very little guardrails that apply to flock data that is collected by non law enforcement agencies.

Now, in 2025, the General Assembly, after some pressure about mass surveillance, did pass a law to attempt to establish guardrails, and that law established a limitation of twenty one days for data retention under some circumstances, and also limited access to agencies within the Commonwealth of Virginia. So in other words, flock data could not be accessed nationally or by federal agencies. But realistically, the loopholes or the way it's designed is not as narrow as it sounds, because data can be extended beyond that 21 as long as it's part of an ongoing investigation. And data can be collected it's used for any criminal investigation where there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. And I can tell you as a lawyer, reasonable suspicion of a crime is a very low standard.

It's not anywhere near probable cause, which is a high standard. So essentially, anybody can say, I think that there is a crime that I want to investigate. This is a relatively low standard. I'm going to put my request in, and this data can be collected. But perhaps most alarming is that even after that July 2025 law, we know that there have been breaches of that law because of a 2026 Crime Commission report. Surveys were sent out to Virginia law enforcement agencies. A third didn't even bother to respond because why did they have to? There was no punishment mechanism if they didn't respond. So a third didn't even respond. Of those that did respond, 20 agencies self reported continuous access to out of state agencies in violation of the law.

Nine self reported continuous access to federal law enforcement agencies. 21% self reported keeping data past the twenty one days. And we don't know whether that was something that the individual law enforcement agency did, or whether FLAC did it. We don't know because there is no established mechanism to check behind and find that information out. Violations can and often do occur without the knowledge of the locality.

And I say this is very important piece because I know that some will take these comments and construe them as me trying to say something against Henrico police, and that is absolutely not the case. One of my biggest arguments that I've made with the chief is that Henrico can do everything 1000% right and still expose our residents to harm. Oregon City banned access to local and state agencies. They pulled an audit log and showed that the Department of Homeland Security had accessed its network 384 times without its knowledge under the authority of a federal pilot program that it knew nothing about. So the government was accessing it, didn't bother to even tell them.

They only found out because they happened to do an audit. A city in California suspended its FLAC contract after FLAC on its own changed the settings on its cameras to allow national lookup again without the city's knowledge. After finding this out, the city had no way of determining what data had left its system. Then in a separate breach, it learned that almost all of its cameras, all but one, had also had their toggles changed, and more than two fifty unauthorized agencies ran over 600,000 searches over a one year period, all without the knowledge or permission of that city. FLAC sent out their own audit, showed access by border control of at least 10 Washington State Police Departments that had not granted such access.

What is the punishment for violating the terms of Virginia law? It is a class one misdemeanor. And so I've just told you that we have self reported violations of that law. How many people or agencies have been prosecuted for those violations? Not a single person, so it is not being enforced at all.

And then I just read yesterday that has come out that flock employees are actually looking at data that they're not supposed to have access to. They are accessing cameras and live feeds. Some of these cameras were shown to be pointing at schools and playgrounds watching our There is an audit procedure. So on paper, each agency can pull an audit report and see every agency that has accessed their data. But Virginia law does not require any sort of consistency with checking these audits, or require that a specific person be tasked with doing so.

It is mostly self report. An agency or an officer in a faraway agency can just come up with a reasonable suspicion of a crime to write down as their reason. And then in January 2026, flocks flock itself scrubbed data from its audit logs. It scrubbed officer names, plate license plate being searched, and the stated reason, citing that flock had concerns for privacy, when really what it was doing was changing accountability. The Life Raft program that I've talked about is arguably even more concerning because while FLAC tracks movement, Life Raft tracks speech and association.

And there are no parameters that I know of at the state level at all. So essentially they can put in a search for, for example, threats to harm a specific person. And I think we would all agree that that is a reasonable search. But who determines what those parameters are if there's nothing in place that says what those parameters can be? And Life Raft's literature itself specifically advertises its utility in monitoring protests and civil unrest.

So who determines what is a problematic protest or civil unrest? Do my pictures that I have posted on my own social media at a no kings rally with my son mean that I exist or my son exists somewhere on a watch list because of life raft? And they're not just dinging profiles that fit a search inquiry. It uses AI to establish relationships between accounts and people. It analyzes and flags accounts based on things like the frequency of posts and who interacts with them.

It assigns threat scores based on its own algorithms. It pulls from online sources beyond social media, uses geolocation technology, and perhaps most concerning, employs predictive flagging, where it identifies accounts that haven't posted anything that fits the search yet, but whose behavior patterns suggest to the algorithm that it might. And there was a movie that did that. I can't remember what it's called, maybe Minority Report. But predictive flagging is very concerning.

So I will close by saying that what this says is that it is almost certainty that every resident of my district, certainly of three Chopped, every resident in Henrico County who has driven anywhere in this county probably exists at this moment on a database that is accessible by at a minimum tens of thousands of people in Virginia, and given undocumented compliance failures, likely exponentially more. Residents, myself included, can have complete and unwavering trust and confidence in Henrico's police department, but that doesn't mean it extends to the tens of thousands of folks wearing uniforms. Let's not forget that in Virginia we still have 12 sundown towns. Not only is this technology disproportionately employed in black and brown communities, exacerbating existing systemic racism, but additionally, this form of digital frisking tends to disproportionately misidentify darker skinned individuals for a higher rate of wrong information. Additionally, we have 28 agencies with two eighty seven gs agreements with ICE, so an officer with one of these other local enforcement agencies can use his or her Virginia creds to access flock data and use it for ICE purposes, which easily circumvents any law that bans the use of data with federal agencies.

Law enforcement can certainly point to crimes that have been solved and suspects that have been caught due to flock technology. The question is, of those incidents, how many vehicles were tracked to get one arrest? How many live feeds were watched to get one person? We have never been a county that says that we solve crimes at any cost. We have always weighed effectiveness against constitutional rights and community trust. Would warrantless searches yield more evidence of crime? Would stop and frisk catch more subjects with no knock warrants? What about eliminating the right to to defense a council? All of those things would cause more arrest, would eliminate eliminate crime to be sure, but at what cost? We as a society have decided that all of those come at too great of a cost.

My comments are not about any concern of wrongdoing by Henrico Police Chief English. I have great relationships. I have worked very hard to establish great relationships and a hope trust with those folks. This is about a technology that is evolving and expanding far beyond the grasp most of us can begin to understand and about data that leaves Henrico's hands in great numbers. Numbers.

Right now, chief English is practically speaking accountable for how data is accessed and used by officers he's never met in jurisdictions he has no authority over for purposes he cannot control, and that is not an acceptable risk in my mind for our police chief. We have the opportunity to be leaders on this, to figure out the best use of resources to balance equipping our law enforcement with effective tools that also build community trust and not erode it. I will close by saying that of all people on this board I do not want to be the spokesperson for this and if you know anything about my background you understand why I'm saying that. I have the most to lose by talking about this. I have the most scrutiny to withstand for anything I say about police.

And I say again, I have worked very hard to dispel negative misperceptions and misinformation about that. And right now this is on limited radars. I could say nothing about it and nobody would be in my inbox saying why didn't you talk about flock? I could ignore it. So I have a choice not to raise this issue, but I believe that if you know better, you do better. And I know better because of my experience working in the legal field. So because I know better, I am bringing it to all of your attention hoping that it becomes on your radar and that we can begin a discussion about how we can be leaders in this very important area and continue to build trust between police and our community. Thank you.

Thank you Ms. Rountree. Colleagues, anyone have anything else to say about the capital annual fiscal plan operating? If not, is there a motion? Been moved by Mr. Smith. Is there a second?

Second.

Jointly Jones. Then Jones. Question from

from

the participating in a combined settlement for opioid related claims. Board has had a number of these over the years. Mister Newby, you covering this from the DEAS?

Yes, sir. Mister chair, members of the board, this board paper would approve the county's participation in proposed settlements of opioid related claims against six companies and certain of their affiliates and subsidiaries. A county manager provided a letter to the board recently on this topic describing in more detail, but very briefly, the proposed settlements are anticipated to provide approximately $90,000 to the county in one lump sum, and the funding will be used to abate the damage caused in the community by the opioid crisis. The board's outside opioid litigation council has recommended that the board approve this proposed settlement. I also recommend approval as does deputy county manager Feinmill and miss Schiehler Miner and the county manager. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, mister Newby. Colleagues, any questions for our attorney? Seeing none, is there a motion? Moved by miss Rogars. Is there

a second?

Second.

Second by miss Rounds. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the ayes have it. The resolution is approved.

Next, mister chair, members of board, 87 dash 26 is a resolution that would authorize to seek recertification as a certified crime prevention community program community. Chief.

Good afternoon, board chair, members of the board, county manager. This board paper authorizes the police division to make all reasonable efforts to meet the certification requirements established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Criminal Justice Services Board for participation in the certified crime prevention community program. The county's continued designation as a certified crime prevention community requires recertification every three years and the continuation of the Enrico Community Safety Coalition. The board paper designates the chief of police as the county's representative on the Enrico County on the Enrico Community Safety Coalition. I recommend approval of this this board paper, and the county manager concurs.

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you so much, chief. Colleagues, any questions for chief? Moved by mister Smith. Is there a second?

Second.

Second by miss Roushry. All those in favor? Aye. Those opposed, ayes have it. The resolution approved. Thank you. Thank you.

Next, mister chair. Agenda item 88 dash 26 is a resolution for signatory authority. This is actually for acquisition of real property for drainage and flood mitigation project in the Verona District. Mister Anthony.

Good evening. Thank you once again, mister manager, mister chair, honorable members of the board. This board paper would authorize the acquisition of 4701 Mulford Road for drainage and floodplain mitigation. The owner, J. Mar Home Detailing LLC, has agreed to sell the property for $370,000. Directors of Public Works and Real Property recommend a proof of the board paper. County manager concurs. I'll be happy to address any questions. Ali, is

there any questions? If not, mister mister reverend Nelson?

Yes. So move the resolution.

Thank you,

reverend Nelson.

Second. It's been moved by reverend Nelson, second by mister Rogue. All in favor's aye. Aye. Those opposed resolution approved.

Next, mister chair, we have 89 Dash26 which is a resolution for award of contract. This is unique. I've not seen this in in my tenure with the county. This is a combined contract for professional engineering services for both public works and public utilities. Mister Chang, congratulations to you and mister Hughes for bringing this forward.

Thank you, sir, and, good evening.

Mister Hughes is standing with him?

Yes. What

is miss Hughes. Thank you, mister Smith, for making that recommendation. So You, mister chair. Yes, sir. Yes.

So All steering. We have we

have to list them, mister mister Chen.

We have to list them.

Okay. This is an award of contracts to Arcadis US and Jacobs Engineering to provide annual professional engineering services for joint public works and public utilities projects with services to include program development, management, and coordination of projects that include both public works and public utilities facilities. The contract period the contract term is for a period of one year, and the county may renew the contracts for three additional one year terms. Compensation will be based on the agreed upon unit rates contained in the contracts. Fees for each will not exceed 2,500,000 for any single project or 10,000,000, in each one year term.

With that, I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Trevor Nelson? Yes. So move the resolution. Thank you, sir.

Just second. Second by miss Smith. All in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, ayes have it. Listen, are there any further comments from my colleagues?

Why are looking at me?

I look

at everybody. Mister manager? If not braces, mister chair. Thank you all for coming out. Meetings adjourned.

We wanna thank mister Ryan Young for being here from Fairfield District School Board.