Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

I call the 3M session of the December 16th, 2025 meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors to order. Like to welcome all of our visitors, remind you if you want to address the board, you must sign up 7 days in advance of any of our regular meetings to be put on the agenda. The county administrator is a contact person for the board. However, the public may address the board under the agenda item matters presented by the public that will take up in the meeting this evening as agenda item number 20. Again, welcome everyone. Thank you for coming out and being a part of the business of your local government. Our first business item of consideration today is agenda item number five, the items of consent. What is the pleasure of the board in regard to this item?

Mr. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to approve the items of consent. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? It is 6. Uh Jennifer. Agenda item number six. Uh we'll have a presentation of the FY25 audit from Credle Jones and Associates. Uh Mr. Wagner, if you would give us some background prior to uh Kim Jackson uh updating the board and she will join us virtually.

Thank you. Of course, every local in Virginia is required to do an annual audit of its fiscal um reports. And this year, Miss Kim Jackson Jones and Associates is joining us electronically to present the results of the fiscal year 2025 audit attended June 30, 2025. And Miss Jackson, you're up.

Good afternoon. The financial section is the first part of the audit report and includes the independent audited report which states the audit was performed in accordance with all auditing standards. Based on our audit procedures, an unmodified opinion or plain opinion was issued for FY205. Pages 1 through 8 are your management discussion and analysis section which summarizes the financial results for the fiscal year in a condensed format. Following the MDNA from pages 9 to 19 from your basic financial statement beginning on page 9 and 10 your full rule balance sheet and statement of activities. These statements include your capital asset, long-term debt, lease obligations, row, pension. Their full basis financial statements are required to be presented, but the county maintains its books on a modified cash basis, which is reflected on the following pages 11 through 13, which are the statements that you will be most familiar with. Page 11, balance sheet of the governmental funds which includes the general fund. On page page 11, total fund balance of the general fund is 96,56,280 which represents a decrease of 1.1 million from the prior fiscal year which is reflected on page 13 for your statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fun. On page 11, the unassigned portion of bond balance is approximately 40 million. This is the portion of bond balance that has not been assigned, committed or restricted for any purpose. Unassigned fund balance at the end of the previous fiscal year was approximately 44 million. So the

unassigned fund balance has decreased 3.8 million from the prior year. Pages 15 to 17 reflect the financial position and activities of your proprietary fund which are the marina fund and the self insurance fund. The fund balance for the self insurance fund was 8.8 million a decrease of approximately 600,000 from the previous fiscal year. Pages 18 and 19 are the fiduciary funds. These funds include the OPED trust fund and the custodial fund. Custodial funds are the inmate fund held by the share and the special welfare fund at social services. Following the statement are your footnotes to the financial statements which are on pages 20 to 101. These are all of the required disclosures under county standards and offer an extensive amount of financial information on various county financial matters. Pages 42 to 46 or footnote 9 discloses the county schools and social services capital assets. Page 46 to 48 or footnote 13 is the long-term debt which reflects the borrowing on adult detention center and also the school debt. The debt is approximately 80 million which is not factored into the fund balance that was mentioned earlier. Pages 49 to 151 are footnotes related to leases and subscriptionbased information technology arrangements otherwise known as contracts to use certain vendor software. Pages 55 to 98 are all the required equipment disclosures related to the county pension and OP benefits.

Pages 102 to 107 start your required supplementary information which begins with the detailed budget to actual schedule for general fund revenue expenditures. This would probably be some of the most informative pages for you as board members because it provides all the various county revenues and the general fund and the expenditures by county department. It compares budget to actual results for the fiscal year. For example, at the top of page 102, you can see property tax revenues were short of budget by 5002,514. Pages 108 to 110 include the same schedules for the various other funds of the county. Pages 111 to 132 include required supplementary data on the pension and O plan. Pages 133 period to 140 reflect the special grant projects fund and the school funds financial position and financial activity for the fiscal year. The schools are the largest cost center for the county. The revenues expenditures for it can be found on page 137. Pages 141 to 145 include the same data for the IDA and social services. Following that will be your custodial fund financial activity. And then fin on page 148 to 153 is the otherformational section with various financial data comparisons comparing data going back 10 fiscal years such as revenues, expenditures, assessments, tax levies, collections, and others. Page 151 provides a 10-year comparison of tax collections and collection percentages.

Pages 154 to 165 represents the compliance section that includes author's reports and opinions on internal controls, compliance over major federal programs, compliance with the Commonwealth of Virginia laws, regulations, contracts, and grants. All opinions to this section were also plain opinions. That was an overview of the audit report. Based on our order procedures, we feel things that the county should be in good financial position, good working order, which has been reflected in our plain opinion. The county saw decreases in both total fund balance and unassigned fund balance, but currently still exceeds the required amount for its financial policies. Are there any questions? Does

anyone have any questions if uh there's Jackson at this time? staff. Do you have any questions or comments? Uh, including uh financial staff. I'll just say this uh report reflects sound fiscal responsibility by the board and your county staff. It also shows a commitment to your fiscal uh transparency and it's pretty obvious in here. It talks about our fund balance declining. We don't try to sugarcoat it. present it to you as it is and the audit shows that as well as uh where our expenditures are in various sectors. So it is what it is. Uh ultimately we have sound fiscal responsibility, sound fiscal policy as Mr. Jackson said, we're still well within our financial policies and that's uh good news. But I want to especially commend their staff, particularly our finance team led by chief financial officer Daryl Jones for their exceptional professionalism, diligence and attention to detail throughout the year. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures that we manage public funds responsibly and maintains the confidence of our citizens. So, thank you for that opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I I do have one question. Yes, sir. on page 151 and you're looking at where it says outstanding delinquent taxes and it has from 2016 to 2025. Is that the outstanding amount for each year or does it each year um it carries over? You see the 5.6 million. Yes. Is that the total from 2016 to today or is that just for 2025?

That's a rolling number for all of the taxes that are outstanding that you can still collect from. So it would not just be tax 30th. That was how much was owed since 2016. Correct. Yeah. As of that date. Okay. All the taxpayers that owed money total 5.6 million. Gotcha. Okay. Thank you. Okay. And uh Miss Jackson, uh sometimes I uh I didn't quite catch uh Did you say that you offer a unqualified opinion? Yes.

Okay. That's what I thought, but I wanted to make sure with that. Uh board members, do you have any other questions? If not, I will accept a motion that we uh accept as part of uh of our records today. A motion and uh we'll take action on receiving this audit report as presented. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve the annual uh correspondent finance report. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? It is 6. Jennifer, thank you again, Kim. Merry Christmas. Thank you, Jim.

That takes us to agenda item number seven, a consideration of resolutions honoring the career of three retiring employees. Uh, Mr. Wagner. So, we uh have three employees with us today that we've been blessed with for uh nearly 100 years of service between the three of them to our community working for counties and we have prepared three separate resolutions for your consideration to honor their service to our citiz. Okay. With that, uh Mr. Kenna, I believe, uh for the board's consideration, you have a resolution.

Yes, sir. This is a resolution of the Henry County Board of Supervisors honoring Jennifer Ashworth upon her retirement as clerk of court for the circuit court in Henry County. Whereas Jennifer Ashworth began her distinguished career in public service in March of 1989 when she was hired by then clerk Wanita Stewart to serve in jury management later expanding her responsibilities to the criminal division. And whereas following Miss Stewart's retirement in 1999, Jennifer continued her dedicated service under clerk Vicky Helmstutler, ultimately serving as a criminal court deputy clerk for 26 years before being elected clerk of the circuit court in 2016. And whereas upon assuming the role of clerk, Jennifer Ashworth set forth a bold vision to modernize and preserve Henry County's judicial records, beginning with the digit digitization of land records dating back to 1777, a goal that she successfully completed in January of 2023. And whereas under her leadership, the clerk's office transitioned criminal and civil court files to electronic formats starting in 2016, implemented plastic concealed handgun permits in 2018, and began scanning land records at the time of recordation in 2019, enabling efficient digital access and electronic recordings. And whereas she became the first clerk in Henry County to formally recognize her deputies with the title of master deputy clerk. And Jennifer earned the titles of master court clerk and certified court

manager through the national center for state courts in November of 2019. And whereas Jennifer Ashworth's career has been marked by innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service, leaving a legacy of modernization, preservation, and excellence. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Henry County Board of Supervisors hereby honors and commends Jennifer Ashworth for her many years of exemplary public service and extends best wishes for a fulfilled and welldeserved retirement. And this is signed Jim Adams, Chairman, Henry County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Chairman, I move that we adopt this resolution.

Second.

We have a motion. Second. All in favor? is 6. Jennifer, I'll ask all board members to uh join us down front and uh Miss Ashworth, if you will join us. two. Three, two, one. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this beautiful resolution. Um I will cherish it forever. I'm very proud of it. I'm very thankful. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I've had um starting a career at age 19. I'm very proud of that. All the glory to God for his hands upon my life and blessing me the way he has. And um I appreciate each one of you. You have supported me. These endeavors that I have set out to accomplish um is because of the leadership of Henry County, Rodale, Jr. Tim Hall and I appreciate the support that I've always received um in that regard. So, thank you very much. And may I say one thing? I know you're not too disappointed because of that young fella in the back that you're going to be spending a lot of time with. And he can say that from a perspective of he has one as well. A little bit slightly older but still carrying around.

Absolutely. Dr. Cobb, I believe that for the board's consideration, you have a resolution.

Yes. Resolution of the Henry County Board of Supervisors honoring Ray Cunningham upon his retirement from the Martinsville Henry County 911 Center. Whereas Rand Cunningham has faithfully served the Martinsville Henry County 911 Center since June 3rd, 1996. Wow. Contributing nearly three three decades of dedicated public service to the residents of Martinsville and Henry County. And whereas during his career, Mr. Cunningham has served in several key roles including telecommunicator, assistant shift supervisor, shift supervisor, each requiring a high degree of professionalism, calm under pressure and commitment to public safety. And whereas the work of emergency telecommunicators is essential to the functioning of local government providing the critical link between the public and first responders during times of crisis. And whereas Mr. Cuttingham has contributed his skill, experience, and steady service to the 911 center throughout his career, supporting the cent's mission of protecting life and property. And whereas the Henry County Board of Supervisors recognizes that the strength of our community relies upon dedicated employees like Mr. Cunningham, whose consistent service has supported countless residents in their moments of greatest need. And whereas the board wishes to express its sincere appreciation for Mr. Cuttingham's many years of service and his contributions to the safety and well-being of the Martzville Henry County community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Henry County Board of Supervisors hereby honors and recommends Ran Cunningham for his many years of dedicated public service and extends its best wishes for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. Signed, Jim Adams, chairman, Henry County Board of Supervisors. And Mr. Chairman, I move to make a motion to accept the resolution.

Second.

We have a motion and a second. All in favor is 6. Jennifer and board members, if you will uh join me down front for this presentation as well. This way. Gentlemen, three, two, He said I can speak. So if you want just one second. Um I started much after Rand did. Um I came 2008 so I haven't been here quite as long as him. Um he has given us his life really to the 911 center. um he's kind of forced to retire because of some unfortunate circumstances, but he was such a um big role. He was such a good person when I started. I remember um training with the shift and all the wisdom and um things that he imparted on me. We missed him terribly. We hate that he had to go like this, but um hopefully he's having a

good time and enjoying himself now that he doesn't have to worry with all the things of the 911 center, but we do miss him terribly. Mr. Puit, I believe that you have a resolution for the board's consideration as well.

Yes, sir. Uh, this is a resolution of the Henry County Board of Supervisors honoring Pam Mason upon her retirement from Henry County. Whereas Pam Mason has faithfully served Henry County since May the 3, 1999, contributing more than 25 years of dedicated public service to the residents of Henry County. And whereas Miss Mason spent the majority of her career as an administrative assistant with the Department of Public Safety, a role that required exceptional organizational skill, attention to detail, and consistent support for the county's emergency response operations. And whereas in February of 2025, Miss Mason brought her experience and knowledge to the parks and recreation department, continuing her tradition of reliable and committed service to county operations. And whereas the work of the administrative professionals is essential to the effectiveness of local government, ensuring that departments function smoothly, staff are supported, and vital community services are delivered without interruption. And whereas Miss Mason has provided steady, dependable service throughout her tenure, contributing to the success of the department she served and helping advance Henry Countyy's mission to provide highquality services to its residents. And whereas the Henry County Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of long-erving employees like Miss Mason, whose dedication, experience, and day-to-day efforts strengthen county government and enrich the community. And whereas the board wishes to express its sincere appreciation for Miss Mason's many years of service and her meaningful contributions to Henry County. Now therefore, be it resolved the Henry County Board of Supervisors hereby honors and commends Pam Mason for her many years of valuable public service and extends its best wishes for fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. Signed, Jim Adams, chairman, Henry County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion we approve

this resolution. Second.

Have a motion and a second. All in favor? It is six zero. Jennifer and board members, once again, if you will join us down front. Three, two, one. Stay up here a minute. I got to tell a story about you. So, most of you know I got the opportunity to work with fam for many years, directly with fam, public safety. And uh now that she had retired, I could tell her the story,

but it was probably in the year 2000, shortly after work there, she had taken a day off for whatever reason. I don't know if it was a doctor vacation or whatever, but if you ever been through the public safety office, you walk right in. There's not a threshold really at the door or anything. So a one day you were gone, somebody came to the front door and a green snake slithered his way through the front door, went under your desk. We looked for all day for that snake and we never FOUND that day. You know that

Thank you. I'm I'm going to ask briefly if all three recipients will come up for one last photo. Uh that way we got you all collectively in one photo, if you will. Okay. Congratulations to all of you on your service. Uh it u it speaks so well of you for your dedication. That takes us now to uh agenda item number eight, the monthly report on delinquent tax collection efforts. Uh we have with us Tiffany Harrison from the treasur's office.

Good afternoon everyone. For delinquent taxes personal property as of November 30th, 2025, we collected 91.3% um of the 2024 personal property taxes. We collected $25,75512 in the month. For real estate, as of November 30th, 20125, we collected 95.79% of the 2024 real estate taxes. We collected 54,482 in the month. Since January 1st, 2025, TACS collected 1,58,94.36. For debt set off, we collected $18,18.81 on December the 15th. For the year, the total collected is $490,98046.

Okay. Does anyone have any questions of Miss Harrison at this time? Uh she she's ready for all the tough questions. Next month. Thank you so much. Thank you. Uh Mark is tied up at the moment with a business client and uh we hope that that means good things for Henry County. So we'll move on to agenda item number 10 uh financial matters. Starting with 10A, an additional appropriation referencing American Electric Power Foundation grant for the public safety department. Mr. Wagner,

public safety director Tim Duffer is asking the board of supervisors to appropriate grant funds of $35,000 received from the Americans Electric Power Foundation. Mr. The Duffer stated that funds are designated to purchase a cleaning system for self-contained breathing apparatus and other firefighting equipment that will be installed at the Patriot Center fire station and made available to all Hind County Fire Department. Uh Mr. Duff described this as a dishwasher for fire equipment if you want to look at that and he is here should you have information. Okay. The board has background uh uh paperwork on this as well as uh have heard the explanation by Mr. Wagner. What is the uh action the board desires to take on this item?

Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to approve the additional appropriation of $35,000 from the American Electric Power Foundation grant as requested. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? This 6. Uh, Jennifer, agenda item 10B, an award of contract referencing emergency services radio system for public safety. Mr. Wagner,

so this item is part of what was a proposed about 4-year implementation plan made by systematic improvements to our public safety radio. Public safety director Tim Duffer is requesting the board of supervisors award a contract in the amount of $914,181 to Mobile Solutions Incorporated to complete critical upgrades to the county's emergency services radio system. The system is utilized by the sheriff's office of public safety volunteer fire rescue departments and our parks and recreation department. Mr. Duffer advises that the proposed equipment is necessary to ensure continued reliability of this mission critical communication systems. The initial phase of the project replacement of all microwave radio equipment connected to 911 center and their tower sites has been completed. The remaining phases were originally planned to be implemented over the next three years. By completing all remaining phases now and locking in 2025 pricing, the county can realize savings of 665,443 compared to a phase implementation. If approved, staff recommends funding the project using $264,181 of the existing radio improvements fund and transfer and capital discretionary funds of $650,000. Pricing for this project is based on the Virginia state contract and in purchasing department has approved mobile solutions as the so again we have background material on on this uh what motion would anyone like to offer in regard to approving uh this award of contract?

Mr. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to approve the transfer of $650,000 from the capital uh discretionary fund and awarding the sole source contract to Motorola Solutions in the amount of $914,181. Second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor 6. also uh uh we'll need action in regard to the transfer of uh the 650 in a separate motion I think or or was that part of that both of them together

was was that understood as being part of the motion of transfer of that as as stated. Okay. All right. Great. Thank you. Agenda item 10 C, an additional appropriation referencing school security officer grant for the school board. Mr. Wagner, the school board is requesting an additional appropriation of $66,968 received from a school security officer grant program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Dr. Blake Lewis has stated that the funds will be used to help fund the current school security officer positions at BASA and Magnav Vista high schools. The grant does require a match of $19,414 which the school board intends to cover with their fiscal year 2026 and 2027 school budget funds and Dr. Ben Boon and Mr. Weaver see.

Okay. In regard to this additional appropriation, um, what is the desire of the board? Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to approve the additional appropriation of $66,968 received from the DCJS grant for the school security officers as presented. Second.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Is 6. Uh Jennifer, that takes us to agenda item uh number 11, a legislative update. Mr. Wagner, if you'll give us a brief background to uh this board approved this legislative agenda a couple months ago, and we continue to utilize Kosen Okconor public strategies to advocate for our interest in Richmond, particularly items outlined in that agenda. We have with us today Heidi Hurst with Kosen um and she'll provide some updates on the current status of the general assembly and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you. Thank you so much for h having me. Uh we still enjoy the privilege of being your boots on the ground in Richmond. A little status update update since November. Quite a few things uh have changed in Richmond. We have three new statewide elected officials. Governor Elect Spamberger, Lieutenant Governor Elect Hashmi, and AG Electones. Uh they will be sworn in on January 17th. Something that's a little unique about Virginia is that the general assembly will have already gled in 3 days prior to that. So they will already be behind in the time that they actually take office. The election also has some pretty big implications for the general assembly, particularly the House, where the Democrats expanded their majority by 13 seats. Uh in addition to that, there were four Republicans that chose not to come back for the 2026. So with their retirement, there are four new Republican uh uh legislators. So with that being said, there's a lot of new faces. About a fifth of the folks in the House of Delegates will be there for the first time. So they'll be figuring out where their offices are, what their legislative agendas are, where the bathrooms are. Right? It's it's going to be a lot at the very beginning. I want to say that for Hosen, we worked really closely and really well with the previous administration and we intend to do the same with the incoming Spanberger administration. Right now is a really unique time in that the governor tomorrow will release his budget. This is the one time I've ever wished this meeting was a little bit later closer to the holidays so that we could hopefully celebrate something that we anticipate will be in that budget which is funding for Mayor River State Park operational expenses. We've spent a significant amount of time over the past year. Thank you to the support of the board, to the county, and to the stakeholders for really educating Richmond about the importance of Mayor River State Park, showing how the community has bought in and how we plan to utilize the funding for the state park, but then also how we can make it work for economic development, tourism, natural resources,

and conservation. Uh we work really closely with Department of Conservation or Recreation. They put it in as one of their top priorities for funding by 2026. So, we're able to secure that funding. That will be two positions at Mayor River State Park in addition to some operational ongoing expenses. That budget will come out tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. I hope that I'll be able to share some good news with you tomorrow morning. Our job then will be to shepherd that budget amendment, shepherd that budget item through the general assembly, which to be honest, the general assembly likely doesn't know a whole lot about county. That's my job is to make sure that they understand the importance of Mayor River as well as the other legislative priorities that you have, how important they are to Henry County. Uh we've already gotten a little bit of a jump start. Uh this summer we did meet with a in a delegate in particular, Delegate David Bova. He's out of Fairfax, which doesn't sound like that would be an important meeting for us to have, but he was chair of the House Appropriation Subcommittee that sees agriculture, forestry, and economic development issues. He has just been named as Spamber as governor elect Spamberger's secretary of natural and historic resources. So he already knows us. He already knows how important this is to Henry County and to the work here. So we're excited that we've already got a jump start there. But in addition to Mayor River State Park, your priorities around K12 education will be following the K12 rebenchmarking which will hopefully put additional dollars into uh public education into staff, teachers, and the support staff for K12. We're also looking at economic development, realizing the importance of Commonwealth Crossings and the competitiveness of North Carolina and how do we maintain our competitiveness here in Henry County. I'm working with the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor and the leaders there have already had meetings with Terry Austin who is still a great voice in the general assembly talking about 220 as the backbone of the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor and funding that can be put to that. meetings have already been happening with the new

transportation of Secretary Nick Donahghue designate I think is the right title. Um he already knows about the importance of the Blige Innovation Corridor for the entire region. So we'll continue to look at that. I did hear about a wonderful housing announcement that you had today. Housing is a huge issue for Governor Lex Spamberger as really as a component of workforce development and economic development. So, we'll continue to make sure that she's seeing that not just for urban centers, but also for uh areas like rural parts of the Commonwealth. Affordability is the word of the day. Everywhere you look, there will be conversations about how can we make it more affordable for Virginiaians to live, work, worship, and play in the Commonwealth. And we'll continue to make sure that we're trying to make those goals real for here in Henry County. I think um the the last thing I'll just mention is, you know, with the turnover in the general assembly, also with the um with the Democrat majority both in the House, the Senate, and with Governor Lex Fanberger, we'll have to be watching really closely again to the Virginia Clean Economy Act, knowing that having local authority over land decisions is something that's really important to us. And so, we'll continue to do that. we were successful in last year's general assembly and trying to get some of our priorities uh through but also making sure that we're not um taking away from the current authority of the board. So, we'll be watching that as well. Love when you come to Richmond. You tell the story better than I do, but we really are proud to be your boots on the ground in Richmond during the general assembly and all year. Happy to take any any questions you have. Right.

Yeah, we have our we were given a legislative agenda here and I'm just I'm looking at public safety and and justice. Can you just speak on that a minute? Increase state support for local law enforcement, fire and EMS. We just approved a couple of items for our guys and gals here. Touch on that a bit.

Absolutely. And and they've just the Spamber administration has just announced the um Secretary of Public Safety that will be coming on board. So, we'll want to make sure that he's um that he's aware as well. I think the funding formula is always something that gets brought up and making sure that the funding is available and not just relying on localities to make up that difference. Making sure that they're fully funded. That's something that we'll be looking at. And also just additional um benefits that you have to provide for public safety. That's also a concern. Uh when we work with the public safety committees, they really like to hear about how what their discussions with their bills, what their appropriations, the stories, and how they impact what's happening locally. And so we'll lean on our team here to make sure that we're able to elevate those. That is something that the Spanberger administration has prioritized. Her um her work history is in the CIA and so it's near and dear to her heart to make sure that they're publicly fully funded at the um local level. So absolutely it's something that we're pointing to.

Any other questions, comments? Thank you. Thank you. Agenda item number 12, uh, consideration of a date and time for the 2026 organizational meeting. Uh, Mr. Wagner, is there a staff preferred time that we should consider before board members uh

we're we're available in the early days of January with no hesitation to uh we'll work with whatever is best for as you know you're required to hold an organizational meeting on or soon after the first business day of the year. Uh in this case, Friday, January 2nd is the first business day of the year, but we also know it's the day after holiday. But I think last year we did that on. Okay. Having said that, and Mr. Lawless will ask that you contribute as well to this. Does January 2nd work for everyone or do we need to push out until the following week?

The second would for me in an a by one:00 maybe either one:00 or after after 1:00. Mhm. on that day. I'm fine with the second or the fifth. Um the fifth would need to be in the morning, though. Okay. Okay. The fifth then would have to be in the afternoon for me. So, we have to Yeah. But the second's good. What's The second is a Friday. Yes. Mhm. Yeah. I got to get into January. Okay. Second, you're good for that. What time?

I think Mr. Buchanan said it have to be after 1:00 on on that Friday. It could be at 11 or after. 11 or after. Okay. Does staff have a preferred time? I think 11 would be great if that works. Will it give you enough time to get here? Does that give you What time gives you time enough to get your 11? That' be fine. If we do it before a meal, you all hurry things up. True. True. If we do at 1:00, you got all afternoon. 11:00 a.m. uh work for you? Okay. I will need that in the form of a motion. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to select January the 2nd at 11:00 a.m. for the 2026 organizational meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

Second. Okay. Uh have a motion, a second. All in favor? I'm on restrain vote. Okay, I understand. Okay, we have five voting in favor of it. Uh, one abstain. Okay, that takes us toformational items. Um, starting uh with u uh I'm going to start with uh Mr. Ly. Mr. Ly, we have a uh memo in front of us uh from you. Uh if if you will um basically uh cover that.

So, as we saw earlier, the clerk of court's retiring. Uh the treasurer has submitted a letter. uh the treasurer uh is retiring February 1st. Uh so the code of Virginia specifies first that when constitutional officers retire, their chief deputy, if they're eligible uh to to serve, will assume the office and serve until a special election is held and until the uh that person who wins the special election is sworn in. the um boards uh will uh petition shall petition the circuit court to set a special election. Um and historically this board has always set asked the court uh to set the special election at the next general election. So no in this case this coming year it will be November 3rd. Um but the code says you could ask for it earlier. Um uh the considerations are it would be expensive. We would have to have a an election, you know, just for these two offices and also probably uh would be low turnout since it's, you know, would not be on a normal voting day. So, I since I've been the county attorney, the board has always when these vacancies come up has always asked that the special election be on the um uh beyond the general election day, the next November election. Um and of course, if you if for some reason you didn't want to do that there, it could be earlier. I mean, it will it can be earlier, but there are restrictions. You can't have it within proximity of the general election or the primary that's scheduled. There's also discussion of another potential election if the c if the state legislature decides to redistrict. So, there's some restrictions on when you can have it, but I just gave you that memo so you know your options. You have to make a decision within um 15 days of the vacancy. So, the one's on January 1st, one's on February 1st. And uh if we didn't take any action, I would assume

the circuit court would just order it to be on the general election day since the vacating days are falling end of end of a calendar month and there would be more than 15 days before the next regular board meeting. How premature can we be in this? When when can we actually if you wanted to take action today, you could. If you want to take a I mean you you could take action you can do it ahead of time and give the staff direction to what I'll do I prepare a petition which is just a lawyer's word for a letter to the court saying hold a special election. The board wants you to hold a special election on this day.

Mr. Wagner and um um Miss uh Bone uh any input from your perspective either one of you?

Yeah. Well, we've had conversations with uh Mrs. wrong for sure. And with potential for a April election, potentially a June election, the ability to coordinate staff and coordinate a special election within that time frame would be very difficult and costly. And I say costly to to thousands of dollars. We're not talking about a little bit of money. I think average election is about $85,000 to pull off before election. So it would be my recommendation from a fiscal standpoint. And I think I'm not speaking for registar but she can speak up and speak to her recommendation from a operational and implementation standpoint that we do it in conjunction with the regular election in

and correct me if I'm uh if I am wrong about this uh if there were to be any kind of primary next year it can't be held on the same date of a primary. Is that correct? Yes sir. cannot be held for 60 days of that primary which would bump that back to April the 21st and they're talking about having a special election either April 7th or a date. So yes, it's going to be complicated.

And Mr. Chairman, whenever you finish, I just have something to say. Whenever you finish, I just want to make a comment. Well, I was going to say also uh it being a countywide election, my understanding just as uh anything else affect the county absentee ballots would have to be mailed uh to those requesting those those that uh fill out some special uh situation that they can't make it to the polling place. uh all those considerations uh plus obtaining pole workers um if it were to be another day. Now, Mr. Yeah, I was just going to say that, you know, I'm definitely taking into consideration the fiscal, but I think it's also important to take into consideration who would fill those spots. And I do think we have two valid candidates. And we just want to make sure I just want to, you know, say that so that we know we're not doing it just for money, but we also have two people who are qualified, who can do the job. And I think that's just a vote of confidence for those two because if we don't have an election, you know, they will be in that role for almost a year. And if we didn't have qualified folk, then we would have to, you know, even if it did cost some money, we'd have to look at some different options to find the money to make sure that we could get qualified folks. So, that's just a vote of confidence for those two individuals who will step up into those roles.

Yes, sir. And I appreciate that comment, sir. I think it's uh that's uh very well recognized that u at least we have uh qualified people uh ready to step in. Great. So um Mr. Wagner uh as I understand it from Mr. Law, we can take action today. Yes, that's correct. You could yeah make a motion saying for those two positions you'd like to have those elections held in November along with regular. Mr. Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion um that staff petition the court uh to hold a special election for the two positions of clerk of the circuit court and treasurer on November the 3rd, 2026.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Chair, the register. What do you say? Excuse me. One moment. There's also a vacancy within the school board as well. And I don't know if you Oh, that's them. They do that. They they do that. school board does their own, but they can't order a special election. Yeah, they don't pay for it. I I don't I mean they I don't know what their options are. But when I was their attorney, I I did the petitions to the court, but we did them on the general election day, but I'm not their attorney, so I can't

to uh just to kind of follow up what Mr. said, we had a great working relationship with the two individual put in that position, but I'm not in a position to endorse either candidate. So that's why I structured the answer, but we have a good relationship with them and I see no problems working. Okay. Sorry. So we have a motion and a second. Any other questions or anything we need to clarify before vote? All in favor? It is 6. Jennifer. Uh now uhformational items. Uh starting with Dr. Cob. Uh Mr. Puit. No. Mr. Diller. No sir. Miss Buchanan.

No. I'd just like to wish everyone a merry Christmas, very safe holiday. Uh, Mr. Bryant, I don't The only thing I want to say is I' I've enjoyed being here uh for the last 16 years. Uh, Tom, turn the seat over. Um, but enjoyed it. Thank y'all for having me. Well, with that, we would like for you to join us down front for a moment if you would please. You've heard of uh, you know, uh, kind of roasting May I go first?

Yes, you may. Thank you for your service. A small token of our appreciation working with you. Okay, board members just step back. I'll move that just slightly. I think staff also has staff also. It's been a pleasure working with you for 16 years and involved a lot of creative ideas have created a lot of work for our staff on many occasions and one of those that I actually for many years ago. So I know how much you cherish that. So we want to make sure you look at every day. I absolutely Sheriff's Department. Do you all want to jump in?

I just I just want to thank everybody for uh the support they give me for the last 16 years. It's been an honor to serve you. You know, I tell people I didn't do it for money. I didn't do it because I did force and did it because I thought that I community. That's what it's all about. Serve the community. Uh, I've served my community here since in the early 90s. Uh, we started out squad agencies in the county. Uh, and I'm proud to serge you. I didn't do it to get any gifts or anything like that. Of course, we appreciate it. But I just want to make all I took that picture.

Okay. Uh, otherformational items. Mr. Wagner, just a few brief comments. I've had Michelle B our director of human resources come up briefly. She has worked diligently with me along with staff personnel policy man she's going to be asking you.

Good afternoon everyone. So this has been a very arduous task. It's a comprehensive update of our employee handbook. Um it's been needed for some time been a goal of mine for some time. We last did an official update that the board adopted in 2020. Now, that's not to say that we haven't been following any employment laws as they come along or anything like that, but it's really just uh more or less housekeeping to um clarify existing policies, uh restructuring it to make it flow better, and then of course any updates and employment law. And and it's rather lengthy, you know, it's probably 85 to 100 pages long. So, we thought it would be better to be able to provide that to you all for review at your leisure and then you can contact me, email me, come see me with any questions you may have and then adopt it hopefully um sometime in January at your earliest convenience. And like I say, I'll be available for any questions after you receive the document um that you may have.

Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you. We'll uh we'll final put final touches on that document and we'll get that uploaded to your iPads and once it's there we'll send you an email see available to you get and then when you're ready we'll ask you all right any other uh information

yeah just quickly uh this past weekend our employees activities committee played Santa Claus and just just tremendously proud of the men and women we have working in the county PSA that donate generous gifts and money to to help several families in our community. Uh our main directory stuff like Santa Claus and then those gifts deliver a smile on many children's face and just made some of our senior citizens that we help cry. So we're glad that we do that and step up and merry Christmas. With that uh agenda item 14 uh if someone will cite uh the items uh to go into closed meeting I will accept a motion in that behalf.

Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that the board convenes in a closed meeting as permitted under the following sections of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. 2.23711A1 for discussion of appointees to the Patriot Center CCBC Advisory Board 2.23711 2 3711 A7 for discussion of pending legal matters. 2.2 3711 A3 for discussion of the acquisition disposal of real estate and 2.2371185 for discussion of as yet unannounced industries. Second.

We have a motion and second. All in favor? It is 6 Jennifer and Mr. Wallace will be joining us as well. Thank you. came out of a closed meeting on a motion by Msby County, second by Mr. Puit. Uh Mr. Powell, will you pull the board, please? Yes, sir. Board members, to the best of your knowledge, only the public business matters lawfully exempt from open meeting requirements Virginia section 2.2-3711 were heard, discussed, or considered in closed meeting. How do you vote? Mr. Adams? Yes, sir. Mr. Bryant. Yes, sir. Mr. Buchanan. Yes, sir. Mr. Bill? Yes, sir. Dr. Yes, sir.

Yes, sir. Mr. Bean, I believe that uh you have a countywide appointment for the board's consideration. It's Christmas. All right, Mr. Chairman, I would like to have the board reappoint Daryl Emerson, Richard Hall, Tim Pace, Nubby Coleman, and Gary Gibson to the Patriot Center Advisory Board for a length of two years and appoint Michael Scales, also to the Patriot Center Advisory Board.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Is 6. Uh Jennifer, Mr. Wagner, do you have any items that we need to consider prior to a recess? I do. I want to just bring one more thing to your attention. We have advertised for the annual jack service award. Just want to make sure you're aware of that. Um you know, you want to fit the criteria for that. Please encourage accept nominations until December 31st. and then we'll get those back to you to make a selection with the goal of the board in January.

All right, board members, do you have anything prior to a recess? If not, I will declare a recess at 4:28 uh p.m. and we will reconvene promptly at 6. So, I call the 6 pm session of the December 16th, 2025 meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors back to order from our recess from earlier this afternoon. I'd like to welcome all of our visitors. Remind you if you want to address the board, you must sign up 7 days in advance of any of our regular meetings to be put on the agenda. The county administrator is the contact person for the board. However, the public may address the board under the agenda item matters presented by the public that will take up tonight as agenda item number 20. Again, welcome everyone. Thank you for coming out and uh being a part of your county government and the business conducted. Our first item on the agenda tonight uh is general highway matters agenda item number 15. We're also going to move agenda item 17 up since it is a VOTE related item. So, we'll take uh 15 uh with and we have with us uh Lisa Hughes from VOT. Lisa, welcome.

Good evening. Thank you. I just have one uh quick update for you. Uh the smart scale project that was approved a couple of rounds back. There were improvements to um Dogwood Lane and Laurel Park at Laurel Park Middle School. um a right turn lane and an additional lane coming out to kind of help with the traffic flow there. Anyway, that that said that that project was advertised last month. Uh we should be getting bids in January and then our intent was to begin construction when school is out during the summer. And that's the only update I have for you tonight. And I'll stay for any questions you may have with the B Does anyone have anything else from Mrs. Hughes at this time? Okay, that take uh we'll take up agenda item 17, a public hearing referencing the proposed abandonment of a discontinued section of Route 57, which is a Chattam Road. Mr. Wagon, if you will give us some background on that, please.

Okay. The Virginia Department of Transportation is requesting the board's consideration on the abandonment of a 0.08 mile section of route 57 road just east of Stockton Road. This section of the road is in the Irishwood district and was discontinued by VOTE in 1983. Staff is of the opinion that there is no fault necessity for the continued existence of this section of road and has prepared a resolution for your consideration approving this amendment. I'll open the public hearing to take input on this at 6:02 p.m. Is there anyone desiring to address the board on this matter on this proposed abandonment? Seeing and hearing no indication that anyone uh I will close the public hearing at 6:03. Uh Mr. Dylan, I believe this is down in your uh district.

Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to approve the abandonment of the discontinued section of Route 57 in the Irishwood district as presented. Second, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? It's five with one absent. Uh Jennifer. Uh that u takes us back to agenda item uh 16, the swearing in ceremony for elected officials. Uh Mr. wagon.

As you're well aware, we had an election in November that brought forth several new local representatives to the board supervisor of the school. It's an honor for individuals to to serve in these roles, but it's also a duty to uphold the oath of their office. We have with us tonight to administer the oath and present an election certificate with us. We have circuit court clerk Jennifer Ashworth, county register, and members of the elect board to present and do the swearing in ceremony for each of these individuals. Uh the first I member to be sworn in is Mr. Jim Adams, Blackberry District. We'll ask you to come down here front and sashworth will swear you in. to take my glasses off.

Okay. If you will raise your right hand, please. Do you, Jimmy Jim Abs, solemnly, swear, or affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon you as a member of the Hima County Board of Supervisors representing Blackberry District for a term of office commencing January 1st, 2026, and expiring December 31st, 2029, according to the best of your ability. So, help God. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. I appreciate that. Oh Jesus.

Next we ask Mr. Garrett Hill represents the Irish voice. Thank you. Do you, Garrett L. Dillard, solemnly swear or affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon you as a member of the Hendrick County Board of Supervisors representing the Irish Board Iris District for a terminal office commencing January 1, 2026 and expiring December 31st, 2029 according to the best of your ability, some help. Yes, ma'am. I do.

Congratulations. Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Before I go to the next candidate, I may have been remissed and you all sort of hold hats to this, but do any one of you have family here? Uh, everyone in here is my and I expect gifts at Christmas time.

So, the next individual is Mr. Chris Law representing the Collinsville district to the board of supervisors and it it is not uncommon for their families to come up and stand behind and take.

Wow. Would you please raise your right hand? Do you, Christopher Lawless, solemnly swear or affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon you as a member of the Henry County Board of Supervisors representing the Collinsville District for for a term of office commencing January 1, 2026 and expiring December 31st, 2029 according to the best of your ability. So help you God.

Yes, ma'am. Congratulations. Three, two, one.

The next category is for the school board of Henry County. And uh each of the new members of the school board has already been sworn in for their office begins January 1st, but we have certificates from the left board for those individuals. The first individual is Miss Sherry Bessel from the Blackwood District. Next we'll call Mr. Ben Grabley, our school district for the hand. We also had Miss Valerie Edwards of the Horse Pastor District and Miss Sherry Whitler of the Council District, but I don't see them here. We'll get those to thank.

All right. Again uh congratulations to all of those and uh I especially and I think uh I I could easily say the same for all candidates that have run. Want to thank the uh registars's office. uh you won't handle things in a professional way and you're under a lot of stress all the way up until the time that the last vote is counted and and uh and uh recounts are are done uh in the uh certification of it. To the electoral board members that are here tonight, thank you for your service. it doesn't go unnoticed that you're volunteering, you're giving of your time and um it's all to make uh the community a better place. So, thank you all for what you're doing and uh please stand and be recognized members of the registars's office and electoral board members. Mr. Mr. Chairman, if you don't mind me interjecting here and I'll ask Don to correct me if I'm wrong, but with a gubatorial change requires a change on the electoral board as well. So, if I'm correct, Mr. Candidate is coming off the board. So, it would be appropriate to thank you for your service on the board as director.

Thank you all for what you do and continue to do. That takes us to agenda item number 18, a public hearing for reszoning application R-25-9 Bittersweet LLC. We have with us our director of planning and zoning, Mr. Lee Clark. Mr. Clark.

Okay. This property is located at 812 Wagon Trail Roads in the Horse Passure District. Property shown on tax map 593 is lot 13A. The applicant hears request reszoning of approximately 610 of an acre from suburban residential district to office and professional district B3. The applicant wishes to have the option of using the property for either a hair salon, consulting office, or both. Following public hearing, both plan commission and staff both recommended approval of this request.

I'll open the public hearing to take input on this resoning application at 6:13. Is there anyone wishing to address the board on this resoning application? Seeing and hearing no indication as such, I will close the public hearing at 6:13. Uh, Miss Buchanan, this is in your district. Yes, sir. And I move to approve the resoning request.

Second. We have a motion, a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Five with one absent. Jennifer. Agenda item 19, public hearing, a reszoning application R-25-20. Joshua Blancas, Mr. Clark. Okay. This property is located at 2456 King Mountain Roads in the Ree Creek District and property shown on tax map 29673B as lots 36B, C, and D. The applicant is requesting reszoning of just over 1.3 acres from commercial district B1 to limited industrial district I2. and the applicant wishes to use the property for both limited manufacturing or coffee coffee roasting in this case and also a retail use. Following a public hearing, both planning commission and staff recommended approval of this request. Also,

I'll open the public hearing to take input on this at 6:14. Is there anyone desiring to address the board on this resoning application? Seeing and hearing no indication as such, I will close the public hearing at 6:14. Uh Dr. Cobbler, uh this is in your district. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to approve the resoning request as presented. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? It's five with one absent, Jennifer. That takes us to agenda item number 20, matters presented by the public. Is there anyone wishing to address the board under the agenda item matters presented by the public?

Seeing and hearing no indication as such. I've got one other item of business. Uh well, I'll first ask Mr. Wagner, do you have any items of business? I was just going to remind everyone of your organizational meeting on January 2nd at 11:00 a.m. to wish you all very

board members, do you have any before I mention one item? Yeah, just a couple of things. Uh, whenever I'm able to attend a schoolboard meeting, the school board is gracious enough just to welcome me there. So, I just I see uh now three school board members. So, thank you for coming out. I know you were getting your certificates, but it is nice to see you at our meetings. And then I'm just taking the opportunity when there are this many people in attendance in an evening meeting to also say that and again remind a reminder with Mr. Wagner that our agenda when it's presented to us we're given it's given to us a week ahead of time and then Mr. Wagner it is between 24 and 48 hours or 72 hours and it's available online so anybody can see the agenda that's being presented that we see here the materials that we see can be the public can also see them 72 hours after we've had a chance to look at them. Is that correct?

Mostly. So yes, we try to get it to the board at least six or seven days in advance of the meeting and then we provide it to our website and to the meeting and shortly thereafter but we always with every we intend to make the agendas available prior to the meeting at least 72 hours. That's our absolute minimum time 72. So again most of the time it could be up to 7 days early and so the public can see it though they can see the agenda and the meeting available on our website and we also provide it to the meeting.

Okay. Thank you. That's all. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Anything else? Board votes. Um, you all hear me uh register votes and say uh whatever the number is and say Jennifer, well Jenn Jennifer's birthday is today, folks. That was the other item that I that we needed to consider. Now, um um it it's customary for the newest uh board member, Mr. Lawis, to lead everyone in happy birthday. We won't do that tonight. We won't put him on the spot, but happy birthday. Happy birthday.

All right. I will ask for a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. All in favor? Five. Uh with one absent gentleman. Everyone have a good evening and a merry Christmas.