Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Two-minute warning. Good evening and welcome to Piccadilly County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7 p.m. Board Meeting Room 39 Bank Street, Southeast, Channel Virginia, 24531. Madam Clerk, would you call the roll, please?

Yes, sir. Mr. Bowman. Here. Mr. Brown.

Here.

Mr. Dalton.

Here.

Mr. Dudley. Present. Mr. Whittle. Here. Mr. Ingram. Here. Mr. Tucker.

Here. Here. Would you all be kind enough to join me in a moment of silence? Amen. Please join me if you're able to stand

in the visible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you all so much. Let me ask, are there any items to be added to the agenda? No items? Hearing none, we ask for a motion now to approve the agenda.

Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve the agenda.

Thank you, Mr. Dalton.

I'll second.

Thank you, Mr. Whittle. All right. Movement met with second to approve the agenda. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. All right. At this time, that moves us down to a Agenda item seven is the consent agenda. I'll ask for a motion to approve consent.

Mr. Chairman, I'll make that motion.

Thank you, Mr. Bowman. I'll second. Thank you, Mr. Dudley. Any discussion on the motion? Hearing no discussion, vote electronically, please. All right, motion passes 6-1. Thank you. All right, this takes us down to agenda item number eight, general presentations. Any presentations? No, sir. No presentations? All right. That takes us to agenda item number nine, hearing of the citizens. Each person addressing the board under the hearing of the citizens shall be a resident or land owner of the county, or the registered agent of such resident or land owner. Each person shall step up, give his or her name and district an audible tone of voice for the record. And unless further time is granted by the chairman, shall limit his or her address to three minutes. No person shall be permitted to address the board more than once during hearing of the citizens. All remarks shall be addressed to the board as abiding not to any individual member thereof. Hearing of the citizens shall last for a maximum of 45 minutes. Any individual that is signed up to speak during said section who does not get the opportunity to do so because of the aforementioned time limit shall be given speaking priority at the next board meeting. Absent chairman's approval, no person shall be able to speak who has not signed up to speak. Madam Clerk, we have anyone signed up?

Yes, sir. Willie Fitzgerald.

Mr. Fitzgerald, good evening and welcome.

Good evening, Trammell Tucker, board members. My name is Willie Fitzgerald, and I preside in the Bannister District. And I'm here tonight because a couple of months ago, Mr. Bowman asked me to ask the school board to help support the 250 celebration. And in doing so, I'm pleased to say that some of us are participating. I think some has already been turned in. And I'm also pleased to announce that the superintendent is also participating in this. So I will turn this over to your county administrator. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. And thank you to the school board and also our superintendent. All contributions duly appreciated. All right, ma'am. Who's our next speaker?

Jeff Love.

Mr. Love, good evening. Come on down.

Good evening, Jeff Love, Stanton River District. First, I greatly appreciate that Lining Grade is holding public meetings and is seeking input from local citizens throughout the comprehensive plan update process. I hope that Lining Grade and the board both listen to, respect, and incorporate citizen input within the new comprehensive plan. This is the second time in 2026 that I'm publicly stating that Pennsylvania County is in violation of the requirements stated in Virginia Code 58.1-3819, transient occupancy tax item A2, which defines how 2% of the collected tax shall be designated and spent. Pennsylvania County started collecting this tax in January 2023 and has been in violation of the Code of Virginia since that time. The board was made aware of the violation in 2022, but has refused to correct it. The board should immediately cease collection and distribution of the transient occupancy tax until all of the requirements that are stated in the code are properly followed. The board decided to use taxpayer dollars to fund the upcoming 250 event in July, instead of taking advantage of local business sponsorships that were offered. Unnecessarily wasteful spending like this is why the county can't have a balanced budget without large tax increases. The board continues to hide important items within the consent agenda, such as the resolution to dissolve fire and EMS commission. Board members, you were elected to properly represent the best interests of our citizens. If you care about your constituents, you would be holding regularly scheduled town hall style meetings in each district facilitated by the appropriate district board member. Those meetings should be interactive question and answer sessions in order for each board member to gain a better understanding of the wishes and needs of our citizens. Thank you. Thank you.

Madam Clerk, who's our next speaker?

That's all, Mr. Chair.

That's it? Just FYI for the public's information, The board is not entirely using the county funds to fund our 250th celebration. I think our committee has raised a little over $75,000, so we will see at the end how much we actually use of the taxpayer money. But thank you for your concern. All right, that moves us down to agenda item number 10. which is public hearing. Today is rezoning public hearings pursuant to Article 5, Division 6 of the Pennsylvania County Zoning Ordinance. Board of Supervisors have been empowered to hear and decide specific zoning issues and zoning map changes in support of said ordinance. In accordance with this important text, the board is responsible for promoting the health, safety, and general public welfare of the citizens of Pennsylvania County. The board must ensure that all of its decisions and regulations be directed to these goals and that each be consistent with the environment, the comprehensive plan, and in the best interest of Pennsylvania County, its citizens, and its posterity. Case R-26-018, David Martin, Ms. Smith. Bless your heart. Good evening. Welcome. Thank you.

Good evening. Case R-26-018, David Martin is requesting to rezone 20.08 acres. located on U.S. Highway 29 in the Stanton River Election District from RC1, Residential Combined Subdivision District, to A1, Agricultural District, to allow for agricultural uses on the property. On May 5th, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-0 vote with no opposition that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and the Planning Commission's recommendation are included in the board packet.

Thank you, Ms. Smith. It is 710. We open a public hearing on R26-018. Anyone signed up to speak?

No, sir.

All right. Martin's here. Anything to add, sir? Thank you. It is 710. We close the public hearing. All right, Mr. Dudley, your pleasure.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And in case R-26-018, I make a motion to approve the rezoning 20.08 acres from RC1 residential combined subdivision District 2A1, Agriculture District, to allow for agricultural uses on the property. Mr. Chairman, that is my motion.

Thank you. Support, please.

I second.

Thank you so much, Mr. Dalton. Any discussion? I cast your votes electronically. Motion passes unanimously. In case R-26-019, Barry and Carolyn Lewis, Ms. Smith. Yes.

Case R-26-019, Barry and Carolyn Lewis are requesting to rezone 105.51 acres located on Farmer's Road, 618 in the Bannister Election District. from double-zoned R1 Residential Suburban Subdivision District and A1 Agricultural District to A1 Agricultural District to allow for agricultural uses on the property. On May 5, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and the Planning Commission's recommendation are included in your board packet.

Thank you, ma'am. 7-12, we open the public hearing on case R-26-019, Barry and Carolyn Lewis. Anyone sign up to speak?

No, sir.

The Lewis is here. Anything to add? All right. Thank you so much. All right. Would somebody give me a little help with this motion?

I can take care of that for you, Mr. Chairman, if you like.

In case – oh, I'm sorry. Oh, thank you so much. I apologize.

713 closed public hearing all right Yes, sir in case our dash 26-0 19 make a motion to approve the rezoning of 105.5 one acres from DZ double zone district or one residential suburban subdivision district and a one agricultural district to a one agricultural district to allow for agricultural uses on this property. Mr. Chairman, that is my motion.

Thank you. Support, please. I'll second that. Thank you, Mr. Bowman. All right. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. All right. In case R-26-021. Well, I'll tell you what. Let's back up to R-26-020. David and Susan Bennett. Ms. Smith, please. Thank you.

Yes. David and Susan Bennett are requesting to rezone 17.96 acres located on State Road 697. Dabney House Road in the Dan River Election District, from R1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A1, Agricultural District, to allow for agricultural uses on the property. On May 5, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and Planning Commission recommendations are included in your board packet.

Thank you, ma'am. It is 7.15. We open the public hearing on David and Susan Bennett. Madam Clerk, anyone sign up to speak?

No, sir.

The Bennett's here. Anything to add? Okay, thank you so much. It is 7.15. We close the public hearing. All right, Mr. Brown, your pleasure.

Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman. In case R-26-020, I'll make a motion to approve the rezoning of 17.96 acres from R1 residential suburban district to A1 agricultural district to allow for agricultural use on the property.

Thank you, sir. Support for that motion?

I'll second it.

Thank you, Mr. Ingram. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously in case R-26-021. This is Dana Sparks. Ms. Smith.

Yes. Case 26-021, Dana Sparks, trustee for Billy Harmon Living Trust, is requesting to rezone 8.06 acres. located on State Road 57, Halifax Road, in the Chatham-Blairs Election District, from R1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A1, Agricultural District, to allow for agricultural uses on the property. On May 5, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and the Planning Commission recommendations are in your board packet.

Thank you, Ms. Smith. It is 7-16. We open the public hearing on case R-26-01. Anyone signed up to speak?

I only have Dana Sparks listed.

Ms. Sparks? Thank you. All right. Let's see. It is now 7-17. We close the public hearing. Mr. Bowman.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In case R-26-021, I make a motion to approve the rezoning of 8.06 acres from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agriculture district to allow for agricultural uses on the property. Thank you, sir. Support for the motion?

Second.

Thank you, Mr. Whittle. Any discussion? If you're not, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously. Case R-26-022, Kevin Amos. Ms. Smith, please.

Case R-26-022, Kevin Amos, on behalf of Ajax Properties and as a special power of attorney for Ringgold Christ Fellow Trustees, is requesting to rezone a 0.474 acres located off Milton Highway and Sunshine Drive in the Dan River Election District from A1 Agricultural District to R1 Residential Suburban Subdivision District to allow the property to combine with an adjacent R1 property. On May 5th, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-0 vote with no opposition that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and the Planning Commission's recommendations are included in your board packet.

Thank you, ma'am. All right. In case R-26-022, we open the public hearing at 719. Anyone signed up to speak?

No, sir.

Okay. Mr. Amos, is he here? Anything to add? Thank you so much, sir. All right. It is 719. We close the public hearing.

And Mr. Brown. Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman. In case R-26-022, I'll make a motion to approve the rezoning of 0.47 acres from A1 to R1 to allow for the property to be combined with the adjacent property.

I'll second it, Mr. Murray.

Thank you, Mr. Dudley. All right. Move met with second to rezone this property. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Case R-26-023, David Dixon.

Ms. Smith. Case R-26-023, David Dixon is requesting to rezone 5.42 acres located on State Road 845 Hill Creek Road in the Tunstall Election District from R1 Residential Suburban Subdivision District to A1 Agricultural District to allow for agricultural uses. On May 5th, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a five to zero vote with no opposition that the petitioner's request be granted. The staff summary and the Planning Commission's recommendation are in your board packet.

Thank you, ma'am. All right, in case R-26-023, David Dixon, we open the public hearing at 7.20. Anyone sign up to speak, ma'am?

No, sir.

All right. Mr. Dixon, is he here? Anything to add, sir? Thank you, sir. It is 7.20, closed public hearing. All right, Mr. Ingram, the pleasure is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In case R23-023, I'm sorry, R26-023, I make a motion to approve the rezoning of 5.42 acres from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to A1 agricultural district to allow for agricultural uses. That is my motion. Support, please.

I'll second.

Who's second? Mr. Brown? All right, any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Thank you, motion passes unanimously. All right, in case R-26-024, Mecklenburg Electric Corp, Ms. Smith.

R-26-024 Mecklenburg Electric Co-op is requesting to rezone 38.034 acres located on Telegraph Road and East Bretner Road in the Bannister Election District from R-1 Residential Suburban Subdivision District to B-2 Business District General to allow for commercial uses. May 5th 2026 the Planning Commission recommended by a five to zero vote with no opposition that the petitioners request be granted the staff summary and the Planning Commission's recommendations are in your board packet I

Thank you, Ms. Smith. All right. It is 7.22. In case of R-26-024, open the public hearing. Madam Clerk, anyone signed up to speak?

No, sir.

Is anyone here from Mecklenburg Electric Co-op? This gentleman right here. Anything to add? Nothing to add. It is 1122. We close public hearing. And if someone would be good enough to give me a little help here.

I can take care of that, Mr. Chairman. Did someone else? I think Vic said it first. Go ahead. Go ahead. I'll go ahead and do the second. All right.

Thank you. In case R26-024, I make a motion to approve the rezoning of 38.034 acres from R1 residential suburban subdivision district to B2 business district general to allow for commercial uses. And that is my motion, sir.

Thank you, sir. Second. Thank you, Mr. Dudley. All right. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically.

It didn't come up. Mr. Ingram? Yes, absolutely.

Thank you.

Motion passes 7-0. All right. Ms. Smith, case R-26-028, Avio USA Inc. Please, ma'am. Yes. Case R-26-028, Avio USA Incorporated is requesting to rezone 1.28 acres

LOCATED ON POCKET ROAD 294 IN THE STANTON RIVER ELECTION DISTRICT FROM M2 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT HEAVY INDUSTRY TO R1 RESIDENTIAL SUBURBAN SUBDIVISION DISTRICT TO ALLOW THE PROPERTY TO BE COMBINED WITH AN ADJACENT R1 PROPERTY. ON JUNE 5, 2026, THE PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED BY A 7-0 VOTE THAT THE PETITIONER'S REQUEST BE GRANTED. THE STAFF SUMMARY IS IN THE BOARD PACKET. AND I APOLOGIZE, I BELIEVE THAT WAS AT THE MAY MEETING, NOT THE JUNE MEETING.

Thank you, ma'am. In case R-26-028, we open the public hearing at 725. Madam Clerk, anyone signed up to speak?

No, sir.

Anyone from IVO here tonight? Hearing none, that's 725, closed public hearing. All right, Mr. Dudley, your pleasure. Did she have something?

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sorry about that. In case R-26-028, I make a motion to approve the rezoning of 1.28 acres from the M-2 industrial district, heavy industry, to R-1 residential suburban subdivision district so it can be combined with an adjacent R-1 property. Mr. Chairman, that is my motion.

Thank you, sir. Support for the motion. I'll second. Thank you. I think I got someone on this side. Who was it? Bowman. On the second. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Thank you so much. Motion passes unanimously. Under Section B of the public hearings, each person addressing the board under the public hearing shall step up, give his or her name and district and or his or her place of residency for non-county citizens in an audible tone of voice for the record. And unless further time is granted by the chairman. shall limit his or her address to three minutes. Speakers for a group shall be limited to ten minutes. Speakers shall conclude their remarks at that time, unless the consent of the board is affirmatively given to extend the speaker's allotted time. Absent chairman's approval, no person shall be able to speak who has not signed up to speak. Let's see, item one is public hearing. Phase one amendment chapter 18, subdivision ordinance, Ms. Smith.

Thank you. Chapter 18 of the Pennsylvania County Code, which is the subdivision ordinance, is proposed to be amended to add a new section establishing an administrative review process for minor subdivision plats. The amendment formalizes long-standing review practices for boundary line adjustments, lot consolidations, family subdivisions, and other non-subdivision plats that require verification of zoning and access compliance prior to recordation. Included in the packet is the proposed ordinance language. On May 5th, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended by a five to zero vote, with no opposition, that the Board of Supervisors adopt the subdivision ordinance amendment as presented. That recommendation and staff summary are included in your board packet. Thank you, Ms. Smith. I'm happy to answer any questions.

All right, at 728, we open the public hearing. For the phase one agreement chapter 18 subdivision ordinance. Anyone sign up to speak?

No, sir.

All right. 728, we close the public hearing. And gentlemen, what's your pleasure?

I'll make a motion, Mr. Chairman. I'll make a motion to approve the amendments to Chapter 18, Subdivision Ordinance, as presented. Second.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Movement was seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none, we ask that you vote electronically, please. Thank you. Motion passes unanimously. All right, that takes us down to item 11, unfinished business. Any unfinished business? Mr. Evans, anything we're missing? Thank you. Under new business, it takes us to item 12, Ms. Vander Hyde, the approval of water and sewer rates.

So the approval of water and sewer rates are where we're at in that process. We advertised the rates during the month of May. Actually, it was after your board meeting in May that you all passed a resolution to advertise those rates. We advertised for two weeks and held the public hearing on June the 4th. And so tonight is the last leg of that process. And so we're just requesting approval of those rates as presented.

Thank you, Ms. Vendahat. Any discussion from the board? I'll entertain a motion for approval. Gentlemen?

Yeah, I'll make the motion. Thank you.

I'll second that. Thank you, Mr. Brown, I believe. All right. Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none, please vote electronically.

Mr. Brown?

Yes. Motion passes unanimously. All right, Ms. Vanden Heide, the approval of the school FY27 budget.

The school board budget totaling $132,487,261 was properly advertised the last two weeks of May. And a public hearing was held on June the 4th. And tonight, we are asking that the board approve that budget totaling $132,487,261 as presented.

I'll be glad to make that motion.

You'll make that motion? Yes, sir. No need. Yeah, I'll be glad to do that. So I'll make the motion that we approve FY2027 school budget in the amount of $132,487,261 as presented. Thank you, Mr. Ingram.

I'll second that motion.

Thank you. Mr. Dudley, movement was second. We approve the school budget. Any discussion? Hearing none, please vote electronically. All right, motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Resolution number 2026-0603, adoption of FY27 county budget. Ms. Vander Heide.

Yes. So the full county budget totaling $264,888,000 922 which includes the school budget of 132, 487, 261 was also properly advertised the last two weeks of May and we held a public hearing on June the 4th and so we are requesting that you all approve that county budget as well as resolution number 2026-06-03 as presented.

All right thank you Ms. Mendenhut. Discussion gentlemen? Somebody give me a motion. Mr. Chairman, I'll make that motion. Thank you, Mr. Bowman. Thank you, Mr. Whittle. Hang on. I'm going to call for discussion. All right. Movement with second.

Discussions. Mr. Bowman. Yes, sir. I'd like to make a motion to approve the FY2027 county budget in the amount of $264,888,922 and resolution number 2026-06-03 as presented. Thank you, sir. I'm sure you're restating that motion. You've already seconded. Thank you so much.

let me say this before we vote on it i want to just take a moment to express my gratitude to miss vanderheide mr van allen county administrator mr shorter Mr. Bowman that worked tirelessly to try to come up with a feasible workable budget. And I do appreciate the fact that it was long drawn out, odds with task. And we don't always have the necessary funds. to be able to balance the budget, but we kind of figure it out and we move forward. And to all of Pennsylvania County, We appreciate your patience and we appreciate your allowing us to be able to balance this budget and take care of our responsibilities in terms of the top priorities, the education of our children. To keep county government running with the protection of fire and rescue, of Public Safety by Sheriff's Department, that sort of thing. So I can't thank you enough, and I thank all the people working behind the scenes to make it happen for us. So thank you. Any other discussion before we move to vote? Hearing none, please vote electronically. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. All right. That brings us down to item 13. Any matters from the work session?

No, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Evans. Board members report. Mr. Brown, we'll start with you tonight.

I thought we had a great day. Um, we got a ton of stuff covered. We started out today with line and gray. We also had the planning commission in here for a joint session meeting and, uh, as being a part of that as one of my committees on the comprehensive plan. I've enjoyed it so far. It's been a fun and interacting job that Lana Gray is doing, putting out presentations. I think some of you guys have been there, and they're doing a great job. I look forward to seeing where this comp plan goes and it carries us to 2047. But other than that, great meeting. Everybody have a great month. Thank you, sir.

Mr.

Bowman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So first of all, and this, I think, would be beneficial for our RIFA folks, because they can get this at the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, unless you've seen this. It's the Workforce Pipeline Report. This is an amazing report, and it talks about our region and what's available and what's going to be available in the future for jobs market and what training is also needed to compete for these particular jobs. I attended this meeting this past week. It was probably about 50 people. that showed up there, and it was excellent discussion. They had panel discussion about this. And so if you all get the chance to see Linda Green, make sure you get a copy of this and can go through that. uh... also attended the twenty fifth annual awards of the daniel pittsburgh county chamber of commerce uh... this year they had fifty four graduates of leadership south side they were recognized along with many awards small and large businesses and leadership a total of a hundred and twenty eight thousand dollars was awarded to small businesses who make a pitch before a panel of judges for startups and expansion businesses and my colleagues mr dalton and mr whittle and i were there Proud to represent the county and the Board of Supervisors. Checks were distributed to two of our county businesses who were winners of the RevUp program. One of those is the Fleece Farm of Gretna, and Amanda Parks was in the receiving of $8,000. And also, the keepsake prenatal 3D imaging of Blair's and Lindsey Moore also received $12,000. So congratulations to those two businesses there in Pennsylvania County for receiving those awards from the Chamber. Lastly, but certainly not least, it was a special treat to have another county resident, our own Brenda Bowman, receive the Chamber Champion Award for years of support to the Chamber, to local businesses, and our community. Chamber Board Member Robert Boyder, who is President and Co-Owner of AXOR, stated Brenda never misses an opportunity to promote her hometown and the businesses that make our region special. You will find her at grand openings, ribbon cuttings, workshops, business after hours events, and annual meetings, welcoming new members and sharing the value of the Chamber involvement. So congratulations to Ms. Brenda Bowman for being the Chamber Champion of the Year this year. Also, today I attended the Coffee with Cops, which was hosted by our own Sheriff's Department this morning at Rubens II with Pennsylvania County Sheriff's Office deputies. That's the second one I've been to in probably the last two weeks. One was at Hardee's and Tight Squeeze and this one at Rubens. And the Rubens, the folks that attend that, patronize Rubens, they turned out in a... and a great abundance, if you will. The deputies were there handing out flyers and talking to them one-on-one about what they do and encouraging the citizen involvement there. So good job to Mike Taylor and his folks in the Sheriff's Department. And lastly, as a member of the U.S. Army, Virginia Army National Guard for over 30 years, I want to congratulate the Army on its 251st birthday on June the 14th, which is also Flag Day. This was established, the Army was established in 1775, and this day honors the creation of the original Continental Army. So congratulations to the U.S. Army for 251 great years. Mr. Chairman, that's all I've got.

Thank you, Mr. Bowman. Mr. Dudley.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was just discussing the other day, it's not an event anywhere in the county, hardly, that you can go to that Brenda Bowman don't know about it or is not at it. And I don't know that many people can keep up with her. But do thank you, Brenda. You're a very special person who work hard, and it takes a hard worker to keep. Certain one is straight. Appreciate everything you do. Thank you all for coming this evening. Appreciate everybody's, the board itself. Our meetings today started at 1.30 and, you know, six hours later. And it's just, you've got to love to just stick with it and love your county to do what we do. Thank you all for coming.

uh... and this chairman that's that's what i think it was deadly this year thank you so much after eighteen long years we welcome the first tenant to the mega park at berry hill mark report started moving dirt which established the historic investment of $1.351 billion. So I'm so glad that microporous is moving dirt, and more good things are yet to come. The month of June is Move Over Month, and we've had three officers that have been killed because people refused to move over. One was Trooper Brooks, the bridge at Hurt on 29th. It's where he was killed, and that was in 1956. Deputy Sheriff James Bryant was killed out in 58 East and Constable David Payne on 41, again, because people failed to realize that they need to slow down and move over. On the 3rd of June, we attended an ATDM ribbon cutting of the Navy's newest $53 million investment right here at the Megapark. I'm sorry, at the Institute right here in our own Pennsylvania County. Tremendous event. And a lot of people, sadly, do not know that the ATDM program is a fascinating program. They have five disciplines, one of which is welding. And there's so many young folks coming out of high school that want to be welders, but they don't know which path to take. That's a great opportunity. I think the job acceptance rate is like 80-some percent. And if you're accepted, everything's paid for, including lodging. This past 6th of June, we remember D-Day 82 years ago. And I can't ever mention that without thinking about my daddy, because he was one of the first to join the Army, Mr. Bowman, in 1941. He came out in 45 and participated in nine major battles. And, of course, we celebrated the Army's 251st birthday. Mr. Shorter? We've officially held on you for one year, so happy anniversary, and we hope that we can keep you many, many more years to come. You're doing a great job. We did have two presentations, the Tunstall High School varsity baseball team and the JV team. But the coaches called me and said, listen, we appreciate the board doing this, but all of our young boys are gone on vacation. So I'm going to make a private presentation and compliment Coach Barry Shelton and the rest of the crew and the team. And finally, we can't say thank you enough, but we have a tremendous staff, between Mr. Shorter, Mr. Evans, Kaylin, Holly, and those of you I forget to name, but thank you for all you do. And that's all I have, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Ingram.

Mr. Dalton.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Also, I'd like to thank everybody for coming out. I want to thank all the staff for their hard work. We couldn't do it without them. We had a long day. As I think Mr. Dalton has said earlier, we've been here since 1.30, but we have accomplished a lot. I attended the Grotna Fire and Rescue Benefit Saturday evening. That was nice. Great bunch of people out there. But Everybody have a safe trip home, and thank you for coming out.

Thank you, Mr. Dalton. Mr. Whittle.

I'd like to thank the staff, all our volunteers in the county. Thank Mr. Evans for what you do for us. Mr. Shorter, thank you. Thank the board. Also, the 4th of July celebration is coming up. Everybody make sure you get to it. It'll be a great day. Thank you, and y'all have a safe trip home.

Thank you Mr. Whittle. Let me conclude by saying ditto to everything that everyone else has said. I am immensely proud of this board. We have obviously been here all day, but We don't always agree on everything, but we work well together. And we're not supposed to agree on everything. We're supposed to have differing opinions, but nevertheless, we know how to coalesce around what is best for Pennsylvania County as a whole. One thing I will add is I appreciate Mr. Ingram that chaired a meeting while I was on vacation last week. Appreciate you stepping in for me. And don't want to get involved with all of the social media. And let me just address that for a moment. This county right now, we've announced somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 jobs with industry coming to this community. floating around on social media. Myself, this board, we've talked about it. We're not going to feed the beast. I am not petulant, so I will not get involved in those conversations. What I will say is that every decision that I've made in terms of being a supervisor or even from this position has been in the best interest of the community. Because we're supposed to be good stewards of the taxpayer money. So I'm not interested in how well I write a blog or whatever on social media. I'm more interested in whether or not we can move this county forward in the right direction. And with that, I want to express happy Father's Day to all of the fathers. Enjoy your family this weekend. Rest assured, your wife will let you cook lunch on the grill, that sort of thing. And with that, Mr. Shorter, congratulations on your anniversary. I'll yield to you, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just express my gratitude for the opportunity to continue to serve. Thank the board for all that you do, and thank for the staff that makes us all look so great. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Shorter. Mr. Evans. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's always a pleasure to be part of the process. The future is bright. Let's get to work. Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. Let me give a shout-out to the staff that make us look good before we go. And thank you for coming out tonight, all of the public and those that are joining us.