Russell County public meetings in 2025

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will discuss a mutual aid agreement for search and rescue services with neighboring counties and towns. The board is also reviewing a machine and tool tax ordinance related to data centers and a property transfer for Project Powder.

• MOU for Mutual Search & Rescue & Swift Water Rescue Services with Washington, Wise, and Dickenson Counties
• Public hearing on transferring county property to RC IDA Project Powder
• CPPD Water & Sewer Pure Salmon Grant for $275,000
• RC Data Center Machine & Tool Tax Ordinance
• Purchase of a disaster response truck for the RC Sheriff Department

The Board amended the agenda to include a VCDL resolution and a discussion on consolidating voting districts. It approved the RC Data Center Machine & Tool Tax Ordinance with a .24¢ rate, and approved the Commonwealth Energy Partners solar‑project siting agreement pending a wording change. Several grant and project requests were approved, while the Tourism Advisory Committee appointment was tabled.

• Amended agenda to add VCDL resolution and voting‑district discussion (unanimous)
• Approved RC Data Center Machine & Tool Tax Ordinance at .24¢ (7‑0, one nay)
• Approved Commonwealth Energy Partners solar‑project siting agreement (unanimous)
• Tabled Tourism Advisory Committee appointment pending review (no vote recorded)
• Approved CPPD Water & Sewer Pure Salmon Grant – $275,000 (unanimous)
• Approved VDOT Recreational Access Application – Tank Hollow Road – $169,159.00 (unanimous)
• Approved RC Sheriff Department purchase of Disaster Response Truck (unanimous)
• Approved $3,500 sponsorship for Emergency Responders’ Dinner in January (unanimous)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors meeting on November 3, 2025 will hold a public hearing on a Commonwealth Energy Partners solar project. The board will also consider the RC Fire Services Ordinance, the RC Sunday Sale of Beer Ordinance, and the RC Data Center Machine & Tool Tax Ordinance. Additional business includes approval of the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes, approval of expenditures, and appointment of committee members.

• Commonwealth Energy Partners – Solar Project (public hearing)
• RC Fire Services Ordinance
• RC Sunday Sale of Beer Ordinance
• RC Data Center Machine & Tool Tax Ordinance
• RC Recovery Court Project – OAA Direct Grant – $27,757

The Russell County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the agenda, the October 6 minutes, and the pending expenditures. It also authorized the sheriff department’s E911 communication project and approved the RC Fire Services Ordinance. The Commonwealth Energy Partners solar project was tabled pending more information, and the board voted 4‑2 to advertise for a full‑time tourism coordinator position.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Oct 6, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved expenditures for payment (6-0)
• Authorized E911 Communication Project for RC Sheriff Department (6-0)
• Approved RC Fire Services Ordinance (6-0)
• Tabled Commonwealth Energy Partners Solar Project pending further info (6-0)
• Approved Charlie Kirk Proclamation (6-0)
• Approved tourism advertisement for full‑time Tourism Coordinator (4-2; Aye: Lou Ann Wallace, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye; Nay: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider a Solar Facility Siting Agreement with New Leaf Energy for the River Mountain Solar 1 and 2 projects located at 3700 and 4000 River Mountain Road in Lebanon, Virginia. The board will also vote on routine items including approval of the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes, approval of expenditures, and appointment of members to various county committees. Additional agenda items include reports and requests from the County Attorney and County Administrator, such as VDOT drainage easement and road abandonment requests, a sale of school property, and a Lincoln Memorial University shelter medicine services agreement.

• Public hearing on Solar Facility Siting Agreement for River Mountain Solar 1 & 2 (3700 & 4000 River Mountain Rd)
• Approval of September 2, 2025 Board minutes
• Approval of expenditures (amounts not specified in agenda)
• Committee appointments for RC Coal Road Committee, RC IDA Board, Library Board, Tourism Committee, Planning Commission, Dante Community Center
• County Administrator requests: VDOT drainage easement (Rte. 0667-083), VDOT resolution to abandon Rte. 784, sale of school property, Lincoln Memorial University Shelter Medicine Services agreement, Key Western LLC revenue matter

The Board unanimously approved the New Leaf Energy River Mountain Solar LLC Project #1 and Project #2, pending revisions to the siting agreements. It also voted 7‑0 to reject the settlement offer in the Dante Fire Department litigation and to proceed with further legal action. Additional actions included approving VDOT drainage easement and road abandonment, authorizing expenditures, and appointing members to the Coal Road Committee and the IDA Board.

• Approved New Leaf Energy – River Mountain Solar LLC Project #1 pending revisions (7-0)
• Approved New Leaf Energy – River Mountain Solar LLC Project #2 pending revisions (7-0)
• Rejected settlement offer in Dante Fire Department litigation, authorizing further litigation (7-0)
• Approved VDOT Drainage Easement for Route 0667-083 (Century Farm Road) (7-0)
• Approved VDOT Resolution to Abandon Route 784 (Open Meadows Drive) (7-0)
• Approved expenditures presented for payment (7-0)
• Appointed Mel Counts to RC Coal Road Committee (3-year term) (7-0)
• Appointed Scott Gilmer to RC IDA Board (4-year term) (7-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors meets to discuss electoral precinct boundary adjustments, approve minutes and expenditures, and hear reports from county agencies. No major decisions are scheduled beyond routine approvals.

• Electoral precinct boundary changes presented by Diana Short
• Approval of August 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of expenditures including opioid settlement payments ($123,289.84 total)
• Virginia Supreme Court grant award ($70,859.70)
• Bristol District Regional Improvement Commission funds ($941,860)

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved a $941,860 allocation from the Bristol District Regional Improvement Commission (Casino) Funds. It also approved a $500 donation to Vet Fest, a letter to the Fallen Warriors Foundation, the abandonment of Route 721, a county‑wide forensic audit RFP, several National Opioid Settlement payments, a $70,859.70 Virginia Supreme Court grant, and a Mutual Aid agreement with Washington County. All motions passed with recorded vote totals.

• Approved $500 donation to Vet Fest (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved drafting a letter to the Fallen Warriors Foundation (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved VDOT & DCR request to abandon Route 721, State Park (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved RC County‑Wide Forensic Audit Request for Proposals (Aye: 5, Abstain: 2, Nay: none)
• Approved National Opioid Settlement Payments of $56,912.67; $16,633.70; $16,361.16; $33,383.31 (each Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved VA Supreme Court Grant Award of $70,859.70 (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved Bristol District Regional Improvement Commission (Casino) Funds of $941,860.00 (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)
• Approved Mutual Aid and Cooperation Agreement for Law Enforcement Services with Washington County (Aye: all 7, Nay: none)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on ordinances regarding real estate tax exemptions for elderly and disabled residents, solid waste disposal fees, and erosion and sediment control. The board will also consider the sale of four former school properties and a settlement regarding opioid-related claims.

• Public hearing on Real Estate Tax Exemption - Elderly & Disabled Ordinance
• Public hearing on RC Solid Waste Disposal Fee Ordinance Agreement
• Proposed sale/auction of Givens, Oak Grove, Copper Creek, and Swords Creek schools
• Proposed transfer of $245,694.90 from RC School Reversion Fund to the County
• Resolution for direct settlement of opioid-related claims against the Sackler Family

The provided minutes contain no clear approvals, denials, or actions taken by the Russell County Board of Supervisors. The text is largely unintelligible and does not document any specific decisions. Therefore, no substantive outcomes can be reported.

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on draft ordinances for elderly and disabled real estate tax exemptions and solid waste disposal fees. The board is also reviewing several contracts and grant funding requests.

• Public hearing: RC Real Estate Tax Exemption - Elderly & Disabled Ordinance
• Public hearing: RC Solid Waste Disposal Fee Ordinance
• Sheriff LE Equipment Grant: $65,722
• VA Rules Summer Camp Funding: $2,500
• VDOT Resolution to Discontinue Route 708 from the Secondary System of State Highways

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved a $65,722 grant for the sheriff’s law‑enforcement equipment under the VDCJS FY2026 Byrne/JAG Program. The board also approved several other items, including negotiations for a new county attorney contract, a $2,500 summer‑camp grant, and the discontinuation of State Highway Route 708. Additional actions included increasing the elderly & disabled tax exemption to $300, appointing Elizabeth Rush to the CPMT, and authorizing advertising for the sale of four county schools.

• Approved $65,722 sheriff equipment grant (5-0)
• Approved $2,500 VA Rules Summer Camp Funding (5-0)
• Approved negotiations with Mitchell & Kilgore Law Firm for county attorney contract (5-0)
• Approved VDOT Resolution to discontinue Route 708 (5-0)
• Approved increase in Elderly & Disabled Ordinance exemption to $300 (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved appointment of Elizabeth Rush to CPMT (5-0)
• Approved advertising sale of Givens, Swords Creek, Copper Creek, and Oak Grove schools (5-0)
• Approved $14,000 OAA Fund donation for Marc Mero School Event (5-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and adopted the fiscal year 2025/2026 budget and calendar year 2025 tax rates. The board approved a total county budget expenditure of $43,699,570 and a school division operating budget of $57,966,787.

• General Fund appropriation of $33,862,425
• Real Estate and Mobile Home tax rate set at $0.579
• Personal Property and Machinery & Tools tax rate set at $1.95
• Appropriation of $10,410,422 for the Russell County School Division
• Appropriation of $5,414,842 for the Social Services Fund

The board amended the agenda to discuss county employee bonuses and approved the amendment unanimously. It then approved the FY 2025/26 county-wide financial budget by a 4‑3 vote. Finally, the board approved a $500 bonus for part‑time employees and a $1,000 bonus for full‑time employees, also unanimously.

• Approved agenda amendment to add employee bonuses discussion (7-0)
• Approved FY 2025/26 county-wide financial budget (4-3)
• Approved $500 bonus for part‑time and $1,000 bonus for full‑time county employees (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on the county-wide financial budget and a one-time salary bonus for Department of Social Services employees. The board is also considering a property transfer from the School Board and various road resolutions.

• Public hearing for FY 2025/2026 County-Wide Financial Budget
• Proposed 1.5% one-time salary bonus for full-time Russell County DSS employees
• Public hearing for property transfer of 218 Memorial Drive from School Board to County
• VDOT resolution to abandon Route 806 from the Secondary System of State Highways
• VDOT resolution for temporary road closure of Sundown Drive

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved several items, including a one‑time salary bonus for DSS staff and the transfer of the 218 Memorial Drive school property to the county. They reappointed PSA board members and a community college advisory member, and approved a $224,000 generator contract for the community center and fire department. Additional approvals covered VDOT route abandonment, temporary road closures, and a solid‑waste vehicle sale.

• Approved RC DSS FY 2025/2026 one‑time salary bonus (all 7 members aye)
• Approved transfer of 218 Memorial Drive property from School Board to County (all 7 members aye)
• Reappointed PSA Board members Clifford Hess and Steven Perkins for four‑year terms (all 7 members aye)
• Reappointed Southwest Community College Advisory Board member Kim Hooker for four‑year term (all 7 members aye)
• Approved $224,000 generator contract for Community Center & Fire Department to Sinson Heating and Cooling (7 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Approved VDOT resolution to abandon Route 806 from the secondary system (all 7 members aye)
• Approved VDOT temporary road closure of Sundown Drive and crossover at Alt US 58 (all 7 members aye)
• Approved solid‑waste vehicle surplus and sale (all 7 members aye)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and vote on the VDOT Secondary Six-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2025/26–2030/31, totaling $2,934,850 in funding for road projects including Glade Hollow Drive, Stoney Point Drive, and others. The board will also hear a presentation on the proposed CY2025 tax rate, consider the sale/auction of three closed schools, and vote on drainage projects on Clarks Valley Road and Red Bud Road. Several proclamations, appointments, and reports are on the agenda.

• Public hearing and vote on VDOT Secondary Six-Year Plan (FY2025/26–2030/31) with $2,934,850 total funding
• Proposed CY2025 tax rate presentation (no figure given)
• Board approval of sale/auction of Cooper Creek Elementary, Givens, and Oak Grove schools
• Drainage projects: Rte. 635/633 intersection ($55,000) and Rte. 693 Red Bud Road ($230,000) from Coal Severance Committee
• VDOT Rural Rustic Road designation for Rte. 655 (Belcher Hollow Road) and Rte. 712 (Combs Valley Road)

The minutes contain no clear actions, approvals, or votes; the record is unintelligible and does not show any decisions.

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed CY2025 real property tax rate of $0.608 per $100 of assessed value, which represents an effective 22% increase over the lowered tax rate. The board also considers filling a resigned seat on the Department of Social Services with a 4-year term. The meeting includes citizens comment and board discussions.

• Public hearing on proposed real property tax rate of $0.608/$100 (effective 22% increase over $0.474 lowered rate)
• Proposed total budget increase of 4% for FY 2025-2026
• Committee appointment: Lynn Ramsey resigned; 4-year term on RC Department of Social Services to be filled
• Total assessed value of real property increased 40% since 2018 reassessment
• Major mandatory budget increases include $580,246 for SW VA Regional Jail and $508,401 for school board

The Board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. All five proposed tax‑rate adjustments were rejected. Supervisors approved the appointment of Georgia McCoy to the Russell County Department of Social Services Board for a four‑year term (7‑0). They also set the real‑estate tax due date to June 13, adjourned at 8:09 PM, and scheduled the next meeting for May 5, 2025 (7‑0).

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Failed tax rate 56¢ per $100 (no vote recorded)
• Failed tax rate 47.5¢ per $100 (3-4)
• Failed tax rate 50¢ per $100 (2-5)
• Failed tax rate 48.23¢ per $100 (3-4)
• Failed tax rate 48¢ per $100 (3-4)
• Approved appointment of Georgia McCoy to Social Services Board (7-0)
• Approved real‑estate tax due June 13 and adjournment (7-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed real property tax rate of $0.608 per $100 of assessed value. This proposed rate represents a 22% effective increase over the lowered tax rate of $0.474 per $100.

• Proposed real property tax rate of $0.608 per $100 of assessed value
• Proposed total budget increase of 4% over last year
• Mandatory Southwestern Virginia Regional Jail increase of $580,246
• RC School Board budget increase of $1,151,789
• Mandatory RC DSS Foster Care & CSA Services increase of $238,894

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved the meeting agenda with a 7‑0 vote. A public hearing on the CY 2025 proposed tax rate was held, featuring comments from residents but no vote or decision on the tax rate. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (7-0)

Russell County Budget

The Russell County Board of Supervisors adopts the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget with a total increase of $2,291,664. Major increases include mandatory contributions to the Southwestern Virginia Regional Jail ($580,246), DSS foster care and CSA services ($238,894), operational inflation costs ($195,000), the disposal and transfer station ($125,735), and the school board ($1,151,789). The agenda also includes the detailed preliminary budget for the Southwest VA Regional Jail Authority showing total revenues of $64,983,777.87.

• Southwestern Virginia Regional Jail mandatory increase: $580,246
• RC DSS – Foster Care & CSA Services mandatory increase: $238,894
• RC School Board increase: $1,151,789
• 2025 County Operation Inflationary Cost increase: $195,000
• RC Disposal & Transfer Station contractual increase: $125,735

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold a budget workshop for FY2025/2026 from 4-6 PM, followed by presentations on the Pure Salmon Project and the National Day of Prayer. New business includes routine approvals of minutes, expenditures, and committee appointments. The board will also consider several requests related to the Pure Salmon Project, a solar project, and other county initiatives.

• FY2025/2026 County Financial Budget Workshop (4-6 PM)
• Presentation on Pure Salmon Project by Delegate Will Morefield, Paul Inskeep, and Preston Breeding
• Request for RC Coal Severance Committee funding for Pure Salmon Project
• Pure Salmon Project Road Project Contract
• Commonwealth Energy Partners (CEP) Solar Project update

The Board amended the agenda to add a Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement and then approved the agreement for Russell County, the City of Bristol Police Department, and the Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Department. It also approved several project and grant expenditures, including the Pure Salmon Project, a downtown revitalization planning grant, and a $5,000 VASAP commission fund. Additional actions included reappointing a community policy manager, approving a land‑use plat, and authorizing $500 donations for two kids fishing events. The Spearhead Trails item was tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved agenda amendment to add Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement (6-0)
• Approved Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement for law enforcement services (6-0)
• Approved RC Coal Severance Committee – Pure Salmon Project (4-0-2)
• Approved award of Pure Salmon Project Road Contract to Bizzack (4-0-2)
• Approved VASAP Commission OAA Direct Funds $5,000 FY26 (6-0)
• Approved Dante Downtown Revitalization Project Planning Grant (6-0)
• Approved Russell County Planning Commission Plat combining lots (6-0)
• Approved $500 donations for Russell County and Honaker Kids Fishing Days (6-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The board will consider approval of minutes, expenditures, and committee appointments, then hear presentations including the Pure Salmon Project and Communities in Schools. Under county administrator requests, they will vote on a $106,000 contract amendment for generators on the Belfast Waterline Project, a February 2025 flood emergency declaration, a letter of support for Medicaid directed payments, and other items.

• Community Development Block Grant – Belfast Waterline Project, contract amendment of $106,000 to install two generators
• Resolution declaring a state of emergency for the February 2025 flood event
• Committee appointments: Doug Howard to Southwest VA Community Corrections (2-year term), Karen Clay to Community Planning Management Team (3-year term)
• Request for letter of support for Medicaid directed payments to protect Virginia hospitals
• Southwest VA Legal Aid Society OAA renewal grant request

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved all agenda items unanimously, including a $106,000 contract amendment for the Belfast Waterline Project to install two generators, a $10,000 heat pump replacement for the Russell County Library, and a $6,000/year, 5-year grant for Communities in Schools. The board also authorized the county attorney to negotiate a siting agreement with New Leaf Energy for a solar project and approved a February flood emergency declaration. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved $6,000/year for 5 years to Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands (7-0)
• Authorized county administrator to negotiate disposition of Dante Fire Department property (7-0)
• Waived fee for Southwest Virginia Static Organization to use Cleveland Ball Park fields (7-0)
• Approved $106,000 contract amendment for Belfast Waterline Project generators (7-0)
• Approved $10,000 Russell County Library heat pump replacement (7-0)
• Authorized county attorney to enter siting agreement negotiations with New Leaf Energy (7-0)
• Approved February 2025 flood emergency declaration resolution (7-0)
• Approved Medicaid directed payments letter of support (7-0)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold a budget workshop for the upcoming fiscal year. No other public hearings or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• FY 2025/2026 County-Wide Budget Workshop

The Russell County Board of Supervisors held a called budget workshop for FY 2025/2026, with no formal budget decisions made. The board approved the agenda as amended and appointed Lonzo Lester to the Regional Jail Authority. David Eaton appointed himself as Emergency Management Director and Lonzo Lester as Deputy Director. The meeting included extensive discussion on emergency shelter and response needs following recent storms, but no formal actions were taken on those topics.

• Approved agenda as amended (7-0)
• Appointed Lonzo Lester to Regional Jail Authority (7-0)
• Appointed David Eaton as Emergency Management Director and Lonzo Lester as Deputy Director (no vote recorded)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will discuss solar projects and a $100,000 natural gas pipeline planning grant for Castlewood and the Russell/Tazewell County Line. The board is also reviewing committee appointments and monthly expenditures.

• DHCD Natural Gas Pipeline Planning Grant for Castlewood & Russell/Tazewell County Line: $100,000
• Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Authority payment for HUD Developments & Pittston Place Apartments: $17,072.54
• New Leaf Energy Solar Project presentation
• Invitation for Bid for Russell County Community Center & Fire Department Generator Installation Contract
• Swords Creek Community Center committee appointments

The Russell County Board of Supervisors approved a $100,000 DHCD Natural Gas Pipeline Planning Grant for Castlewood and the Russell/Tazewell County line, and a $17,072.54 Payment in Lieu of Taxes for HUD developments and Pittston Place Apartments. They also approved reappointments to the Swords Creek Community Center, appointments to the Reassessment Equalization Board, and entered closed session to discuss legal matters related to solar projects.

• Approved $100,000 DHCD Natural Gas Pipeline Planning Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $17,072.54 CPRHA Payment in Lieu of Taxes (unanimous)
• Approved Swords Creek Community Center appointments/reappointments (unanimous)
• Approved Reassessment Equalization Board appointments (unanimous)
• Approved CPRWMA Manpower Service and User Agreements (unanimous)
• Approved expenditures as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for legal matters on solar projects (unanimous)

Russell County Board of Supervisors

The Russell County Board of Supervisors will hold its organizational meeting to elect officers and adopt bylaws and meeting schedules for 2025. The board will also consider several financial items, including a $270,000 economic development grant for Simmons Equipment Company and a $190,631.80 CSA supplemental allocation request. Additionally, a resolution for EMS non-transport first response licensing and coal road improvement projects on multiple routes are on the agenda.

• Organizational meeting: election of chairman and vice-chairman, adoption of bylaws, and setting of regular and budget meeting schedules
• Economic development grant: $270,000 for Simmons Equipment Company via IDA Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund
• CSA supplemental allocation request: $190,631.80 for FY25
• Resolution for EMS Non-Transport First Response License
• Coal road improvement projects on Routes 71, 615, 667, 648, 634, and 611 using Coal Severance Tax appropriations

The board held its annual organizational meeting, electing David Eaton as Chairman and Steve Breeding as Vice-Chairman for 2025. It reappointed the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, adopted rules and by-laws, and set the regular meeting schedule. The board also approved several financial items, including a $270,000 grant for the Tate Corp. (Bush Building) and a $190,631.80 CSA supplemental allocation request, along with appointments to committees and boards.

• Elected David Eaton as Chairman for 2025 (7-0)
• Elected Steve Breeding as Vice-Chairman (4-3 over Tara Dye)
• Reappointed Lonzo Lester as Clerk and Rhonda Lester as Deputy Clerk (7-0)
• Adopted Robert's Rules of Order and county by-laws for 2025 (7-0)
• Set 2025 regular meetings for first Monday at 6:00 PM (6-1, Kiser nay)
• Approved $270,000 IDA grant for Tate Corp. (Bush Building) (7-0)
• Approved $190,631.80 CSA Supplemental Allocation Request (7-0)
• Approved Coal Road Improvement Advisory Committee VDOT projects (7-0)