Charlotte County public meetings in 2024

Planning & Zoning

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will resume discussion of draft regulations for battery energy storage systems (BESS), covering stormwater management, buffers, noise limits, decommissioning, and siting requirements. They will also consider setting a date for a public hearing. Additionally, staff will report on the Taro Solar project and other applications.

• Continued review of draft BESS regulations including stormwater, erosion control, buffers for waterways, town proximity, noise levels, decommissioning
• Consideration of setting a public hearing on the proposed BESS zoning text amendment
• Staff report on 140-megawatt Taro Solar project and other solar applications
• Discussion of town proximity buffer (Section 10-24-5) and noise limit (Section 10-24-12)
• Review of soil testing/environmental site assessment requirements and siting near substations

The Planning Commission reviewed and revised a draft zoning amendment to incorporate battery energy storage systems. The commission reached consensus on several technical revisions regarding noise, soil contamination, and acreage requirements. A public hearing on the amendment was scheduled for January 21, 2025.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for battery energy storage zoning amendment for Jan 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Consensus to require compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements in 10-24-3
• Consensus to revise Item 7 to clarify developer responsibility for removing soil contamination
• Consensus to add 'or by a third-party professional engineer approved by the county' to Item 3 of 10-24-15
• Consensus to add Tier 1 battery energy storage as a by-right use in General Residential and Village Center Districts
• Consensus to remove minimum acreage requirements and include no maximum requirement

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings for Subdivision & Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold two public hearings on amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance (family subdivision lot size) and Zoning Ordinance (lot requirements). The board will also consider a resolution to withdraw from Virginia's Growth Alliance, make board committee appointments for 2025, discuss USBC code enforcement civil penalties, and consider invoices and appropriations. Committee reports and a public comment period are also scheduled.

• Public hearing on Subdivision Ordinance Amendments (family subdivision lot size)
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendments (lot requirements)
• Resolution to consider withdrawing from Virginia's Growth Alliance (VGA)
• Board committee appointments for calendar year 2025
• Discussion of USBC code enforcement civil penalties

The Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding family lot sizes and Zoning Ordinance lot requirements. The Board also voted to withdraw membership from Virginia’s Growth Alliance effective June 30, 2025.

• Approved Subdivision Ordinance amendments for Family Subdivision Lot Sizes (Unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Ordinance amendments for Lot Size Requirements (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution to withdraw from Virginia’s Growth Alliance effective June 30, 2025 (7-0)
• Appointed Thelma Redd to the Social Services Board through Dec 31, 2028 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Martha Brogdon (Library Board), Sue Francis (Social Services Board), Ralph Moore (IDA), and Phillip Staten (BZA) (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Tammy Hudson to the BZA through Dec 31, 2029 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Aurelia Cathey to the Library Board through Dec 31, 2028 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Jean Elliot to the Library Board through Dec 31, 2028 (Unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings for (1) Family Subdivision Amendment & (2) Zon

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on amendments to the subdivision and zoning ordinances, including a proposed minimum two-acre lot size for family subdivisions in the General Agricultural District and a minimum 1.5-acre lot size in the Village Center and General Residential districts. The commission will also consider regulations for battery energy storage systems, which were tabled from the October meeting. Other agenda items include approval of October meeting minutes and a general public comment period.

• Public hearing on Subdivision Ordinance Amendment – Family Subdivision Lot Size (proposed 2-acre minimum in General Agricultural district)
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Lot Requirements (recommended 1.5-acre minimum in Village Center and General Residential districts)
• Consideration of Battery Energy Storage Regulations (including noise limits, decommissioning plans, fencing, and buffer requirements)
• Approval of October 17, 2024, meeting minutes
• General Public Comment Period

The Commission recommended approval of amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding family subdivisions and the Zoning Ordinance regarding lot requirements. A proposal to incorporate battery energy storage into the Zoning Ordinance was tabled until December.

• Recommended approval of Subdivision Ordinance amendments to reduce minimum lot size for family subdivisions in General Agricultural Zoning District to 2 acres (Unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding lot frontage, setbacks, and increasing Village Center Zoning District minimum lot size to 1.5 acres (Unanimous)
• Tabled battery energy storage zoning amendments until the December meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved October meeting minutes (Unanimous)

RLA

The Electoral Board conducted a Risk Limiting Audit for the U.S. Senate race between Hung Co and Tim Kaine. Following State Board of Elections directions, two ballots were pulled and audited.

• Audited Batch EV in person ballot #403 and Batch 201 ballot #291
• Recorded 2 votes for Hung Co and 0 votes for Tim Kaine in the audited sample

Special Called Meeting

The Electoral Board met to resolve a four-way tie in the Phenix Town Council election. After a recount confirmed each of the four candidates received two write-in votes, a drawing was held to determine the winner.

• Confirmed four-way tie between Larry Wilson, Ebony Dickerson, Patrick Andrews, and Landon Green
• Selected Larry Wilson as the winner via a drawing of names

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing for Central High Museum Lease & 226 Law Lane To

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold two public hearings to consider lease agreements for a US Cellular tower and the Central High Museum. They will also receive updates on broadband deployment, discuss a civil penalty ordinance for building code enforcement, and review tax statements and other routine business.

• Public hearing and consideration of US Cellular Tower Lease Agreements (ground lease, tower license, generator sharing)
• Public hearing and consideration of Central High Museum Lease Agreement
• Broadband update from RiverStreet (Rob Taylor)
• Discussion of Building Code Enforcement Civil Penalty Ordinance
• Update on Tax Statements from Naisha Carter and Patricia Berkeley

The Board approved the meeting agenda and the November minutes. The Board also voted to approve FY2025 invoices, invoices received after the November meeting, and appropriations, though specific dollar amounts were not recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the agenda
• Approved the November minutes
• Approved FY2025 invoices for payment
• Approved invoices received after the November Board meeting
• Approved appropriations

Canvass

The Electoral Board processed provisional ballots in a closed session and completed the official tally of votes. All official state forms were completed, signed, and sealed. The board referred the final election results to the Virginia State Board of Elections.

• Approved entering closed session to process provisional ballots (3-0)
• Approved certification that the closed session complied with Virginia Law (3-0)
• Recessed canvas until November 12
• Completed vote tallying and signed official state forms

Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM

The Planning Commission will consider a zoning text amendment to allow battery energy storage systems (BESS) in certain districts and establish regulations. They will also discuss proposed changes to minimum lot sizes for family subdivisions in the General Agricultural, Village Center, and General Residential districts, along with frontage and setback requirements. Staff will present draft BESS regulations, and the commission will hear public comments before making a recommendation.

• Consider Battery Energy Storage Zoning Amendment – vote on recommended regulations
• Discuss minimum lot sizes for Family Subdivisions in General Agricultural, Village Center, and General Residential districts
• Discuss frontage and setback requirements for General Agricultural, General Industrial, and other districts
• Staff presentation on draft BESS regulations
• General Public Comment Period

The Commission recommended minimum lot sizes for family subdivisions in the General Agricultural District (2 acre), Village Center District (1.5 acre), and General Residential District (1.5 acre). It also approved including staff-recommended zoning ordinance changes regarding setbacks and frontage in the upcoming public hearing. Proposed battery energy storage regulations were tabled until November.

• Recommended 2-acre minimum lot size for family subdivisions in General Agricultural Zoning District (unanimous)
• Recommended 1.5-acre minimum lot size for Village Center and General Residential Districts (unanimous)
• Approved including staff's recommended zoning ordinance changes on setbacks and frontage in the public hearing (unanimous)
• Tabled battery energy storage regulations until the November meeting (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing on Proposed County Budget Amendment (Virtual Vi

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. for closed session on legal matters and a board vacancy. The regular meeting at 6 p.m. includes a public hearing on the School Board's proposed budget amendment for Virtual Virginia, followed by consideration of budget amendments and appropriations. Other items include adoption of the PPTRA rate resolution for FY2025, a resolution to refer battery energy storage systems to the Planning Commission, and a resolution honoring Drakes Branch Fire Department's 75th anniversary.

• Public hearing on School Board budget amendment for Virtual Virginia and subsequent budget appropriations
• PPTRA Rate Resolution for FY2025
• Resolution to refer battery energy storage systems to the Planning Commission
• Drakes Branch Fire Department 75th Anniversary Resolution
• Set public hearings for November 14, 2024: Central High Museum Lease Agreement and Law Lane Tower Agreements

The Board of Supervisors approved a $5.138 million appropriation of state funds for the Virtual Virginia program. They also adopted the 2025 personal property tax relief rates and provided funding for a youth volleyball organization.

• Approved $5,138,000 budget amendment for Virtual Virginia (7-0)
• Adopted PPTRA Resolution for Tax Year 2025 providing 26% tax relief for qualifying vehicles (7-0)
• Approved $500 in funding for youth girls’ volleyball organization
• Adopted resolution honoring Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department's 75th Anniversary
• Approved closed session to discuss legal counsel on building code enforcement and Chairman Gary Walker's resignation (7-0)
• Approved Certification of Closed Session (7-0)

Electoral Board

The board established a process for secure ballot storage and a new procedure for handling envelope 2A. They also approved minutes from previous meetings and reviewed ADA compliance for voting locations.

• Approved Sept. 5 board meeting minutes
• Approved Sept. 17 L&A for early voting minutes
• Decided to store ballots removed from early voting machines with the Clerk of Courts
• Decided to implement a procedure and training course to ensure completeness of forms in 2A without opening the envelope

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing on Battery Energy Storage Zoning Amendment Appl

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing and consider a zoning amendment to allow battery energy storage systems. They will also review minimum lot sizes in the General Agricultural, Village Center, and General Residential districts. The meeting includes a general public comment period and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Joint public hearing and consideration of zoning amendment for battery energy storage systems.
• Review of minimum lot size for family subdivisions in the General Agricultural District.
• Review of minimum lot size in the Village Center District.
• Review of minimum lot size in the General Residential District.
• General public comment period and approval of July meeting minutes.

The Planning Commission rejected a motion to deny battery energy storage systems as an allowable use. Instead, the Commission voted to have staff draft potential language for regulations governing these systems. No final decision was made on the zoning amendment application.

• Denied motion to recommend against battery energy storage as an allowable use (4-6)
• Approved motion to have staff draft potential battery energy storage regulations (7-3)
• Approved July meeting minutes
• Approved agenda as presented
• Scheduled October 17th meeting for 7:00 pm

L & A Programming

The Charlotte County Electoral Board conducted logic and accuracy (L&A) programming on two voting machines for early in-person and mail-in ballots. Both machines were tested without issues and are now sealed and stored in the registrar’s office.

• Completed L&A programming for early voting in-person machine
• Completed L&A programming for early voting mail-in machine
• Verified and signed test tapes for both machines
• Sealed mail-in machine with Seal # 477533
• Sealed in-person machine with Seal # 477534

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing: Proposed Amendment to FY24/25 Consolidated Bud

This meeting includes a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county's FY2024-2025 consolidated budget, followed by board consideration of amendments and appropriations. Other items include committee reports, a VDOT update, the treasurer's report, and several resolutions (POW/MIA, domestic violence awareness, PPTRA, planning commission on zoning lot sizes). The board will also consider appointments, departmental reports, and invoices for payment.

• Public hearing on proposed amendments to FY2024-2025 consolidated budget
• Consideration of amendments and appropriations to FY2024-2025 budget
• POW/MIA Resolution
• Prevention & Awareness of Domestic Violence Month Resolution
• Planning Commission Resolution on zoning lot sizes

The Board of Supervisors approved staff-recommended amendments to the FY 2024-2025 consolidated budget. Officials also authorized the write-off of delinquent personal property taxes from 2019 and deceased accounts. A proposal for a speed enforcement contract with Blue Line Solutions was tabled for further review.

• Approved FY 2024-2025 consolidated budget amendments and appropriations of $11,515,129.40
• Approved write-off of 2019 personal property taxes totaling $11,405.90
• Approved write-off of personal property taxes for deceased accounts totaling $19,753.12
• Tabled contract proposal for Blue Line Solutions speed enforcement
• Consensus reached to publish names of accounts with taxes still due on the County website

Electoral Board

The board approved minutes from the July 3 meeting and two separate recount sessions. Members discussed staffing levels for precincts and upcoming early voting schedules.

• Approved July 3, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approved July 29, 2024 L&A session minutes for 5th district recount
• Approved 5th congressional District Primary recount minutes

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings for Quarter Horse Solar Siting Agreement & Con

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold four public hearings, including one for the Quarter Horse Solar siting agreement and a related conditional use permit amendment. The board will also consider adoption of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code and a VDOT resolution on rural rustic routes. Several administrative items such as invoices and appropriations are on the agenda for approval.

• Public hearing and consideration of Samuel Hostetler's CUP for a wood processor
• Public hearing and consideration of Tobias Hertzler's CUP for a retail store
• Public hearing and consideration of Lavender Solar's CUP application for a solar project
• Public hearing and consideration of Quarter Horse Siting Agreement and CUP amendment for solar project
• Consideration of adoption of 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code resolution

The Board of Supervisors denied a conditional use permit for the Lavender Solar project in a 6-1 vote. Conversely, the Board approved the Siting Agreement for the Quarter Horse Solar Project and approved two other conditional use permits for a wood processor and a retail store.

• Denied Lavender Solar CUP (6-1)
• Approved Quarter Horse Siting Agreement with Virginia Electric & Power Company
• Approved Samuel Hostetler’s CUP for a wood processor
• Approved Tobias Hertzler’s CUP for a retail store
• Adopted resolution not to overrule Planning Commission's July 18 decision on Quarter Horse Solar Project
• Approved July 2024 meeting minutes

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board conducted a court-ordered recount of the Virginia 5th Congressional District Republican Primary on August 1, 2024. The process involved programming voting machines to isolate specific primary votes and delivering the final results to the Goochland Circuit Court.

• Completed recount of 5th Congressional District Republican Primary (August 1)
• Approved Atlantic Election Contract (July 3)
• Approved June 6 and June 18 meeting minutes (July 3)

Regular Meeting / Joint Public Hearing-Quarter Horse Solar Conditional Use Permi

The Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors to consider an amendment to the Quarter Horse Solar conditional use permit. They will also consider the Lavender Solar conditional use permit application after a previous hearing, and discuss proposed changes to lot size and setback requirements in the General Agricultural District.

• Joint public hearing and consideration of Quarter Horse Solar Conditional Use Permit amendment
• Consideration of Lavender Solar conditional use permit for a 5-megawatt solar facility near Route 47
• Proposed amendment to General Agricultural District lot size and setback requirements
• General public comment period and commissioners' time

The Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit amendment for a 125-megawatt solar facility. The commission also recommended maintaining current lot size and setback requirements for the General Agriculture District.

• Found Quarter Horse Solar project substantially in accord with Comprehensive Plan (6-1)
• Recommended approval of Quarter Horse Solar Conditional Use Permit Amendment with conditions (6-1)
• Amended Quarter Horse Solar Condition #7 to require fencing meet Department of Wildlife Resources height guidance (Unanimous)
• Recommended no changes to General Agriculture District lot size and setbacks (Unanimous)
• Approved June meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)

Joint Public Hearing - Quarter Horse Solar Conditional Use Permit Amendment

The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint public hearing regarding a conditional use permit amendment for a 125-megawatt solar facility. No final decision was recorded in the minutes; the session consisted of staff presentations, a Dominion representative's presentation, and public comments.

• Approved the agenda (all present voted yes)
• Approved June meeting minutes (all present voted yes)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will consider resolutions regarding the Kroger opioid settlement and financial policy. They will also review an offer for the MBC Tower and Planning Commission recommendations for a wood processor and retail store. The meeting includes reviews of various invoices and appropriation requests.

• Kroger Opioid Settlement Resolution consideration
• MBC Tower Offer consideration
• Samuel Hostetler’s CUP Application (Wood Processor)
• Tobias Hertzler’s CUP Application (Retail Store)
• Southside Virginia ASAP Board Appointment

The Board of Supervisors approved a request to replace two part-time positions with one full-time Deputy Registrar. The board also received progress updates on broadband expansion and VDOT road projects.

• Approved request to hire one full-time employee for the Registrar's office based on salary guidelines (unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Conditional Use Public Hearings for Lavender Solar, Tobias Her

The commission will hold public hearings for conditional use permits regarding utility-scale solar, a retail store, and a wood processor. Members will also review lot size and setback requirements for the General Agricultural Zoning District.

• Public hearing: Lavender Solar utility-scale solar permit
• Public hearing: Tobias Hertzler retail store permit
• Public hearing: Samuel Hostetler wood processor permit
• Review of General Agricultural District lot size and setback requirements

The Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a commercial wood processor, a retail store, and a 5-megawatt solar facility. Each recommendation included specific staff-proposed conditions for approval.

• Recommended approval of Samuel Hostetler’s Conditional Use Permit for a commercial wood processing operation (All Yes)
• Recommended approval of Tobias N. Hertzler’s Conditional Use Permit for a retail store (All Yes)
• Recommended approval of Lavender Solar, LLC’s Conditional Use Permit for a 5-megawatt solar facility (Motion made; vote tally not recorded in text)

Canvass

The Electoral Board examined polling location paperwork and processed seven provisional ballots. The board tallied and re-counted all votes and completed the official state forms.

• Approved entry into closed session to review provisional ballots (3-0)
• Certified that the closed session was conducted in accordance with Virginia Law (3-0)
• Processed 7 provisional ballots (5 Republican, 2 Democratic) for counting
• Completed and sealed all official state forms after tallying and re-counting votes

Regular Meeting & VDOT Six-Year Improvement Plan Work Session

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to adopt the VDOT 6-Year Plan. The meeting includes discussions on a draft financial policy and a review of Planning Commission findings for Lavender Solar 2232. The board will also consider various appropriations for FY2024 and FY2025.

• Public hearing and resolution for adoption of VDOT 6-Year Plan
• Review of Planning Commission findings for Lavender Solar 2232
• MBC offer to donate two communication towers to the County
• DHCD loan agreement with IDA regarding the Shaw Building
• Consideration of FY2025 appropriations for the County and Schools

The Board approved the VDOT 6-Year Plan and authorized a loan agreement with DHCD and the IDA for the Shaw Building. Members also approved FY25 appropriations totaling $74,707,066 and designated July 5, 2024, as a county holiday.

• Approved FY25 appropriations totaling $74,707,066
• Adopted VDOT 6-Year Plan resolution
• Approved loan execution with DHCD and IDA for Shaw Building
• Approved FY 2024 invoices totaling $820,541.53
• Approved invoices totaling $138,459.48
• Approved FY24 appropriations of $31,314.00
• Approved closing county offices on July 5, 2024
• Tabled draft Financial Policy and MBC communication tower offer

Electoral Board

The board approved a draft article for the Charlotte Gazette to recruit Officers of the Election to be run twice. The Registrar reported that the state has not indicated that DEM-TECH poll books will be decertified.

• Approved May 2, 2024 minutes
• Approved draft recruitment article for Charlotte Gazette to run twice

Planning & Zoning

The Charlotte County Planning Commission discussed retaining current agricultural lot size and setback rules, which dictate minimum property dimensions and construction permits for landowners. Staff also held a public hearing to review the general location of the proposed Lavender Solar project under state law before it can proceed to conditional use permit review. Additionally, staff reported on broadband deployment status and noted that the Board of Supervisors recently approved the county’s new comprehensive plan.

• Vote to retain current minimum lot size, setback, and frontage requirements in the General Agricultural Zoning District
• Public hearing for Lavender Solar’s 5-megawatt photovoltaic facility on approximately 61 acres near Route 47 and Tower Loop Road
• Staff review of a battery energy storage zoning text amendment application
• Discussion on cellular service declines and broadband deployment status
• Update that the Board of Supervisors approved the new comprehensive plan following an April 10 public hearing

The Planning Commission approved a finding that the proposed 5-megawatt Lavender Solar facility is substantially in accord with the county's comprehensive plan. The commission tabled a discussion on reducing minimum lot sizes and setbacks in the General Agricultural District until the next meeting.

• Approved finding that Lavender Solar 5-megawatt facility is substantially in accord with Comprehensive Plan (6-4)
• Tabled review of General Agricultural District lot area and setbacks

Work Session - Financial Policy Development

The Board of Supervisors received a presentation from Davenport Public Finance regarding proposed Financial Policy Guidelines. The session focused on reviewing the framework for budget, debt, reserve, and investment policies. No formal votes or adoptions were made during this work session.

• Reviewed Proposed Financial Policy Guidelines covering objectives, capital improvements, budget development, debt, reserves, and investments

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss the FY2025 appropriations and review a VDOT 6-year plan. The session includes a review of planning commission recommendations regarding setbacks and parcel size, as well as a battery storage application.

• FY2025 Appropriations
• Planning Commission recommendations on setbacks and parcel size
• Battery storage application referral
• VDOT 6-Year Plan discussion
• Appointment to the SVCC Board of Directors

The Board of Supervisors approved the VDOT 6-year plan with changes and referred agricultural district setback and lot size requirements to the Planning Commission. The Board also authorized negotiations for solar and cell tower leases and approved several sets of invoices and appropriations.

• Approved VDOT 6-year plan with changes (Unanimous)
• Referred General Agricultural District setback and lot size requirements to Planning Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved FY 2024 invoices totaling $425,818.35 (Unanimous)
• Approved invoices received after April meeting totaling $139,329.58 (Unanimous)
• Approved appropriations of $57,981.00 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Curtis Morton and reaffirmed Michael Campbell to SVCC Board of Directors (Unanimous)
• Authorized County Administrator to negotiate lease with Dominion Energy for solar facility (Unanimous)
• Authorized County Administrator to finalize cell tower lease with US Cellular (Unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Board approved the minutes from the April 11 meeting. The General Registrar reported that early voting begins May 3 and noted that Civics will discontinue support for Demtech in Virginia after the November election. The Board will advertise for additional alternate and affiliated nominees for election officers.

• Approved April 11 meeting minutes
• Planned advertisement for alternate and affiliated election officer nominees

Special Called Meeting - FY25 Budget

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will adopt the consolidated fiscal year 2024-2025 budget and set county tax levies. These decisions establish the approved spending plan for local government operations and determine property tax rates for residents. The agenda contains only these two items with no additional public hearings or specific line items listed.

• Adopt consolidated budget for fiscal year 2024-2025
• Set county tax levies for fiscal year 2024-2025

The Board approved the FY 2024-2025 Consolidated Budget totaling $74,707,066, which included one reduction of $28,688. The Board also set the tax levies for the FY 2025 tax year.

• Approved FY 2024-2025 Consolidated Budget of $74,707,066 (6-0-1)
• Set Real Estate & Mobile Homes tax levy at .62 per $100 assessed value (6-0-1)
• Set Personal Property tax levy at 3.46 per $100 assessed value (6-0-1)
• Set Machinery & Tools tax levy at 3.00 per $100 assessed value (6-0-1)
• Set Merchant’s Capital tax levy at 3.20 per $100 assessed value (6-0-1)
• Set License Registration Fee at 25.00 per vehicle (6-0-1)

Planning & Zoning

The Charlotte County Planning Commission met to review zoning ordinance requirements for the General Agricultural District, which dictates lot sizes and building setbacks for most county land. The commission also voted to defer a decision on the Lavender Solar project for up to 90 days while applicants complete boundary surveys and cultural resource studies. Staff provided updates on the comprehensive plan review, including a newly adopted 4% solar land area cap by the Board of Supervisors that will guide future energy development in the county.

• Deferral of Lavender Solar conditional use permit for up to 90 days pending boundary and cemetery impact studies
• Review of General Agricultural zoning district regulations, including minimum lot size (3 acres) and setback requirements (60–125 feet from state roads)
• Comprehensive plan update incorporating a Board of Supervisors cap limiting solar facilities to 4% of total county land area
• Appointment of Richard Vaughan as the Planning Commission representative for the Keysville District
• Public hearing comments on the 2232 review process and cultural resource studies for proposed energy projects

The Commission voted to keep existing lot size, setback, and frontage requirements for the General Agricultural Zoning District. This decision followed a discussion regarding whether to reduce acreage requirements to make land more affordable for young people. The Commission also received updates on the approved comprehensive plan and several solar projects.

• Retained current lot size, setback, and frontage requirements in the General Agricultural Zoning District (Approved; Mike Price abstained, all others present voted yes)
• Approved the meeting agenda (All present voted yes)
• Approved February 15th meeting minutes (All present voted yes)

Public Hearing: Budget & Tax Levy

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on two items: the proposed 2024/2025 Consolidated Budget and a proposed personal property tax increase. Staff will present reports, after which residents may submit comments or ask questions before the board closes each hearing. The agenda does not list specific budget totals or tax rate changes.

• Public hearing on the proposed 2024/2025 Charlotte County Consolidated Budget
• Public hearing on a proposed personal property tax increase

The Board of Supervisors conducted public hearings regarding the proposed 2024/2025 Consolidated Budget and a personal property tax rate increase. No formal votes were taken to approve or deny the budget or tax rate during this session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Board approved the minutes from the February meeting and the March 5th Presidential Primary canvas meeting. Members discussed training for election officers and potential polling place adjustments for the general election.

• Approved February meeting minutes
• Approved March 5th Canvas meeting minutes

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing for New Comprehensive Plan

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider action on the new 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which sets future land-use guidelines for the county. The board will also evaluate a request for a 60-day extension to review the Lavendar Solar Project at address 2232. Additional items include resolutions covering alcohol safety programs, regional hazard mitigation, and naming Route 360 bridges, plus a discussion on concealed carry permit fees.

• Public hearing and resolution action on the new 2024 Comprehensive Plan
• Request for a 60-day extension to review the Lavendar Solar Project at address 2232
• Resolutions covering the Southside Alcohol Safety Action Program and Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• VDOT resolution to name Route 360 bridges
• Discussion on concealed carry permit fees; routine approvals for invoices, utility payments, and fee refunds

The Board of Supervisors adopted the updated Commonwealth Regional Council Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved participation in the Southside Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. They also named the Route 360 bridges over the Staunton River as the Joseph D. Barkley, II Memorial Bridge. A public hearing was held regarding the new Comprehensive Plan, which includes a proposed 4% cap on solar development.

• Adopted the updated CRC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved continued participation in the Southside Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (Unanimous)
• Named Route 360 bridges over the Staunton River as the 'Joseph D. Barkley, II Memorial Bridge' (Unanimous)
• Nominated Cheryl Spencer as citizen representative to Piedmont Senior Resources (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution honoring Cornell B. Goldman for service to the Planning Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved March 13, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Budget Work Session

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors held a work session to discuss the fiscal year 2024–2025 budget, which outlines proposed spending for county operations. Reviewing department funding requests and approving tax rates determines how local services are funded and collected from residents. The board also planned to finalize advertising language for the approved rates before adjourning.

• FY2024–2025 budget work session
• Budget requests from Sheriff Randy Grissom, VGA- David Denny, and REDO CRC- Melody Foster
• County Administrator’s budget overview and discussion
• Approval of presented tax rates for public advertising

The Board of Supervisors approved a siting agreement for a 150 MW AC solar facility in Madisonville. The Board also passed a resolution endorsing the restoration of the historic Salem School. A work session was held to identify road paving and bridge priorities for VDOT.

• Approved Siting Agreement for CPV County Line Solar project (6-1)
• Approved resolution endorsing Salem School Preservation Committee's restoration plans (Unanimous)
• Approved February 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda as amended (Unanimous)
• Identified Mossingford bridge and Double Bridges Road as top VDOT priorities

Joint Budget Work Session with School Board

The Board of Supervisors and School Board held a work session to discuss the proposed school budget and teacher salary increases. No formal votes were taken; the session served to gather information on funding needs for raises and longevity pay.

Regular Meeting & VDOT Six-Year Improvement Plan Work Session

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and take action on the CPV Siting Agreement and a conditional use permit. The meeting also includes a work session on the VDOT Six-year Plan and various county updates.

• Public hearing for CPV Siting Agreement
• Discussion and action on CPV Conditional Use Permit (Applicant: Marlon dos Santos)
• VDOT Six-year Plan work session
• Salem School Preservation Resolution
• RiverStreet Broadband Update

The Board of Supervisors approved a siting agreement for the CPV County Line Solar project in Madisonville. The Board also passed a resolution endorsing the restoration of the historic Salem School as a community resource.

• Approved Siting Agreement for CPV County Line Solar project
• Approved resolution endorsing Salem School Preservation Committee's restoration plans
• Approved adding gateway entrance signs at Route 727, Route 47 (from Mecklenburg), Route 15 (toward Prince Edward), and Route 40 (toward Red House)
• Approved February 2023 minutes
• Approved meeting agenda as amended

Canvass

The Charlotte County Electoral Board inspected polling place envelopes, processed provisional ballots in a closed session, and tallied mail-in and early voting results. The canvas was completed on March 8, 2024, with all official forms signed and sealed.

• Approved motion to enter closed session to process provisional ballots (3-0)
• Certified that the closed session was conducted in uniformity with Virginia law (3-0)
• Completed tally and recount of all official votes

Budget Work Session

The Board of Supervisors is conducting a work session to review budget requests from various departments, constitutional officers, and nonprofits. The meeting also includes discussions regarding tax rates, revenue projections, and the Capital Improvement Plan.

• Budget requests from Piedmont Senior Resources, Commonwealth Attorney, CCRS, STEPS & Madeline’s House, Library, and Piedmont Habitat for Humanity
• Discussion of tax rates and revenue projections
• Review of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The Board of Supervisors reviewed FY25 budget requests and proposed a personal property tax rate increase to $3.46/$100. They approved specific funding increases for the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney and several nonprofit and public safety requests to be included in the proposed budget.

• Directed staff to move forward with $550,000 additional funding for three 24-hour Rescue Squad crews
• Approved $7,500 pay increase for the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney
• Denied $3,000 supplement requests for General District and J&D Court state employee positions
• Requested $5,500 for Madeline’s House be included in the proposed budget
• Requested $500 for Brain Injury Solutions be included in the proposed budget
• Requested $5,000 additional funding for each Fire Department be included in the proposed budget
• Requested funding for two new road deputies (approx. $65K net impact) be included in the proposed budget
• Proposed forgiving $19,200 in rent for STEPS if they assume building maintenance

Planning & Zoning

The Commission deferred the Lavender Solar 2232 review for up to 90 days to allow the applicant to provide more information. The deferral is based on unresolved questions regarding county boundaries, the project's impact on a cemetery, and potential structural remains. Staff also provided updates on the comprehensive plan review and solar legislation.

• Deferred Lavender Solar 2232 review for up to 90 days (Approved with one dissenting vote)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings (1) CPV County Line Solar, (2) Charlotte Solar

The Board of Supervisors will consider several conditional use permits for solar projects. The meeting also includes discussions on county and school appropriations for fiscal year 2024.

• Public Hearing: County & School Appropriations FY2024
• Public Hearing: CPV County Line Solar Conditional Use Permit
• Public Hearing: Charlotte Solar 1 Gibson Project Conditional Use Permit
• Public Hearing: Charlotte Solar 2 Austin Goldman Project Conditional Use Permit
• Consideration of Southside PDC Request- VATI/BEAD 2024 Match

The Board of Supervisors approved County and School appropriations totaling $1,777,644.26. A Conditional Use Permit for the Charlotte Solar 1 Gibson Project was approved with staff-recommended conditions. The Board also authorized a payment to the Charlotte County Rescue Squad.

• Approved County and School appropriations of $1,777,644.26 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Charlotte Solar 1 Gibson Project (5-2)
• Approved $157,500 payment to Charlotte County Rescue Squad (6-1)
• Nominated Kenneth Redmond to the Industrial Development Authority (unanimous)
• Nominated Richard Vaughan to the Charlotte County Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved January 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board approved the list of poll workers and the signage plan for new precinct locations for the March presidential primary. The board also approved minutes from the January 4 meeting and the January 9 Canvas meeting.

• Approved January 4, 2024 minutes
• Approved January 9 Canvas meeting minutes
• Approved updated list of poll workers for state submission
• Approved selection of poll workers for Presidential Dual Primary
• Approved signage and personnel plan for new precinct locations

Organizational & Regular meeting

The Planning Commission met to elect 2024 officers and establish meeting rules and schedules. The session included updates on the Lavender Solar 2232 review and public hearings regarding several solar energy projects.

• Election of 2024 Chairman, Vice-chairmen, and Secretary
• Lavender Solar 2232 Review Update
• Public hearing for Charlotte Solar 1 (Gibson Project) on County Line Road
• Public hearing for Charlotte Solar 2 (Goldman Project) near Taro Road
• Review of the 2023 Planning Commission annual report and minutes

The Planning Commission deferred a decision on a conditional use permit for the 5-megawatt Lavender Solar facility until February 15, 2024. The board also completed its 2024 organizational appointments and established a regular monthly meeting schedule.

• Elected Andrew Carwile as Chair
• Elected James Benn as first vice-chair
• Elected Eugene Wells as second vice-chair
• Appointed Monica Elder as secretary
• Adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for Small Groups with specific modifications
• Set regular meetings for the third Thursday of each month
• Approved December 21st meeting minutes
• Deferred decision on Lavender Solar conditional use permit until Feb 15, 2024 (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will review and discuss the Comprehensive Plan, including solar cap language. Other items include approving budgets and setting public hearings for various projects.

• Comprehensive Plan- Discussion on Solar Cap Language
• Planning Commission Request for Lavendar Solar Application Review Extension
• Set Public Hearings for CPV County Line Solar and Charlotte Solar Projects

The Board of Supervisors approved specific language for the Comprehensive Plan that limits utility-scale solar development to 4% of the County's total land area. The Board also updated its public comment policy to a single general period and approved several board appointments.

• Adopted Comprehensive Plan language with a 4% solar cap (4-3)
• Approved updated Public Comment Policy limiting meetings to a single comment period (5-2)
• Approved staff to draft a Resolution of Support for the Salem School Preservation Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved $80,926.25 in FY 2024 invoices (Unanimous)
• Approved $15,925.26 in invoices received after December meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved review extension for Lavendar Solar Application (Unanimous)
• Reappointed members to Library Board, Social Services Board, Industrial Development Authority, and Planning Commission
• Appointed P. K. Pettus to Roanoke Rivers Rails – To – Trails

Organizational Meeting

The Board of Supervisors met to conduct annual organizational business. The agenda focused on electing leadership for 2024 and establishing the meeting schedule for the year.

• Election of Chairman for 2024
• Election of Vice-Chairman for 2024
• Adoption of rules of order
• Reaffirmation of Remote Participation Policy
• Reaffirmation of Code of Conduct & Performance Resolution

The Board of Supervisors held an organizational meeting to elect its Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Board also adopted rules of order, reaffirmed policies on remote participation and conduct, and established the 2024 meeting calendar.

• Elected Supervisor Walker as Chairman for 2024 (All Aye)
• Elected Supervisor Bailey as Vice-Chairman for 2024 (All Aye)
• Adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for Small Groups ‘Boards’ with a requirement for a second for all motions (All Aye)
• Approved resolution for participation in meetings through electronic communication means (7-0)
• Endorsed Code of Conduct & Performance resolution (7-0)
• Set regular meetings for the second Wednesday of every month, alternating between 1:00 p.m. (odd months) and 6:00 p.m. (even months)