Wise County public meetings in 2021

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on a zoning amendment for utility-scale solar facilities, an ordinance creating a C-PACE financing program, a special use permit for a mobile home park, and redistricting ordinances. They will also consider consent agenda items including a courthouse HVAC report, third-quarter appropriations, and the 2022 holiday calendar, plus new business like a pilot foster care program and budget amendments.

• Public hearing on proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance #2-1991 regarding Utility Scale Solar Facilities
• Public hearing on proposed ordinance to create C-PACE Financing and Resiliency Program
• Public hearing on special use permit for mobile home park at 5816 Guest River Road
• Public hearing on proposed Redistricting Ordinances for Wise County
• Resolution for Pilot Foster Care Program and budget amendments (3rd quarter revised)

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the zoning ordinance for utility-scale solar facilities, created a C-PACE financing and resiliency program, and granted a special use permit for a mobile home park at 5816 Guest River Road. They also approved two redistricting ordinances (7 and 8) with a 7-1 vote, with Bobby Cassell dissenting. All other actions, including consent agenda items, budget amendments, and a resolution supporting a pilot foster care program, were approved unanimously.

• Approved amendment to Zoning Ordinance #2-1991 for utility-scale solar facilities (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance creating C-PACE Financing and Resiliency Program (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for mobile home park at 5816 Guest River Road (unanimous)
• Approved redistricting ordinances #7 and #8 (7-1, Cassell nay)
• Approved consent agenda including HVAC report, 3rd quarter appropriations, 2022 calendar (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Pilot Foster Care Interdisciplinary Law Office (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments #11-#16 (unanimous)
• Appointed Martha Jett to Lonesome Pine Regional Library Board of Trustees (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is reviewing a proposed 1% increase to the FY 2021/22 County budget. The meeting also includes several items for public hearing, including road name changes and zoning amendments.

• Proposed 1% increase in County FY 2021/22 budget
• Road name change from Sykes Blvd to Pinnacle Drive
• Public hearing for a mobile home park at 5816 Guest River Road
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance 2-1991 regarding Utility Scale Solar Facilities
• Resolutions supporting CDBG applications for Pound Sewer System and Hamilton Town Sewer projects

The Wise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 1% increase to the FY 2021/22 budget, an amendment to Ordinance #5-2007 allowing road name changes under exigent circumstances, and the renaming of Sykes Blvd to Pinnacle Drive. They also approved the consent agenda, budget amendments #8, #9, and #10, and made several appointments.

• Approved 1% increase to County FY 2021/22 budget (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Ordinance #5-2007 allowing road name changes (unanimous)
• Approved road name change from Sykes Blvd to Pinnacle Drive (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Regional Jail Authority agreement and CDBG resolutions (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments #8, #9, #10 (unanimous)
• Appointed Jeff Lester to Local Emergency Planning Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Danny Smith to Local Citizens Corp Council (unanimous)
• Appointed members to Standards Committee (911) (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings and consider ordinances on a tax exemption for veterans and regulations for solar energy projects, as well as the sale or lease of county properties and naming a Coeburn bridge. The board will also vote on resolutions opposing an ODP power rate increase and settling opioid-related claims, plus handle routine items like budget amendments and appointments.

• Public hearing and ordinance on tax exemption for veterans
• Public hearing and ordinance for solar energy projects
• Proposed sale or lease of county properties
• Resolution naming Coeburn bridge as Roger Ralph Kus Memorial Bridge
• Resolution opposing Old Dominion Power Company rate increase

The Wise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a veterans personal property tax exemption ordinance and a solar energy projects ordinance, both after public hearings with no opposition. The board also approved a list of county properties for sale or lease, a resolution naming a bridge in honor of Roger Ralph Kus, and several other resolutions and appointments. Two appointments were tabled, and a change order for demolition contracts was approved.

• Approved Veterans Personal Property Tax Exemption Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Solar Energy Projects Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved list of county properties for sale or lease (unanimous)
• Approved resolution naming bridge #1058 as Roger Ralph Kus Memorial Bridge (unanimous)
• Approved resolution opposing Old Dominion Power rate increase (unanimous)
• Approved resolution for opioid related claims settlement (unanimous)
• Tabled appointment to Local Emergency Planning Committee until next month (unanimous)
• Approved change order to demolition contract for Pound and J.J. Kelly stadiums (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed rezoning of property on Industrial Park Road to a B-2 District. The board will also set public hearings for October 14 on a veterans tax exemption, solar energy projects, sale or lease of county properties, and naming a bridge. Other business includes a proposed cigarette tax ordinance, budget amendments, and appointments.

• Public hearing on rezoning property on Industrial Park Road to B-2 District
• Set public hearing for veterans tax exemption ordinance
• Set public hearing for solar energy projects ordinance
• Set public hearing for sale or lease of county properties
• Proposed ordinance on cigarette tax in Wise County

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution recommending the Virginia General Assembly annul and repeal the Town of Pound's charter, despite public opposition. The board also approved a rezoning for Family Crisis Support Center, tabled a cigarette tax proposal, and made several appointments.

• Approved resolution to recommend repeal of Town of Pound charter (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved rezoning of property on Industrial Park Road for Family Crisis Support Center (unanimous)
• Tabled proposed cigarette tax ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including public hearings for veterans tax exemption, solar energy ordinance, county property sale/lease, and memorial bridge naming (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments #5 and #6 (unanimous)
• Appointed Cody Blankenbecler to multiple emergency management positions (unanimous)
• Tabled several appointments to committees until next month (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings regarding tax exemption statuses for the SW Regional Recreation Authority and The Nature Conservancy. The meeting also includes discussions on new ordinances for cigarette tax and monuments on county property.

• Public hearing: Proposed tax exemption status for SW Regional Recreation Authority
• Public hearing: Proposed tax exemption status for The Nature Conservancy
• Proposed Ordinance on Markers and Monuments located on County Property
• Proposed Ordinance on Cigarette Tax
• Ratification of Budget Amendment #26 regarding DCJS Grant for SWVA Community Corrections

The Wise County Board of Supervisors tabled a proposed cigarette tax ordinance for further review after a public hearing where a business owner voiced opposition. The board approved tax exemptions for the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority and The Nature Conservancy, and adopted a policy on markers, plaques, and monuments on county property. Several appointments were made to various boards and committees, and a public hearing was set for a rezoning request by Family Crisis Support Services.

• Tabled proposed Cigarette Tax Ordinance for further review (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance exempting Southwest Regional Recreation Authority from taxation (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance exempting The Nature Conservancy from taxation (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance on policy for markers, plaques, and monuments on county property (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for 9-9-2021 on rezoning of Industrial Park Road property to B-2 District (unanimous)
• Approved resolution for Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and Settlement Allocation MOU (unanimous)
• Approved resolution honoring Treasurer Delores Smith with Jefferson Award (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments #1-#4 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Wise County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a rezoning request by Family Crisis Support Services, Inc. The proposal seeks to change property from M-2 Heavy Industrial to R-2 General Residential for use as offices and a shelter facility.

• Rezoning of Tax ID #020370 from M-2 to R-2
• Proposed development of offices, support services, and a shelter facility

Board of Supervisors

The Board unanimously approved the Wise County and Public Schools FY2021/22 budgets, a rezoning for a self-storage facility, a zoning amendment for crematoriums, and a resolution naming a bridge in West Norton. They also approved the consent agenda, employee handbook amendments, and several appointments. No public comments were made during the public hearings.

• Approved Wise County FY2021/22 budget (unanimous)
• Approved Wise County Public Schools FY2021/22 budget (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 2.31 acres on Indian Creek Road for self-storage (unanimous)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendment for crematoriums/cremation (unanimous)
• Approved naming bridge as Sgt. Alfred J. Amburgey Memorial Bridge (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including LENOWISCO Hazard Mitigation Plan and various agreements (unanimous)
• Approved employee handbook amendments (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Eula Hughes to Redevelopment and Housing Authority (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing on the proposed county budget for fiscal year 2021/22. The board will also consider a resolution to waive the requirement to administer existing split precincts for the November 2021 general election, and will enter a closed session to discuss investing public funds, legal consultation, and personnel matters.

• Public hearing on proposed County Budget for FY 2021/22
• Resolution to waive administration of existing split precincts for November 2021 General Elections
• Closed session under Section 2.2-3711(A)(6) investing public funds, (A)(7) legal counsel, (A)(1) personnel

The Wise County Board of Supervisors held a recessed meeting on June 3, 2021, with no public comments during the advertised budget hearing. The board unanimously approved a resolution to file a waiver with the Virginia Department of Elections to administer existing split precincts for the November 2021 general elections. The board also entered closed session for legal, personnel, and investment matters, and later certified the closed session as lawful. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

• Approved resolution to file waiver for split precincts (unanimous)
• Certified closed session as lawful (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors is holding a regular meeting that includes a joint public hearing with VDOT on the proposed Secondary Six-Year Plan and construction budget, as well as presentations on the proposed school and county budgets for FY 2021/22. The board will also consider several consent agenda items, including setting public hearings for a zoning amendment on crematoriums, a rezoning for a self-storage facility, and a bridge naming. Additionally, they will vote on resolutions for the six-year plan, ambulance service, and the Community Remembrance Project.

• Joint public hearing with VDOT on Secondary Six-Year Plan FY 2021/22-2026/27 and construction budget
• Presentation of proposed School Board Budget FY 2021/22
• Presentation of proposed County Budget FY 2021/22
• Set public hearing on rezoning 2.31 acres on Route 23 S and Route 823 for self-storage facility
• Resolution on Ambulance Transportation Service

The Board of Supervisors adopted the FY2021/22 county budget of $57,174,108.90, balanced with no projected tax rate increase, and approved the school board's $68,180,900 budget presentation. The board also adopted the VDOT Secondary Six-Year Plan, approved several resolutions and appointments, and set public hearings for zoning, rezoning, and the county budget. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted FY2021/22 county budget of $57,174,108.90 (unanimous)
• Adopted Secondary Six-Year Plan FY2021/22-2026/27 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution granting Richardson Ambulance Service LLC non-ambulatory transport (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for June 3, 2021 on county budget
• Set public hearing for June 10, 2021 on crematorium zoning amendment
• Set public hearing for June 10, 2021 on rezoning at Rt 23 and Rt 823 for self-storage
• Set public hearing for June 10, 2021 on naming bridge as Sgt. Alfred Amburgey Memorial Bridge
• Re-appointed Russell Cyphers, Dick Houchins, James T. Boardwine, and Diane R. Abbott to boards (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is meeting to consider a conditional rezoning and Special Use Permit for property at 4445 Dorchester Rd in Norton. The agenda also includes discussions on the property tax rate for FY 2021/22 and a presentation regarding new ambulances for Wise County.

• Proposed conditional rezoning & Special Use Permit for 4445 Dorchester Rd, Norton
• Proposed naming of bridge located in Esserville
• Resolution setting property tax rate for FY 2021/22 (Amended version)
• Resolution In Support of Hamilton Town Sewer Project
• Presentation on new ambulances for Wise County

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional rezoning and special use permit for a prefabricated building at 4445 Dorchester Road to store materials and assemble ammunition for local sale. They also approved paving for Ratliff Road and Woodland Drive, named a bridge in Esserville, and made several appointments. The board tabled a request to recognize the Community Remembrance Project.

• Approved conditional rezoning and special use permit for ammunition assembly at 4445 Dorchester Road (unanimous)
• Approved paving of Ratliff Road in Big Stone Gap and Woodland Drive in Appalachia (unanimous)
• Approved resolution naming bridge in Esserville as 'Corporal Carl Dingus Memorial Bridge' (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Hamilton Town Sewer Project resolution and FY2021 property tax rate (unanimous)
• Tabled Community Remembrance Project request (unanimous)
• Appointed Gilmer Blackburn to Social Services Board, Roy Munsey to MECC Advisory Board, Heather Crouse and Susan Mullins to Community Policy and Management Board, Billie Laney to 911 Standards Committee, and Michael Hatfield to Recycling Working Group (all unanimous)
• Authorized contract with Commonwealth Attorney for delinquent court fines collection (unanimous)
• Certified closed session and approved closed meeting resolution (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

There is no agenda provided for this Wise County Board of Supervisors meeting. The record directs readers to the meeting minutes for information.

The Wise County Board of Supervisors met for a budget workshop on April 5, 2021, to discuss potential budget increases and revenue options. Topics included a Sheriff's Office command center request, paying down county debt, mandated budget increases, minimum wage impacts, and using county gas supply for revenue. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational only.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the workshop

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop to review preliminary FY 2021/22 figures, comparing them to the FY 2019 budget. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was for discussion only. Key points included a projected $810,000 decrease in local revenues, potential use of American Rescue Plan funds, and a list of expenditure reductions totaling $678,413.

• No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop for budget review and discussion.
• Reviewed preliminary FY 2021/22 budget figures, including a projected $810,000 decrease in local revenues.
• Discussed potential use of American Rescue Plan funds to offset revenue decreases and pay Sheriff Officer's wages.
• Noted a $0.01 tax increase would generate $360,000 in revenue, but no tax increase was proposed or approved.
• Reviewed expenditure reductions totaling $678,413, including Verizon overpayment, new phone system, insurance, Local Health Department, and Regional Jail.
• Discussed wage increases, including mandated minimum wage and a 5% increase for all employees, but no action was taken.
• Noted the need to review funding for rescue squads for a possible increase.
• Discussed concerns about the need for more recycling.

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed 1% increase in the County FY 2020/21 budget. The meeting also includes a presentation on the audit report ending June 30, 2020, and discussions on various appointments and ordinances.

• Public hearing for proposed 1% increase in County FY 2020/21 budget
• Proposed conditional rezoning at 4445 Dorchester Rd, Norton
• Pre-audit services agreement with Hicok, Brown & Company, CPA
• Approval of Coal Road Committee Annual Plans for Roads & Bridges
• Contract for Broker Services of Voluntary Supplemental Benefits

The Board approved a 1% increase to the FY 2020/21 budget after a public hearing with no comments. They also accepted the FY 2020 audit report, approved contracts for employee benefits brokerage and pre-audit services, and tabled a zoning ordinance amendment regarding recreational vehicles.

• Approved 1% increase to FY 2020/21 budget
• Accepted FY 2020 audit report with clean opinion
• Approved contract with Mark III Brokerage for voluntary supplemental benefits
• Approved pre-audit services agreement with Hicok, Brown & Company
• Tabled zoning ordinance amendment on recreational vehicles
• Set public hearing for April 8 on property tax rate
• Approved consent agenda including appropriations and resolutions
• Re-appointed members to various boards

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors met in a planning workshop on February 17, 2021, to receive presentations and updates from department heads on topics including budget, economic development, landfill, communication, energy, website/software, and county employees. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational and adjourned at 1:35 pm.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded during the planning workshop

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed 1% increase in the county's FY 2021/22 budget, then consider the increase as old business. They will also discuss a resolution supporting state budget amendments, a data center equipment tax rate MOU, landfill updates, and appoint a budget committee. The meeting includes a closed session for legal and personnel matters.

• Public hearing on proposed 1% increase in County FY 2021/22 budget
• Resolution supporting House and Senate budget amendments
• MOU on data center equipment tax rate
• Appoint Budget Committee
• Budget amendments and appointments

Board of Supervisors

This is the annual organizational meeting of the Wise County Board of Supervisors. The board will elect a chairman and vice-chairman, set the term of office, adopt rules of procedure, and decide on meeting times and tie-vote methods. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice-Chairman
• Adoption of Roberts Rules of Order and Rules of Procedure
• Setting time, date, and place of board meetings
• Selecting method of settling tie vote

The Wise County Board of Supervisors held an organizational meeting and unanimously elected J.H. Rivers as chairman and Steve Bates as vice-chairman for one-year terms. The board also adopted Roberts Rules of Order and its rules of procedure, set monthly meetings for the second Thursday at 6:00 pm, and decided that tie votes count as 'no' votes. All actions were procedural and unanimous.

• Appointed Michael Hatfield as temporary chairman (unanimous)
• Elected J.H. Rivers as Chairman by acclamation (unanimous)
• Elected Steve Bates as Vice-Chairman by acclamation (unanimous)
• Set Chairman and Vice-Chairman term of office for one year (unanimous)
• Adopted Roberts Rules of Order and Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Set Board meetings for second Thursday at 6:00 pm at School Board Education Center (unanimous)
• Decided tie votes count as 'no' votes (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting with no public hearings or presentations scheduled. The board will consider a resolution supporting completion of the Coalfields Expressway, rescind an appointment to the Southwest Virginia ASAP Policy Board, and act on budget amendments and appointments. The board will also enter a closed session to discuss investing public funds, legal counsel consultation, and personnel matters.

• Resolution supporting completion of the Coalfields Expressway
• Rescind appointment to Southwest Virginia ASAP Policy Board
• Budget Amendments
• Appointments
• Closed session for investing public funds, legal counsel, personnel

The Wise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting completion of the Coalfields Expressway, approved several appointments and re-appointments to boards and commissions, and approved a budget amendment. They also approved an AirMedCare Network membership for county employees and scheduled a planning workshop for February 17, 2021.

• Approved resolution supporting Coalfields Expressway completion (unanimous)
• Rescinded Adrian Collins' appointment to Southwest VASAP Policy Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Steven Davis to Southwest VASAP Policy Board (unanimous)
• Approved AirMedCare Network Group Full Census Membership for county employees (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment #18 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Planning Workshop for February 17, 2021 (unanimous)
• Appointed Shelly Logan and re-appointed Karen Hall to Wise County IDA (unanimous)
• Tabled appointments to Social Services Board and MECC Advisory Board until February (unanimous)