Wise County public meetings in 2025

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors convenes a special called meeting to conduct a closed session addressing personnel issues as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1). The board will adopt a resolution to certify the closed session, discuss the County Administrator position, and then adjourn.

• Close Session – Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) Personnel
• Resolution – Close Session Certification
• County Administrator Position

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved the county Comprehensive Plan, increased building permit fees, and rescinded the biennial reassessment ordinance. It also adopted the 2026 holiday and pay schedule, approved an opioid‑abatement grant, and passed several budget amendments and appropriations. Additional actions included appointing members to various boards and agencies.

• Approved Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Approved increase in building permit fees (unanimous)
• Rescinded Biennial Reassessment Ordinance #5‑2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Holiday and Pay Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Opioid Abatement Authority Grant Funding (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendments #30‑34 (unanimous)
• Approved 3rd Quarter Appropriations (unanimous)
• Appointed Matt Jordan to SW Regional Recreation Authority (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will discuss the FY25/26 budget and hold a closed session for personnel and legal consultation. The meeting is a recessed session held in the County Administrator's Office.

• Discuss Wise County FY25/26 Budget
• Closed Session for personnel and legal counsel
• Closed Session Certification Resolution

The Board approved a closed‑session meeting and then reconvened the public session, both unanimously. It certified that only exempt public business was discussed in closed session. The agenda was amended to add a item to ratify Michael Hatfield’s settlement agreement, and the Board ratified that settlement unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved closed‑session motion (unanimous)
• Approved motion to reconvene regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved resolution certifying closed‑session matters (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to add ‘Ratify Settlement Agreement for Michael Hatfield’ (unanimous)
• Ratified settlement agreement for Michael Hatfield (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:42 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss the Wise County FY 25/26 Budget. The agenda also includes presentations from the Treasurer and County Administrator.

• Discussion of Wise County FY 25/26 Budget
• Closed session regarding investing of public funds
• Closed session for consultation with legal counsel
• Closed session regarding personnel

The Board unanimously approved the agenda, entered a closed session, certified that only exempt matters were discussed, reconvened the open session, and then recessed the meeting until December 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. No budget or policy decisions were finalized.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Entered closed session per Code of Virginia §§2.2‑3711(A)(1,6,7) (unanimous)
• Reopened regular session after closed session (unanimous)
• Approved resolution certifying only exempt matters were discussed (unanimous)
• Recessed meeting until Dec 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in County Administrator’s Office (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors will present the FY25/26 budget and discuss it. The meeting includes consideration of budget amendments that allocate $300,000 to a grant expense, $300,000 to the Sheriff’s Office, and $300,000 for a VDEM 911 grant. A closed‑session will address investing public funds, consulting legal counsel, and personnel matters. The County Attorney and County Administrator will also give reports.

• Grant Expense – $300,000
• Sheriff’s Office allocation – $300,000
• VDEM 911 Grant – $300,000
• Budget amendments to FY25/26 budget
• Closed‑session topics: investing public funds, legal counsel, personnel

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved the meeting agenda, a FY 25/26 budget amendment, and a resolution certifying the closed‑session discussion, all by unanimous vote. The Board also authorized a closed session and later recessed the meeting to December 3, 2025.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved FY 25/26 budget amendment #29 (unanimous)
• Approved closed session from 1:10 pm to 2:30 pm (unanimous)
• Approved resolution certifying closed‑session matters (unanimous)
• Recessed meeting to December 3, 2025 at 11:00 am (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on a proposed budget increase, a boundary line adjustment for the Town of Pound, and an alleyway closure in Coeburn. The body will also discuss county debt, recycling, and gas utility updates.

• Proposed 1% increase in Wise County’s FY25/26 Budget
• Town of Pound Boundary Line Adjustment
• Request to close and vacate alleyway between Riverview Rd. and Charlotte Rd. in Coeburn
• PSA Support Agreement for Town of Pound Water/Sewer Revenue Bond
• Proposed increases to building permit fees

The Board unanimously approved a 1% increase to the county’s FY25/26 budget. It also set public hearings for December 11, 2025, on the Comprehensive Plan, building‑permit fee increases, and rescinding the biennial reassessment ordinance. Additional actions included approving the Patriot Drive Improvements amendment and several appointments and consent‑agenda items.

• Approved 1% FY25/26 budget increase (unanimous)
• Set public hearing Dec 11, 2025 to approve Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Set public hearing Dec 11, 2025 to increase building‑permit fees (unanimous)
• Set public hearing Dec 11, 2025 to rescind Biennial Reassessment Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Patriot Drive Improvements – Amendment to Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items for solid‑waste MOU #44, MOU #45, Rabies Clinic, Fairgrounds study contract (unanimous)
• Tabled Town of Pound Boundary Line Adjustment (unanimous)
• Re‑appointed Standards Committee (911) members for two‑year term; Bob Adkins abstained (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Wise County Electoral Board completed the canvass of election‑day, early‑voting, post‑election by mail, and provisional precincts. The board recessed the meeting on November 4 to finish the post‑election and provisional canvass, then reconvened on November 12 to sign the final Abstracts of Votes for the Town of Saint Paul. The board noted that Russell County had not yet completed its portion of the Saint Paul canvass and will wait for notification from the Virginia Department of Elections before proceeding further.

• Recessed meeting on Nov 4 to complete post‑election and provisional precinct canvass
• Completed canvass of post‑election by mail and provisional precincts on Nov 12
• Registrar presented and board signed Abstracts of Votes for the Town of Saint Paul
• Noted pending canvass data from Russell County for Saint Paul
• Meeting adjourned after signing final abstracts

The Wise County Electoral Board recessed its November 5 meeting until November 12 to complete the post‑election and provisional precinct canvass. On November 12 the board finished the canvass, signed the Town of Saint Paul Abstracts of Votes, recessed again pending state notification, reconvened to sign final abstracts, and then adjourned.

• Recessed meeting until Nov 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. to complete post‑election and provisional precinct canvass
• Completed canvass of post‑election by mail precinct and provisional precinct on Nov 12, 2025
• Signed Abstracts of Votes for the Town of Saint Paul after presentation by Registrar Robbins
• Recessed meeting pending notification from Virginia Department of Elections regarding Saint Paul abstracts
• Reconvened at 3:00 p.m. on Nov 12, 2025 to sign final Abstracts of Votes for the Town of Saint Paul
• Adjourned meeting at 3:15 p.m. on Nov 12, 2025

Planning Commission

The Wise County Planning Commission will consider and adopt its agenda and the minutes from the August meeting. It will approve a public‑hearing advertisement for the draft Wise County Comprehensive Plan. The commission will hold a public hearing to review the draft comprehensive plan (Case PC‑25‑08).

• Approve agenda (Page 1)
• Approve minutes of August meeting (Pages 2‑4)
• Approve public hearing advertisement (advertised 10/7/2025 and 10/14/2025, Page 5)
• Public hearing: Review Draft Wise County Comprehensive Plan (Case PC‑25‑08)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a 1% increase to the FY25/26 budget. They also approved road name additions for Dragonfly Lane and Recovery Road, and authorized a conditional rezoning and special‑use permit for the Recovery Soldiers Ministry on Parcel #009469. A resolution was adopted to consolidate Wise Rescue Squad, Inc. with Wise Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

• Proposed 1% increase in Wise County FY25/26 budget
• Road name addition – Dragonfly Lane
• Road name addition – Recovery Road
• Conditional rezoning and special‑use permit for Recovery Soldiers Ministry (Parcel #009469)
• Resolution consolidating Wise Rescue Squad, Inc. and Wise Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

The Wise County Board unanimously approved a 1% increase to the FY25/26 budget and adopted two new road names, Dragonfly Lane and Recovery Road. It also approved a change order for the courthouse window replacement project and a resolution consolidating the names of the Wise Rescue Squad and Wise Volunteer Fire Department. Additional actions included streaming meetings online, re‑appointing board members, and authorizing the Sheriff’s request to use local funds for merit‑based salary increases.

• Approved 1% increase to FY25/26 budget (unanimous)
• Approved road name addition – Dragonfly Lane off Irondale Rd, Big Stone Gap (unanimous)
• Approved road name addition – Recovery Road off N. Bear Creek Rd, Wise (unanimous)
• Approved change order for Courthouse window replacement project (unanimous)
• Approved resolution consolidating name of Wise Rescue Squad and Wise Volunteer Fire Department (unanimous)
• Approved re‑appointment of Cari Braddock to Community Policy and Management Board (unanimous)
• Approved Sheriff’s request to use local funds for merit‑based salary increases for two vacant positions (approved)
• Approved streaming Board meetings on YouTube/Facebook at no cost (Chairman Rivers abstained, motion passed)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors approved the conveyance of the Wise County School Board surplus property to the Town of Wise for $74,000, directing the funds to be split equally among County Fire & EMS. It also adopted a 1% increase to the FY 25/26 budget and approved a resolution to abandon Route 814 Dingus Hollow Road. Additional actions included a conditional rezoning and special‑use permit for Recovery Soldiers Ministries and the adoption of several ordinances, such as the dual personal property tax ticket ordinance.

• Deed conveyance of school board surplus property to Town of Wise for $74,000, funds allocated to Wise County Fire & EMS
• Proposed 1% increase in Wise County FY 25/26 budget
• Resolution to abandon Route 814 Dingus Hollow Road
• Conditional rezoning and special‑use permit request for Recovery Soldiers Ministries
• Ordinance establishing dual personal property tax tickets

The Wise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 1% increase to the FY25/26 budget. It also approved the abandonment of Route 814 Dingus Hollow Road, a conditional rezoning for the Recovery Soldiers Ministry parcel, and several administrative actions including an employee handbook amendment and a courthouse HVAC change request. Additional approvals covered a copier purchase for the Historical Society, second‑quarter appropriations, and the appointment of Abe Quesenberry to the Building Code & Appeals Board.

• Approved 1% FY25/26 budget increase (unanimous)
• Approved abandonment of Route 814 Dingus Hollow Road (unanimous)
• Approved conditional rezoning to R‑2 for Recovery Soldiers Ministry parcel #009469 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to employee handbook personnel policy (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of copier for Historical Society, $1,798 (unanimous)
• Approved change request for Courthouse HVAC project (unanimous)
• Approved 2nd quarter appropriations (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Abe Quesenberry to Building Code & Appeals Board (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Wise County Electoral Board will meet to approve minutes and conduct the annual evaluation of the General Registrar. The board will also sign acknowledgements for voting equipment security and ADA compliance.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Annual evaluation of the General Registrar
• Acknowledgement of voting equipment security plan
• Acknowledgement of ADA compliance

The Wise County Electoral Board approved the meeting agenda as presented. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The board unanimously approved the General Registrar's annual performance review, the Voting Equipment Security Plan review, and the polling place ADA compliance review. No other actions were taken before adjournment.

• Agenda approved as presented (unanimous)
• Previous meeting minutes approved (unanimous)
• General Registrar annual performance review approved (unanimous)
• Voting Equipment Security Plan annual review approved (unanimous)
• Polling place ADA compliance annual review approved (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission conditionally approved the request to rezone Tax Parcel ID #009469 from A‑RR to R‑2 and grant a special use permit for a women’s recovery home. The approval is contingent on Recovery Soldiers ceasing operations, reverting the land to its existing zoning, and meeting all VDOT requirements. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved rezoning of Parcel ID #009469 from A‑RR to R‑2 and special use permit for women's recovery home (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved several ordinances, including dual personal property tax tickets, a new real‑estate tax due date, and a biennial assessment system. The Board also ended the hiring freeze, approved the Sheriff’s request to fill two SRO positions, and authorized a deed conveyance to the Town of Wise with $74,000 to be split between Fire & EMS. Additional actions included approving remote attendance for a member, contracts for gas probe well replacements at Blackwood Landfill, and various appointments.

• Approved remote attendance for member Steve Bates (unanimously)
• Approved deed conveyance to Town of Wise for $74,000, funds split between Fire & EMS (unanimously)
• Ended hiring freeze (motion carried)
• Approved Sheriff’s request to fill two vacant SRO positions (unanimously)
• Approved Ordinance establishing dual personal property tax tickets (unanimously)
• Approved Ordinance amending due date for real estate taxes (unanimously)
• Approved Ordinance adopting biennial assessment, reassessment, and equalization of real estate (unanimously)
• Approved contracts for gas probe well replacements at Blackwood Landfill (unanimously)

Board of Supervisors

The Board entered a closed session as authorized by a motion and later reconvened the open meeting. A resolution certifying the closed‑session compliance was approved unanimously. The Board unanimously approved hiring five employees for three convenience centers and three employees for the Sheriff’s Office. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Closed session authorized (motion passed)
• Resolution certifying closed session approved (unanimous roll‑call)
• Hire 5 employees for three convenience centers approved (unanimous)
• Hire 3 employees for the Sheriff’s Office approved (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Wise County Electoral Board met on June 18, 2025 to canvass votes from the June 17 Democratic Primary. Registrar Robbins reported that no provisional votes were cast. After completing the canvass of election‑day and early‑voting precincts, the board recessed the meeting until June 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. to finish the post‑election mail‑in precinct canvass, which was then completed and the abstracts of votes were signed by all members. No further business was taken.

• Recessed meeting until June 20, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to complete post‑election canvass

Planning Commission

The commission approved its agenda and the April 21, 2025 minutes. It voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt an amendment adding office‑related uses to the M‑1 and M‑2 industrial districts. The commission also denied a request to rezone Parcel 014712 from R‑2 to A‑RR for a dog kennel. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended amendment to add office uses in M‑1 and M‑2 districts (unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of Parcel 014712 from R‑2 to A‑RR for a dog kennel (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The board unanimously adopted an immediate hiring freeze for all county departments. It also approved an amendment to the M‑1 and M‑2 zoning ordinance, denied a zoning change request for Parcel #014712, and adopted the FY 2025/26 secondary school construction budget and a resolution directing unspent funds to school debt service and economic development. Additional actions included approving a courthouse window contract, setting a public hearing on dual personal‑property tax tickets, and establishing annual compensation for board members.

• Approved immediate hiring freeze on all county departments (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Zoning Ordinance for M‑1 and M‑2 districts (unanimous)
• Denied Mark Broyles request to change Parcel #014712 from R‑2 to A‑RR (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2025/26 Secondary Six‑Year Plan and construction budget (unanimous)
• Approved resolution committing unspent budgeted monies to school debt service and economic development (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse window replacement contract (unanimous)
• Set public hearing (August) for dual personal‑property tax tickets (unanimous)
• Approved resolution establishing annual compensation for the Board of Supervisors (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors approved a 1% increase to the FY 2024‑45 budget and a rezoning request for Parcel ID# 016459, contingent on VDOT action. They also approved changing the EMS agency for four response zones to Pro Med, adopted several resolutions and appointments, and set a public hearing for a supervisor salary increase. All motions were approved by unanimous vote except two where a supervisor abstained.

• Approved 1% increase in FY 2024‑45 budget (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of Robert Cress/4 Lane Auto from R‑1 to B‑2, Parcel ID# 016459 (unanimous, contingent on VDOT)
• Approved changing EMS agency for Sandy Ridge, Norton, St. Paul, and Wise zones to Pro Med (unanimous)
• Approved Solid Waste Management MOU with Thompson and Litton (unanimous)
• Approved Lunchbox276 Expansion Project resolution (unanimous)
• Approved Go Virginia Grant Contract (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing on June 12, 2025 for supervisor salary increase (unanimous)
• Re‑appointed Tim Boardwine to Social Services Board (passed; Boardwine abstained)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 13, 2025 meeting. It also approved the request to rezone Parcel 016459 from R‑1 to B‑2, conditional on meeting Virginia Department of Transportation entrance requirements. All votes were recorded as aye with no opposition.

• Approved agenda as presented (all voted aye, no opposition)
• Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (all voted aye, no opposition)
• Approved rezoning of Parcel 016459 from R‑1 to B‑2, contingent on VDOT requirements (all present voted aye, no opposition)

Board of Supervisors

The Wise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a series of resolutions and contracts, including funding for regional improvement projects, sewer infrastructure, and anti‑displacement assistance. They also approved the Comcast franchise agreement and two town requests for transient occupancy fund allocations. Budget amendments #29 and #30 were adopted, and an emergency contract to repair the courthouse roof was authorized.

• Approved Regional Improvement Commission Funds resolution (unanimously)
• Approved Pound Sewer System Interceptor Project resolution (unanimously)
• Approved Residential Anti‑Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Certification (unanimously)
• Approved Comcast Franchise Agreement (unanimously)
• Approved $40/000 Town of Pound pickleball court request from Transient Occupancy Fund (unanimously)
• Approved $32,600 Town of Appalachia Island Drive paving request from Transient Occupancy Fund (unanimously)
• Approved budget amendments #29 and #30 (unanimously)
• Approved emergency courthouse roof repair contract with LaFerney Commercial Roofing (unanimously)

Electoral Board

The board approved the agenda as presented and adopted the minutes of the previous meeting, both by unanimous vote. It then voted unanimously to reorganize its leadership, naming Christopher Barnette as Chairman, Garry Hileman as Vice‑Chairman, and Juanita Quillen as Secretary. No other business was taken.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reorganized board leadership: Barnette Chairman, Hileman Vice‑Chairman, Quillen Secretary (unanimous)