NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

July 9, 2024, 2 PM

Present:  Supervisors Dr. Jessica Ligon,  Ernie Reed, David Parr,  and Jesse Rutherford. Absent: Supervisor Tommy Harvey

I. CALL TO ORDER

A “Moment of Silence” was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Marta Keane, JABA: Ms. Keane presented the annual 2023 report from JABA. Over 20,000 citizens in the region have been served and volunteers provided the equivalent capacity of 23 people. One thousand people from Nelson were helped and with an additional 25 care givers. They have just hired care giver coordinator. Seven Hundred and Fifty people served in Cecila Ep Center. Forty-seven people in Nelson received home delivered meals. The JABA audit revealed that  82.33% of funds given to JABA are going to clients. One of the stories provided to the Board in the report  was about a woman in Nelson who requested additional meals. Going to her home in response to the request, JABA discovered a number of other issues they were able to help address including housing (no running water), supplies, a ramp, etc. They helped her find a new home and as well as increased home delivered meals. Another agency now provides hygiene supplies for her.

 Robert Gubisch:  Spoke again that vaccines are a hoax.

Elwood Waterfield III: Testified he is homeless because his property was stolen by the county.

Stephen Bayne: Asked the County to please respond to his email requesting information about Renaissance Ridge and low income housing. He further requested that the county please confirm that it will not put the cost of utility connections and debris disposal on the backs of citizenry instead of the developers.

 Luc Olivier, Jr.: Stated that he is recent retiree and was a project  manager. Reading the last published minutes of a Board meeting, he reported that it appears to him that the Board is wasting a lot of time micromanaging the sheriff’s office. He suggests that instead of micromanaging sheriff’s office, the county should give them a budget and on a quarterly basis let them report on how they are using the money.

Mary Kathryn Allen:  Nelson County Baseball shut down in 2022 due to insufficient interest. The Nelson County kids have had to play for other teams in other jurisdictions. Four Nelson players have qualified to go to the  youth World Series. She is looking for $2500 per player for four (4)  children to fund travel, food and lodging and would appreciate a donation.

 III. CONSENT AGENDA: The following Resolutions were approved unanimously:

 A. Resolution – R2024-46 Minutes for Approval: “the minutes of said Board meetings conducted on March 18, 2024 be and hereby are approved and authorized for entry into the official record of the Board of Supervisors meetings.”

 B. Resolution – R2024-47 Budget Amendment:

I. Appropriation of Funds (General Fund)

Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account (+)

$ 2 3,345.00 3-100-002404-0035 4-100-031020-7038

$ 3 2,233.00 3-100-002404-0035 4-100-031020-7049

$ 8 ,931.11 3-100-009999-0001 4-100-093100-9203

$ 6 4,509.11

 II. Supplemental Appropriation of Funds (School Fund)

Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account (+)

$ 7 6,070.98 3-205-002404-4070 4-205-064600-6040

$ 5 2,801.99 3-205-003302-0096 4-205-064600-6040

$ 8 ,931.11 3-205-004105-0001 4-205-062100-9302

$ 1 37,804.08

 The General Fund Appropriations of $64,509.11 reflect requests of (1) $23,345.00 appropriation request for FY25 Sheriff's Department SRO (School Resource Officer) State Grant funds awarded for Tye River Elementary School with local cash match of $46,237.00; (2) $32,233.00 appropriation request for FY25 Sheriff's Department SRO State Grant funds awarded for Nelson Middle School with local cash match of $63,842.00; (3) $8,931.11 to appropriate FY23 School Health Workforce Grant carry-over funds to be transferred to the School Fund for use in FY25.

 The Supplemental School Fund Appropriations of $137,804.08 reflect requests of (1) $76,070.98 appropriation request for FY24 School Safety and Security Grant State funds received in FY24 for use in FY25; (2) $52,801.99 appropriation request for FY25 School Safety and Security Grant Federal funds awarded for use in FY25; (3) $8,931.11 appropriation request of FY23 School Health Workforce Grant carry-over funds to the FY25 School Fund budget.

 C. Resolution – R2024-48 COR Personal Property Tax Refund: “the following refunds, as certified by the Nelson County Commissioner of Revenue and County Attorney pursuant to §58.1-3981 of the Code of Virginia, be and hereby are approved for payment. (2021 Tesla incorrectly listed by DMV as garaged in Nelson)

Amount Tax         Category                                         Payee

$3,220.16              2021-2023 Personal Property       Jason A. Lyman &

                              Tax & Vehicle License Fee          Kristen Audra Atkins 6568 Plank Road, Afton, VA 22920

D. Resolution – R2024-49 NCCDF Fee Waivers: in support of increasing housing opportunities, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby continue to waive tipping fees up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) at the County transfer station for debris generated by NCCDF (Nelson County Community Development Fund) projects, and allow a 24-month payment period for connection fees to county-operated water and sewer systems on NCCDF owned property; and that this support be reviewed for adoption annually at each July meeting of the Board of Supervisors going forward.

IV. RECOGNITION OF RETIRING TREASURER ANGELA HICKS (R2024-50)

“WHEREAS, Mrs. Angela F. Hicks, Treasurer, is retiring as of August 1, 2024 after having served the citizens of Nelson County for more than thirty (30) years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hicks began her employment with the County in the early 1990’s working part-time for Parks and Recreation, as well as the Commissioner of Revenue’s office, before being hired by Treasurer J. Marvin Davis to work as a part-time office clerk in April 1993. She was then promoted to full-time in 1996,working her way up to Deputy Treasurer III and Chief Deputy I under Treasurer Erma Sue Harris and then was successfully elected as Treasurer of Nelson County in November of 2011; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hicks achieved excellence in her role as Treasurer by serving as an active member in the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia, serving as the Central District Chair, as well as Chair of the Certification Review Committee. In 2014, Mrs. Hicks attained the designation of Master Governmental Treasurer from UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Education and the Virginia Treasurer’s Association, which was the first for the Nelson County Treasurer’s Office; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Mrs. Hicks, the Nelson County’s Treasurer’s Office became accredited for the first time in 2015; maintaining that accreditation to date, and with the support of Mrs. Hicks, two of her three Deputy Treasurers have also become certified as Master Governmental Deputy Treasurers; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hicks has worked to add more convenient payment options for Nelson County’s citizens which include credit card payment, online payment, and a payment drop box at the Courthouse entry, to serve the citizens outside of regular office hours; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hicks has done an excellent job at managing the County’s accounts and investments to carefully ensure the County’s good standing for years to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor Mrs. Angela F. Hicks with great appreciation for her dedicated and steadfast service to Nelson County and its citizens throughout her tenure, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mrs. Hicks will be missed both personally and professionally and the Board wishes her and her family continued health, happiness, and prosperity upon her well-deserved retirement.”

 V. PRESENTATIONS:

A. VDOT Report: Mr. Brown reported that the mowing of Route 29 completed and maintenance issue next to shopping center dealt with. Secondary road mowing by subcontractors is beginning. Pedestrian study is not yet completed.

They are looking to start on Rural Rustic Roads with Davis Creek pretty soon. Supervisor Rutherford raised speed study on Route 29 directive last winter regarding extending the 45 mph speed limit. Businesses are reporting a number of near misses on attempted right turns. Parking in the no parking zone is dangerous because it blocks the line of site. Supervisors asked what can be done to physically block the parking.  Supervisor Ligon raised the 15 mile per speed limit in Gladstone.  Mr. Brown felt the request would meet resistance from VDOT because of precedent it would set.

B.  Larkin Property Water and Sewer Capacity Phase I Engineering Report – CHA:  

*The report was given to the Board but not provided in the packet for attendees to the meeting.  A copy of the power point presentation was obtained by the author and is largely included in this report or is otherwise summarized.

Per the CHA report,  the current and projected needs for water on the Larkin Property, including some projected residential housing is 61,000 gallons per day. A proposed future recreation center would be an additional 42,000 gallons per day. The proposed baseball fields, if  irrigated, would be 246,000 gallons per day. This water consumption would be affected by the type of turf.  The total including the recommended field irrigation is 481,000 per day. The relevant data for ground water/surface water is included on the power point attached below. 

The current water system provides 103,459 gallons per day to Lovingston. The current capacity of the system is 150,00 gallons per day. There is a differential of 21,341 per day available for any incoming businesses. There is a current demand of  26,000 gallons of water a day in Piney  River.  There is a shortfall projected in water demand over existing ground and surface water by 2040 through 2055. The numbers are reflected in the power point presentation. To meet the demand, the  County will either have to tap into the aquafers and or impound water from Dillard Creek. Impoundment will require two (2) years to get permits if they are even granted. The amount of water Nelson will be permitted to extract at best only 90% of the lowest level of stream flow. The cost probably exceeds the benefit.  CHJA recommends additional wells on the Larkin Property to meet the need. The county has to be careful not to adversely affect existing wells. The intersection of the seams holding water (geological information) is available. The costs have not been estimated for the different options. 

It is worthwhile for anyone reading this summary who is interested in the water options to here the full presentation on the county’s streaming site click here and choose July 9 BOS meeting.

The sewage projections did not demonstrate the same level of shortfall if the water usage was increased. The County is probably looking at current plant expansion as opposed to needing a new treatment plant. The point was made that there is NO current plan for a housing development on the Larkin property.  The Board asked to additional pricing from CHA to gather additional requested information.

B. Sheriff’s Department Requests

 1. DCJS Grant for Sheriff’s Office Accreditation (R2024-52): A revised resolution set forth below was offered at the Board meeting. The position sought in the resolution and is part time not full time as first requested and the grant and expense are therefore reduced. The following was unanimously approved.

            WHEREAS, the County has been awarded a grant through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for the Sheriff’s Department pursuit of accreditation status; and

WHEREAS, this grant provides 75% federal funding of $30,720 and requires a 25% local cash match of $10,240 for a total of $40,960, inclusive of a temporary Part-Time position that will end at the conclusion of the grant on September 30, 2025; and

1.     WHEREAS, the local cash match requested of $10,240 is not currently budgeted in the FY25 budget and therefore requires Board of Supervisors approval; and

WHEREAS, in order to accept the (anticipated revised grant), the County Administrator must certify acceptance of the grant including commitment of the required 25% local cash match by signing the DCJS issued Statement of Grant Award (SOGA) within sixty (60) days of DCJS notification.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that upon favorable consideration of Sheriff Embrey’s request for the Board’s commitment of the 25% local cash match of $10,240, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the County Administrator to accept this grant by signing and returning requisite Statement of Grant Award to DCJS, indicating commitment of the said local cash match and adherence to all grant related federal and state laws and regulations.

 Sheriff Mark Embrey explained by letter to the Board and in person his intention to hire Ms. Jolie Hewitt to aide in the accreditation process.  She is a rising senior at Liberty University  working on a degree in criminal justice and is currently working part time for the Town of Altavista as an “Accreditation  Manager”. She would be hired for 20 hours per week at $18.00 per hour. “Ms. Hewitt’s time would be dedicated to a review and rewrite in accordance with VLEPSC Standards…and training Ms. Taylor Martin so that Ms. Martin at the end of 15 months will be  capable of assuming the role of Accreditation Manager and continuing to act as the Evidence Technician.”

 2. Local Constitutional Officer Supplement Policy Amendment (R2024-53): Ms. McGarry explained that the money supplemental funds that may become available in a fiscal year may be used to retain existing employees in the fiscal year in which the funds became available at the discretion of the Sheriff. Supervisor Rutherford was concerned that the Sheriff’s office might forego a new hire in favor of a retention raise. Supervisors Ligon and Reed voiced concern that the increase paid for retention would become the new pay base and become a recurring cost or it become institutional that the forgone position is permanently gone without a budget increase. After the discussion, the motion was as set forth blow unanimously approved.

           “WHEREAS, at their August 8, 2017 regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved policy changes pertaining to the application of local salary supplements for Constitutional Offices; and

WHEREAS, these changes were further memorialized through the Board’s adoption of Resolution R2017-49 Local Salary Supplements for the Registrar and Constitutional Offices, with one of those changes being to allow Constitutional Offices to utilize local supplement funds, that may become available during the fiscal year due to personnel changes, in the recruitment of new employees during the fiscal year of the vacancy; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Embrey has requested that the local supplement policy for Constitutional Offices be amended to allow the use of local supplement funds, that may become available during the fiscal year due to personnel changes, in the recruitment of new employees and also the retention of current employees during the fiscal year of the vacancy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, upon favorable consideration of Sheriff Embrey’s request, the County’s “Salary and Classification System” is hereby amended to incorporate governance of local salary supplements for the Registrar and Constitutional Offices effective immediately as follows:

For the purposes of this amendment, references to the Compensation Board shall also mean the State Board of Elections as it pertains to the salary of the General Registrar. References to Constitutional Officers shall be inclusive of the General Registrar.

Local salary supplements for Constitutional Officers and their full time staff are intended to provide equitable annual salary adjustments for these employees with those of other full time Nelson County personnel. The supplement is subject to annual approval by the Board of Supervisors and shall apply in each year to those employees hired or beginning employment before July 1st of the fiscal year.

The percentage of annual local supplement shall be based on the approved Compensation Board salary in effect on June 30th of the prior fiscal year (Compensation Board and local supplement). In addition to the local supplement percentage calculated on July 1st, prior year supplement amounts in effect on June 30th of the prior fiscal year will be included in the total supplement amount.

Should the annual salary adjustment in the Appropriation Act and approved by the Compensation Board result in greater compensation over the course of the fiscal year than the percentage of salary adjustment approved by the Nelson County Board of Supervisors plus any prior year supplement in effect on June 30th, the salaries of those constitutional employees shall be paid at the salary established by the Compensation Board. Employees who were employed in a full time Compensation Board position on June 30, 2012 and remain in the same position class shall be entitled to maintain the 5% salary adjustment required to offset the reinstatement of the 5% employee contribution payment to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) mandated in Chapter 822 of the 2012 Acts of Assembly.

Salary adjustments approved by the Compensation Board beyond the annual across-the-board adjustment shall be regarded in the following manner, unless otherwise stipulated by the Compensation Board:

 (a) Compensation Board salary adjustments that do not exceed the total annual salary (Compensation Board and local supplement) being paid to the employee will not result in a pay adjustment. In cases where the salary adjustment results in an annual salary greater than the total salary currently being paid, the employee’s salary will be adjusted to equal the Compensation Board salary.

(b) Compensation Board salary adjustments that result in a reduction of the Compensation Board salary, such as in the case of a demotion, will be compensated at the approved Compensation Board salary effective on the date of the Compensation Board salary reduction.

 Exceptions:

(a) Career Development Program participation that results in an increase in Compensation Board approved salary: The increase in salary resulting from such certification shall not result in a decrease of local supplement in effect at the time of the approved salary increase. A copy of the certification must be provided to the governing body.

(b) Situations where a position or group of positions are no longer funded by the Compensation

Board or an across-the-board reduction in funding is applied to Compensation Board salaries: Such situations shall be subject to review and consideration by the Board of Supervisors on a case by case basis. The impact to local supplement for any other Compensation Board salary adjustment not specifically addressed herein shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Supervisors on a case by case basis. 

Upon termination from employment of a Compensation Board employee with an earned supplement, budgeted supplement funds may be applied to the salaries of new hires as a means of recruitment or to the salaries of existing employees as a means of retention; provided funds are utilized within the fiscal year budget that the vacancy occurs. Such use of supplement funds is subject to review and consent by the designated administrator of the salary and classification system. The designated administrator may elect at their discretion to have the Board of Supervisors consider any particular request for use of supplement funding.”

C. Authorization of Participation in Kroger Opioid Abatement Settlement (R2024-54): This motion as set forth below was unanimously approved.

 WHEREAS, the opioid epidemic that has cost thousands of human lives across the country also impacts the Commonwealth of Virginia and its counties and cities, including the County of Nelson, by adversely impacting the delivery of emergency medical, law enforcement, criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse services, and other services by Nelson County’s various departments and agencies; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia and its counties and cities, including Nelson County, have been required and will continue to be required to allocate substantial taxpayer dollars, resources, staff energy and time to address the damage the opioid epidemic has caused and continues to cause the citizens of the Commonwealth and Nelson County; and

WHEREAS, a settlement proposal has been negotiated that will cause Kroger to pay over a billion dollars nationwide to resolve opioid-related claims against it; and

WHEREAS, the County has approved and adopted the Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and Settlement Allocation Memorandum of Understanding (the “Virginia MOU”), and affirms that this pending settlement with Kroger shall be considered a “Settlement” that is subject to the Virginia MOU, and shall be administered and allocated in the same manner as the opioid settlements entered into previously with opioid distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, opioid manufacturers Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan, and retail pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart;

WHEREAS, the County Attorney has reviewed the available information about the proposed settlement and has recommended that the County participate in the settlement in order to recover its share of the funds that the settlement would provide;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, this 9th day of July, 2024, approves of the County’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Kroger and its related corporate entities, and directs the County Attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the County’s participation in the settlement, including the required release of claims against Kroger.

 D. 2025 Regional Housing Summit Sponsorship Request: The Central Virginia Regional Housing Partnership, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission requested $2,500 to support the Regional Housing Summit.  Supervisor Rutherford spoke in favor of the request but the request was by agreement tabled until September or October.

 E. FY24-25 Salary and Classification System (R2024-55):  Candy McGarry said that the motion was to help the county work its way over time before the next pay study to pay the current employees market rates. Supervisor Reed was concerned that the absence of school personnel from the increases is discriminatory and is going to negatively impact perceptions between county employees and the school employees. Supervisor Ligon was concerned that these increases were not included in the budget just passed.  Candy McGarry explained that it would have no impact on current employees, only new hires. Supervisor Ligon pointed out that the school system controls it pay scales. The resolution as set forth below was unanimously adopted.

 WHEREAS, implementation of appropriate compensation practices is instrumental to the County’s ability to attract, motivate, and retain qualified employees, and

WHEREAS, the conduct of a classification and compensation study through Management Advisory Group

International, Inc. (MAG) was completed in 2023 in order to perform a periodic employee compensation review; and

WHEREAS, two of the three recommended components of the Management Advisory Group International, Inc. (MAG) classification and compensation study were implemented July 1, 2023; with the remaining third component being equity/market adjustments to recognize employee service years in current position and applicable education; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors in the adoption and appropriation of its FY25 budget, included funding for employee salary adjustments consisting of either a three percent (3%) salary increase or applicable equity/market adjustment resulting from the MAG classification and compensation study; whichever is greater,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Nelson County Board of Supervisors that the local government’s “Salary and Classification System” is hereby amended to incorporate the following:

Salary adjustments shall be hereby authorized for non-probationary Nelson County personnel (full-time and regular part-time) employed pursuant to the County’s salary classification and pay plan, effective on July 1, 2024. Employee compensation adjustments will be based upon the greater of three percent (3%) of current salary, or applicable equity/market adjustments resulting from the 2023 MAG classification and compensation study relative to the employee’s salary at June 30, 2024. The applicable salary increase as of July 1, 2024 for Nelson County full-time and regular part-time personnel shall be calculated based upon the salary in effect on June 30, 2024.

Additionally, the greater of a three percent (3%) salary adjustment or applicable equity/market adjustment resulting from the 2023 MAG classification and compensation study relative to the employee’s salary at June 30, 2024, shall be authorized for all regular part-time employees and all full-time employees employed by a Constitutional Officer, inclusive of the Officer and Registrar. The applicable salary increase as of July 1, 2024 for all Constitutional Officers and their Compensation Board funded permanent staff positions shall be calculated based upon the salary in effect on June 30, 2024 (Compensation/Electoral Board and local supplement).

Finally, in order to endeavor to maintain competitive market rate salaries, as of July 1, 2024, the pay ranges assigned to each position within the pay and classification system shall be increased by one half of the salary adjustment rate, 1.5% for FY25. Probationary employees as of July 1, 2024 that are at the minimum of their assigned pay range, shall be moved to the new minimum of their assigned pay range within the pay and classification system. Upon successful completion of their probationary period, these employees shall receive the remaining salary increase of 1.5% for FY25 in order to provide a total salary increase of 3% based upon their salary as of June 30, 2024.

 F. Lovingston Sidewalk Improvements TAP Grant Memorandum of Agreement (R2024-56):  Candy McGarry and Supervisor Rutherford pointed out that addition TAP grants (if the project were supplemented by other projects) and grants from other sources can supplement this grant. The $2,500,000 grant is the maximum TAP grant this project can receive. The resolution was unanimously approved.

 WHEREAS, Nelson County submitted a project application to request federal funding to assist in constructing sidewalks in Lovingston to improve pedestrian safety; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded $2,500,000 in funding to Nelson County for the Front Street Sidewalk Improvement project as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program; and

WHEREAS, during the grant application process, the County of Nelson indicated a commitment to provide the required 20% local match and any balance of estimated project costs over the maximum allowable of $3,125,000; and

WHEREAS, the required 20% local match for this award is $625,000 and the Transportation Alternative Program grant provisions require a local commitment of completion of the entire project; including the balance of estimated project costs currently estimated to be $751,495; and

WHEREAS, the County desires to have VDOT administer the project;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Nelson County hereby agrees to enter into the attached Project Administration Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation to administer the Front Street Sidewalk Improvement project in Lovingston; providing oversight that ensures the project is developed in accordance with all state and federal requirements for design and construction of a federally funded transportation project, to commit to the provision of the required 20% local match and completion of the entire project, and that if Nelson County subsequently elects to cancel this project, the County agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation. Nelson County also agrees to repay any funds previously reimbursed that are later deemed ineligible by the Federal Highway Administration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Nelson County Board of Supervisors that said Board hereby authorizes the County Administrator to execute the attached Project Administration Agreement by and between Nelson County and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Front Street Sidewalk

VII. REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS, DIRECTIVES AND CORRESPONDENCE

A. Reports

1. County Administrator’s Report:

A.    “Route 151 Speed Study Results Meeting: A date for this meeting is in process; staff is awaiting input from VDOT staff on potential dates.

 B.    FY25 (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025) Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) Regional Grant Approvals:

 A.        The OAA approved FY25 funding of $1,162,960 to continue support of the Region Ten Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center (CITAC) expansion and Crisis Response project for a second fiscal year. Albemarle County serves as the Fiscal Agent for the grant and there is no local match requirement.

B.         The OAA approved a new application on behalf of Members of Offender Aid Restoration (OAR)/Jefferson Area Community Corrections that manages Recovery Courts within the region; including Nelson. $388,437 in FY25 funding will be used to expand regional Specialty Docket Services (Recovery Court) to include peer counselors. Charlottesville City is the Fiscal Agent for the grant and there is no local match requirement.

 C.        NCSA Lovingston Sewer Rehabilitation Project: NO CHANGE, a draft Support Agreement has been submitted by NCSA to USDA/RUS for their approval and if approved, it will be presented to both the Board of Supervisors and Service Authority Board for approval consideration in the next couple of months.

 D.        Department of Social Services Building: NO CHANGE, the purchase agreement for a parcel of property on Callohill Drive adjoining the County owned property; which will allow for the required storm water retention pond associated with widening and paving of the planned roadway is in process and is expected to be complete this month.

E.         Preliminary FY24 End of Fiscal Year Projection (Cash Basis): Revenue collections on a cash basis for Real and Personal Property taxes as of June 30th were 99.07% of budgeted at $20,413,532 and 99.08% of budgeted at $6,029,730 respectively. While collection of other local revenues either exceeded or fell short of the budgeted amounts, on a net basis, revenues from local sources exceeded the budgeted amount by .47% or $182,756 at $38,319,954. Revenues from the State collected were 93.48% of budgeted at $5,241,776 with the remaining 6.22% being related to delayed reimbursement of FY24 Public Assistance expenditures that will be accrued back by our Auditors and other grants whose expenditures and reimbursements will be carried forward into FY25. Similarly, Federal revenues collected were 85.38% of budgeted at $1,500,019 with the remaining 14.62% being related to delayed reimbursement of Public Assistance expenditures that will be accrued back by our Auditors and other Federal grants that will be carried forward to FY25. Auditors will apply expenditures and collections for fiscal year 2024 through September which will include adjustments for items prepaid in June that are FY25 expenditures. As of July 5, 2024 on a cash basis, revenues exceeded expenditures by $2,335,621. (See attached reports)

 2026 Reassessment RFP: The RFP for 2026 real property reassessment/mass appraisal services was issued on June 20th with responses due July 15, 2024. Vendor interviews and contract award is anticipated to be done in July/August with the work to commence in September/October 2024. The hired firm will begin with the Sales study and the bulk of the reassessment work will be done during calendar year 2025. Final completion of the reassessment will be contractually by December 31, 2025 and assessment effective January 1, 2026. There will be informal hearings with Assessors, as requested by citizens, followed by Board of Equalization appeal hearings during the February/March 2026 timeframe.

G. Meals and Lodging Tax Collection Tracking: Staff has completed the directive to track and chart the last four (4) fiscal years of data for both Meals and Lodging (TOT) tax collection. This will be updated and provided monthly going forward. (See Attached)

 F. FY25 Board Retreat: Staff is looking at coordinating a September or October Board Retreat; please provide us with any dates in September or October that are definitely not good for you. The 3rd and 4th weeks of the month after the regular Board meeting is ideal; i.e. September 16th -27th and October 14th– 25th.

2. Board Reports: 

Supervisor Reed reported: that the Agricultural and Forrestal Committee toured area in Montebello that is applying to become an Agricultural and Forrestal District.  Committee will be meeting to consider the application.

JAUNT completed draft of their rural needs assessment study and will be doing a presentation shortly to the Board about the results.

Planning commission had hearing of  proposed Wild Rose solar farm and said didn’t conform with the new comprehensive comp plan. Rockfish Valley Foundation has a new exhibit on the Monocan Nation that is excellent.

 July 5th was the 4 year anniversary of failure of Atlantic Coast Pipeline.  Supervisor Reed further delivered copies for the Board and favorably reviewed the book “Gaslight, The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and The Fight for America’s Energy Future” which sets out the pivotal part Nelson County played in bringing the proposed pipeline to a halt.

Supervisor Parr: Emergency Service Counsel is working on items not included in current budget request. He will bring report to the Board of their line items.

B. Appointment : The board positions that needed to be filled are listed below along with the candidates.

Ernie Reed was unanimously voted to be reappointed to JABA.  James Taylor was unanimously voted to be appointed to Board of Building Code Appeals.  Noone applied to be on the social Service Board of Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail Authority. Supervisor Ligon volunteered to the Service Board of Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail Authority and was unanimously elected. David Height was unanimously voted to be reappointed to the Nelson County Service Authority Board for the West District.

 C. Correspondence: None

 D. Directives: None

 VIII. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO 2.2-3711 (A)(3) & (A)(7)

IX. ADJOURNMENT (AN EVENING SESSION WAS NOT CONDUCTED)