During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the composition of the board of the Virginia Board of Review (VBR), which has expanded significantly beyond the limits set in a regional agreement signed in 2010. The agreement stipulates that the board should consist of only 17 members, yet the current board has ballooned to 36 members, including 15 from the city, 10 from the county, and 6 from the city of Salem.

A city official questioned how this discrepancy occurred, emphasizing that the majority of the board members—25 out of 36—were elected by the board itself rather than appointed by the city council or board of supervisors, raising concerns about accountability and transparency. The official expressed frustration that the board's expansion contradicts the original agreement, which was intended to ensure a manageable and representative governance structure.

Incoming board chair Mark Lucas acknowledged the issue but noted that the board's growth was initially aimed at incorporating diverse community input. He suggested that while the board could consider reducing its size for better organization, the focus should remain on supporting the staff and ensuring effective governance.

The discussion highlighted a broader concern about the governance practices of the VBR, particularly regarding the lack of elected oversight in the board's composition. The official's remarks underscored the need for adherence to the original agreement and the importance of maintaining a transparent and accountable board structure that reflects the community's interests.