[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6308358,"mediaKeyId","2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf","parentId",2423421,"title","IDA seeks county support to finish Highlands/Oak Park pads; engineers estimate $1.2–$1.5 million","audioSeconds",1430,"startMs",2331000,"endMs",3761000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf&start=2331&end=3761","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf/thumbnail_2331000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6308358/Washington-County/Virginia/IDA-seeks-county-support-to-finish-HighlandsOak-Park-pads-engineers-estimate-1215-million","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308358-a3a5be6c44af296186b3743439f1d70d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442898&Signature=NjtY40gjLRvklayyUgcKxO73wu7nk57M9NCJCQlRkD1px9sC3VBji2nvwQiapeV7KagqFGOR5qlehIN9haKRue-t5LEyqAuzi0JoE4TlqKCQ7J11RohFpHB5GkmbPsuRX3sWYY3vLcEKR3d9GHcIHlka5NUxjbuah1qbtxXKDjf6poC2YKspIVvIwx-AQFwxdAiHie0saRFv7gBLDm8K71UfOcJihjpYdhx5U0WYB5lVMXPOIEAO1uqeDovbVQ233m4wcNWzzTGHZ8arqP7K2cqyTtwxNgoQQ48rgdnXhZgUH-SYYgupCF2CgdyKU0g4TNfKUjuITJDY-B1VXEGzGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington County","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","Representatives of the county's Industrial Development Authority (IDA) briefed the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 and requested board consideration of using proceeds from a pending sale of Lot 1 (and part of Lot 2) to help develop Lots 6 and 7 in the Highlands (Oak Park) business park.

The IDA said Lots 6 and 7 were left unimproved when the park was first developed because funds ran out; water and sewer service are already available to the parcels. The IDA is seeking a Tobacco Commission planning grant of $121,000 to fund core drilling, permitting and engineering work. The IDA proposes to match that grant on a 50/50 basis and, after core-drilling and bid documents are complete, apply for a second construction grant for the grading and pad work.

An engineering firm estimate for the full grading and site-development work ranges from approximately $1.2 million to $1.5 million, the IDA representative said. That figure would be the construction-phase request to a funding source, and the IDA expects any award would also require a local match. The IDA representative told the board the initial Tobacco Commission request would buy the geotechnical and permitting work necessary to solicit accurate construction bids.

Board members pressed for specifics about the funding gap and possible sources. One supervisor suggested retaining some proceeds from the Lot 1 sale to cover immediate county development costs—such as moving a retention pond for the Lot 1 buyer—and to preserve funds for an EMS facility the county hopes to site on another parcel. Another supervisor asked how quickly a pad could be made shovel-ready; the IDA representative estimated a 12-to-18-month timeline after funding and bidding were complete.

Board members also asked about market value and potential revenue; county staff and the IDA discussed historical Oak Park lot prices and noted that, because the county already owns the land and infrastructure, the local cash investment would primarily pay grading and rock-removal costs. The IDA noted potential prospects, including companies seeking 12–22 acres, and said having a build-ready pad increases the county’s ability to attract job-creating tenants.

No formal funding commitment was taken at the meeting. Multiple supervisors asked the IDA to return with precise engineering results and bid-ready numbers before the board would consider committing proceeds from any sale. The IDA said it had committed to the 50% match for the $121,000 planning grant and asked the board to \"give us consideration for the further development\" of the site when the engineering numbers are available.

The IDA representative said the engineering/grade work estimate will be firmed up after core drilling and competitive bids; the initial planning grant application was scheduled to be submitted the next day.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Washington County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting 2/25/2025 6:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Industrial Development Authority asked Washington County supervisors on Feb. 25 to consider using proceeds from a planned lot sale to help finish two build-ready pads at Highlands (Oak Park), and said engineers estimate full site work could cost $1.2–$1.5 million.","taxTitle","Washington County, Virginia","taxId",38197,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6308362,"Reassessor: residential values rose sharply; 3,400 hearings held and adjustments underway after Damascus flooding",520,249000,769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf&start=249&end=769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf/thumbnail_249000.jpg","/articles/6308362/Washington-County/Virginia/Reassessor-residential-values-rose-sharply-3400-hearings-held-and-adjustments-underway-after-Damascus-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308362-92c9c04a40a692cc5af7942b29a8a5ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442898&Signature=RzFlKHn8JJUEKYNp-7BtK4OTnJvBSd7iGXzrTet4CnAHaSM2c3d47uR9SHcYxkOY-R9Be3rS4mQ8wRdzcmD4Sgb1TmmMIAsLMf5t6fOrL7QHxF9gu69PwiaTh0TgRwN6cbxVFjfzRHvOFObAzZiX91lqDlMXcAPUOtwaSYs~BC0LuqiYt58VSeeKNrmZkBDxITphG3WxttTcRWCVNy-k0cOC6uWB4Amfd9YrisQjhKh1YK5-QV8MJT8D6Gwni4TGlDebkW-XCGrKhx8YYLPGeFc7N0XJk-Uhe0CiYo1FnSYJvQtA4WflRbUbo7oUFIrS0gaav0T0NPRKXLEaqeA88A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fred Pearson, the county reassessor, told the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 that the office completed its reassessment hearings and data-entry work and expects to issue notices to property owners soon.

\"Residential property went up 70% increase. We had 3,400 appointments, and approximately 5,600 parcels,\" Pearson said, describing the scope of the reassessment and outreach. He said the county must meet the state's requirement to appraise properties at close to market value and that his contract requires a median ratio of at least 95% of market.

Pearson told the board the increase follows several years of rising sale prices and lower turnover. \"We just had to increase values that much,\" he said. He acknowledged the impact on property owners and advised that smaller, more frequent reassessments can reduce the sticker shock of a single large increase.

Board members asked whether localized events — notably a recent flood in the Damascus area — would affect valuations. A supervisor described severe flood damage in Damascus that had \"washed out the basis for the economy\" there and asked if sales-based valuations would reflect that change. Pearson said the assessor's office has already begun making adjustments.

\"We made an adjustment for that. Whole homes were washed away. We've taken them off the books, reduced the land value,\" Pearson said, and added that about 100 properties still require review. He explained typical adjustment guidance: \"Normally, if it floods a lot, I recommend to reduce it the value 25%. If it floods in the house, 75%.\"

Pearson explained the appeals process: property owners who disagree with their notice may appeal to the Board of Equalization after receiving their reassessment notice. He said many residents have already attended hearings; \"3,400 people come in to talk to us about their assessments,\" he said.

On the frequency of reassessments, Pearson said state rules require counties over a certain size to reassess at least every four years. \"If you have a population over 50,000 parcels ... you are mandated to do 1 at least every 4 years,\" he said.

Pearson and board members discussed factors that influence market valuations, including low sales volume that can skew averages and the effect of out-of-area buyers paying premium prices. Pearson said the state conducts a ratio study using sales from 2024 and that the board should consider shorter reassessment cycles if values change rapidly.

Board members were advised to expect notices and the availability of the appeals process; reassessment staff will continue on-site reviews for properties affected by flood damage and other condition-based complaints.","County reassessment produced a substantial residential increase. Reassessment staff held about 3,400 appointments covering 5,600 parcels; residential values rose by about 70% overall, and staff said they will make flood-related and other adjustments as claims are validated.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6308368,"Board approves tax-exemption update, facility contracts and appointments; other motions pass unanimously",105,135000,240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf&start=135&end=240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf/thumbnail_135000.jpg","/articles/6308368/Washington-County/Virginia/Board-approves-tax-exemption-update-facility-contracts-and-appointments-other-motions-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308368-06e5b771946a1c00c32626d5f71ee981/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442898&Signature=OdRilEEfsQZRy4JEfOXzN93OWKqIwgG4PDGFQxoFyb3UR9zAXbt2VR2zj-9jwUDii-eFwSR1HEPxP1TaLxby-u9A~ZsrXdYHa7nqQ94wyT7weZO6Ih0VrzYDTkhpKuCWSel3VwyU5PvjnTDL4hknnpAw3sixx4-tfybpeUKaZXhqqDn8K-JDCBFdmi6MBwVfuMP~8Mh0EtOHOAv4izxrIRzFw8HX8qcbdZwnrUpwxQVYtopV8Xnt7d7JS02dBrjIFnGgb~K~UJO9ydpsD~QYrxQzFFTNwcDmEa61UjYx6zRI8xli0emvY6vBCs5jl8gTkTdb4wvCByN-i7kaIQ49OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 unanimously approved a package of administrative items, an update to the county's elderly and disabled real-property tax exemption schedule and several contract- and personnel-related votes.

The board adopted an ordinance amending Washington County Code Section 50-85 to update financial eligibility criteria for discounted tax rates for qualifying elderly and handicapped property owners. The ordinance updates income brackets and exemption percentages based on the Commissioner of Revenue's application of Social Security cost-of-living adjustments and was approved after the required public hearing. The board recorded the vote as seven in favor, zero opposed.

Also approved, by 7-0 votes, were: a change order for the courthouse project to add five delayed-egress electronic exit devices (paid from construction savings), the after-the-fact surplus and sale ratification for a 2014 Dodge Charger, and the final incentive payment for HMG (to be paid through the county's capital improvement fund, per staff recommendation). The board additionally confirmed an appointment to the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority and adopted a resolution terminating the local state of emergency related to Hurricane Helene; both measures passed unanimously.

Several routine consent-agenda items were approved as a block with a 7-0 vote. The board also voted to convene and subsequently certify a closed meeting held under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A) for legal consultation; the certification motion passed unanimously.

Actions recorded in the meeting minutes show no split or recorded no votes; roll-call tallies were announced as \"seven-zero\" for each item. The meeting packet contained supporting documents for the ordinance (income-bracket chart) and for the courthouse change order, and staff said the HMG incentive payment will be disbursed by the county's industrial development authority once the board authorizes the fund source.

The board did not receive public testimony supporting or opposing the elderly/disabled exemption changes during the hearing. The ordinance change is intended to reflect annual cost-of-living adjustments applied by the Commissioner of Revenue to the exemption schedule.

The meeting adjourned after routine reports and a certified closed session.","At its Feb. 25 meeting the Washington County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance updating financial eligibility for elderly/disabled tax discounts and a series of administrative motions, including final incentive payment to HMG and a courthouse change order. All recorded roll calls were unanimous (7-0).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6308349,"Finance director reports midyear projections: business personal property and sales tax tracking ahead of budget",165,1211000,1376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf&start=1211&end=1376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf/thumbnail_1211000.jpg","/articles/6308349/Washington-County/Virginia/Finance-director-reports-midyear-projections-business-personal-property-and-sales-tax-tracking-ahead-of-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308349-30bf15ffe0aa7593da53f4a5139dc497/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442898&Signature=gKBkeIwaR-GBEBkuizrP1e8g9dh8UcpqzqgPi4IoWYgMxACAHKBC0mhL2Nd7Xjva7EFamFSfoEQgOPg8FRDeHiSOmPcZIQqvD9OXSbcimJOgMHDTBwDWQCF-Nq9tOLbRPuKK-tAY0YBCjjcPWlP576QcqgrNJHY7H3wklREKl~3~t9SCGGXFf3GDzgC0p4My7i8HalC4ojGZ5FhhoQ1TLcpzPSE9Mli8~q-HR0wZjA20sLwTJoJLsIqaKaG1cmObE2JYihnQZnKC3nnYfB2DnjYf6E9i3EjZ~gJ7-bpGUvM2MEvltKMx8WVjBS2F~csAA5QMyBDBfh5hCwgOOeAVHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Ms. Sturgill briefed the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 on midyear revenue drivers and projections for the current fiscal year.

Sturgill said she would not project real-estate revenue at this time because reassessment activity complicates estimates; instead she focused on four major revenue drivers. For personal property tax the county budgeted $8.4 million and had collected about $7.9 million through December, projecting year-end collections near $8.6 million. Business personal property collections were ahead of budget—$5.7 million collected against a $5.35 million budget. Public service corporation taxes were projected to finish the year above budget at roughly $1.3 million (budgeted at $1.2 million), and sales tax collections were projected at about $10.3 million against a $9.95 million budget figure.

\"I was very conservative in this projection of the last six months of the fiscal year,\" Sturgill said, noting collections are reported with a two-month lag and that economic downturns take time to appear in the receipts. She said some surplus reflected conservative budgeting and prior-year surpluses that reduced reliance on beginning fund balance.

Sturgill urged continued conservative budgeting and monitoring and said the county has used prior surpluses to reduce use of fund balance this year. Board members asked follow-up questions and thanked her for the report; Sturgill offered to answer additional questions and provide updated projections as collections are received.","Washington County Finance Director presented midyear revenue projections indicating personal property and business personal property are on track or ahead of budget; sales tax and public service corporation tax projections were included and staff cautioned projections could change depending on next six months of collections.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6308354,"Mendota Community Center leaders outline services, thank county for recent investments",465,1419000,1884000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf&start=1419&end=1884","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2423421-3c6fa93770b24528898694edd21345bf/thumbnail_1419000.jpg","/articles/6308354/Washington-County/Virginia/Mendota-Community-Center-leaders-outline-services-thank-county-for-recent-investments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308354-158243e79e85b90178301022a8bd6de6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442898&Signature=Wnb1AR1smmup8oUUicTONRfLwUw2yfNr1Cz0C1sxtGFNHdzvIH9T7KDN528IOAoXV3IyLe0rkgWsToBvzQilucoXeRggGuFj4EJCDEepwoSvyqzzBjDSiLMcRyzT4lnElc4zuMfvkEP6-FQzukUVtwWMlmhCm4pR9Lle97oPuzjo4AmGbvyxwC7ucKLOERjRm6nzNE868Kh~BT8dAjJbnJ0XvAhVeF6P5f9syky6Qsz4TPjC9UP5RjynBz9aNs0MptLjaNzAs3-tSNeW0qU-P5JVHOHrEifd-h417oIRdvS2KH56l1o5LCoz04a7129hvDzR3LurvyqDeBFVioligw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of the Mendota Community Association briefed the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 to describe programming and recent upgrades at the Mendota Community Center.

The speaker said county investments in a new roof, HVAC mini-splits, playground improvements and partnership funding for a community kitchen (in cooperation with Wellspring) have supported broad community use. \"This building also houses the Alive 55 senior group,\" the speaker said, describing regular senior programming that provides meals, socialization and an informal safety-net for neighbors.

The speaker outlined recurring uses: Thanksgiving and holiday community meals, a food pantry serving 55–85 families staffed by volunteers, a back-to-school event that distributed about 250 backpacks, holiday and heritage festivals, a 5K/10K fundraiser that draws roughly 200 participants, an artist market, and the Washington County Public Library’s local branch and children’s programming. The community center is also used for voting and other civic activities.

The presenter emphasized emergency and resilience uses: when a multi-day power outage occurred during Hurricane Helene-related storms, the facility provided hot meals and a warm place, aided by the new mini-split HVAC. The speaker also noted past use during the COVID-19 era when students used the center for Wi‑Fi access.

Board members praised the volunteer-led programming and county staff who supported the projects. No budgetary request or motion was made; the presentation was informational and the speaker closed by thanking the board for prior support.","A Mendota Community Association representative thanked Washington County supervisors for recent investments and described expanded uses of the Mendota Community Center, including a food pantry, community kitchen, senior activities, back-to-school events and a library branch. No county action was requested.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

IDA seeks county support to finish Highlands/Oak Park pads; engineers estimate $1.2–$1.5 million

Reassessor: residential values rose sharply; 3,400 hearings held and adjustments underway after Damascus flooding

Board approves tax-exemption update, facility contracts and appointments; other motions pass unanimously

Finance director reports midyear projections: business personal property and sales tax tracking ahead of budget

Mendota Community Center leaders outline services, thank county for recent investments