Suffolk City Council approves budget, including Driver Elementary and Route 17 projects

The Suffolk City Council convened on March 5, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a public hearing on the capital improvements program and various resolutions related to local initiatives.

The meeting began with a presentation from a representative of a solar facility project on Wilroy Road, which is being developed in partnership with Solenis. The speaker highlighted the ongoing efforts to connect the solar facility to the grid through Dominion Energy, noting that the design process has been lengthy. An extension for the project was requested to accommodate these developments.

Following this, the council moved to the consent agenda, which included several resolutions. The first item involved rescinding a local emergency declaration that had been in place due to significant snowfall in February. The emergency was declared on February 19 and rescinded shortly after, allowing city facilities to reopen.

Another resolution accepted a donation of blood pressure monitors from the American Heart Association for the Suffolk Public Library, valued at $585. This equipment will be available for citizens to check out.

The council also approved an ordinance to accept $21,781 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to support the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue. This funding will assist with emergency management salaries and requires a local cash match of the same amount.

Additionally, the council discussed a resolution regarding the issuance of revenue bonds for Bon Secours Mercy Health, which will finance healthcare facilities in Suffolk. The bonds, not exceeding $600 million, will support various capital expenditures, with a portion allocated specifically for the Harborview Medical Center.

The meeting proceeded to a public hearing on the proposed capital improvements program (CIP) for fiscal years 2025-2026. Finance Director Charles Meeks presented an overview of the CIP, which totals $533.8 million over five years. The plan includes funding for public schools, public safety, transportation, and parks and recreation projects. Notably, the council discussed the potential demolition of Driver Elementary School and the inclusion of a turn lane for Burnham Manor as part of the Route 17 widening project.

After the public hearing, which saw no speakers, Council Member Wright expressed gratitude for the attention given to the Driver Elementary project and the safety concerns surrounding Burnham Manor. A motion was made to adopt the CIP with amendments to include funding for the school demolition and to update the language regarding the Burnham Manor turn lane.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and the amended capital improvements program, reflecting a collaborative effort to address community needs and enhance local infrastructure. The meeting concluded with plans to revisit the operating and capital budget in April, ensuring continued progress on these initiatives.