[{"_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",6284573,"mediaKeyId","2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f","parentId",2577589,"title","Supervisors debate capital projects, courthouse access control, scales and pay policies during budget work session","audioSeconds",4041,"startMs",3426000,"endMs",7467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f&start=3426&end=7467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f/thumbnail_3426000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6284573/Patrick-County/Virginia/Supervisors-debate-capital-projects-courthouse-access-control-scales-and-pay-policies-during-budget-work-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284573-1536958f5d1ebf9042f1b0e1ea3ce313/orig.mp4?Expires=1775434326&Signature=FJoooLUVIT4mH~iha9Z3~StqnlAtIeTq1crLadKWZqAcko4VsapmetIgS7A7XzhsLK8HN9~spGaxrI9X7numgrlS0Hqvk2vP6ImYN-pgkXPk-4SEb3-VfQw43DmPGj3jTKxiBuOqjO1A968PxjUUL1-E7fLKYn-wz~W86iNOV-OZh-lJ4IZHicJE3rVj3kpjEVsxrksxDUMSkdAFdtvLvr5b1rV5wmhlKQKsmSvm4Eufyi1aHp1QIRlmo6lqjrthZYNZrjY8IzYLAXc40HHnBz-xK4A4Ov9Up2KazhLdj4tLu47H~wujAKJUgX8XYRu4MVdvXMHGS4H31e7a23Ogog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Patrick County, VA","date","2025-03-11T14:08:17Z","article","Patrick County supervisors spent a substantial portion of their meeting in a budget work session reviewing capital requests, security upgrades, equipment options and personnel pay policy.

Finance staff outlined the calendar for the budget process and proposed timing: additional work sessions over the coming weeks and a proposed adoption on May 12. The commissioner of revenue and county finance staff explained several capital items could be postponed (community college flooring and election equipment were moved off the immediate list), while other requests remain under consideration.

On dam mowing, staff presented three options: purchase a Ventrac track tractor (quoted at roughly $42,000), buy a remote-control slope mower, or contract the work. Two contractor quotes for mowing varied widely ($68,000 vs. $23,000 annually for three cuts), prompting supervisors to ask staff to obtain more bids and consider slope-specific equipment. Supervisors noted safety concerns about using standard tractors on steep embankments and asked staff to explore slope mowers and contract options.

Security and access control for the county administration/courthouse complex generated significant debate. Supervisor Marshall advocated for access control to protect staff and said the system “is not some extravagant expense. It is a necessary investment in the safety of our employees and the public.” Other supervisors said the county already meets state security requirements for the court wing (Third Floor) and urged careful review of the judge’s request for a single point of entry and further discussion before committing funds. Staff said the item could remain in the budget while the board gathers more information and the judge is consulted.

The board discussed the transfer-station scales, which one vendor estimated could cost about $133,000 to replace. Staff said the current scales have exceeded expected service life and could fail; replacement would be disruptive if unplanned. Supervisors asked for further vendor details and to plan any scale work to minimize service interruptions.

Public-safety capital items were also discussed: newer ambulance designs (van-type transits) were noted as potentially lower-cost options than traditional ambulances but raised operational questions; supervisors asked staff to continue exploring grants, demos and rental options.

On pay and personnel, supervisors debated pay-study outcomes and the distribution of raises. The county confirmed several low-paid positions were increased last year; the board discussed the fiscal impacts of larger increases and the equity implications of flat or regressive approaches. One supervisor urged maintaining a 20% unreserved fund balance as a fiscal cushion and suggested using reserves above that threshold for capital needs rather than routine operating expenses.

Staff will return with additional bid information for dam mowing and equipment, a list of debt/reserve impacts for proposed capital projects, firm quotes for scales and ambulance options, and proposed language for an unreserved fund-balance policy for board consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Patrick County - Board of Supervisors Meeting - March 10,2025 Part II","oneSentenceSummary","At a budget work session, supervisors discussed capital requests — including dam mowing options, community building floors, election equipment, courthouse access control, transfer-station scales, ambulance options and a proposed approach to use unreserved fund balance — and debated salary adjustments and consistency in grant review.","taxTitle","Patrick County, Virginia","taxId",37851,"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},6284578,"Board conditions grant application support on proof of matching funds and staffing for Jeff Stewart Rescue Squad",335,2515000,2850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f&start=2515&end=2850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f/thumbnail_2515000.jpg","/articles/6284578/Patrick-County/Virginia/Board-conditions-grant-application-support-on-proof-of-matching-funds-and-staffing-for-Jeff-Stewart-Rescue-Squad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284578-4e1f7f34e29955a2177942e21c6cf0d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775434326&Signature=GHV2qyuQdh2e6tsiPJoZBcVZ0yXCgayf1E5I9mMQjLmYtafYEtvqYwqm-vc5YxoTqUM-zjmRBI7fUJRh-o5Ujqy6kJ4U9E3zyW89VT4PybLSVvlf~EJjV8Ra2MIaXIHzaAA6~8zjSBKPZr0yzBtl3058qjJ97mUB4L0ZPNFAKK8O-0w28avVUVAlyGTyoaaIuLzkxUh1X0iuhLPb~Uj5dK5gEMHWcLYe3LNij75UouAjoqZ5yIp6bXhcH5PWxXCc2Ybl7ZsJSwbuBApY6JTjzN9lYNcFR1FjDoLovcWj8t4R2rLhi6LGc-n4JQJL8EaisgzpCxjoWOzKth8ngpAU4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted to allow county staff to submit a state grant application on behalf of the Jeff Stewart Rescue Squad, contingent on the squad providing written proof it can meet the grant’s required matching funds and any staffing commitments for a warming center.

County staff told the board they had requested documentation showing matching funds and staffing plans because earlier county-submitted grant applications lacked required commitments and led to problems with state agencies. A county staff member summarized the requirement: “So moving forward, when somebody approaches us, what I was told 2 months ago was to make sure we do have proof of matching funds,” and asked how the board wished to proceed.

Board members discussed the trade-offs between requiring formal documentation and not creating a roadblock for volunteer organizations that traditionally apply for and administer grants themselves. Supervisors said they did not intend to block volunteer fire and rescue squads or other nonprofit groups from applying for funds but sought consistency in the county’s grant-process oversight and protection against county budget exposure if a grant’s match lapses.

A motion passed to support the rescue squad’s application contingent upon receipt of a letter or document from Jeff Stewart showing the squad will meet the matching-funds requirement and staffing expectations for any warming center operations. The motion passed by voice vote; supervisors Marshall, Kendrick, Perry and Overby voted aye and the presiding supervisor voted aye as well.

County staff agreed to accept a written commitment from the rescue squad that the required match exists and to proceed with the grant application as soon as the documentation is received. Staff emphasized the time-sensitive nature of the grant deadline and said the board could approve the application conditionally if the proof arrived before the deadline.","The board authorized staff to submit a state grant application on behalf of the Jeff Stewart Rescue Squad contingent on receipt of documentation proving the squad can supply required matching funds and staffing for any warming center operations.",{"_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},6284583,"Board pledges support for Patrick Central School historical marker after dozens of alumni testify",1973,480000,2453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f&start=480&end=2453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f/thumbnail_480000.jpg","/articles/6284583/Patrick-County/Virginia/Board-pledges-support-for-Patrick-Central-School-historical-marker-after-dozens-of-alumni-testify","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284583-fd089ba84bceac7468f56874e34ea958/orig.mp4?Expires=1775434326&Signature=O6klYKkg8zipkqZavHGtTQ~XxvIfzSrw~FhNL92aUVBQR6nbnFxFyve1yj04FRo-S26LKN1zM5T1bSLiYjGARlIv91XNu70CVBgDzSJHwsN-u9daedUBkhpOZamdmFl8KVqEgJWjWaEeWOKLz3TSvV~p4W1Wjdg8Fkg13Z0xgYkKMtOuDLT1KytucgUVSKJoO7n0awTMKDjOm9LCap6Rfxk8mHTs98LFtJZiFen2sr3DdXztxjjyTiby8VF-QnD9mw06CtTVQOucPg1aet1SdGaEjjX0ev6zuTbjdEITHFBhfJlCo5aEctqEOx2VPAQ4MKsbf7X49Y5vkiQ~NmZrng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for a highway historical marker recognizing Patrick Central School after a lengthy public-comment segment featuring former students and community members.

Mary Frances Sawyers, who said she manages Patrick Central alumni social media and has organized reunions, asked the board for support for a marker “to ensure that Patrick Central school legacy would never be forgotten.” She introduced former students who described the school’s founding and role in the county’s African American community. Former students recalled Patrick Central opening in 1952, operating through the 1960s and serving as an educational and social center for the county’s Black community. James Hines said Patrick Central opened in 1952 on a dirt road in a neighborhood where running water was scarce, and he recounted improvements alumni secured, including road paving before the school closed.

Other speakers included Vera Smith Reynolds, Annie Hilton, Regina Watkins Brim, Lillian Penn Mance and several others who offered personal recollections of teachers and the school’s role as a community hub. “The contributions of African American educators and Patrick Central students has always kept my interest,” Sawyers told the board. Regina Watkins Brim emphasized the broader legacy, including alumni who went on to higher education and military service.

After public comment, a supervisor moved to provide a letter of support for an application to the highway historical marker program. A second was recorded and the board voted unanimously: Supervisors Marshall, Kendrick, Perry and Overby voted yes, and the presiding supervisor also voted yes. The board chair asked whether donors could remit contributions to help fund the marker; presenters said they could collect donations and provide a contact for contributions.

Speakers repeatedly said the request was for a letter of support, not funding from the county at this time. The board’s action will allow the applicants to submit the formal marker application with local support documented.","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted to provide a letter of support for a highway historical marker commemorating Patrick Central School after multiple former students and community members described the school's role in the county's African American educational history.",{"_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},6284589,"Supervisors extend property reassessment cycle, set maximum proposed tax rate",218,302000,520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f&start=302&end=520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f/thumbnail_302000.jpg","/articles/6284589/Patrick-County/Virginia/Supervisors-extend-property-reassessment-cycle-set-maximum-proposed-tax-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284589-3d36fb1af50336531bff80de5ce99633/orig.mp4?Expires=1775434326&Signature=F3LjKeCEqgUfG~uYP-Btu3uP80VdjNXtZLsIlry31FnvrCaTgvA95FHdWR0u295ykQQZcztUro1NyoCmFNK9edbJo--rPu0~QYVn~4MzB5WnQT1ut7hES2BLZMBd2UvzwrTrcZ4WXn3QCH9kdoEddFI3x8MRmHsqbYzRNsHxCeP1Jy-VppOeqsQoUBBhHNNbp-o8BSxyKivTKxGYPXlrgogLGY3BuCtqC4pvNjY6t4s36l3xW2Uma7t7KHsKeG-GvTtVW~HvBH2I8uTJPnohL7F3FZ2GPNjfOo0sNN6DY-isjreWcjoe~-pLcONAr1s8BdeMiuddDeIdB2Vyjj68Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend its next general real-estate reassessment to six years and to set a proposed real estate tax rate ceiling of 73 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2025–26.

Glenda Morse, identified in the meeting as the county’s commissioner of revenue, told the board she had provided information from the Department of State and reminded supervisors that “Virginia code states that there shall be a general reassessment of real estate every 4 years,” while noting counties may elect a five- or six-year interval. Morse said she was asking the board to authorize a two-year extension so the next reassessment would be effective Jan. 1, 2027. “Tonight, I'm asking for a motion to extend the next reassessment to 6 years … which would make it effective 01/01/2027,” she said.

The motion to extend the reassessment passed on a voice vote after a motion and a second were recorded. Shortly afterward, the board voted to set a real estate tax rate “not to exceed 73¢ per 100 of assessed value for the fiscal year 25–26,” a step the county said was necessary to meet publication and notice timelines. A motion to set that ceiling passed by unanimous voice vote; Supervisors Marshall, Kendrick, Perry and Overby voted aye and the presiding supervisor also voted aye.

County staff and the commissioner of revenue noted the reassessment timing affects revenue estimates and will inform the board’s decisions during the current budget cycle. The tax-rate motion was phrased as a maximum allowed rate for the proposed budget; the board will consider a final adopted rate later in the budget process.","The board voted to extend the county’s next general real-estate reassessment to a six-year cycle effective Jan. 1, 2027, and approved a motion to set a proposed real estate tax rate not to exceed $0.73 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2025–26.",{"_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},6284594,"Patrick County electoral board to seek public hearing on Russell Creek polling-site move",314,74000,388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f&start=74&end=388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2577589-4f98755606dffa8ba0bba40a28fb849f/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/6284594/Patrick-County/Virginia/Patrick-County-electoral-board-to-seek-public-hearing-on-Russell-Creek-polling-site-move","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284594-6d3b943006abe97358b25adaadf11e28/orig.mp4?Expires=1775434326&Signature=XFb8zuGxz8BoiHo7VF-tJG7HnzzmG3xTVVVo6wzLqo5CXWdkSpav~BiByyiF2oxunr2rT56w6sds-8tHBEHV~oKOjgUnk6HF6AfH~f8F0HNu6iYlF7jDkJGPoFuP~ESqzbL-jmPj-8PwgNmreqfQhEkAjEbiny7TFgC0SZ0sOmJ8E5D0y9QSaZPQ7vHqVHOKqESrfwZWijrIru73iaBsXXDSGSu9o27R9o2EoKkJYKYZRxQLHAnv8rNKU4fX6UJNJWCg2D2jpKIyjAFxxk-SdWms~sKn34iqrSOsYM7TxH6jt57NQdRg7XM6BG-pEMD2zq1qDJmzgP9fmc9kGL3sKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing April 14 to consider relocating the Russell Creek voting precinct to New Hope Community Church.

Malcolm Roach, who identified himself as representing the electoral board, told supervisors the church has agreed to host elections free of charge and is “thrilled about it.” He said the new site would improve safety and accessibility for older voters and noted some improvements — including building a ramp and veiling (privacy) measures for hand wheelchairs — would require funding. “The church is free. They're willing to let us have it,” Roach said. “Right now, the county pays for the upkeep at the Russell Creek facility… Not much, but every penny counts.”

The board discussed logistical steps needed before a primary if the state Republican Party schedules contested primaries in June; Roach said a public hearing is required before changing precinct locations. He also estimated mailing costs tied to the move at about $880.90 to notify affected voters. Roach stressed that early voting had been held at the Russell Creek site but that some voters avoid it because the site is “poorly lit,” and he described the new location as “much better for the senior citizens of the county.”

After a formal motion to set the hearing for April 14, the board voted in favor. Supervisors Marshall, Kendrick, Perry and Overby voted “aye,” and the presiding supervisor also voted “aye,” carrying the motion.

The board and staff said they will coordinate with the registrar's office about details and that the county does not expect to incur major costs for moving equipment because nothing is stored at Russell Creek. Roach offered to assist further with the transition.

The public hearing, now scheduled for April 14, will be the next formal opportunity for residents to comment before any official change of polling location is adopted.","The Patrick County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved scheduling a public hearing on April 14 to consider relocating the Russell Creek voting precinct to New Hope Community Church; the electoral board estimated modest mailing costs and said the church will provide the space free of charge.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Supervisors debate capital projects, courthouse access control, scales and pay policies during budget work session

Board conditions grant application support on proof of matching funds and staffing for Jeff Stewart Rescue Squad

Board pledges support for Patrick Central School historical marker after dozens of alumni testify

Supervisors extend property reassessment cycle, set maximum proposed tax rate

Patrick County electoral board to seek public hearing on Russell Creek polling-site move