During the Orange County Board of Supervisors' regular meeting on November 20, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the representation and governance of the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA). Community members voiced their frustrations over the lack of citizen representation on the RSA board, which is primarily composed of appointees from the county supervisors, including the county administrator. This structure has led to calls for reform, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and accountable board.

Dave Davies, a resident from Lake of the Woods, highlighted that Orange County is unique among 17 surveyed counties in Virginia for having no citizen representatives on the RSA board. He pointed out that while the Lake of the Woods community constitutes a substantial portion of RSA's customer base, they lack direct representation. Davies urged the supervisors to recuse themselves from the board and appoint representatives from Eastern Orange County, or alternatively, to expand the board to include more diverse voices.

Additionally, Jonathan Mori, another resident, suggested utilizing a large vacant facility near Walmart for public housing, advocating for a practical solution to housing needs before considering new construction or renovations.

The meeting also included a presentation by RSA General Manager Tim Clemons, who addressed a recent water quality issue that affected residents in late August. Clemons, along with other RSA officials, aimed to provide clarity and answer questions regarding the incident, which had raised concerns about water safety and management.

The discussions during this meeting underscore ongoing tensions regarding governance and community representation in Orange County. As residents call for changes to ensure their voices are heard, the board faces pressure to reevaluate its approach to representation and service delivery. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the community's trust in local governance and the effectiveness of the RSA in meeting the needs of its constituents.