[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6127699,"mediaKeyId","2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595","parentId",2661764,"title","County says NG911 is live; staff to pursue NG911, GIS and recovery grants and EMD rollout continues","audioSeconds",3232,"startMs",15248000,"endMs",18480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595&start=15248&end=18480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595/thumbnail_15248000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6127699/Floyd-County/Virginia/County-says-NG911-is-live-staff-to-pursue-NG911-GIS-and-recovery-grants-and-EMD-rollout-continues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127699-28f20d7823ad21e4aaedb11bdf7c09f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148607&Signature=Quwf9KguY50sMjR4W7gcz~D532PQPvvGBzAW-staF~CrsBt8XVJpvniUrMw1tRexcxLVhTCh3XqxZDGKDEKvlvGgO8OdJCpkhKMFII9xcTZRFkHYbAyuomh1ubirtdXf2oXKtyIo6Qfdk6An1yDfXut4tihUGMyR5KobRMbpwYMgKTOlItJWd~LciY6Bq0O0ZP9-e8t0Xz167rjd~864Zvj9CHXNRc6i53ICJmP5a8J5qNGctrTDAOZcK8Dpd3un86uPsKQtppWf6Ho2~cV9ZeHhQv5clFrAQQ4Kun7cSGDotICKs-8QxO3YU87rKNXHByW-7H3ZCVHAJiD14SwKZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Floyd County Government","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","County staff reported that Floyd County is now operating on Next Generation 911 (NG911) and that dispatch personnel have received required Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training. County leaders said they will pursue a series of grants to support upgrades and hurricane recovery.

NG911 and EMD status: Staff said NG911 — which improves latitude/longitude location delivery and other call-routing features — is technically live. Dispatch training for EMD has been completed for required personnel and the county is working through remaining build-out and testing steps. Staff noted a lingering issue with text-to-911 that they are continuing to troubleshoot.

Grant activity: The county signaled intent to apply for several grants: a GIS/data program funding award (small grant, no local match), an NG911 equipment/upgrades fund (new program with awards up to $100,000), and other PSAP-related training grants. Separately, supervisors unanimously approved a motion to apply for an Outdoor Recreation Rebuilding and Recovery microgrant (estimated $5,000–$10,000, no match) to support repair of storm-damaged recreational assets.

CDBG urgent-need funds (hurricane Helene): Staff described a potential CDBG urgent-need program to fund generators and repairs for water/wastewater systems damaged during the storm. The county and town staff are exploring whether the county can apply on behalf of local water/wastewater authorities, and whether moving certain FEMA-queued generator projects into DHCD funding would speed completion — DHCD funds can come sooner than FEMA reimbursements.

Equipment and call-handling funding: County staff noted call-handling upgrades may require larger investments (a cited order-of-magnitude figure was roughly $300,000, to be refined by vendor quotes). The board authorized staff to research and pursue the NG911 and related grant opportunities, subject to application details and vendor quotes.

Why it matters: NG911 and EMD upgrades can improve dispatcher ability to locate callers and standardize medical pre-arrival instructions. Grant funding would accelerate equipment replacement and repair of storm-hit infrastructure, including potential generator replacements for essential facilities.

Next steps: Staff will finalize applications for the GIS grant and microgrants and report back about NG911 vendor quotes and EMD certification completion. Officials said a formal vendor and equipment quote is required before a larger call-handling equipment application is completed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOS Meeting 03/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Officials reported Floyd County is live on Next Generation 911; dispatch training for Emergency Medical Dispatch is underway and staff will pursue multiple grants for GIS, NG911 upgrades and post-storm recovery projects, including microgrants for outdoor recreation and CDBG urgent-need funding for generators.","taxTitle","Floyd County, Virginia","taxId",30973,"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},6127704,"Supervisors hear updates on storm cleanup, potholes and planned paving on Route 8 and town approaches",120,1418000,1538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595&start=1418&end=1538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595/thumbnail_1418000.jpg","/articles/6127704/Floyd-County/Virginia/Supervisors-hear-updates-on-storm-cleanup-potholes-and-planned-paving-on-Route-8-and-town-approaches","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127704-b86174088fac5cc4f3382c4681222f64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148607&Signature=ZlVXQB2Cz0dK19vFP10hybqkBJzNzuPS50M26pKlcUiG7iDxN4z2DyjaBvsXRgQjjF66d0Kx~D~cogmALvqyP7fE-VtKSeCjMOaLq264aYidxnQt29LbuPPjMRf4ZuVeC71WZ65Tg53cf8HfQ2j2Qqfiegawsr2U3JTnPq6O0NdTgRH6kSqxd9J8s6cM3zIwLF7hgP7vpJwQQ74i0cCXpC0qrw~quOPaTIc2D0uXbcbOK3yWk9xvVzcND6ZLBSaCKK1qVOjFwUwHqEBwKRAq7Ad6odGg3gaOKRtX29zBy74Wdj02O4NVdzheadjFPS~UIRmI8An5uZeLYGXc6YKmTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and road crews told the Board of Supervisors that county roads remain in rough condition after recent storms, with brush, debris and potholes creating hazards while crews continue cleanup and patching operations.

Public comment and supervisors’ reports highlighted several trouble spots: Route 8 north of town, Bethlehem Church Road, Allen Ridge, Beaver Creek area and other secondary roads where washouts, guardrail damage and standing water persist. Several residents urged the county to bring in extra contractors; public works staff said additional contractor capacity is limited regionally and crews are prioritizing the worst damage.

Planned paving and maintenance: County officials said contracts have been awarded for paving work, with projects planned on Route 8 north of town and other segments scheduled for late spring. Staff noted some projects require certain days and temperatures for asphalt work and expected overlays to begin near the end of May.

Guardrails and erosion: Supervisors and residents discussed guardrail sections damaged during storms and the potential to extend guardrail or provide paid shoulders under guardrails where washouts occur. Where feasible, staff said the county will include guardrail work in paving/overlay projects and is exploring targeted asphalt shoulders in high-risk spots.

Safety and storm response: Residents thanked crews and volunteer teams for clearing roads and noted mutual-aid assistance from neighboring jurisdictions. Staff reiterated that some large contracts and inter-county deployment of crews affect local staffing, and the county is coordinating with VDOT and neighboring districts to shift resources where possible.

Why it matters: The damage impacts travel safety and local commerce; supervisors said roadway maintenance and capital-improvement planning must account for deferred maintenance and simultaneous failures (e.g., multiple rooftop/compressor or parking-lot failures at schools). Board members discussed the need to develop a multi-year capital plan to better schedule and fund repairs and replacements going forward.","Board members and residents discussed road damage from recent storms, brush and debris removal, pothole repair, overlays and guardrail replacement. Staff described current work schedules, contracted paving, and capacity constraints on contractors across the district.",{"_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},6127709,"Floyd supervisors approve staff to seek and buy recycling box truck up to $65,000",6227,2689000,8916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595&start=2689&end=8916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595/thumbnail_2689000.jpg","/articles/6127709/Floyd-County/Virginia/Floyd-supervisors-approve-staff-to-seek-and-buy-recycling-box-truck-up-to-65000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127709-29b6cb5f7844d643ea38eaa7055efab9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148607&Signature=PT0NSiP3cmp4YmVZ-pPxj-N4vsTHISgyzeKjlJwjarUZazBLDn1wR8yydFCaLwwU0HH~gOFwSzGEBdKzGQdDWS7M9hq6W0~aVDS5vnPIViSeA3EIOZluHd4k1pJmAE0ApJ7RAMcyQMiZUv3HvBI36QY8OR5XS1PjeS8E2NDJWQ81u66czUSvSn6HFRp8wxnD5n4tcMFe53Qrb032GyKORV2ueB~G3vMuJJ0nbYp0SRzJRA2Rtv39GEFXYcfnbvFup3xmdVtApcMM-jYyeLVkRbHbT84umKcnvT21qbr5Ryi9Qmqnueh0IsPGHz4ERe98V4ZaHruSsrps1iNkG7wwYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Supervisors authorized county staff to seek bids and purchase a recycling box truck with a tuckaway liftgate for up to $65,000, citing rising rental costs and frequent breakdowns of the county’s existing box trucks.

At the meeting staff said the county has spent thousands on rental trucks after its fleet experienced repeated failures. “We’ve been spending a quarter of a box truck on rentals,” a county solid-waste staff member said, describing heavy rental costs since December. Board members and staff discussed buying a newer used truck from southern states to avoid salt corrosion and lengthen vehicle life.

Vote and next steps: The motion to permit staff to go to bid and to purchase a used or new truck up to $65,000 passed unanimously. Supervisors Bechtel, Cookenbrook, Cox, Booth and Turner recorded “yes” votes. Staff will advertise, accept bids, and — if a suitable vehicle is available under the cap — complete the purchase with authorized signatures.

Tipping building and transfer-station operations: Supervisors also authorized staff to proceed with an RFP process for a new tipping building at the county transfer station; that item will return to the board for final approval of bids. County staff and the board discussed longer-term operational changes at the transfer station, including the possibility of a rear-loader trash truck, consolidation of recycling destinations to reduce hauling costs, and improved camera monitoring to curb illegal dumping and hazardous waste at green-box sites.

Why it matters: Staff argued that owning a modern box truck would be cheaper than continued rentals and would reduce equipment downtime. The county will draw from undesignated general-fund balances set aside through past budgeting practices to cover the purchase, staff said.

Community concerns: Staff said illegal dumping, full green-box sites, and heavy items (mattresses, furniture) have increased disposal workload and injured workers, prompting consideration of new operational protocols, additional cameras, and expanded recycling destinations to reduce transport costs.","The board authorized staff to go to bid and to purchase a recycling box truck (with lift gate) up to $65,000, citing high rental costs and aging county vehicles. The county also authorized design/bids for a new tipping building at the transfer station.",{"_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},6127714,"Floyd County EMS reports steady call volume, says staff shortage prevents third ambulance",1786,4302000,6088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595&start=4302&end=6088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661764-0c3c7c02ab966801d77a40a033785595/thumbnail_4302000.jpg","/articles/6127714/Floyd-County/Virginia/Floyd-County-EMS-reports-steady-call-volume-says-staff-shortage-prevents-third-ambulance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127714-92e749bdaf39f965136e91f6526ff5ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148607&Signature=Tvy6~XMy6nf1d389UQ8~DasDmMiLCpVPT~veQC8Uw5Jj~Kk4Hsx7s8hzjX6i6vmAQ~Oh0Z2KNjC94p~xDHUZkLtblJlpeptp9eL~OkurNvaWqeWYwfIHJ~IhkS5YzmEeMpbVKi7PtTZufRK2ERYFmC6CMT9ettrq6rL7z6jhbnSzIIGNW69HBAy5-c0vx9zxqEMb6sVT7XToBDv36hdbI1e5Tpdft28mxtmJgr7LgMt89uQkcjjeYdqViynzEKk652t1t5jtnP1dQfEortW2mIfQ5GZTByL3JJraxlV~Nl04RVbkTal2xj~4MeX9JQoiINl3hrXsWysbImt~Cx44ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Floyd County Emergency Medical Services reported a countywide average response time of about 15 minutes 32 seconds and said recent call volume has strained staff availability, preventing the department from staffing a third full-time ambulance.

Officials described the staffing shortfall during the board meeting, saying the system can operate two staffed ALS ambulances 24/7 but needs roughly six additional personnel to staff a single outlying station full time. “I would say we would need to add six right now to staff to move out one station,” said Dustin, a Floyd County EMS official overseeing operations. He said the county’s existing roster — a mix of full-time, part-time and volunteer members — leaves little margin for sick leave or heavy-call days.

The EMS presentation reviewed 2024 operations: 2,081 total calls, station-level averages and spotted differences in response times by area. Station 1 averaged about 11 minutes 12 seconds; Station 3 about 21:29; Station 4 about 22:48. Turnaround time for transports — including on-scene care, transport, and hospital transfer — was reported at about 90 minutes to two hours depending on destination.

Why it matters: County leaders and residents told the board long transport and limited coverage are felt in outlying areas. During public comment, resident Gerald Vest said delayed responses worry people who live far from town: “I’m … two and a half miles from my mind, and I’m gonna have to wait 25 minutes to get it. If I fall out of a heart attack, I’m dead,” Vest said.

What officials said: County staff and the EMS chief said several factors limit expansion: statewide competition for paramedics, pay/benefit differentials, and hiring churn. “My pot is not quite big enough to lure them over,” Dustin said, describing recruitment challenges and the need to improve compensation and scheduling to attract clinicians from neighboring localities. He said adding a third fully staffed ambulance would likely require both more funding and successful hiring.

Steps under way: EMS has launched a local cadet program for 15–17-year-olds; the first cohort included 10 students and provides CPR, stop-the-bleed and other basic emergency skills. The department also created a volunteer track (seven volunteers on the roster at the time of the report) and is exploring partnerships with New River Community College and a local scholarship foundation to subsidize EMT training for recruits.

Medical oversight and training: Dr. Doug Patterson, the system’s operational medical director for the New River Valley critical-care initiative, was credited for clinical oversight and helping secure pharmacy and drug administration licensing that allows EMS to carry a broader set of medicines and to tailor supplies to local needs.

Options discussed: Staff outlined interim models that do not require immediate full hiring — e.g., deploying a Quick Response Vehicle during peak hours, moving a staffed vehicle to an outlying station for daytime coverage, or adding a third vehicle for high-call hours (8 a.m.–8 p.m.). All options hinge on recruiting additional clinicians.

Next steps and follow-up: Staff said they will continue outreach to local training programs, assess grant and scholarship options for EMT courses, and analyze dispatch and call data to refine where and when added coverage would make the most operational difference. Dustin said he will provide the board the county’s detailed call and response data for further review.

Ending: Supervisors and EMS leaders stressed recruiting and local training as primary near-term strategies while noting any permanent service expansion will require sustained funding, hires and time to implement.","Floyd County Emergency Medical Services reported rising call volume, average countywide response times and a new cadet program but said it lacks enough personnel to staff a third ambulance full time. Officials urged recruiting, training and partnerships to expand coverage.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County says NG911 is live; staff to pursue NG911, GIS and recovery grants and EMD rollout continues

Supervisors hear updates on storm cleanup, potholes and planned paving on Route 8 and town approaches

Floyd supervisors approve staff to seek and buy recycling box truck up to $65,000

Floyd County EMS reports steady call volume, says staff shortage prevents third ambulance