The Warren County Board of Supervisors convened on October 7, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the future of the county's economic development efforts and the appointment of a new advisory committee member.

The meeting began with a discussion on the approval for the finance department to proceed with plans to revitalize the county's economic development office. Dr. Jamieson highlighted the need for a new economic development director, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Front Royal, particularly in tourism and economic development. He noted that the existing Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been inactive for some time and that a fresh approach is necessary.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the funding for this position. Some board members expressed concerns about moving forward without first consulting with the town council to explore a shared cost for the EDA director. A motion was made to table the discussion until a joint meeting could be arranged with the town, but this motion ultimately failed. The board continued to debate the urgency of hiring a consultant to facilitate discussions and evaluate the roles of the EDA and the town.

Several members voiced the need for immediate action, citing upcoming opportunities such as a $2 million grant for local ballpark development and the importance of addressing properties under EDA due diligence. The conversation underscored a desire to move past previous conflicts between the county and town, with a consensus that open dialogue is essential for future collaboration.

Following the economic development discussions, the board addressed the appointment of Amy Barnes to the Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District Advisory Committee. Despite some reservations about the lack of interviews for the position, the board ultimately approved her appointment.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the renewal of a contract with Matrix Consulting Group. Some members expressed a desire to table this item until they could review the consultant's findings, which are expected to provide valuable insights into community risk and deployment.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to revitalizing economic development in Warren County while navigating the complexities of collaboration with local municipalities. The next steps include scheduling a joint meeting with the town council and reviewing the consultant's report in the near future.