Henry County supervisors approve multiple appropriations, award Reservoir Road contract and back regional legislative requests

The Henry County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 approved a series of appropriations and contract awards and directed staff to forward the county's legislative requests to state representatives.

The board voted unanimously (6-0) to approve: a $10,000 appropriation to pay a part-time clerical project position in the circuit court clerk's office; $25,968 from an insurance settlement to repair a park shelter; $239,100 in state and federal funds for the schools' Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program; and requests from the school board totaling $2,029,700 (a $1,859,700 appropriation from the county's 1% sales tax fund for new construction and renovation plus a $170,000 allocation for architectural/engineering services to replace electrical switchgear at three schools).

In a separate action the board approved an additional appropriation of $915,846 from the Virginia Department of Transportation revenue-sharing program for the Reservoir Road reconstruction in the Ridgeway District and awarded the construction contract to Haines Brothers Incorporated for $1,975,117 after a low-bid selection process. County staff said the project funding combines ARC, VDOT revenue-sharing and local match.

The supervisors also unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing county participation in proposed opioid-related settlements with multiple pharmaceutical defendants and directed the county attorney and outside counsel to execute necessary documents. The board appointed Charice Hairston to the Blue Ridge Regional Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2027.

Board members voted to forward the county's legislative agenda to regional partners and state legislators; that motion included explicit support for a proposal to transfer operation of the Baldwin (New College Institute) building to Patrick Henry Community College as a workforce and economic development center. The board additionally approved a $500 district-impact fund contribution for a public "Worship on the Lawn" event focused on breast-cancer awareness.

All formal votes recorded at the meeting were 6-0 in favor except where noted in the official minutes.

Votes at a glance - Circuit Court clerical position: appropriation $10,000; outcome: approved 6-0. - Parks & Rec insurance settlement: appropriation $25,968; outcome: approved 6-0. - Fresh Fruit & Vegetable program (public schools): appropriation $239,100 (VA Dept. of Education / USDA funds); outcome: approved 6-0. - School construction/renovation and engineering: requests totaling $2,029,700 ($1,859,700 + $170,000); outcome: approved 6-0. - Reservoir Road reconstruction: appropriation $915,846 (VDOT revenue sharing etc.) and contract award to Haines Brothers Inc. $1,975,117; outcome: approved 6-0. - Appointment: Charice Hairston to Blue Ridge Regional Library Board (term to 06/30/2027); outcome: approved 6-0. - Opioid settlement participation (multiple defendants): resolution adopted; outcome: approved 6-0. - District impact funds: $500 to "Worship on the Lawn" (breast cancer awareness); outcome: approved 6-0.

Board Chair and staff said further administrative steps and contract signings will follow the votes; staff also indicated some items may be adjusted during the upcoming General Assembly session and that formal documents will be returned for signature as needed.

Ending The board recessed and reconvened for an evening session; staff will publish finalized contract documents and appropriation ordinances in the county's official records. Any additional legislative endorsements will be reflected in the county's transmittal to legislators and regional partners.