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Board approves multiple appropriations including rescue-squad match and first-responder wellness grant
Summary
Henry County supervisors on July 22 approved several appropriations from state asset forfeiture and grant funds, including a local match for a volunteer rescue squad's purchase of two 12-lead monitors and a $30,000 DCJS grant for first-responder wellness equipment at the detention center.
Henry County supervisors voted unanimously July 22 to approve several additional appropriations from state asset forfeiture funds and grant awards, including local matching funds for a volunteer rescue squad and spending tied to first-responder wellness at the adult detention center. The board recorded 6-0 votes on each item.
The board approved two requests from Sheriff Wayne Davis totaling $25,223 from state asset forfeiture funds: $13,223 to buy newly designed uniform patches and $12,000 to support sheriff's-office community events. "The department is in the process of transitioning to new uniforms," presenter Mister Powell said, explaining why the patch purchase was requested.
Supervisors also approved an appropriation of $30,000 received from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services' Office of First Responder Wellness grant program. "The grant does not require any local matching funds," Mister Powell told the board; the sheriff plans to use the award to buy cold plunge tubs and dry saunas for male and female locker rooms at the adult detention center to support deputy recovery and resilience.
The Commonwealth's Attorney, Attorney Andrew Nestor, requested $23,597 from state asset forfeiture funds to cover travel in fiscal 2026 ($23,000) and to buy file shelving ($597). The board approved that appropriation 6-0.
The largest contested appropriation related to the Fieldale-Collinsville Volunteer Rescue Squad and a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant for two 12-lead cardiac monitors. The total grant award is $82,760.09 and requires a local match. Staff originally posted a recommended county match of $30,797, but the rescue squad captain, Stewart Bowman, subsequently asked for a higher amount ($35,898.95) so the squad could retain two existing defibrillators rather than trading them in. "We would like to keep those old defibrillators because we're gonna put them into use, for now," Supervisor Bryant said while urging full funding of the higher amount. The board approved the full $35,898.95 match and directed the funds to come from the county contingency fund; the motion passed 6-0.
Discussion on the rescue-squad item included clarifying that the rescue squads are normally encouraged to seek grants and that the county has provided matching assistance in the past when squads have been unable to meet match requirements. Mister Powell confirmed the higher figure "does suffice to cover what's being requested." The board recorded the vote on that item as 6-0, and the appropriation will be drawn from contingency.
No other conditions or follow-up deadlines were attached to these appropriation votes during the meeting.
The board's clerk recorded each roll call and confirmed each item passed with a 6-0 tally.
Ending: The appropriations concluded the financial-matters portion of the July 22 meeting; several supervisors noted they hope the rescue-squad equipment will increase emergency-service capacity across the county.
