Board sets petition for special election in November; outlines interim appointment process after Supervisor McCarty’s death

The Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors voted on Feb. 6 to petition the circuit court to set a special election on Nov. 4 to fill the remainder of the term for the late Supervisor Will McCarty and discussed the process for filling the vacancy in the interim.

The county attorney reviewed state law requirements for filling a vacancy on a local board. He told the board that, under the Code of Virginia, the board must petition the court within 15 days of the vacancy to request the court set a date for a special election; the board voted to ask the court to set the special election for the November general election. The attorney also explained that if the board chooses to appoint an interim member, the code requires a properly noticed public meeting to discuss candidates and that any appointment vote may occur no sooner than seven days after that public meeting. The appointed interim supervisor must be a qualified voter residing in District 2.

The board adopted a formal resolution to set the special election date and recorded a roll‑call vote: Supervisor Jefferson — yes; Supervisor Acree — yes; Supervisor Rountree — yes; Chairman Rosie — yes. The vote was unanimous.

The county attorney said that if the board failed to make an interim appointment within the statutory timeframe, the circuit court has authority to make the appointment, although historically courts have often left seats vacant until the election rather than appointing a replacement without a board recommendation.

Board members discussed the timing for the required public meeting to consider interim candidates, the 45‑day statutory window to make a board appointment, and the practicalities of recruiting a District 2 resident willing to serve midterm. The attorney confirmed that an appointee would take office upon qualification and completion of oath and disclosure forms, not on Jan. 1.

The board also voted to move into closed session later in the meeting to discuss potential interim candidates and county personnel matters pursuant to sections of the Code of Virginia cited by county counsel; the later closed session and a subsequent certification vote were recorded on the meeting record.