Board accepts county attorney resignation and appoints Nicole Price as interim county attorney

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of County Attorney Jim Bencahala and appointed Nicole Price as interim county attorney following a closed-session personnel discussion.

Board members moved and approved the personnel action after the closed session. "We have accepted the resignation of Jim Bencahala, his county attorney, and we have appointed Nicole Price as the interim county attorney," the chair said when reconvening in open session. The board voted unanimously to approve the interim appointment.

The board did not provide a public timetable for a search for a permanent successor during the open session discussion. The appointment is effective immediately and county staff will handle any transitional matters and reporting requirements.

Because the action occurred after a closed session taken under Virginia Code exemptions for personnel, the board said they would provide appropriate follow-up details as staff compiles transition plans.