Augusta County supervisors approve multiple zoning and ordinance changes, update tourism agreement and raise ambulance billing rates

Augusta County supervisors on Wednesday approved a package of zoning and ordinance changes, updated the county’s tourism agreement and voted to raise ambulance billing rates, among other routine actions.

Votes at a glance

- Barterbrook Investment Co., LLC proffer amendment (approx. 86.473 acres; consolidate two pools into one, enlarge clubhouse amenities): approved 7-0. - Monsour Group LLC rezoning (rezone about 3.057 acres from general business to multi‑family residential for age‑restricted 55+ apartments, Fishersville): approved 7-0. - Definitions for travel plazas and gasoline retail outlets: amended to change the diesel‑fueling threshold from more than 2 positions to more than 4 diesel fueling positions (short‑term fix ahead of comprehensive code review): approved 7-0. - Solar ordinance amendments (three items): codified a requirement that topsoil not be removed from small and large solar energy system sites and made a decommissioning‑language cleanup; passed 6-1 on the primary votes. - Ambulance billing rates: county will continue to match 125% of the Medicare allowable (including add‑on payments) while federal add‑ons remain in effect: approved 7-0. - Administrative: Greater Augusta Regional Tourism (GART) agreement updated; motion to authorize the county administrator to execute the updated agreement approved (vote recorded 7-0); a $36,852 tax refund to Crosby Leasing, Inc. was approved 7-0.

What changed in fuel‑station rules: Planning staff brought forward an interim amendment to the county code defining travel plazas and gasoline retail outlets. Staff described the change as a short‑term fix to allow convenience stores and gas stations more flexibility (industry requested a threshold of four diesel positions). Engineers and fuel‑industry speakers told the board that four diesel fueling positions better fits modern station layouts because dispensers commonly serve both sides of an island. The board also directed staff to examine broader code changes during the comprehensive‑plan update.

Solar changes: The board codified a condition already used in project approvals by adding a requirement to the ordinance that topsoil not be removed from solar project sites and by adjusting decommissioning language. Supporters argued the change preserves the long‑term capacity of land to return to agriculture or other uses; at least one supervisor opposed the change, arguing market forces were already discouraging topsoil removal.

Ambulance billing rates: Finance staff recommended continuing to bill at 125% of Medicare allowable rates, including the temporary add‑on payment extended through March 31, 2025. The board approved the recommendation unanimously.

Administrative items: The board authorized updates to the Greater Augusta Regional Tourism agreement to modernize dates, officer terms and to permit remote participation; supervisors also approved an administrative tax refund for Crosby Leasing, Inc., after county records showed duplicate taxation on the same property.

Ending: Most items on the agenda were routine approvals following staff and planning commission review. The most contentious zoning item at the meeting — the RAE Enterprises Wayne Avenue rezoning for Stuart’s Draft — was denied in a separate, detailed vote (see separate story).