Fluvanna supervisors authorize A&E contract, schedule meals-tax hearing and approve leases, zoning changes and resolutions

Fluvanna County supervisors voted Jan. 22 to advance a set of administrative, land-use and revenue actions, including awarding a professional services contract, scheduling a public hearing for a possible local meals tax and approving a tenant lease.

Architecture and engineering: The board selected Antares Design of Richmond to provide architecture-and-engineering services, including a space study and evaluation, for the county’s proposed new administration and social-services building and for renovation of existing county buildings. County staff said Antares submitted a nonbinding estimate of $136,295 for the space study. The board authorized the county administrator to execute contracts, subject to legal review. Motion to approve the contract was made by Supervisor O’Brien and seconded by Supervisor Goodall; the chair recorded the vote in favor.

Food and beverage tax: Under Virginia law localities may now impose a local meals or food-and-beverage tax by ordinance, and county staff presented an analysis estimating a Fluvanna meals tax could generate about $300,000–$600,000 depending on the rate. The board voted to advertise a proposed ordinance setting the maximum local rate at 6% and designating 3 percentage points of that 6% (i.e., half the revenue) for school construction. The board set a public hearing to allow public comment; staff will advertise the hearing date and finalize ordinance language. Supervisor Hyde made the motion; the board approved it.

Lease for social services partner: The board approved a formal five-year lease with the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) for space under the Carrysbrook Complex gym for a thrift store, food pantry and related services, at no rent charge. The lease includes standard utility allocations and a five-year automatic renewal. Motion to approve the lease was made by Supervisor Hyde and seconded by Supervisor Boot; the board voted in favor.

Zoning text amendment: The board approved an amendment (ZTA 24-07) clarifying options for how inoperable vehicles may be “shielded and screened from view,” including placement inside a fully enclosed building, a solid opaque fence or use of a fitted vehicle cover. The planning commission had recommended approval and the board adopted the change after a public hearing.

Legislative resolutions: The board adopted two resolutions opposing several bills pending in the General Assembly. One resolution opposes House Bill 2126 and Senate Bill 1190, which would create a Virginia Energy Facility Review Board and require a locality to adopt model language and accept the board’s opinion in utility-scale energy siting cases. The second resolution opposes House Bill 2438 and Senate Bill 1114; the board said those measures would reduce local land-use authority by requiring siting of large-scale solar on designated land uses and imposing narrower setback rules than the county’s current supplemental regulations.

Other votes: The board approved an ordinance amendment regarding rental-property screening, adopted its consent agenda, and authorized a deed-of-easement and a utility-agreement with a private property owner following a closed session.

Why this matters: The A&E contract moves the county closer to a combined administration and social-services facility design phase. The decision to advertise a meals tax ordinance gives the public a formal opportunity to comment on a new local revenue source and the board a mechanism to earmark funds for school construction. Zoning changes and the resolutions reflect local concern about state pre-emption or narrower standards for energy projects.

Votes at a glance: - Approve A&E contract (Antares Design) for space study: mover O’Brien; second Goodall; outcome: approved (recorded aye votes). - Advertise food-and-beverage tax ordinance (max 6%); earmark 3% for school construction: mover Hyde; second Brian; outcome: approved (board authorized public hearing and ordinance advertisement). - Approve lease with Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) for Carrysbrook space (5 years, automatic 5-year renewal; no rent): mover Hyde; second Boot; outcome: approved. - Approve zoning text amendment ETA 24-07 (shield/screen language for inoperable vehicles): outcome: approved after public hearing. - Adopt resolutions opposing HB 2126/SB 1190 and HB 2438/SB 1114: outcomes: both adopted. - Approve deed of easement and utility-agreement with Macon Properties LLC: outcome: approved (authorized county administrator to execute, subject to form review).

Next steps: Staff will advertise the meals-tax public hearing, post ordinance language and provide outreach to food-service merchants; the A&E firm will proceed with the space study and design contract work if project agreements are approved at future meetings.