Supervisors debate clerk duties and potential conflict of interest; motion to curtail delegation fails

Board members extensively discussed the role and duties of the clerk of the board and whether the clerk’s ability to delegate duties should be limited, with concerns focused on a staff member who also serves on the school board.

Supervisor Marshall raised an objection to the current arrangement, saying it was "not appropriate for the chairman of the school board to sit in executive session of the board of supervisors" and questioning whether that created a conflict of interest. Other supervisors and staff responded that it is common in Virginia for county administrators to be listed as the clerk and to delegate duties, and that delegation has been part of the county’s staffing arrangement since the position was included in the adopted 2024 budget.

The board considered a motion to delete the final sentence of Section 3.2 of the rules of procedure — language that states the clerk "may act through one or more deputies or assistants." After discussion and a roll-call vote, the motion failed; Supervisor Marshall, Supervisor Kendrick, Supervisor Perry and Supervisor Overby recorded "no" votes during the roll call and the chair declared the motion defeated. The meeting record shows board members agreed the precise duties and any personnel changes could be handled administratively or, if personnel-specific, in closed session.

Ending

The board left the clerk’s delegation language in place. Members requested clearer language and suggested taking personnel-specific concerns to closed session if necessary before making structural policy changes.