Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caroline County Board adopts resolution opposing Virginia Senate Bill 923; board members plan to attend Richmond hearing
Summary
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution strongly opposing Virginia Senate Bill 923, which would prohibit certain inter-basin water transfers; members discussed attending a hearing that evening in Richmond and received legal guidance about quorum and FOIA considerations.
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted on Jan. 14, 2025 to adopt a resolution strongly opposing Virginia Senate Bill 923, a measure described at the meeting as prohibiting inter-basin water transfers. The board also discussed and organized a presence at a public hearing on the bill scheduled that evening in Richmond.
A supervisor moved to adopt a formal resolution opposing Senate Bill 923, citing the bill’s potential impact on local water projects the county has pursued for years. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. No roll-call results were recorded in the transcript; members indicated their approval by saying "Aye." The board then opened discussion about attending a 7 p.m. public hearing in Richmond.
Legal counsel advised that individual supervisors may attend and speak at the General Assembly hearing so long as they do not conduct public business together at that venue; if more than a quorum leaves the meeting, the board would need to adjourn or recess because of quorum rules and the Freedom of Information Act. The board discussed three options: recess and return later the same night; continue the meeting with remaining members while some travel to Richmond; or continue without leaving a quorum and add the matter to the Jan. 28 agenda. Several supervisors said it would be “compelling” for all members to attend in person, while others stressed the practical constraints of presenters and citizens who had come for scheduled items.
Board members obtained details for the hearing location: the General Assembly Building in Richmond at 923 East Broad Street, Senate Room A (Room 305). They also noted that, as of midafternoon they had difficulty locating the bill on the Legislative Information System by bill number.
After weighing options, the board moved to add discussion of the matter to the Jan. 28 agenda to ensure adequate notice and to allow members who could not attend the Richmond hearing to participate. Several supervisors and staff indicated they would travel to Richmond that night to be present during the public comment period.
The board’s resolution opposing Senate Bill 923 will be included in the meeting record and was adopted by the board during the Jan. 14 session.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution opposing Virginia Senate Bill 923 — motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote (all present in favor).
