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Residents press county leaders on finances and new public‑comment process
Summary
During the June 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, multiple residents urged action on county finances, criticized a new public‑comment submission process, and welcomed the new county administrator. Speakers cited multi‑year budget shortfalls and urged immediate fiscal controls.
Residents used the board’s public‑comment periods on June 24 to press supervisors about county finances, the new online public‑comment system and the appointment of a new county administrator.
New county administrator introduced Chair Byron Atkins formally introduced the county’s newly hired administrator, Keith Rogers Jr., noting the county used an executive search firm (the Berkeley Group) and that the board’s selection was unanimous. The chair asked for community support for the new administrator as he begins work with staff and residents.
Public comments on county finances and process Several residents spoke at length about what they described as persistent budget shortfalls and recent fiscal decisions. Doreen Billingsley, who identified herself as a resident at 3400 East Berry Lane, urged the board and new administrator to form a financial advisory committee and to immediately reduce spending. Billingsley cited a four‑year pattern she described for the county’s general fund results: a $500,000 overspend in 2021; $2,500,000 in 2022; $3,000,000 in 2023; and $8,000,000 in 2024, and she calculated that on $23,000,000 of revenues the 2024 overage represented about 35 percent. She also told the board the county had taken a revenue anticipation note (RAN) of $5,000,000 in the recent past and urged the board to prioritize restoring reserves.
Other speakers echoed fiscal worries. Resident Bill Hopke, who described experience on multiple public boards, told the board that county accounting issues were alarming and said an auditor had been unable to locate nearly $300,000 of cash in a recent review. He said the RAN comes due soon and criticized proposed transfers from the Economic Development Authority to cover county bills.
Concerns about new public‑comment process Multiple commenters said a new online comment submission system (posted on the county website) reduces participation. Tracy Floyd and others said the requirement to submit comments before meetings prevents responsive, in‑meeting commentary and disadvantages residents without reliable internet access. Floyd cited the Code of Virginia and said procedural changes should be accomplished by motion and bylaw amendment rather than by administrative change; she urged supervisors to reconsider the new process.
Community tone and next steps Speakers combined fiscal critique with appeals to transparency and community involvement. Several urged the board to produce updated comprehensive‑plan and fiscal documents, and to hold town‑hall style forums so staff and supervisors can present their analysis and citizens can respond. The board did not take immediate policy action on the financial complaints during the meeting; the concerns were recorded in the public record and staff acknowledged they would follow up.
Ending The meeting record shows community pressure on fiscal oversight and the public‑comment rules. Several speakers offered to help the county with financial recovery efforts; others emphasized the need for clearer online instructions and alternative ways to participate for residents without internet access.
