Surry County EDA schedules Nov. 10 work session to shape small‑business grants and infrastructure plan; elects new secretary

Surry County Economic Development Authority members on Oct. 23 unanimously scheduled a public work session for 5 p.m. Nov. 10 to finalize details of a proposed small‑business grant program and discuss a broader infrastructure plan intended to support housing and economic development.

The work session vote was one of several unanimous procedural actions at the meeting. The authority also accepted its treasurer's report, approved prior meeting minutes and elected Doretha Pierce as EDA secretary.

Why it matters: Authority staff told members that limited public water and sewer capacity — plus Chesapeake Bay preservation rules — are constraining new housing and industry. Staff and board members said a targeted infrastructure strategy, tied to available grant programs and HRSD (Hampton Roads Sanitation District) connections, is needed before the county can attract and retain larger private investment.

The board's action: The authority voted to hold a public work session at 5 p.m. Nov. 10 to develop the small‑business grant program and to place that discussion in the context of the county's larger priorities. The motion passed unanimously.

Election of secretary: The authority elected Doretha Pierce to serve as EDA secretary; the motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's report: Treasurer Joyce Henderson presented the authority's financial summary covering April through September and told members the packet contains the account statements. Henderson said the packet initially listed a balance of $144,245.81 and referenced a September figure of $144,275.91; the meeting packet also lists a final line described in the meeting as a balance “as of 09/30/2025” (the packet text included the figure written as $1,142,693.91). Members voted to accept the treasurer's report unanimously. (The minutes and staff packet should be consulted for the official, reconciled account totals; the figures reported in the meeting transcript appear inconsistent.)

Claremont loan update: EDA staff member Theresa Perkins reported contact with the town clerk in Claremont about an outstanding invoice tied to the Clermont loan matter. Perkins said the son of the property owner, identified in the packet as Mr. Salmon, contacted the town to request a reissued invoice. Perkins told the board the town sent a replacement invoice and that preliminary checks of listings showed no public evidence the property is on the market. Perkins said the communication was a “positive step.”

Small‑business grant program and broader economic priorities: Economic development staff member Emma Kaplan briefed the board on earlier work‑session conversation and recent county transfers of funds. Kaplan said the county transferred “over $50,000” for uses that could align with EDA priorities and noted an additional $30,000 transferred for administrative fees. Kaplan said a committee she convened had proposed a $7,500 maximum grant amount for individual awards: “I had recommended a maximum grant of $7,500,” she said. With limited funds, Kaplan urged members to prioritize projects that produce the highest return on investment for the county.

Kaplan said the small‑business grant conversation will be part of a larger set of priorities the EDA is developing with the planning department and the board of supervisors, including housing, workforce pipelines and targeted employment nodes.

Infrastructure constraints and grant opportunities: Kaplan described infrastructure limits that she and planning staff say are the biggest barrier to housing and industrial growth: much of the county still relies on private wells and septic systems, limiting density; the county is in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation District, which restricts development near wetlands and shorelines; and existing water/wastewater capacity is limited in areas such as Surry West/Windsor Mills.

Kaplan said the authority has an opened relationship with Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and that HRSD connections could relieve local capacity limits and strengthen grant applications. She listed funding and technical programs staff are considering for infrastructure work, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), USDA rural utility loans/grants (RUS), the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and other state and federal programs. Kaplan said a comprehensive infrastructure plan tied to the county's updated comprehensive plan would help prioritize water‑line projects (she named Routes 10 and 31 and the towns of Surry, Dendron and Claremont as potential connection points).

Volunteers for comprehensive‑plan meetings: Kaplan asked for two EDA volunteers to participate in comprehensive‑plan meetings with county planning staff. Two board members volunteered during the meeting to serve as EDA representatives; staff said participation could require “potentially a couple of meetings a month.”

Public comment and board remarks: Two residents praised the authority's work, urged long‑range thinking and commended returning Treasurer Joyce Henderson for her service. Board members used director comments to stress coordination with planning and supervisors and to endorse holding another work session before finalizing the small‑business grants.

Next steps: The authority will hold a public work session at 5 p.m. Nov. 10 (location to be announced) to develop the small‑business grant program within the context of county infrastructure priorities. Staff recommended that members review the meeting packet ahead of the work session; staff also identified potential grant and financing sources to support water and sewer projects.

Ending: The meeting adjourned after a final unanimous roll call.