County administrator highlights VACo conference, library award, transportation projects and staffing concerns

County Administrator Ms. Hill told the Board of Supervisors that staff attended the recent VACo (VACO) annual conference and used the event to collect information on state-level items that may affect localities. She announced that Montgomery County’s library system won the VACo best-large-county achievement award for its sensory museum and said the award will be displayed in the county foyer.

Ms. Hill said she spoke with the sheriff and jail captain about possible staffing needs at the county jail and plans to bring more information to the board at a future meeting. She also summarized her presentation at a VACo luncheon about the county’s response to a boil-water notice after Hurricane Helene and highlighted the role of community trust and collaboration in restoring service.

Transportation staff reported they met with Commonwealth Transportation Board member Dr. Smoot to discuss county priorities: Route 8 safety improvements from Reiner to Floyd; Route 114 safety improvements (Bridal Fork through Bellevue Elementary to Vickers Switch); Bridal Fork Road to Merrimack Road intersection improvements; and Amtrak service to Cambria. Staff described those projects as competitive for state funding and said they will continue to advocate.

Board members then offered conference takeaways, noted the JLARC study on state education funding and plans to distribute VACo’s one-pager locally (including translated materials), and reported airport fuel sales linked to Virginia Tech football events (aircraft counts and gallons sold were recorded).

Sources: County administrator and transportation staff remarks, board member reports at the Nov. 13, 2024 meeting.