Board approves Monument Committee plaque; authorizes up to $5,500 for interpretive sign
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Summary
After three years of work by a citizen committee, the board accepted recommended language and a mock‑up for an interpretive plaque near the county courthouse monument and authorized up to $5,500 in county funding for a plaque to be placed in a grassy area near the monument.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 2 accepted the Monument Committee’s recommendation for an interpretive sign near the courthouse monument and authorized up to $5,500 for fabrication and placement in a grassy area adjacent to the monument.
Committee members described a multi‑year process of outreach, field visits and consultation with historians and the Department of Historic Resources. Committee members and several public commenters — including Brooke Vander Veil and Jackie Bibby — said the group reached consensus on language that provides historical context. Some board members and residents opposed spending county funds; debate focused on whether private fundraising should cover the sign and on its precise location. After a failed motion to deny the committee’s recommendation, the board approved a motion to accept the recommendation, allow private fundraising but also authorize up to $5,500 of county funds if needed, and place the plaque in the grassy area to the right of the monument subject to zoning requirements.
The board emphasized the sign would be limited in size and meet town zoning requirements; staff will coordinate placement and ensure the location and dimensions comply with the town of Amherst rules.