Augusta County board elects Mr. Slavin chair, approves rules and schedule and declines tie breaker for 2026

At its organizational meeting, the Augusta County board elected Mr. Slavin as chair and Miss Kinslow as vice chair, adopted amended rules of order that include a remote participation policy, approved the county's 2026 meeting schedule with one consolidated date change, and voted not to appoint a tie breaker for 2026.

The meeting opened with nominations for chair. An unnamed board member said, "I'd like to nominate Mike Scholl for chair." That nomination failed on a 3-4 vote after several members were recorded on the 'No' side. The board then voted 4-3 to elect Mr. Slavin as chair; Mr. Slavin said, "Thank you all," after being declared elected and assumed the gavel for the remainder of the meeting.

Mrs. Price reviewed the proposed rules of order and two additional pages constituting a remote participation policy, telling the board, "You should each have at your station, a 4 page document." She said the remote participation text was drafted "in keeping with the statute exactly" to meet the code's minimum requirements. Mr. Krebs moved to adopt the rules of order as amended; Mr. Garber seconded. The board approved the rules by a 6-1 vote.

Staff presented the proposed 2026 meeting calendar, noting regular second-Wednesday meetings at 7:00 p.m., staff briefings the Monday before the fourth Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., and special sessions such as budget hearings that may shift dates. After discussion, the board approved the schedule with a consolidation of November meeting dates to avoid Veterans Day; the schedule passed 7-0.

The board reviewed the option to appoint a tie breaker under Code of Virginia §15.2-1421. Staff explained the statute permits appointment of a tie breaker but that the board historically allows tie votes to fail. A motion that the board not adopt a tie breaker for 2026 was seconded by Mr. Scholl and approved unanimously, recorded as 7-0.

The meeting closed with the chair welcoming new members and a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and carried. The chair thanked members and staff and wished attendees a safe trip home.

Votes at a glance: Nomination of Mike Scholl for chair — failed, 3–4. Election of Mr. Slavin as chair — approved, 4–3. Election of Miss Kinslow as vice chair — approved, 4–3. Adoption of rules of order (including remote participation policy) — approved, 6–1. Adoption of 2026 meeting schedule (with consolidated November date) — approved, 7–0. Decision not to appoint a tie breaker for 2026 — approved, 7–0.