Roanoke County supervisors pull pre-disaster mitigation plan from consent agenda over data questions

During the Jan. 27 meeting, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors removed the regional pre-disaster mitigation plan (agenda item F5) from the consent agenda after supervisors raised concerns about apparent data errors and inconsistent hazard rankings.

Supervisor Mahoney said he discovered a likely error in the demographic tables showing "11,478" residents ages 5 to 19 in the town of Vinton, a locality whose total population he said is about 8,000. He questioned how the report derived its population breakdown and noted perceived inconsistencies in the hazard-ranking table that classified wildfire risk differently for nearby counties. Mahoney called attention to what he described as possible data problems and a misplaced emphasis on heat rather than cold among hazards.

County staff member Tarek responded that the regional planning commission compiled the report and that numbers could be reviewed; he said the plan had been under FEMA review and was a public document that would be finalized after municipalities and the regional commission address outstanding items. The board moved to remove Item F5 from the consent agenda, asked staff to consult Amanda McGee at the regional commission and return with findings in two weeks. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

Board members discussed whether removing the item would delay any FEMA or funding deadlines; staff said the report had an earlier December 2025 deadline and that FEMA had delayed comments, giving the commission some flexibility to finalize figures.

Action: Item F5 removed from the consent agenda for staff review; the rest of the consent agenda was adopted except F5.