Fauquier board adopts 2026 organizational items, approves several resolutions and schedules public hearings

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors completed its organizational business for 2026 and approved a package of routine resolutions and procedural items before moving into a work session on the master facilities plan.

Elections and organizational items: The board elected Kevin Carter as board chair for 2026 by voice vote (motion carried 4-0) and approved the nomination of Mister Gerhard as vice chair. The board adopted the 2026 meeting schedule and a set of 2026 proclamations; action on proposed amendments to the bylaws was postponed to allow the standard 30-day review.

Contracts and authorizations: Procurement staff reported three responsive bids for the Crockett Park fishing pier and ADA pathway and requested authority for the county administrator to award the construction contract to Gainesville Topsoil And Excavation as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for $425,000; total project cost was identified as about $468,000 to be funded from existing parks and recreation asset replacement funds. Staff also reported that the inspected portion of Whiting Road (1766 Business Park) is ready to be accepted into the VDOT state system and recommended adoption of the proposed resolution.

Land-use and leases: The board considered an agreement to allow RST Bealton LLC to avoid establishing a homeowners association for rental townhomes provided the lots remain under single ownership; staff clarified that if lots are later sold the owner would have to establish an HOA. The board also approved initiating a public hearing to consider a commercial lease amendment for Red Cardinal Aviation LLC at the Warrenton–Fauquier Airport.

Easements, leases and property disposition: Staff presented a proposed amendment to an open-space easement for David and Catherine Hartley (7081 Young Road) to allow limited accessory structures such as porches and a pool while retaining the existing 1% impervious-surface cap. The board initiated a public hearing process to consider modifying an open-space easement on roughly 93.3 acres owned by the Gracie Buckner trustee to add about 10 acres into the easement (for about 103 acres total) and to reconfigure parcels into two roughly 52-acre parcels. Staff also opened a public hearing to receive comment on the potential disposition and sale of approximately 23,000 square feet at 10 Hotel Street (the Warren Green Building) and discussed authorizing negotiation of a sale agreement.

Policy and personnel: Human resources introduced Policy No. 58, a whistleblower protection policy required to outline reporting and protection for abuse, fraud and misconduct reporting. The board also recognized Elaine Rose for 40 years of service to the county with a proclamation.

School funding and public hearing: Staff announced a statutorily required public hearing on an FY2026 budget amendment to appropriate $7,500,000 to the school division operating fund from general fund balance, of which $5,700,000 would transfer to the school division asset fund and $1,790,000 to the schools' health insurance fund; staff also noted a $65,000 state school security grant with a $16,000 local match. Board members and school staff, including Prashant Shrestha, assistant superintendent of business and planning, discussed the carryover funds, the role of vacancies and salary-savings in creating carryover, and the school division’s plan to replenish insurance reserves within policy timelines.

Closed session and certification: The board moved into closed session under Virginia code language to discuss disposition of county real property and to consult with legal counsel on a conservation easement matter; after returning to open session staff read and the board answered a certification that only the matters specified in the motion were discussed. Chair Carter adjourned the meeting until the evening session.