Orange County introduces new budget manager, discusses VACO takeaways and moves to closed session

Orange County’s Board of Supervisors began its Lake of the Woods meeting by introducing Scott Johnson as the new county budget manager, heard administrative updates from the county administrator about state‑level priorities and a possible sales‑tax referendum for school construction, approved routine consent items and then voted to move into a closed session to discuss personnel, prospective business and litigation matters.

Unidentified speaker 4 introduced Scott Johnson to the assembled members, saying, "I'd like to introduce everyone to Scott Johnson. He's our new, county budget manager and, also a resident of Life of the Woods." The board then approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

In the county administrator’s report, the administrator summarized takeaways from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) conference, saying one major topic was ‘‘a movement to, encourage the state to look at some kind of funding for fire and EMS.’’ The administrator also described a VACO‑backed option that would allow counties to ask voters to approve a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction; the administrator said the county has not decided to pursue the referendum but that it may be an option in the future.

Chair read a letter from Supervisor Crystal Hale explaining she could not attend because she underwent major surgery; the letter expressed appreciation for the Lake of the Woods Association and urged residents to stay engaged with county government.

Later in the meeting the board approved a motion to enter closed session under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to discuss ‘‘the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, disciplining, or resignation of specific employees’’ (personnel), ‘‘discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry’’ (economic development), and consultation with counsel on actual litigation where disclosure would adversely affect the county’s negotiating or litigating posture. The motion was made and approved by voice vote; no action or outcome from the closed session was announced in open session.

Next steps: The board will receive VDOT design alternatives and cost estimates for the Route 522/20 and Route 3/20 projects for future consideration; personnel, prospective business and litigation discussions will proceed in closed session and any public actions will be reported in open session as required by law.