Tazewell supervisors authorize up to $100,000 emergency drainage fix at Richlands Elementary

The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 found an emergency exists at Richlands Elementary and authorized the county administrator to procure immediate drainage improvements not to exceed $100,000 without holding sealed bids.

County staff told the board the elementary school has endured two major floods in the past 13 months and now floods during ordinary rain events, creating damage to county property and a risk to students. Staff described a scaled Phase 1 fix that would tie the school’s drainage into two 30‑inch pipes under the baseball field and move water into the town system, a temporary step until a larger detention pond can be constructed under a later sealed‑bid contract.

“The drainage on US 460 can now handle the water that we can move from our property,” a staff member said, explaining why the short‑term tie‑in is feasible. Supervisor Plaster moved that the board find an emergency under Virginia law and authorize procurement of the necessary work by obtaining three written quotes rather than advertising for sealed bids, provided the cost does not exceed $100,000. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

County staff said the phase‑one work is expected to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 and emphasized the speed of repair was critical to avoid winter freeze, asphalt cutting left unfilled, and additional flood damage. Staff also said the work would be followed next year by a competitively bid detention‑pond construction to address long‑term mitigation.

Board members noted the authority in the Virginia procurement code the motion cited and asked staff to seek competitive written quotes and accept the lowest responsive price. The board approved the emergency authorization by roll call.

The board did not award a contract at the meeting; staff said quotes are due back within a week and they will proceed if bids fit the approved emergency threshold.