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Board commits $12,500 from contingency to Billy Wagner Park refurbishment project
Summary
A community committee proposing a bronze Billy Wagner statue and Main Street park refurbishment asked the board for partnership funds; the board approved $12,500 from contingency and discussed a possible county contribution of $25,000 over two years toward local capital improvements.
A committee seeking to erect a bronze statue honoring Billy Wagner and to refurbish the Mini Park on Main Street presented concept drawings and a fundraising plan to the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9. The committee described the sculpture commission, artist selection (sculptor Mariah Kirby Smith), site work and a proposed brick courtyard with donor pavers.
Project organizers asked the county to partner with the town and the IDA on capital improvements at the Mini Park and requested $25,000 of county support over two years toward an $80,000 local capital target; the committee said bronze and foundry costs plus site work could push total project costs higher. The committee reported about $5,000 raised to date and said a dedication is targeted for October 2026.
After discussion about budget timing and community benefits (tourism and Main Street activation), the board approved a motion to provide $12,500 from county contingency funds as an initial contribution. The motion carried on a voice vote. Supervisors and committee members emphasized fundraising will continue and that the county’s contribution is intended for physical park improvements rather than the statue foundry fees.
The committee noted they are pursuing grant and corporate donations and will coordinate with the town and the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority on project administration and fiscal arrangements.
