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Broadband tower update, Farm Bureau $50,000 request and routine appointments cleared as county cites hiring freeze
Summary
At the Nov. 18 meeting, Bedford County heard an ARP-funded broadband tower update from ATCS, received a Farm Bureau request asking commissioners to fund $50,000 annually for farm preservation, approved multiple appointments and personnel actions, and discussed a hiring freeze amid delayed state funding.
Bedford County commissioners on Nov. 18 heard an update on an ARP-funded broadband tower project, received a Farm Bureau request for annual farm-preservation funding, and approved a package of appointments and personnel actions while emphasizing a hiring freeze because of state funding delays.
ATCS representatives Marty Malone and Aaron Craig told the board the broadband project covers three wireless tower sites funded through American Rescue Plan Act grant dollars; contracts have been executed and contractor work is expected to begin soon, with anticipated completion next summer. The update was presented as a county-wide infrastructure project to expand broadband access.
Paul Crooks, representing the Farm Bureau, read a recent Farm Bureau resolution and "strongly recommended the county commissioners contribute $50,000.00 annually to the farm preservation program," saying it would benefit family farms wishing to stay in operation. The board did not vote on the request and instead agreed to set up a later meeting to discuss the proposal further.
The board approved several administrative items, including a Purchase of Service Agreement between Bedford County Children & Youth Services and the County Juvenile Probation Office, a Juvenile Detention Services contract with the District of Belmont-Harrison, reappointments to the Bedford County Conservation District (including James Bence and John R. Akers) and reappointments to the County Planning Commission (Haley Feaster and Lloyd Roach). Personnel actions for October 2025 — new hires, transfers and separations — were also approved; the minutes list multiple corrections and telecommunicator hires, as well as separations across county departments.
Commissioners discussed the county's fiscal position: Commissioner Mike Stiles said the county has not received additional state funding for four months and that the county is "still holding" while awaiting funds; Commissioner Baughman and Commissioner Winck emphasized prioritizing payroll and insurance, with Winck noting a hiring freeze except for essential roles such as corrections and 911.
The board adjourned at 10:27 a.m.; the next regular meeting is set for Dec. 9, 2025.
