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Bland County approves 1.5% bonus for full-time local employees and clears routine county business
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Summary
Bland County supervisors adopted a 1.5% local-employee bonus, approved FY25 budget transfers totaling $371,438, and voted to participate in a proposed Sackler opioid settlement; the board also approved several small appropriations, permits and a FOIA officer designation.
The Bland County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26, 2025, adopted an ordinance authorizing a 1.5% bonus for full-time county employees and completed a package of administrative actions including budget transfers, contract approvals and a resolution to participate in a proposed opioid settlement.
The measures were approved during the board’s regular meeting at the Bland County Courthouse. Chair Randy Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Supervisors Stephen Kelley and Patrick Groseclose joined Johnson; Keith Costello was absent. County Administrator Cameron Burton, County Attorney Paul Cassell and Board Secretary Linda Miller were present.
The bonus ordinance — intended to provide a 1.5% one-time bonus for full-time Bland County employees — was the subject of a public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Supervisor Stephen Kelley moved to adopt the ordinance; Supervisor Patrick Groseclose seconded the motion, and a roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.
The board also approved FY25 budget transfers and supplements totaling $371,438 to reconcile revenue and expenditure lines. County Administrator Cameron Burton presented the transfers; Supervisor Patrick Groseclose moved approval, seconded by Supervisor Kelley. The motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt ordinance authorizing 1.5% local employee bonus: mover — Stephen Kelley; second — Patrick Groseclose; outcome — approved (3–0). - Adopt FY25 transfers and supplements ($371,438): mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved (3–0). - Appropriate $1,567.50 to Mount Rogers Regional Partnership (FY26): mover — Stephen Kelley; second — Patrick Groseclose; outcome — approved (3–0). - Approve FY26–27 Mount Rogers Community Services performance contract: mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved (3–0). - Adopt resolution to participate in proposed Sackler family opioid settlement and authorize counsel to execute documents: mover — Stephen Kelley; second — Patrick Groseclose; outcome — approved (3–0). - VDOT sign request for “Children at play” on Main Street: mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved (3–0). - Transfer $1,200 from Wolf Creek Indian Village reconstruction to crime insurance: mover — Stephen Kelley; second — Patrick Groseclose; outcome — approved (3–0). - Authorize advertisement of a public hearing on FY26 budgeted bonuses: mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved (3–0). - Approve entertainment permits and waive fees for Bland County Fair, Mountain Top Holiness Church and Festival of Leaves: mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved. - Approve publication of delinquent real estate and personal property tax list in SWVA Sun online: mover — Patrick Groseclose; second — Stephen Kelley; outcome — approved. - Adopt FOIA Rights and Responsibilities and designate Teresa Tolbert as FOIA officer: mover — Stephen Kelley; second — Patrick Groseclose; outcome — approved (3–0).
Context and significance: The 1.5% bonus affects all full-time county employees; the board held a public hearing but received no public comment before adopting the ordinance. The FY25 transfer package adjusts prior-year budget lines by a combined $371,438, an internal fiscal housekeeping action approved to align revenue and expenditures. The board’s resolution to participate in the proposed direct settlement of opioid-related claims against the Sackler family authorizes the county attorney and outside counsel to sign settlement documents on behalf of the county.
Other business included a modest FY26 appropriation to the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership ($1,567.50), approval of the Mount Rogers Community Services FY26–27 performance contract, a VDOT signage request for a safety sign on Main Street, a $1,200 transfer for crime insurance from Wolf Creek Indian Village reconstruction funds, approvals of multiple entertainment permits with fee waivers, and authorization to publish the county’s delinquent tax list. The board also adopted a FOIA Rights and Responsibilities document and designated Teresa Tolbert as the county’s FOIA officer.
The board adjourned following routine business. The actions taken are recorded in the meeting minutes and were approved by roll-call or unanimous voice vote where noted.