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Nelson County supervisors confirm and end Jan. 25 local emergency after winter storm
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Summary
At a continued meeting Jan. 28, 2026, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution R2026-04 to confirm a local emergency declared Jan. 25 for extreme winter weather and to formally end that emergency; the motion passed by acclamation with four supervisors present.
Lovingston, Va. — The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 confirmed a local emergency the county declared on Jan. 25 for extreme winter weather and simultaneously declared that the emergency had ended, approving Resolution R2026-04 by acclamation.
County Administrator Candice W. McGarry told the board that Nelson County’s Director of Emergency Services had declared a local emergency on Jan. 25, 2026, because the severe winter storm created hazardous conditions for residents and limited the board’s ability to convene. Supervisor Jesse N. Rutherford moved to approve Resolution R2026-04; Supervisor J. David Parr seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote with four supervisors present and one absent.
The resolution cites §44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia and Nelson County Code Article III, Section 2-74 as the legal basis for declaring a local emergency and for the board’s actions. The text adopted records that the emergency began on Jan. 25, 2026, found that the storm created “extreme peril to the lives, safety and property of the residents of Nelson County,” and formally documents that the board now considers the emergency ended.
During other business, Supervisor Rutherford asked whether the joint work session with the Planning Commission planned for that evening would be rescheduled. Administrator McGarry said staff would brief Supervisor Lenahan on zoning ordinance updates and did not expect the joint meeting to be rescheduled; Deputy Clerk Amanda B. Spivey said the next joint work session is scheduled for April 1, 2026 after public engagement. Supervisor A. Cameron Lenahan asked whether the board should amend the County Code to align with state law so the board would have 45 days, rather than five days, to confirm a local emergency; McGarry proposed the board authorize a public hearing on that amendment at the next meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Jessica L. Ligon at 5:02 p.m. and adjourned at 5:05 p.m. after Supervisor Rutherford moved to adjourn and Supervisor Lenahan seconded.
Action: Resolution R2026-04 — Confirmed and ended the Jan. 25, 2026 local emergency (motion by Supervisor Jesse N. Rutherford; second by Supervisor J. David Parr). Outcome: approved by acclamation with four supervisors present; one supervisor was absent.