Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors debate 30‑day lease and higher rent for county building housing food distribution
Summary
Board members agreed to offer a 30‑day renewable commercial lease for the county building used by Total Life Center of Southside Virginia, discussed large electricity costs (~$80,000/year) and insurance requirements, and proposed a July 1 transition to a higher rent level while staff refines options for utility charges.
Nottoway County supervisors on March 12 agreed to pursue a short‑term, renewable lease for a county‑owned building currently used for food distribution by a local nonprofit, and to study how to allocate the facility’s high operating costs before a longer‑term decision.
Board members described the facility as a hub for distribution three days a week with seven freezers and multiple refrigerators. Supervisors said recent electric bills are unusually high; in discussion they cited an annualized electricity figure of roughly $80,000 and noted that refrigeration and heating for the gymnasium are major cost drivers. Members agreed the county needs a written lease and proof of insurance naming the county as additional insured if occupancy continues.
To bridge to the next fiscal year, the board directed staff to prepare a 30‑day commercial lease to be offered immediately, require proof of insurance upon renewal, and give the organization notice that the county intends to revise terms effective July 1. Supervisors discussed several rent‑calculation approaches (per square foot, pro‑rata share of utilities, or a flat annual goal divided among tenant groups). One illustrative calculation in the meeting divided a $68,000 net electric liability (after a $12,000 contribution referenced for other tenants) among an estimated six primary users and yielded a rent figure near $944 per user per month; supervisors used that example to frame a suggested effective July figure around $950.
Board members also discussed operational options such as submetering electrical loads (noted to be an expensive conversion), partnering with other distribution sites, and permitting volunteers and program partners to help reduce costs. The board asked county staff to produce a proposed short‑term lease (30‑day renewable), a timeline for a July rent change, and a fuller accounting of historical energy use so the final rent or utility contribution can be set fairly.
Supervisors emphasized they want to balance program continuity for residents who rely on the distribution program with fiscal responsibility to taxpayers; no final long‑term rent or funding decision was made at the March 12 session.
