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Halifax County finance committee recommends competition renovations to Tisha Waller Track
Summary
The Halifax County Finance Committee on March 25 recommended the Board approve competition renovations to the Tisha Waller Track, voting 3-0 after discussing funding sources, existing pledges and a possible School contribution. The committee noted an estimated cost of about $350,000 and discussed using Solar Siting funds as a bridge.
The Halifax County Finance Committee voted 3-0 on March 25 to recommend that the full Board of Supervisors approve competition renovations to the Tisha Waller Track at Halifax County High School. Supervisor D. J. Oakes moved the recommendation; Vice Chair R. Smart seconded and Committee Chair D. Witt joined the unanimous vote.
Committee members reviewed current commitments toward the project and estimated total costs. The committee recorded $178,000 in confirmed local commitments — including $50,000 from Hitachi, $25,000 from the Town of South Boston and $3,000 from the Town of Halifax — and discussed a potential additional $50,000 contribution from the school system that would raise commitments to about $228,000. County staff noted a competition-grade renovation through the School’s contract was estimated at roughly $350,000, making a funding gap likely if the School does not contribute.
The committee debated whether to pursue a full competition track (suitable for sanctioned meets) or to prioritize a lower-cost walking track for public use. Committee Chair Witt and others emphasized the County’s interest in a facility that could serve Middle School athletes as well as High School users; Vice Chair Smart and Supervisor Oakes supported a plan that would allow Middle School competition while balancing cost and community benefit. Members also discussed routing School and County responsibilities for operation and maintenance to avoid unfunded upkeep obligations.
To cover interim costs, members considered using Solar Siting (CUP) funds as a temporary source, while acknowledging accounting and timing constraints for those revenues. Nancy Spencer, Strategic Programs Coordinator, presented a Solar Funds matrix and advised that Solar Siting revenue is received over time and must be properly classified in county accounting before it can be spent. The committee said it would seek a clear funding recommendation for the Board’s April 6 meeting.
The committee’s recommendation will be presented to the full Board at its April 6 meeting; final approval and contract decisions would be required before construction or change orders proceed. The committee also requested staff provide updated fund-balance information and a maintenance plan to ensure long-term upkeep for the renovated facility.
