Commissioners vote to move BWXT rezoning hearing to March after public commenters urge against delay

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted 11to4 to reschedule the public hearing on the BWXT rezoning from Feb. 25 to March 23, after public commenters and several commissioners said the original midweek date reduced residentsability to attend.

At the meeting, resident Kevin Hendricks told the commission it would be "absolutely ridiculous" to move the hearing and urged officials to keep the date so the public could have certainty. "You've had plenty of time,whatever your decision is, to make up your mind," Hendricks said.

Gabriel Wilson, another resident who spoke, thanked the commission for considering church-night scheduling conflicts but said added delay would make it harder for locals to plan. "More time makes it difficult. I don't think it makes it easier," he said.

Commissioner Tucker moved to add the scheduling question under new business and later proposed moving the item to the March 23 regular meeting. Supporters said the later date would permit broader participation and avoid conflicting with Wednesday night church activities. Opponents argued the public had already been notified of the Feb. 25 date and should not be forced to rearrange plans.

County Attorney Allison Wilkinson advised commissioners that they had sufficient time to publish required notice for a public hearing and that March 23 fell within the legal renoticing window. A roll-call vote was requested and recorded; the motion carried 11 yes, 4 no.

The commission directed staff to advertise the hearing for March 23 at 6 p.m.; the board also noted that a 5:30 budget pre-planning meeting will be advertised separately for the same month.

What's next: The BWXT rezoning hearing will be re-noticed to the public for March 23 at 6 p.m.; interested residents will be able to speak during the public hearing period established for the item.