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Smyth County supervisors approve budget amendment, funding requests, procurement actions and two resolutions
Summary
At its Feb. 26 meeting the Smyth County Board approved Budget Amendment #4, a $10,000 OAA grant to SWVA Legal Aid, a moral‑obligation recommendation for the Chilhowie water project, multiple procurement approvals, and adopted two resolutions opposing redistricting changes and affirming the dignity of human life.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors approved a package of routine and substantive items at its Feb. 26 meeting, including budget changes, intergovernmental support for a town water project, targeted opioid‑related funding and several procurement and committee recommendations.
Budget and funding actions County Administrator Shawn Utt presented Budget Amendment #4, totaling $930,540 and bringing the amended FY27 budget to $142,901,101; the Board accepted the amendment. Utt also warned of rising insurance costs and potential revenue shortfalls ahead of the next budget cycle.
The Board approved a request from the SWVA Legal Aid Society for $10,000 in Opioid Abatement Authority direct‑distribution funds for FY27 to fund court‑appointed attorneys for individuals in recovery; the funds were approved for opioid‑related cases only.
Intergovernmental support and appointments The Board recommended and approved a "moral obligation" for the Town of Chilhowie to support a proposed $6M+ water project (roughly half grant/half loan structure), authorizing the County Administrator to execute related documents; Chilhowie Town Manager Brian Martin said audits must be made current to satisfy VRA requirements. The Board also unanimously approved the nomination of Nellie Harmon to fill a Library Board vacancy through June 30, 2028.
Procurement and operational items The Board approved a $395 invoice from Mobile Communications America covering FCC filing fees for three licenses, accepted the Trane Energy & Sustainability Client Agreement to allow free energy audits of county properties, and approved an amendment to the Project Rise Smart Site Plan to include a free one‑year iPad trial (100 licenses) to be evaluated by department heads.
Resolutions In addition to the Opioid Awareness Day resolution, the Board adopted two other resolutions by unanimous vote: one "Affirming the Inherent Dignity and Rights of All Human Life" and one opposing congressional redistricting plans perceived to dilute rural or conservative representation; the redistricting resolution directed copies to the Governor, Smyth County’s General Assembly members and the Virginia Supreme Court.
Closed session and next steps The Board entered and reconvened from a closed session on building study implementation options and board appointments under the Code of Virginia; following the closed session the Board certified the meeting complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Chair Charles Atkins adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Several items approved as committee recommendations will return to staff for implementation steps: staff was directed to coordinate DEQ/VDOT permitting for pending land‑use matters, to plan outreach for the Sept. 21 Opioid Awareness Day, and to schedule public input on the Carnegie School for March 30.
