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Smyth County Board approves local resolutions, awards scholarships and makes multiple appointments
Summary
At its May 14 meeting the board approved a resolution recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week, funded 51 4H Camp scholarships split among supervisors’ funds, approved a county moral-obligation for Rye Valley Water Authority, approved special use permits for a Child Day Center and an RV Park, and completed several appointments and reappointments.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors took a number of routine and local actions May 14 during its regular meeting in Marion.
4H Update and Scholarships: 4H Extension Agent Bailey Robertson and 4H Teen Club President Ryan Haynes updated the board on the 2026 4H Camp, noting 190 attendees and 51 scholarship applications. Park District Supervisor Kris Ratliff moved that the board split the $2,682 cost for 51 scholarships among the seven supervisors’ discretionary funds; the motion passed unanimously. (Note: earlier in the presentation staff referenced a $2,731 funding need; the board-approved motion recorded $2,682.)
Resolutions and Regional Funds: Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris read a resolution honoring Emergency Medical Services Week; the board adopted the resolution declaring May 17–23, 2025 as EMS Week in Smyth County. Assistant County Administrator Lisa Richardson also said the county expects about $1.2 million in casino-derived Regional Improvement Commission funds in August 2026 and the board approved a resolution designating those funds for public safety and education.
Rye Valley Water Authority: The board recommended and subsequently approved a moral obligation request that supports Rye Valley Water Authority in securing a bank line of credit while grant reimbursements are processed; staff said the arrangement should result in net zero cost to the county unless RVWA defaults.
Planning approvals: The Board approved Planning Commission recommendations to grant a Special Use Permit for a Child Day Center at 620 Railroad Drive (conditioned on VDOT approval, DSS licensing and building permits) and to approve an RV Park behind 1200 Highway 16 (conditioned on health department and VDOT approval, and required permits). Chair Charlie Atkins abstained on both votes.
Appointments: The board approved multiple appointments and reappointments, including Shannon Gentry to the Department of Social Services Board (Chilhowie representative), Donald Bonham and Bobby Coe to the Rye Valley Water Authority, and reappointments of Commonwealth Attorney Bucky Blevins and Sheriff Chip Shuler to the Southwest Virginia Community Corrections Criminal Justice Board. Several other committee and board assignments were also made; most motions passed unanimously.
Closed session follow-up: Following a closed session held under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(5) to discuss Project Nemo and Project Hightower, the board adopted a certification resolution and authorized the County Administrator to negotiate and execute an option agreement for Project Hightower.
The board recessed to a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission at the close of the meeting.
