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Essex County board approves permit-fee changes, new ordinance and several grants including VADDI broadband funding
Summary
On June 9 the board adopted permit-fee ordinance 26-001 and approved ordinance 26-003 (effective July 1), while also appropriating $590,875.16 for a VADDI broadband grant and approving several smaller budget actions including a $40,976.21 arts grant and a $4,135 Riverfest supplement.
The Essex County Board of Supervisors on June 9 approved several ordinances and budget actions, advancing county permit-fee changes and moving forward with broadband and other grant spending.
Ordinance 26-001 (permit fees): After clarifying whether to adopt fees recommended by staff or the planning commission, the board approved ordinance 26-001 on a motion and voice vote. Packet materials listed an effective date of July 1. The board confirmed the adopted schedule followed staff recommendations.
Ordinance 26-003 ("failure to pay full attention"): The board adopted ordinance 26-003 on a motion that specified a July 1, 2026 start date. The ordinance, introduced by the Commonwealth's Attorney, was described as providing the Commonwealth's Attorney additional sentencing flexibility for certain minor infractions; the board set the ordinance to be effective July 1.
Grants and budget actions: The board approved appropriation of $590,875.16 for the VADDI broadband grant (procedural, related to broadband transport/installation). It also approved a $40,976.21 appropriation for an ASAP mural project with the Tappahannock Artists Guild and a $4,135 transfer from reserves to cover Riverfest public‑safety costs. A $2,157.48 real‑estate tax refund and corresponding reserve transfer were authorized. The board tabled two school‑related items (school improvement grant and E‑Rate grant) pending corrected signatures and school‑board action.
Staff broadband update: County broadband staff (Carlos) reported fiber transport issues at GB 18 and GB 15 should finish this week; GB 14 faces a 30–60 day REC power‑supply delay and may not activate until late July. Once a final node is activated, public roads will be serviceable; private roads will require outreach to Breezeline. Breezeline is planning a community rollout event in September–October involving state and federal partners.
What comes next: Staff will execute the approved appropriations and coordinate grant reporting and event planning with partners; the packet noted Aug. 1 as a deadline related to the smart‑scale transportation application (handled separately by resolution 26-010).
