Dickenson County supervisors keep pay at $5,500 in one-year ordinance

The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors on a voice vote approved a one-year salary ordinance that sets supervisor pay at $5,500 annually, with the chair receiving an additional $1,800 and the vice chair an additional $1,200.

Mr. Martin, who presented the ordinance during the advertised public hearing, summarized the provision: “the rate of compensation for the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors members shall be $5,500 annually. The chairman of the board shall receive an additional $1,800 annually, and the vice chairman shall receive an additional $1,200 annually.” He told the board the ordinance as adopted goes into effect July 1, 2026, and remains in effect through June 30, 2027, as reflected in the meeting book provided to members.

The board and staff noted the ordinance had not been changed in roughly two decades. As Mr. Martin explained, under the Code of Virginia any increase in supervisor pay would not take effect until the beginning of the next term; the board cited January 1, 2028 as the earliest date an increase could take effect if adopted now. Board members described the current stipend as modest relative to the time demands of the role. “We do it for general service to the county and to our district,” one member said, while another noted they do not routinely claim mileage unless travel exceeds 50 miles.

The motion to approve the advertised ordinance was made and seconded; the board approved it by voice vote. No amendment to the advertised rates was adopted during the meeting. The ordinance is recorded as effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; the board noted any future change to rates would be subject to the timing rules in state law.