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Bland County supervisors declare local emergency and approve $1.13 million school requisition, equipment and grant appropriations
Summary
At their Jan. 27 meeting, Bland County supervisors unanimously adopted a local state of emergency for Winter Storm Fern, approved a $1,128,966.42 school requisition and appropriated funds for a fire pumper and a $23,000 Farmers Market entrance project, among other routine items.
The Bland County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a local state of emergency for Winter Storm Fern, certifying that the emergency began Jan. 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The resolution was introduced by Supervisor Stephen Kelley and approved by roll-call vote with all four supervisors voting yea.
The board also approved the Bland County School Board's February 2026 requisition of $1,128,966.42. Supervisor Keith Costello moved the appropriation, which was seconded by Supervisor Stephen Kelley and approved by roll-call vote. The board approved related minutes, payroll and vendor payments as part of that action.
In other financial actions, supervisors authorized a combined $40,000 to purchase a 2004 Pierce International commercial pumper: $25,000 was appropriated from the Hollybrook Fire Department and $15,000 from Community Development funds. Supervisor Stephen Kelley made the motion; Supervisor Keith Costello seconded. The motion passed by roll-call vote with all supervisors voting yea.
The board accepted an Agriculture & Forestry Industry Development (AFID) grant of $23,000 and appropriated the funds to build a reclaimed-hardwood front entrance for the Farmers Market. Supervisor Keith Costello moved the appropriation; Supervisor Patrick Groseclose seconded the motion, which passed by roll-call vote.
During the public-comment period, Bland residents raised concerns about the county's recent reassessment and school system performance. John Owens told the board he had concerns about the reassessment and other county matters. Debbie Looney said retired and disabled citizens were unfairly affected by assessments and urged action on the school system. The board did not record a formal response to those comments in the minutes.
The board handled several routine administrative items: it approved the consent agenda covering December minutes, payroll and bills for December 2025 and January 2026; waived $30.60 in permit fees for a county blanket permit; amended the FY27 budget calendar to set the School Board's budget request due March 20, 2026; and appointed Jenna Dunn to the Southwest Virginia (SWVA) EMS Council for a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2029. A motion to table advertising a public hearing on closure/abandonment of Route 656 was also carried.
The meeting adjourned following unanimous approval of an adjournment motion. The minutes list County Administrator Cameron Burton, County Attorney Paul Cassell and Board Secretary Linda Miller as present for the meeting.
