Bland supervisors end local emergency, approve grant-funded seasonal position and seek Tobacco Commission funding

At its Feb. 24 meeting the Bland County Board of Supervisors adopted several administrative measures: it certified the end of a local state of emergency, approved a grant-funded seasonal position for the county farmers market, waived a small building-permit fee for the school board, and authorized an application to the Virginia Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission for FY27.

Keith Costello moved and Stephen Kelley seconded a resolution certifying that the local state of emergency declared Jan. 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. had ended Feb. 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.; the board approved the resolution by unanimous roll-call. The minutes record no additional discussion or contingencies attached to the resolution.

The board approved adding an additional grant-funded seasonal position to expand the farmers market (motion by Keith Costello, seconded by Patrick Groseclose); specifics about the grant source, duration and job description were not specified in the minutes. The board also voted to waive the building permit fee for Bland County School Board for Permit #12-2026 (replacement of a 100-gallon hot water heater) in the amount of $30.60 (motion by Patrick Groseclose, seconded by Keith Costello).

Finally, Stephen Kelley moved and Keith Costello seconded a resolution authorizing an application to the Virginia Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission for FY27; roll-call recorded unanimous approval. The minutes record the board's authorization but do not record the application details, requested amount, or project scope.

The meeting then adjourned by unanimous motion.