Commission hears mostly supportive public testimony on Bristol–Washington County voluntary settlement agreement

The Virginia Commission on Local Government heard public testimony May 12, 2014 in Bristol on a proposed voluntary settlement agreement between the City of Bristol and Washington County that would waive certain legal rights, provide for revenue sharing between the two localities and suspend the city's annexation rights for the Trammel Property for one year.

The hearing drew about 37 attendees, 13 of whom addressed the Commission during the public-comment period, and staff said the record will remain open for additional comments through May 30, 2014. Zachary Robbins, the Commission's Local Government Policy Manager, told the panel that the Commission reviews negotiated agreements under Section 15.2-3400 of the Code of Virginia and must report whether the settlement is in the Commonwealth's best interest.

Several speakers urged approval. "Improved cooperation between the City and the County is essential to the local economy," said Sarah Williams of Bristol, asking the Commission to approve the agreement. Pat Callebs of the Washington County Industrial Development Authority praised the negotiators and urged the Commission to move forward. Bill Gibson, a Washington County supervisor, told the Commission that local constituents want the two governments to work together and asked for affirmation of the settlement.

Business and economic-development voices said the agreement could spur investment. "Additional tax dollars from the revenue sharing agreement would be vital to improving the quality of education within the County," Jim Swartz, representing the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, told the Commission. John Sanslow, vice-chairman of the Washington County Industrial Development Authority, said residents have reacted positively to cooperation between the two localities. Henry Snodgrass, chairman of the same authority, said the region needs more retail development and asked for a recommendation of approval.

City leadership signaled support as well. Catherine Brillhart, vice-mayor of Bristol, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the city and county.

Not all testimony was in favor. Ellen Leach of Bristol said she generally supports the agreement but raised concerns about increased traffic volume in the Exit 5 region. Visitor J. Walter Buss separately expressed concerns about traffic related to The Falls development. Nancy Marney of Bristol said she had concerns with details in the agreement and did not recommend support. The transcript records that Jim Bowie said the Trammel Property is essential to Washington County and that the one-year waiver of annexation rights in the agreement provides incentive for development.

Michael Pollard of Bristol warned that pending legislation in Tennessee posed a threat to City and County business interests and said the agreement is necessary to keep businesses in Virginia while not foreclosing future recruitment of manufacturing.

The Commission kept the record open for written comment through May 30, 2014 and said it would endeavor to issue its written report to the affected local governments prior to the end of July 2014. Chairman John T. Stirrup, Jr. thanked speakers for their comments and adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.

No formal motion or vote appears in the hearing record; the transcript shows only public comment, procedural explanation of the Commission's role and the timetable for a written report.