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At a glance: Wythe County approves water-rate increase, budget carryovers and several grants
Summary
The board approved a 5% water-rate and volume increase, raised the water connection fee to $2,300, authorized FY2027 carryover appropriations for multiple funds, accepted several grants and approved a $447,000 transfer for sheriff vehicle purchases.
At its July 14 meeting the Wythe County Board of Supervisors approved a series of administrative and budget actions, including a water-rate increase, FY2027 carryover appropriations, grant acceptances and a sheriff's vehicle-funding transfer.
Water rates and connection fee: Staff proposed a roughly 5% increase to the meter base and residential and commercial volume rates and a proposed increase to the water connection fee from $1,500 to $2,300. After a public hearing with no speakers, a motion to approve the rates as presented was moved by Mr. Morgan and approved by roll-call vote. Staff noted that Progress Park is served by Whitfield and the proposed commercial rate does not apply to Progress Park.
Budget carryovers and appropriations: The board approved a FY2027 budget amendment to carry forward projects and unspent funds from FY2026. Among the larger carryovers noted were $13 million for the Olive Branch/Dunford Road water project and other capital and grant funds; the packet showed aggregate carryover totals for the general fund, water fund and wastewater fund consistent with staff's presentation.
Grants and transfers: The board accepted a DCJS victim-witness grant for FY27 and authorized staff to sign the award. It also accepted a FY27 Creative Communities Partnership Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts ($4,500) to support the Chautauqua Festival. The board accepted an $82,577.70 Rescue Squad Assistance Fund award to purchase ambulance monitors and approved the required local match and appropriation. Separately, the board approved a $447,000 transfer from photo-enforcement receipts into the PAF for sheriff vehicle purchases.
Committee recommendations and routine business: The water and wastewater committee's July 7 recommendations — including a change order adding a Whipple Wheel connection and a 90-day contract extension for the Barrett Mill Road water project, authorization to evaluate Fort Chiswell WWTP capacity with the Thrashel Group, and a revised promissory schedule tied to the connection-fee increase — were approved by the board. The board also approved payment of invoices and the minutes as presented.
Closed session and next steps: The board met in closed session under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act exemptions for acquisition/disposition of real property in East Wytheville and Fort Chiswell; upon return the board certified compliance with the Virginia law. The board recessed to July 27, 2026 at 6 p.m.
