Board adopts amended intergovernmental agreement to move Greenway functions into RVARC; vote splits 3–2

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors on June 23 adopted an amended and restated intergovernmental agreement that consolidates Roanoke Valley Greenway staff and functions into the Roanoke Valley–Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC).

County Attorney Mike Lockaby explained the change responds to the Greenway Commission’s reorganization after its executive director retired and Roanoke County stepped away as fiscal agent. The agreement repeals the prior ordinance establishing the original Commission and provides for the Greenway to function as an advisory committee under RVARC while consolidating the coordinator position (approximately 0.75 FTE) within the Regional Commission work plan.

RVARC Executive Director Jeremy Holmes told the Board the arrangement reduces administrative costs, funds the position through a mix of existing regional grants and a proportional per-capita assessment of member localities, and limits member obligations to staff support, planning, grant-writing and technical assistance. "The agreement does not obligate localities for any construction costs," the staff summary recorded in the minutes says.

Supervisor Linda Rottman pressed staff on the level of local control and whether Botetourt could be obligated for unwanted work; Planning Supervisor Jonathan McCoy said Botetourt has benefited from best-practice sharing and identified an Eagle Rock greenway connection as a priority. Resident Mandy Adkins, speaking as a Greenway Commission representative, urged the Board to adopt the agreement. The Board adopted the agreement by recorded vote with Supervisors Tim Snyder, Brandon Nicely and Dr. Donald M. Scothorn voting yes and Supervisors Walter Michael and Linda Rottman voting no. The Board separately voted unanimously to repeal the original Greenway ordinance.

The agreement explicitly excludes construction and maintenance obligations; it describes member funding as covering staff support for planning and grant activities and anticipated per-capita assessments for the coordinator role.