Highland Board of Supervisors December Work Session

The Highland County Board of Supervisors held a short work session on December 15.

The Board held a public hearing on an amendment to the county’s Automobile and Truck License Ordinance.  The amendment on the ordinance is the exemption of one vehicle owned and used by, or for, a veteran who has a 100% service-connected permanent and total disability.   The reduction in revenue from this change was estimated to be about $100, if everyone who is eligible applies for the exemption.   No one spoke during the public hearing.  The Board approved the amendment to the Automobile and Truck License Ordinance.

County Administrator Roberta Lambert reported that the Department of Social Services sent a letter to inform the Board that it had completed it’s mid-year review.  DSS requested an additional $15,000, because the department had one new foster care entry.  The funding of $15,000 will be reimbursed at 100%.  The Board approved amending the DSS budget, with an increase of $15,000, and also approved an appropriation of the $15,000.

Supervisor David Blanchard spoke about Highland County being approved for funding for universal broadband coverage through a state grant.  He said the grant application was submitted by the Bath-Highland Network Authority with the help of MGW, Highland Telephone and the Highland County Planning Commission.   Virginia has about two billion dollars invested to achieve near universal broadband coverage in the state.  The award for Highland and Bath Counties is $7,876,800 to achieve universal coverage in both counties.