Highland Board of Supervisors February Meeting

The Highland Board of Supervisors’ February meeting was unusually brief, with the agenda consisting primarily of reports from various offices in the county.

Richard Waybright, Public Works Director, was unable to attend the meeting, but submitted a report on the county’s waste removal for 2014. There was an increase of 79 tons of waste from the previous year, resulting in an additional $3,563 in tipping fees to Augusta County. There were also additional pulls of containers performed by Allied Waste. The total costs for the program were up $29, 806 for the year. However, the recycling program continues to be a positive – while overall amounts decreased, likely due to the number of junk automobiles received, income increased and expenses decreased. Mr. Waybright reported the county recycling program had revenues of $5, 111 over the previous year. 202 tons were recycled, and based on $45 per ton, the county realized a savings of $13,917 dollars by recycling as opposed to shipping as regular trash.

Next on the agenda was Social Services Director Sarah Rexrode, who reported on the agency’s caseload for January. There was a slight increase in cases for the month, likely due to statewide advertisement of services. They are currently tracking the calls received by the automated phone system, to provide better service to the community, and have been working with the local community services agency and the Highland Medical Center to fill the position of counselor. The office is also hoping to hire additional staff to assist with office needs.

Highland Sheriff Tim Duff reported on his department’s calls and activity for the month, including attending advanced courses in man tracking and emergency custody order and Special Olympics planning meeting. The office also,provided security for Dominion Resource’s open house meeting.

The Board turned to other matters after the reports were concluded. They appointed Jay Swecker of Monterey to fill a 4 year term on the county Planning Commission. They also renewed the county’s insurance policy with VACorp to cover property, vehicles, liability and worker’s compensation. This was done at the recommendation of county administrator Roberta Lambert, who reported the company was extremely good to do business with. Ms. Lambert also reported that, according to the Weldon Cooper Center Population estimates – while population increased statewide since the 2010 Census, the county’s population decreased by 24, to 2,297. The Board also voted to update a resolution,passed last year in support of Senator Creigh Deed’s efforts to create a state park in the county.

Turning to financial matters, the Board reviewed calendars to plan for upcoming budget work session meetings with county agencies and organizations. These will likely take place the first week of February, and the last week of March. Additionally, the county’s 2014 fiscal audit has been received, and will be presented at the February work session.