Highland Board of Supervisors Hear Updates in Brief Meeting

 

The Highland County Board of Supervisors convened Tuesday, September 2nd in the modular conference room for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

First on the agenda was a report from Highland County Sheriff Tim Duff on his department’s workload totals for the month of August. Of special note were: a trouble free Mountain Mama road bike challenge; investigation of a suspicious person impersonating a police officer; no major disturbances at the Highland County Fair; Health Department training on meth labs; a meeting with Valley Mental Health; and the conclusion of a 2 day manhunt in the eastern portion of the county.

Next up, Chris Vernovai, EMS coordinator, gave the Board an update on the rescue squad project and incentive program. He reported an excellent turnout of members for the fair, and noted all three ambulances were on the road immediately after the horse show.

Vernovai then supplied the Board with drafts of potential incentive programs, aimed at recruiting new members and encouraging existing volunteers be on shifts and stand-bye for calls. These programs could begin October 1st. Board Chairman Kevin Wagner noted it was unlikely the supervisors would be able to financially assist at that early a date. Vernovai also noted that a public information session for the revenue recovery program would likely be held in the next several weeks, with a target date of November 1st slated for kick-off.

Turning to procedural matters, the Board unanimously adopted 2 resolutions. First, the Board set the Personal Property Tax Relief Act rate at 55.5% This is funding the county receives from the state, which is applied towards all qualifying vehicles.

Secondly, the Board approved a certificate of recognition and appreciation for Gary Hull, who retired August 31st after 27 1/2 years as a deputy sheriff. Sheriff Duff noted that there will be a farewell celebration on September 14, from 1:00 – 4:00, on the sheriff’s office lawn.

Under old business, County Administrator Roberta Lambert noted she had forwarded Board members the press releases issued that morning by Dominion Power and Governor Terry McAuliffe regarding the proposed natural gas pipeline. Dominion representative Emmett Toms informed Lambert that a tentative date for an open house to be held at The Highland Center was set for Tuesday, September 16th, from 5:00-8:00 pm.

There were no new business items or administrator reports.

During Board comments, supervisor David Blanchard praised the success of the recently held county fair.

During public comments, it was mentioned that Paul Lavigne was no longer employed as the CEO of VPAS in Waynesboro. The Board indicated a desire to meet with the local VPAS advisory council for more information.

The Supervisors then moved to closed session to discuss personnel.

The next scheduled Supervisors’ meeting is a work session on September 17th at 7:00 pm.