Highland County Board of Supervisors Sets Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25

After rounds of input from the community, the Highland County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024-24 General Fund, or County Budget, by a two to one vote. The resolution for solid waste collection and disposal budget, or enterprise fund, passed unanimously for fiscal year 2024-25, and the 2024-25 emergency medical services budget was passed in another two to one vote. 

Now, with the tax levy and fees and budget in order, Highland County residents and landowners have started to receive the first half of their tax bills in the mail. 

There were no public comments in the first section of the meeting, but several residents stood to speak after the budget passed, many noting their feelings that the board was not listening to the requests of the people, or the committees, in the county.

“I’m Floyd Maxey from Headwaters. In reference to the comment earlier about leadership, I mean gentleman none of you are leaders, you’re representatives. That’s first and foremost. Leaders tell people what to do. You’re supposed to understand what your constituents want and enforce their will, not tell people what to do.”

Debbie Hodges also gave an update on the recall petition, which is now in the hands of the commonwealth attorney. There is no timeframe for how long this process will take, according to Hodges, who said it was also time to correct mistakes made by both the current board and past boards.

“I am sure you are all aware of the quote attributed to the Japanese admiral after the attack on Pearl Harbor which says, ‘I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.’ Well, essentially our two board members have done that to the taxpayers of Highland County. We are awake now.”

In the board comments, supervisors Harry Sponaugle and Henry Budzinski spoke about the recall, both saying they would willingly step down and relish the time at home if that decision is handed down.

Here is Harry Sponaugle: “Well, I hope that the process of a recall is taken very seriously by everybody. I hope it is speeded along so we can get things to where the county can function again, and if I’m lucky maybe I won’t be sitting here anymore. And you all can have your way. I have voted the whole time to what I think is best for the county.”

This is part one of our coverage of this meeting, please listen for part two, which gives an update on the EMS Action Plan.