Highland County Sheriff Asks For New Vehicle

Monterey, VA – The main order of business at the Highland County Board of Supervisors recent work session meeting was a request from Sheriff Herb Lightner to replace a police vehicle. The old police car that the sheriff wants to replace has several mechanical and electrical problems and needs 3 to 4 thousand dollars worth of maintenance work.

Supervisor Rexrode noted that the Board did not put money in the current budget for a new patrol car. The Sheriff responded that he told them last year during the budget process that he would need a new car this year. The Supervisors scheduled another work session for February 22 to look further into Sheriff Lightner’s vehicle request.

In other business, County Administrator Roberta Lambert reported to the Board on the County’s Virginia Department of Transportation Recreational Access Grant Application that was submitted several years ago. The new grant application requires a resolution from the Board and the Town Council requesting this funding from VDOT. This grant would pay up to $200,000 and there is no requirement for matching funds. The Board then approved the needed resolution and asked the County Administrator to contact the Town Council about their resolution.

It is likely that the County will have to pay for a temporary road from Route 220 to the pool parking lot because the grant funds will not be available until later this year. The permanent road would then be constructed with the grant funds.

Supervisor Sullenberger was in Richmond earlier this month to speak with our state legislators about several proposed bills that would affect Highland County. County Attorney Melissa Dowd asked about the legislation to redraw the state’s judicial districts. This bill would reduce Highland County’s access to judges and would delay the hearing of court cases in the county. Supervisor Sullenberger responded that he was told that this bill was not likely to be approved.

The next regular meeting of the Highland County Board of Supervisors will be Tuesday, March 1 in the Modular Conference Center in Monterey.