Rockbridge Regional Library Board Wants To Cut Hours For Bath County

Warm Springs, Va – The Bath Board of Supervisors met Tuesday night and addressed concerns about funding for the Bath County Library. At the end of the regular meeting, the Board went back into closed session to discuss its contract with the Rockbridge Regional Library. After the closed session, the Board voted to have County Administrator Matt Walker attend the next Rockbridge Regional Library Board meeting to say that the Bath Supervisors expect the library’s hours of operation to remain the same.

Chairman Richard Byrd explained that Bath County has funded its library above and beyond the per capita agreement with the Rockbridge Regional Library, but the county did cut some funding for the library this year. The Rockbridge Regional library board has suggested reducing hours because Bath County reduced it’s funding for its library.

The Board also discussed the potential closing of the Bacova Post Office. The Board voted to approve a resolution in favor of keeping the post office open and they also voted to send a letter to Congressman Bob Goodlatte to ask for his intervention on the decision.

Also on Tuesday night, the Board passed a resolution endorsing the Upper James River Basin Water Supply Plan. The County has participated in the development of the plan with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. The Board also approved awarding the contract on the sewer and drainage project for the Pinehurst Heights Community Improvement Project to Wells Construction Company of Vinton, Virginia.

And the Board authorized hiring Spectrum Design to go out for bids on the replacement of the Sheriff’s office HVAC system. The system replacement will be partially paid for by a grant. An energy conservation study has been completed by Spectrum Design who is under a state contract to complete the studies and to assist localities with the bidding process.

During public comment there was a question about what was being done about the drainage hole at Mountain Crest Retirement Community. There is concern about it being a safety issue because of erosion creating access to openings around it. Supervisor Percy Nowlin said a solution is being sought with the company that manages the facility. Chairman Richard Byrd said a check has been cut to pay for work at the site.

And there were several comments about the success of the first Harvest Moon Festival held in Bath recently. Speakers praised Tourism Director Maggie Anderson’s work, saying the festival was well organized and appreciated.