VIRGINIA: At a Regular Session of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Patrick, held at the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Jonathan Wood = Chair, Andrew Overby - Vice-Chair, C. Clayton Kendrick, Jr., Steve Marshall, Doug Perry - Board Members. STAFF PRESENT: Beth Simms, County Administrator; John Fitzgerald, County Attorney; Amy Walker, Clerk; Donna Shough, Assistant County Administrator, Human Resources Director; Lori Jones, Finance Director. Others present: Taylor Boyd - The Enterprise. Jonathan Wood called the meeting to order. Closed Meeting: Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia, Andrew Overby moved that the Board convene in closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3711(a)1)to discuss and consider the following personnel matters: Public Service Authority = Blue Ridge Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) = At-Large, And pursuant to the Virginia Code section 2.2-3711(a)(3) discussion of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose where discussion in open meeting will adversely affect the Board's bargaining position or negotiating strategy, And pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(a) (19) and 2.2-3705.2(2) plans to protect public safety from terrorist activity or cybersecurity threats, And pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3711(a)(30) to discuss the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds and terms or scope of such contract where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the County, seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. April 14, 2025 Page 1 WHEREAS, the Patrick County Board of Supervisors has convened an executive meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and WHEREAS, Section 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting was heard, discussed or considered by the Board, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from oen meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies. Roll Call: Marshall - aye Kendrick = aye Perry = aye Overby = aye Wood = aye Reconvene: Andrew Overby moved that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors return to oen session, seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Roll Call: Marshall = aye Kendrick = aye Perry = aye Overby = aye Wood = aye April 14, 2025 Page 2 Andrew Overby moved to certify that to the best of each member's knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion to enter into closed session were heard, discussed or considered during the closed session seconded by Doug Perry. Roll Call: Marshall = aye Kendrick = aye Perry - aye Overby = aye Wood = aye Action: None. Regular Session: Pastor Bob Hylton gave the invocation. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Jonathan Wood gave the following statement regarding meeting participation: Welcome to the Patrick County Board of Supervisors meetings, where our local governing body convenes monthly to address community matters that are under the purview of the Board. We uphold civility as a cornerstone of our proceedings and expect all attendees to conduct themselves accordingly. There is always opportunity for public engagement, including scheduled public comment and additional public hearings on specific agenda items. We encourage active participation from our residents. In addition to these meetings, your Board of Supervisor representative is readily available for communication via email and/or phone outside of the formal session. April 14, 2025 Page 3 Please be advised that outbursts or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. We aim to maintain a respectful and productive environment for all attendees. Thank you for your cooperation and involvement in shaping the future of our community. Approval of the meeting agenda: On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None Approval of meeting minutes: On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the March 10, 2025 and March 24, 2025 minutes as presented, seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None Bills, Claims, and Appropriations: Andrew Overby questioned the Brightly Software expenses. It was confirmed that the expense was for the initial purchase. On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the bills, claims and appropriations, as presented seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 4 General Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 03/18/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 13:32:20 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDI OR IDENTIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING u UNTRUST BANK 136290 03/20/2025 APPAL - AN POWER APPAI POWER DIRECT 22,096.93 136291 03/20/2025 BRIGHTSPEED BRIGHTSPEED DIRECT 74.60 136292 03/20 10/2025 LOWE'S COMMERCIAL SERVIC CES LOWE'S COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECT 729.04 136293 03/20/2025 MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY DIRECT 6,463.32 136294 03/20/2025 S K OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. S K OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. DIRECT 56.22 136295 03/20/2025 THE ENTERPRISE, INC. THE ENTERPRISE, INC. DIRECT 72.57 136296 03/20/2025 UNIFIRST CORPORATION UNIFIRST CORPORATION DIRECT 444.06 136297 03/20/2025 VERIZON WIRELESS VERIZON WIRELESS DIRECT 240.92 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING CHECKS 30,179.66 TOTAL ALL 30,179.66 General Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPE PERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 03/27/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 15:26:34 CHECK NUMB: CHEC DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRI a BANK 136298 03/31/: 2025 a AN POWE APPALACHIAN POWER DIRECT 787.31 136299 03/31/2025 ATKT ATGT DIRECT 4,532.49 136300 03/31/2025 CARROT TOP INDUSTRIES CARROT TOP INDUSTRIES DIRECT 1se.97 136301 03/31/2025 CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE DIRECT 1,180.98 136302 03/31/2025 CITY OF MARTINSVILLE CITY OF MARTINSVILLE DIRECT 4,779.10 136303 03/31/2025 COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATION, COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATION, INC DIRECT 700.00 136304 03/31/2025 cox BUSINESS cox BUSINESS DIRECT 315.00 136305 03/31/2025 DAYNA BOBBITT DAYNA BOBBITT DIRECT 250.31 136306 03/31/2025 DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVI DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES DIRECT 196.00 136307 03/31/2025 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES DIRECT 250.00 136308 03/31/2025 GUYNN WADDELL, P.C. SUYN & WADDELL, P. C. DIRECT 3,115.40 136309 03/31/2025 HALE, CHRISTOPHER CHRISTOPHER HALE DIRECT 139.82 136310 03/21/2025 MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY MANS ELD OIL COMPANY DIRECT 8,235.18 13631 11 03/3 2025 REPUBLIC SERVICES OF NORTH CAR REPUBLIC SERVICES OF NORTH CAROLINA DIRECT 26,500.96 136312 03/31/2025 SCREEN NG ONE, INC. SCREE! N ING ONE, INC. DIRECT 164.80 136313 03/31 1/2025 T-MOBILE - MOBILE DIRECT 537.01 136314 03/31/2025 THE BERKLEY GRO INVEST THE BERKLEY GROUP. LLC DIRECT 3,600.00 136315 03/31/2025 TOWN OF STUART TOWN OF STUART DIRECT 3,960.55 136316 03/31/2025 TREASURER OF VIRGIRIA-VITA TREASURER OF VIRGINIA-VITA DIRECT 3.10 136317 03/31/2025 u.s. CELLULAR u.5. CELLULAR DIRECT 274.12 136318 03/31/2025 VRAV SUSAN N REED VRAV DIRECT 220.00 136319 03/31/2025 WESTCO. LLC WESTCO, LLC DIRECT 550.00 TOTAL BANK 100 CHECKING 22 CHECKS 61. .481.10 TOTAL ALL a General Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/01/2025 Ex xecuted By: rruesell Time: 11:21:51 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICAT TI ION ENDOR A M. TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING * BANK 136320 04/01/2025 SOUTH HERL AND, KAREN KAREI N SOUTHERLAND DIRECT 2,090.05 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING CHECKS 2.090.05 TOTAL ALL , 090.05 April 14, 2025 Page 5 General Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERV V ISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Dater 04/09/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 14:09:19 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE NDOR IDENTIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100 CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 136321 04/14/2025 3D'S DECALS & SIGNS 3D'S DECALS & SIGNS DIRECT 470.00 136322 04/14/2025 ACTIVE911, INC. ACTIVE911, INC. DIRECT 760.00 136323 04/ 714/2025 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES DIRECT 28.95 136324 04/14/2025 ASHLEY MCGEE CORP ASHLEY MCGEE CORP. DIRECT .115.94 136325 04/14/2025 ATAT ATST DIRECT .532.49 136326 04/14/2025 AYERS, GARY GARY AYEH DIRECT 800.00 136327 04/14/2025 BASSETT OFFICE SUPPLY BASSETT OFFICE SUPPLY DIRECT 720.29 136328 04/14/2025 BASSETT OFFICE SUPPLY BASSETT OFFICE SUPPLY DIRECT 211.72 136329 04/14/2025 BISON PRINTING BISON PRINTING DIRECT ,881.00 136330 04/14/2025 BLUE RIDGE ANALYTICAL, LLC BLUE RIDGE ANALYTICAL, LLC DIRECT 265.00 136321 04/14/2025 BOUND TREE MEDICAL, LLC. BOUND TREE MEDICAL, LLC. DIRECT 362.80 136332 04/14/2025 BOYCE-HOLLAND VETERINARY SERVI BOYCE HOLLAND VETERINARY SERVIC CES DIRECT 200.00 136333 04/14/2025 BRIGHTLY SOFTWARE, INC. BRIGHTLY SOFTWARE, INC. DIRECT 25,981.45 136334 04/14/2025 BRIGHTSPEED BRIGHTSPEED DIRECT 341.29 136335 04/14/2025 BRIGHTSPEED BRIGHTSPEED DIRECT 809.41 136336 04/ /1 14 /2025 BRIGH SPEED BRIGHTSPEED DIRECT 437.64 136337 04/14/2025 CAPITAL OUTDOOR INC. CAPITAL OUTDOOR INC. DIRECT 525.00 136338 04/14/2025 CAROLINA SOFTWARE, INC. CAROLINA SOFTWARE, INC. DIRECT 675.00 136339 04/14/2025 CCDF VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE CCDF VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE SQUAD DIRECT 19,304.88 136340 04/14/2025 CDW GOVERNMENT. INC. CDW GOVERMMENT, INC. DIRECT .158.60 136341 04/14/2025 CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE DIRECT 1.180.96 136342 04/ /14/2025 CITY OF DANVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY OF DANVILLE, VIRGINIA DIRECT 5,402.85 136343 04/1 1 4, /2025 CLARK GAS & OIL co., INC. CLARK GAS & OIL co. INC. DIRECT 1.836.e9 136344 04/14/2025 COLLINSVILLE ENGRAVING COMPANY OLLINSVILLE ENGRAVING COMPAHY DIRECT 405.00 136345 04/14/2025 COMPUTER PROJECTS OF IL. INC. COMPUTER PROJECTS OF IL INC. DIRECT 198.00 136346 04/14/2025 COOK'S INC. COOK'S INC. DIRECT 313.67 136347 04/14/2025 COVETRUS NORTH AMERICA COVETRUS NORTH AMERICA DIRECT 236.50 136348 04/14/2025 CURTIS BAY MEDICAL WASTE SERVI CURTIS BAY MEDICAL WASTE SERVICES DIRECT 54.98 136349 04/14/2025 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES DIRECT 1,975.00 136350 04/3 14/2025 DIAMOND DRUGS. INC. DIAMOND DRUGS, INC. DIRECT 2,584.31 136351 04/14/2025 DIAMOND PAPER COMPANY DIAMOND PAPER COMPANY DIRECT 5,652.57 136352 04/14/2025 DOLLAR GENERAL REGIONS 41052 LI LAR GENERAL REGIONS 05 2 DIRECT 40.55 136353 04/14/2025 DOMINION VALLEY VENTS DOMINION ALLEY EVENTS DIRECT 000.00 136354 04/14/2025 DUNÇAN PARNELL, INC. DUNCAN PARNELL, INC. DIRECT 495.00 136355 04/14/2025 E. FRANK PETTWAY, 111 E. FRANK PETTWAY, 111 DIRECT 44.10 136356 04/14/2025 EMI SECURITY LLC EMI SECURITY LLC DIRECT 15.00 136357 04/14/2025 EMS MANAGEMENT 5 CONSULTANTS, EMS MANAGEMENT 6 CONSULTANTS, INC. DIRECT 2,168.64 136358 04/1 4/ /2025 FAIN THANG AUTO REPAIR TOWING FAIN THANG AUTO REPAIR TOWING 6 RECO DIRECT 223.e9 136359 04/ 14/ 2025 FIRE RESCUE AND TACTICAL. INC. FIRE RESCUE AND TACTICAL, INC. DIRECT 626.00 136360 04/ 4, /2025 FLOWERS BAKING co. OF JAMESTOW FLOWERS BAKING co. OF JAMESTOWN DIRECT 1,209.59 136361 04/14/2025 HALL PROPANE HALL PROPANE DIRECT 329.44 136362 04/14/2025 HAMN" S GARAGE HAMMS S GARAGE DIRECT 2,520.00 136363 04/14/2025 HELMS SEPTIC SERVICE, LLC HELMS SEPTIC SERVICE, LLC DIRECT 250.00 136364 4/ /2025 HENRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HENRY COUNTY SHERIFE'S OFFICE DIRECT 68.48 136365 04/ 4/ /2025 JASON - EDSALL, MD JASON W. EDSALL, MD DIRECT 750.00 136366 4 /2025 JUDY LACKS JuDy LACKS DIRECT 110.42 136367 /2025 32 SIGNS JZ SIGNS DIRECT 238.60 136368 04 /2025 LOWE'S CONMERCIAL SERVICES LOWE'S COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECT 603.05 136369 04/14/2025 MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY DIRECT ,688.72 136370 04/14/2025 MARTINS SEPTIC SERVIC MARTINS SEPTIC SERVICE DIRECT 1.000.00 136371 04/14/2025 MARVA MAID DAIRY MARVA MAID DAIRY DIRECT 1,832.55 136372 04/14/2025 MORGA BOOTH. CLERK MORGAN BOOTH, CLERK DIRECT 424.40 36373 04/ /14/2025 MOUNTAIN PARK SPRING WATER INC OL UNTAIN PARK SPRING WATER INC. DIRECT 363.34 36374 04/1 /2025 NAPA AUTO AND TRUCK PARTS NAPA AUTO AND TRUCK PARTS DIRECT 238.40 136375 04/14/2025 ONE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS, INC. ONE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS, INC. DIRECT 12,900.00 136376 04/14/2025 OVERBY, ANDREW: ANDREW OVERBY DIRECT 396.34 136377 04/14/2025 PATRICK BUILDING SUPPLN LLC. PATRICK BUILDING SUPPLY LLC. DIRECT 1,310.28 136378 04/14/2025 PATRICK COMNUNI WHEO PATRICK COMMUNITY MEDIA, INC. DIRECT 120.00 136379 04/14/2025 PATRICK COUNTY PCMA PATRICK COUNTY MUSIC ASSOCIATION DIRECT 1,200.00 136380 04/14/2025 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE DIRECT 11.957.08 136381 04/14/ /2025 PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL SVcs DIRECT 174.00 136382 04/14/2025 PYE BARKER FIRE SAFETY. LLC PYE BARKER FIRE & SAFETY. LLC DIRECT 9.294.84 136363 04/14/2025 QUILL QUILL DIRECT 527.1 136384 04/14/2025 RSJ AUTO REPAIR RSJ AUTO REPAIR DIRECT 474.00 136385 04/14/2025 RAKES. KIM KIM RAKES DIRELT 1,500.00 136386 04/14/2025 RED'S MACHINE RED'S MACHINE MCPE A DIRECT 1,205.00 136387 04/14/2025 REPUBLIC SERVICES OF NORTH CAR: REPUBLIC SERVICES OF NORTH CAROLINA DIRECT 54.203.37 136388 04/14/2025 ROADRUNNER PUBLISHING ROAD JNNER UBLISHING DIRECT 2.275.00 April 14, 2025 Page 6 PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/09/2025 Executed BY: russell Time: 09: 19 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDEN F PICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 136389 04/14/2025 ROBERT'S PEST CONTROL, IHC. ROBERT'S PEST CONTROL. INC. DIRECT 612.00 136390 04/14/2025 ROBERTS OXYGEN COMPANY, INC. ROBERTS OXYGEN COMPANY, INC. DIRECT 1.150.31 136391 04/14/2025 RRS FOODSERVICE RRS FOODSERVICE DIRECT 12.405.89 136392 04/14/2025 S E K OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. S & * OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. DIRECT , 156.86 136393 04/14/2025 SCOTTIE HYLTON COTTIE HYLTON DIRECT 378.70 136394 04/14/2025 SILVER LINING DESIGN SILVER LINING DESIGN DIRECT 1,800.00 136395 04/14/2025 SKYI INE BANK CREDIT CARD VOID VoID VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID DIRECT 0.00 136396 04/14/2025 SKYL E BANK CREDIT CARD VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID DIRECT .00 136397 04/14/2025 SKYLINE BANK CREDIT CARD VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID VOID DIRECT .00 136398 04/14/2025 SKYI E BANK CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD SERVI ICES DIRECT 20,302.63 136399 04/14/2025 SMITH RIVER VOLUNTEER RESCUE S SMITH RIVER VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD DIRECT 1.393.09 136400 04/14/2025 SRC PRODUCTIONS HOT FUN IN THE SRC PRODUCTIONS, INC. DIRECT 6,500.00 136401 04/14/2025 STUART CONCRETE, INC. STUART CONCRETE, INC. DIRECT 523.00 136402 04/14/2025 TACS ATTN: BRENDA W TACS DIRECT 177.00 136403 04/14/2025 THE ENTERPRISE, INC. THE ENTERPRISE, INC. DIRECT 109.00 136404 04/14/2025 TIDY SERVICES TIDY SERVICES DIREUT 200.40 136405 04/14/2025 TK ELEVATOR COR FKA: THYSSENKRU TK ELEVATO OR CORPORATION DIRECT 1,532.16 136406 04/14/2025 TOWN POLICE SUPPLY TOKN POLICE SUPPLY DIRECT 2,192.95 136407 04/14/2025 TOWN POLICE SUPPLY TOKN POLICE SUPPLY DIRECT 127,055.00 136408 04/14/2025 TRAVIS LACKS TRAVIS LACKS DIRECT 61. .64 136409 04/14/2025 TREASURER OF VIRGI I IA- -C/o SUPR TREAS u RER OF VIRGINIA-C/O SUPREME Co DIRECT 6,610.08 136410 04/14/2025 TRE RER OF VIRGINIA- -CHIEF ME TREA ER OF VIRGINIA-CHIEF MED EXAM. DIRECT 60.00 136411 04/14/2025 TREA RI RER OF VIRGINIA-VITA TREASURER OF VIRGINIA- -VITA DIRECT 1.24 136412 04/14/2025 TRUIS S GOVERNMENTAL FINANCE TRUIS GOVERNMENTAL FINANCE DIRECT 84. 136.30 136413 04/14/2025 UNIFIRST CORPORATION UNIFIRST CORPORATION DIRECT 322.50 136414 04/14/2025 US TIRE RECYCLING us TIRE RECYCLING DIRECT 1,242.75 136415 04/14/2025 VACA c/O MOLLY G. BROWN,CPA VACA c/0 MOLLY G. BROWB,CPA DIRECT 1,600.00 136416 04/14/2025 VERIZON WIRELESS VERIZON WIRELESS DIRECT .736.98 136417 04/14/2025 VERIZON WIRELESS VERIZON WIRELESS DIRECT 240.14 136418 04/14/2025 VIPPERMAN AIR CONDITIONING GR VIPPERMAN AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIG. DIRECT 12.920.20 136419 04/14/2025 VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION, INC. VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION, INC. DIRECT 100.00 136420 04/14/2025 VISTAGRAPHICS, VIRGINIA WINE STAGRAPHICS, INC. DIRECT 375.00 136421 04/14/2025 WEST PIEDMONT PLANNING DISTRIC HEST PIEDMONT PLANNING DISTRICT COMM DIRECT 500.00 136422 04/14/2025 WILLIS GAP COMMUNITY CENTER WILLIS GAP COMMUNITY CENTER DIRECT 300.00 136423 04/14/2025 WOOLWINE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPART NO NE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT DIRECT 104.50 136424 04/14/2025 2INDER TECHNO ES ZINDER TECHNOLOGIES DIRECT 674.88 TOTAL BANK 100- EC ING 104 CHECKS 519.974. 7 TOTAL ALL 519,974. PATRIC COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/11/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 12:22:23 CHECK NUMBE ER CHECK DATE ENDO DR ATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100-CHECKING SUNTR ST BANK 136425 04/14/2025 ET X G1E ES LLC CETRIX TECHNOLOGIES LLC DIRECT 608.00 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING CHECKS 5 608.00 TOTAL ALL 608 .00 PSA Water Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 03/27/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 15:46:07 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR DENT T: FICATION VENDI NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 151089 03/31/2025 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #7575 FERGUSON ATERWORKS 7575 DIRECT 24. 151090 03/31/2025 TOWN OE STUART TOWN OF STUART DIRECT TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING 2 CHECKS TOTAL ALL April 14, 2025 Page 7 PSA Water Fund A K COUNTY BOARD CF DP E R ISORS Page: VENDCR PAYMENTS CHECK. REGISTER Dater 04/09/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 15:00:08 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDO OR IDENTI FION E NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 151091 04/14/2025 CLASSIC BUSINESS SYSTEMS. INC. CLASSIC BUSINESS SYSTEMS, INC. DIRECT 152.50 151092 04/14/2025 CORE & MAIN CORE MAIN DIRECT .239.50 151093 04/14/2025 SKYLINE BANK CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD SERVICES DIRECT 756. 96 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING CHECKS TOTAL ALL 3,14 PSA Sewer Fund PATRICK COUNTY BCARD OF SUPERVISORS Pager VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Dater 03/18/2025 Executed By: rruesell Tine: 3:37:08 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 170502 3/ /20/ 2025 HI AN POWER AN POWER DIRECT 206.89 TOTAL BANK 100-CHECKING CHECKS 206. 89 TOTAL ALL 206. 9 PSA Sewer Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAX YMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 03/27/2025 Executed By rrussell Time: 15:57:33 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRI S - BANK 170503 03/31/2025 TOHN OF STUART TOWN. OF STUART DIRECT 179. TOTAL BANK 100 CHECKING CHECKS TOTAL ALL 179. PSA Sewer Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/09/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 6:53:22 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICATION ENDO OR NAME TYPE AMOUNT : 100- CHECKING SUN UST BANK 170504 04/14/2025 APPAL ACHIAN POWER PI A HIAN POWER DIRECT 278.65 170505 04/14/2025 BRI IGHTSPEED BRIOHTSPEED DIRECT 64.33 170506 04/14/2025 CARCLINA GENERATORS, LLC CAROLINA GENERATORS, LLC DIRECT 930.53 170507 04/14/2025 ENGINEERED SYSTEMS PRODUCTS, ENGIN NEERED SYSTEMS 6 PRODUCTS. INC DIRECT 16, 050.3 6 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING CHECKS 323. TOTAL ALL 7 323. April 14, 2025 Page 8 HEM Fund PATRIC C COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/09/2025 Executed By: T usse 11 Time: 14:55:38 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIE N ENDO NAME TYPE AMO 0 DUNT 100-CHECKING JST BANK 400093 4/ 1 /2025 SATELLITE TRACKING OF PEOPLE L ITE TRACKING OF PEOPLE LLC DIRECT 1.330.00 TOTAL BANE 100-CHECKING S CHECKS 1.330.00 TOTAL ALL 330. 00 State Asset Forfeiture Fund-Sheriff PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPER SORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 04/09/2025 Executed By: rrussell Time: 16:57:59 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIFICATION ENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100- CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 700062 04/14/2025 SKYLINE BANK CREDIT CARD R REDIT CARD SERVICES DIRECT 189.07 TOTAL BANK 100 CHECKING CHECKS 189. 07 TOTAL ALL 189.07 Health Insurance Fund PATRICK K COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Date: 03/27/2025 Executed By: rruesell Time: 15:33:07 CHECK RUMBER CHEC CF DATE VENDOR IDENT ICN VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT 100 CHECKING SUNTRUST BANK 800968 - 025 ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHI ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD DIRECT 157,262.00 800969 03/31/2025 UESYNERGY, INC. NUESYNE RGY, INC. DIRECT 176.25 TOTAL BANK 100- CHECKING 2CHECKS 157, 25 TOTAL ALL 5 7. 438.25 Inmate Commissary Fund PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUFERVISORS Pager VENDOR PAYMENTS CHECK REGISTER Dater 04/09/2025 Execuced By: rrussell Time: 14:50:13 CHECK NUMBER CHECK DATE VENDOR IDENTIF: ON VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT : 100- CHECKING SUNTR RUST BANK 951 04/14/2025 CHARM- TEX, INC. CHARM-TEX. INC. DIRECT 273.90 952 04/14/2025 OASIS MAPAGEMENT SYSTEMS. INC. OASIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. DIRECT 4.827.89 953 04/14/2025 WEST PIEDMONT REGIONAL ADULT WEST PIEDMONT REGIONAL ADULT EDUCATI DIRECT 72.00 TOTAL BANK 100-CHECKING 3 CHECKS 17 79 TOTAL ALD 5,1 173.75 April 14, 2025 Page 9 GENERAL FUND EFT PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page: VENDOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS REGISTER REPORT Date: 03/17/25 Executed Byi ljones ime 5: 46:21 EFT NUMBER EFT DATE VENDOR VENDOR NAME TYPE AML SOUN: T G AC CCOUNT ? ROUTING ? ACH AC I U N Bank: 100- G SUNTR 0s SI BANK ELECTR ONIC TYPI - DRAFT 7ED/TRANSFERRED FROM ACCOUNT 785 03/20/2025 VI NIA DEPT TAXATION VIRGINIA DEPT AXATION DIRECT 5. 26 No No No No 100 TOTAL TYPE: DIRECT TED/TRANSFERRED FROM ACCOUNT 5.2 26 TOTAL BANK: 100- H HECKING 5. 26 TOTAL ALL ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS 5.26 GENERAL FUND EFTS PATRICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUP ISORS Page: VENDOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS REGISTER REPORT Date: 03/18/25 Executed By: jones Time: 08 20:06 EFT NUMBER EFT DATE VENDOR Et NI TIFICATION VENDOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT CHEC CKI IN NG ACCOUNT ? ROUTING #? ACH ACTIVE FUND Bank: 100- CHECKING SUNTR BANK ELECTRONIC TYPE: DIREC AFTED/TMANSFERAED FROM ACCOUNT 786 03/20/2025 TRUIST CHECKING TRUIST CK KING DIRECT 40.00 No No No No 787 03/20/2025 TRUIST MERCHANT SERVICE ES TRUIST MERCHANT SERVIC DIRECT 709. No No No No 100 100 TOTAL TYPE: DIRECT DRAFT FERRED FROM. ACCOUNT 749. TOTAL BANK: 00- CHECKING 749.5 93 TOTAL ALL ELECTR NIC TRANSFERS 749.93 Public Hearing: Public comment offers citizens the opportunity to address the Board, either in person or in writing, on matters relevant to the responsibilities of the Board. To maintain a respectful and constructive environment, please adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Addressing the Board: Please direct all comments to the Board as a whole, refraining from addressing individual board members or employees of the Board or County. 2. Respectful Conduct: Personal attacks, as well as the use of insulting, profane, or vulgar language, will not be tolerated. April 14, 2025 Page 10 3. Scope of Topics: Comments should pertain to issues within the purview of the Board and local government. Topics beyond the Board's control or unrelated to local governance are not appropriate for public comment. 4. Question and Answer: Public comment is not a queston-and-answer session. Board members will not respond to questions during public comment without permission from the Chair. 5. Enforcement: The Chair may rule a speaker out of order for violating these rules. Upon a second violation, the speaker may be removed from the podium. 6. Eligibility: Only residents of Patrick County or property owners in Patrick County are eligible to address the Board during the public comment period. 7. Time Limit: Each speaker will be allocated five minutes for their comments. The Clerk will notify you when your five minutes has expired and one additional minute will be provided for your conclusion. However, if multiple citizens wish to address the Board on the same issue, they may appoint a spokesperson to speak for up to five minutes, provided they forfeit their individual speaking slots. 8. Chair's Authority: The Chair has the authority to manage the time allocated for public comment, including limiting the number of speakers, shortening speaking time, or waiving any public comment provisions as deemed necessary. 9. Sign-Up Procedure: A sign-up sheet will be available on the podium for citizens to register to speak. Speakers will be called in the order of sign-up, and additional speakers may be accommodated if time permits. 10.Submission of Comments: Speakers may provide copies of their comments to the Clerk for inclusion in the meeting minutes. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and productive public comment session. Electoral Board = Russell Creek Voting Precinct: The Patrick County Board of Supervisors will hold a Public Hearing, Monday, April 14, 2025 on the proposed relocation of the Russell Creek voting precinct currently located at 1808 Ayers Orchard Road to New Hope Community Church at 1863 Clark House Farm Road. April 14, 2025 Page 11 Mr. Chairman opened the public hearing. No one signed up to speak. Doug Perry asked if there was an MOU in place with the church. Malcolm Roach, Chair of the Electoral Board confirmed there was a verbal agreement. Mr. Chairman closed the public hearing. On a motion by Doug Perry to approve the proposed relocation of the polling location from 1808 Ayers Orchard Road to New Hope Community Church at 1863 Clark House Farm Road as presented seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 12 Patrick County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing - Proposed Voting Precinct Relocation - Russell Creek April 14, 2025 Name District Topic Public Comment: Mr. Chairman opened the public comment period. Mr. David Kuser signed up to speak but donated his time to Brett Boothe. Ms. Brenda Payne spoke regarding a dog leash law. Mr. Kurt Bozenmayer spoke regarding a financial policy. April 14, 2025 Page 13 Capital improvements VS maintenance Kurt Bozenmayer 4/14/2025 To the Board of Supervisors of Patrick County, VA 14 April 2025 Good evening. My name is Kurt Bozenmayer, I'm from the Smith River district, and I would like to address the Board regarding proposals for an updated financial policy for the County budget. In the past few months, we have heard a number of calls for the County to prepare a comprehensive financial policy to replace the "hit or miss" budget process that we have experienced for the past few decades. While there are a number of areas where such a policy can benefit the County and its citizens, would like to address just one issue that has been raised several times in the past few months. Specifically, the budget proposals for "capital improvements" recently included a line item for $400,000 for a new ambulance. see that tonight's meeting now includes another "capital improvement" request for a fire truck for $154,000. The budget process needs to face some reality. With eight rescue squads in the County and a like number of fire companies, it is only reasonable to expect that the County will need to replace AT LEAST one ambulance and one fire truck per year. Assuming that each rescue squad has at least two ambulances, this simplification suggests that the oldest ambulance in the County will be sixteen years old. A similar argument may be advanced for the fire companies, although the numbers may need to be adjusted to suit the actual fleet numbers. Given this annual replacement need, maintain that ambulance and fire truck purchases should not be capital improvement issues, but rather annual maintenance costs, well planned in each budget cycle. Prior to buying our home in Patrick County over two decades ago, served twenty years as a volunteer firefighter and line officer in our town in New. Jersey. This experience highlights the perils of poorly planned financial policy. Our town realized that they needed to buy a new fire truck each year, on a rotational basis for the six companies. This started out at around $85,000 forty years ago, and it had reached $875,000 for a ladder truck at last report. The insurance underwriters declared that once a fire truck reached seven years old, it was no longer considered adequate for service. But the town government, ini its infinite wisdom, chose to finance those purchases by issuing 25 year bonds which meant that they were still paying for trucks 17 years after they had been taken out of service. Paying, including interest, with tax dollars. hope that Patrick County adopts a better financial plan than that. Our volunteers need adequate equipment; let's develop a practical means of providing it without straining the taxpayers. Thank you. Ms. Crystal Harris spoke regarding Brightspeed and fire & rescue squad's banquet. Ms. Brett Boothe spoke regarding a dog leash law. April 14, 2025 Page 14 Good evening, My name is Brett, and lappreciate the opportunity to: speak with you about an important issue- - - am here today to respectfully advocate for the adoption of a local ordinance in Patrick County. This ordinance would require all dogs to have proper identification, such as a collar with at tag and/or a microchip. It would also mandate that dogs remain on their owner's property unless supervised and be leashed whenever off the owner's premises. Additionally, the ordinance should establish a clear legal position on what constitutes animal neglect, endangerment, and abandonment, while including provisions to protect Good Samaritans who assist loose animals. These measures are essential to ensuring the safety of both residents and their pets, while also fostering accountability within our community. Given that this issue was already scheduled for discussion today, it is evident that am not alone in experiencing challenges related to stray dogs and cats. In the past, have encountered incidents involving other dogs that resulted in property damage. However, due to their lack of identification and the inability to safely contain them, there was no way to hold their owners accountable for the damages caused by their animals. This underscores the importance of documenting animals at large, a point will address further later. As a veterinary technician and someone who has personally experienced the consequences of loose animals-including being attacked in a public place, resulting in injuries that required multiple surgeries-I am deeply aware oft the urgent need for stronger regulations to protect bothi the community and its animals. Those who oppose my position likely not have encountered an unfortunate situation of this nature before. Ifthey had, believe they would recognize the merit of my stance. To provide greater clarity on the motivation behind my advocacy and the necessity of these changes, would like to share a recent personal experience that shaped my perspective and demonstrates the urgency of this matter. Over the past few weeks, we have observed a young puppy roaming near our home, often seen on the street directly outside as well as within our horse pastures. One particular day she wandered onto our property and into our horse barn. Frightened away by the horses, she ended up frozen in the middle of the road, narrowly avoiding multiple cars. The puppy was clearly hungry, thirsty, and neglected, with overgrown nails, no identification, and showing signs of distress. Most heartbreakingly, she exhibited severe fear, cowering with her tail between her legs-a behavior uncharacteristic of a puppy, who should be playful and trusting. From an ethical standpoint, - felt compelled to take action to ensure her immediate needs were met and to remove her from the hazardous and vulnerable situation of being in the middle of the road. After providing her with food, water, and shelter, contacted animal control, but they April 14, 2025 Page 15 failed to respond until the following day despite multiple follow-up calls. Over five hours after the puppy's arrival, individuals arrived claiming to be the owners of the dog in question. I informedi them that animal control had been contacted and advised that they should await its response and coordinate directly with them to facilitate the return of the dog. Upon mentioning animal control, their response was immediately hostile, involving yelling, profanity, and threats, which made it difficult for me to complete my explanation. Their behavior appeared to be erratic and potentially influenced by an unknown substance. Given the absence of identification on1 the puppy, my uncertainty regarding their ownership, my concerns about the puppy's safety in their care, and my discomfort and feelings of insecurity during the interaction, 1 felt it was both reasonable and necessary to defer the matter to animal control for proper handling. Concerned for my safety and the well-being of my family, due to their aggressive behavior, the puppy was ultimately returned to them before animal control arrived. This experience underscores the need for regulations that require identification, supervision, and leashing of dogs to ensure their safety, promote responsible ownership, and protect those who step in to help. Allowing a dog to roam freely without supervision poses significant risks to its health and well- being, making it a form of neglect, abandonment, and endangerment. Intentionally letting your dog to roam freely off your property demonstrates a clear lack of care and supervision. Ifthe dogi is on someone else's property or wandering on a public road, you: are not providing the essential aspects of responsible pet ownership-such as adequate food, water, shelter, or safety. By intentionally letting your dog roam unsupervised, you expose them to various risks and fail to fulfill your duty of care. This behavior falls under the definition of neglect, as the animal's well-being is compromised when these fundamental needs are not being met. A. In addition to physiçalharm, roaming dogs may struggle to find proper nutrition and - hydration, leading to malnutrition anddehydration. The psychological toll of beingleft unsupervised can CUSES stress, ansiety, and béhavioral issues, as dogs aresocial animals that thrive-onseryrity and interaction. Eurthermore, their présence inj public spaces cane endanger otherst bycausing, traffic disruption.property damage, OL even fear and injueytoy - people or otherp pets. While the idea of letting a dog roam freely might seem like giving them more freedom, it actually exposes them to significant dangers and deprives them of the care they need to stay safe and healthy. Dogs are reliant on humans for safety, food, water, shelter, and companionship. When left to roam, they face numerous dangers, such as traffic accidents, which can lead to severe injuries or death, and encounters with aggressive wildlife or other dogs, which may result in fights or harm. Roaming also increases their exposure to diseases like rabies or parvovirus and leaves them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, causing April 14, 2025 Page 16 heatstroke, hypothermia, or other health issues. Once again, this lack of protection and care can lead toj physical harm, psychological stress, and even life-threatening situations. The psychological toll of being left unsupervised can cause stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues, as dogs are social animals that thrive on security and interaction. Furthermore, their presence in public spaces can endanger others by causing traffic disruptions, property damage, or even fear and injury to people or other pets. Responsible pet ownership means ensuring a dog's safety and well-being while also respecting the safety of others. Such actions demonstrate a lack of responsibility and concern for the dog's well-being, placing the animal in harm's way and neglecting its fundamental needs. Animal welfare laws exist to prevent neglect and endangerment, which includes actions like letting dogs roam unsupervised. While the intention might not be malicious, the consequences of unsupervised roaming can be harmful to both the animal and those around them. Allowing this behavior undermines the trust and bond between owners and their pets, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership for the safety of both animals and the community. Iti is imperative for this board to establish a clear and definitive legal position on this matter to ensure that residents understand such actions are neither lawful, moral, nor ethical. By taking a strong stance, the board can communicate that this behavior will no longer be tolerated in our county, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and safeguarding both the welfare of animals andi the community at large. The owner's conduct in this situation was both highly inappropriate and profoundly ungrateful and disrespectful, especially given my efforts to care for their dog. I provided her with food and water, ensured she was safe from traffic, and allowed her to remain on my property among my own family-actions was not obligated to take but chose to do out of compassion and a desire to prevent harm to an innocent animal. It is unacceptable that legally there seems to be no recourse to address such conduct, particularly when threats and intimidation are involved. Incidents like this emphasize the need for clearer regulations and protections for individuals who assist animals in distress and find themselves in confrontational or unsafe situations. Good Samaritan laws uphold the ethical and moral principle of fostering compassion and mutual support within society. They enable individuals to act in good faith to assist others- whether humans or animals -without the fear of facing legal repercussions. Without such protections, Good Samaritans risk legal liability or confrontational situations when attempting to help. For example, rescuing a stray dog from harm may inadvertently lead to disputes with the animal's owner or accusations of trespassing or theft. It is vital that we safeguard the spirit of humanity by ensuring that acts of kindness are encouraged, not stifled by fear of liability. Without such protections, society risks prioritizing self-preservation over the collective good, allowing fear to replace the very humanity that binds us together. By implementing these laws, April 14, 2025 Page 17 we affirm our shared responsibility to care for one another and preserve a community founded on empathy and trust. As - mentioned previously, as a veterinary technician with nearly ten years of experience, bring aj professional perspective to this issue. The lack of knowledge regarding the vaccination history of a stray or unidentified animal is highly concerning, posing significant risks to public and animal health. This uncertainty increases the likelihood that the animal could be a carrier of serious diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, intestinal parasites, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and other transmissible illnesses, some of which pose risks to human health. Such risks underscore the importance of proactive control, accountability and ethical handling of animals to safeguard the well-being of the community. feel that any loose animal must be documented and, if possible to do so safely, detained until an animal control officer can take custody of the said animal to ensure there is official record that the animal was at large. This documentation is crucial ini identifying the responsible party if an animal causes harm to a person, damages property, or spreads disease. Without contacting animal control and following proper protocols, it becomes difficult to determine ownership and accountability in such incidents. Furthermore, there must be consequences for owners who habitually or repeatedly neglect their responsibilities. Measures such as fines can serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of responsible pet ownership. Ensuring safety is a collective priority, and it must be treated with the seriousness it deserves by the community and authorities. Ethical and responsible treatment of animals should be inherent to good pet ownership and basic human decency; it should not require legislation to compel people to act responsibly. However, the unfortunate reality is that laws are sometimes necessary to ensure accountability and protect the welfare of animals, as well as the safety of others in the community. Irespectfully urge you to formalize these responsibilities through clear legal provisions. This would establish accountability for pet owners and provide a framework to prevent situations where animals are placed in harm's way due to neglect. Pet ownership is undoubtedly rewarding, but it is also a privilege and a commitment that comes with significant responsibilities. It is imperative that these responsibilities are taken seriously to safeguard both the animals and the community as a whole. Iti isi imperative to emphasize that neglecting proper care for a dog does not justify allowing it to roam freely. Such behavior compromises the safety of the animal itself, as well as the safety of other people, animals, and property it may encounter. The convenience of individuals who disregard their responsibilities as pet owners must never take precedence over public safety and animal welfare. April 14, 2025 Page 18 Responsible pet ownership is a reflection of kindness and stewardship, as emphasized in the Bible. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that 'the righteous care for the needs oft their animals,' urging us to treat our pets with compassion. Just as Genesis 1:26 calls us to care for all creatures entrusted to us, we are reminded that dogs, as loyal companions, deserve our love, respect, and attentive care. Whether it's ensuring their physical well-being, providing a safe environment, or nurturing their emotional needs, every act of care reflects our role as stewards of God's creation. Let us honor this responsibility and show the same faithful love to our pets as they show to us. Firstly, proper identification such as collars, tags, and microchips are essential for reuniting lost dogs with their owners quickly and efficiently. In emergencies or situations where dogs are found wandering, identification can save valuable time and resources for animal control officers and shelters. Microchips serve as a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost or removed, providing further assurance in case a collar or tag is misplaced. This also alleviates stress on pet owners and prevents avoidable suffering for lost animals. Secondly, requiring dogs to remain on their owners' property unless supervised helps to prevent accidents and conflicts. Dogs wandering freely can pose. safety risks not only to themselves- such as getting hit by vehicles or encountering aggressive wildlife- -but also to other residents. Unsupervised animals may inadvertently cause harm, damage property, transmit communicable diseases or engage in territorial disputes with other pets. This ordinance would promote a harmonious community environment while protecting our furry friends. Lastly, enforcing leash laws for dogs when off their owner's property is vital for public safety. A dog on a leash is under its owner's control and cannot unexpectedly run into dangerous situations or disturb others. Leash laws help reduce incidents of dog attacks, ensure responsible pet ownership, and foster respect among neighbors. As our community grows, it is imperative that we adopt measures to prioritize safety and accountability. In today's world, where technology has made microchipping accessible and affordable, and where busy roads and crowded neighborhoods are increasingly common, these measures are both practical and necessary. They align with modern standards of pet care and community safety observed in counties across the country. Having lived in areas where leash and identification laws for dogs are enforced, find it unacceptable and dangerous that such laws are not yet in place in this county. Without these measures, the risks extend beyond individual animals--posing threats to public safety and increasing strain on local resources. This specific case exemplifies the broader consequences: if not properly trained and provided with medical care, this particular puppy could grow into a April 14, 2025 Page 19 fear-aggressive adult dog, potentially dangerous to the community. Moreover, her ability to reproduce unchecked would exacerbate issues of overpopulation and stray animals. The lengthy response time from animal control further highlights systemic issues. Given the delay in their response, it is clear that the number of officers available is insufficient to manage the volume of calls concerning animals at large. Furthermore, while the allocation of dedicated animal control officers exists on paper, this does not effectively translate into practice. Iti is crucial tol have officers who are specifically dedicated to animal welfare and the enforcement of ordinances. Ensuring this dedication in both policy and implementation is essential for addressing community COI oncerns and upholding the standards of responsible animal care and public safety. Leash laws and dog ordinances are crucial for public safety, wildlife protection, and community harmony. Studies performed by National Canine Research Council show areas with strict leash laws experience up to a 50% reduction in dog-related incidents. Communities with clear leash regulations report fewer complaints, increased compliance through education programs, and financial savings from reduced animal control interventions. I contacted the Sheriff's Department and Animal Control to request detailed statistics for our county, including the number of reports of loose dogs filed in the past six months and cases involving loose dogs causing harm toi individuals, other animals, or property. However, have not yet received a response from them. By addressing these challenges and promoting responsible pet ownership, we can create safer neighborhoods, protect wildlife, and foster a more unified community. believe it is a matter of civic responsibility to bring this issue to your attention, as it pertains to the well-being of our community. urge the Patrick County Board of Supervisors to consider these points and work towards implementing this ordinance. The long-standing mindset reportedly favored by this board, is no longer adequate to meet the needs of our growing community. As the county board, you have an obligation and duty to protect the citizens, animals, and broader community. Your role as part of the government carries the responsibility to enact meaningful changes, not to shy away from governance and regulation. It is essential to take action and address the gaps in outdated ordinances or the absence of clear standards, rather than perpetuate the notion that maintaining the status quo is acceptable simply because it has always been that way. Leadership requires standing for progress and accountability; without it, the community risks stagnation and unnecessary! harm. Ifn meaningful change is not addressed by this board, will feel compelled to continue advocating for this issue and escalating it further, including reaching out to animal rights organizations and other advocacy and governmental groups. However, would prefer to work collaboratively with the board to ensure the successful implementation of new regulations. If approved, propose taking proactive steps to inform pet owners through partnerships with local animal organizations, social media outreach, direct mail, public announcements, and educational events to ensure widespread awareness. Additionally, recommend increasing dedicated animal control officer staffing to meet rising demands, improve response times, enhance public safety, and support compliance with the law. These measures will ensure the law is effectively rolled out, benefiting the community and promoting animal welfare. April 14, 2025 Page 20 Ms. Trena Anderson spoke regarding censorship. April 14, 2025 Trena Anderson Chairman Wood, For fifteen months Patrick County citizens have been trying to get this Board to listen to us and to work for our benefit. Taxpayers desire and expect a return on our forced investment of tax money. We are forced by law to fund the NEEDS of Patrick County. We will not be silenced and ignored while our money is spent or wasted on the desires of ai few. Citizens and taxpayers have an absolute Constitutional right to speak our minds even if members of this Board or county employees find our speech "offensive. - Many citizens in this room literally placed their very lives on the line to defend that right. This Board cannot censor the content ofs speech of any citizen who comes forward to speak. Mr. Chairman you can ask that people speak civility but you can't require that they do sO with a set of rules written by the county administrator. am well aware that - caused those "rules" to be written because - exposed available public information about a supervisor. Fifteen months later, would do it again and may do so in the near future. This Board insists on' "civility" from citizens but not from individual supervisors themselves. As supervisor on this Board has subjected the citizens who pay him to constant verbal abuse. He's called private citizens "liars" and worse. He's 's disparaged the media whose jobi it is to hold this Board and its members accountable. Members of this Board and county employees have retaliated against people who have spoken out. FOIA requests have been denied for inappropriate cause or charged money for work product that was unnecessary or wasn't done. Such retaliation is improper, unprofessional and in some cases illegal. These employees should be thoroughly investigated by this Board and held accountable. Yes, the Board of Supervisors has the legal ability and authority to investigate improper actions. Months ago asked this Board to censure the Blue Ridge supervisor. The Board sat on its hands and has allowed the creation of a monstrous clown who constantly disparages other supervisors, taxpayers, the legitimate processes and progress of this Board and county government. While at the same time censoring the content of OUR SPEECH! Chairman Wood, Patrick County deserves better! We deserve respect. We deserve accountability, efficiency, openness and transparency at all levels of interaction with this Board, county govemment officials and employees. The Board of Supervisors cannot properly and efficiently function under the circumstances we've all endured for the past fifteen months. Progress has been limited and impaired at every juncture by this obstructionist. This must cease immediately. The obstructionist must be dealt with and must be held accountable for his behavior. Some supervisors choose to use social media to communicate." * Social media can be a useful tool, or as one particular supervisor uses it, as a weapon. At least three supervisors on this Board have been individually victimized by another supervisor. This supervisor disparages other supervisors, volunteer appointed board members, taxpayers and citizens of this county. He threatens bogus legal actions against these same people. Enclosed in the packets Ih have provided are many examples providing proof of this supervisor' 's actions. This is just a sampling of some of his posts, emails, publications and articles he has chosen to publicly distribute in his attempts to slander, defame. embarrass, intimidate, threaten and harass other supervisors, taxpayers, citizens, ther media and anyone who may disagree with him, The supervisor has a long habit of denying citizen comment on his official postings. He habitually deletes any comment he disagrees with. He blocks individuals who confront his behaviors. 1 ask that the documents handed to the Board Clerk be entered into the public record. These actions and behaviors are unprofessional, unethical, unconstitutional. and in some cases quite possibly criminal. He has chosen to open this Board and county govemment to civil liability lawsuits due to his chosen actions and behavior. It is unfathomable that this behavior has been allowed to continue for fifteen months! Chairman Wood, again 1 request that this Board immediately censure the Supervisor who represents the Blue Ridge district of Patrick County. The constant harassment of individuals by Stephen Marshall must cease. April 14, 2025 Page 21 11/16/2024 Code ofVirginia Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally Chapter 6. Crimes Involving Fraud $ 18.2-209. False publications. Any person who knowingly and willfully states, delivers or transmits by any means whatever to any publisher, or employce of a publisher, of any newspaper, magazine, or other publication or to any owner, or employec ofan owner, of any radio station, television station, news service or cable service, any false and untrue statement, knowing the same to be false or untrue, concerning any person or corporation, with intent that the same shall be published, broadcast or otherwise disseminated, shall be guilty ofa Class 3 misdemeanor. Code 1950, $ 18. 1-407; 1960, C. 358; 1975, CC. 14, 15; 1978, c. 359. Steve Marshall e Top contributor Trena Anderson 5m Like Reply Share Trena Anderson 9 Top contributor I'm asking you to NEVER AGAIN use or connect my name in ANY POST OR PUBLICATION IN ANY MANNER. This will be your ONLY WARNING! CEASE & DESIST. You block me and delete me then YOU choose to "tag" me. That's not the way things work. Bugger off. April 14, 2025 Page 22 Steve Marshall, Candidate for Patrick County Supervisor, Blue Ridge District Ihave been a Resident of Patrick County for 16 for 33 Years. I have 2 Children and 3 years. Married To Donna Grandchildren. Age 61, Political Affiliation: Independent, Non-Affiliated. 15 Years Experience (Served as): 1. An Elected Town Councilman 2. Chairman of the Public Works Committee 3. Chairman of the Parks & Recreation 4. Treasurer of the Utilities Committee Authority 5. Member of two separate Planning Boards 6. Served on the Education. during Master Planning Cycle Advisory Committee for Special Education PLATFORM: 1. TAXES: I will NOT under any circumstance Vote to Increase Taxes Residents. on Patrick County This includes any project funded by Grants that in dollars to maintain. will, later: years require tax 2. TRANSPARENCYI In Patrick County Government: Iti is my intention to dig deep & to keep Patrick alli issues that will cost taxpayer dollars. County Residents informed of Address multiple avoidable lawsuits, incl. existing unpaid lawsuit awards Address mismanagement & safety issues in the County Maint. Depart. Address out of control spending on unnecessary projects, to protect YOUR $$ 3. OPEN PUBLICI MEETINGS Iv will fight for more open & accessible Governmental very few residents can even attend these meetings. Meetings. Currently difference. Some folks feel that their concerns will fall on deaf ears and will not make any who Some folks are older and/or disabled. Most folks are, are alrendy stretched to the limit for time. just reguler working people Iwant to Improve local government access for every Person &/or brlnging all meetinga to a high quality, publicly accessible Family by media platform. April 14, 2025 Page 23 NOTICEOF TO: CLAIM INDINTENT TOF BRISG Cvs ANDOR CRIMINALACTION Cnunty Atomey fork Parick Couny County Parrick County Adminisrature Bourd ofPatrick ofs Supervisors Couny Patrici Coum. Virginis FROME BuRidge SiephonD D. Manhalla DBAS Sieve) Marshall) DATER Fuhrry Distriet Y Supenisor 2005 Patrick Couniy, Virginia RE Board. Notice rin urdinis andi intenti to Pursae Lepal Action Apainst Patrick 5 Ands Supsnisons) Jonathan Wood, Clayton County. the Patrick County - Kedhc. and AndrwDnety LI INTDDI crai - n KS Claime itdp pursuant lo applicabiel ST int thec Cas of lmsmdiepuhtesg Vinginiz goverings chims dy ohringe chvila andoro ciminal Thartices sresa as femat Ovs - in Satre efficil ants Saperiven lonshE uctima Wbed, Eaine Pris Coumo. the Patric USC F1993 eodo othera andi applicakel individal capacities. fors viohticne Clayte ef mys scnioral Kenbick l Andircw laws riçhb umderez E IE FACHUALRACKOROUND TCfirmial On lanuan 13.2025. Frmail Seare by M Manlait aften Pacrick Couty mdly Bodors Supervisons 16, 202516 Theles fus corfiatia Emlrs sathes Manhe 8 bors Board thares Clerk farn gig parpuses Tle maib mmailev MCE wece pidien te Cowy ao and rosEs press or membeno ofthe; Pchl E eE The contert Iccass os the tt cmtlsi inahad maties ofp E - policies andi isues of public importance. Mifhes publico Emaks pncen ieiesnt met esiote Thes members cmails they didnot dangyhass fhcicpy RE Violasc sEres cfisl sto artb le were) lenteda ands sbieguentsy pahliabefint sprisepot ides As efaterptivy on lanuary 27nd. 2025. TEE aiv 0s 2Rctalizton Actioarby Sipervisor Oa lemory 29 2025, Chimen Joratha aad Syetd Cs re Andrewro ommof malicioso Overby retslimede oflicial agaies me for sending thec conticential C T6 - C as cFnprises aloaip Frinta otpiEadia ende digiat melfire oitiel Tel Fnton P - n Ihelievet cmilst tober thats Superir Andres Oierhy athe Fanoadhy rcute zer lnowr, thes ricanci 2C war dfeel The Encprise Vheee cadi inlh - C Nidlig - 12 Chmrman Miond, in hR ofient pisily - Sey dman a 5n ae Enterrise amicleat lanas 29 25 Smpein 0ats ade oseralir retaliatioo thppe hirldeas s RUE 3S Melicione B-alio - Ci T TX o he S besois and roces ss athe April 14, 2025 Page 24 Thc imiition Supanisaso discredia ndpumis Deby me and) Kendrick nase adlitional maliciousp puhlic statements intendedto Thee cntirety otd thes Krmy pech. panishs me for my prech. mpenion These staicmentsi int then rticles wEre maliciously intendedtod discredir and puvemmento olficalknd ncre mutivated statemenis by wErES desire oflicials tep punish acts madci me forr ino connection with their rolesas my protecteds peech. m. IECALCIAINS Miolationo Thee srtisorc ofF Fit Chairtneny Amendmet Righb (42U USC S1 1983) ntaliatiani Mye cmils in LEN Wood, Fint Supenisord Amendmenr Overby, right and Supervisor Kendrick coestihute untafol Amendment imohedn matien ofp Publice concer ande cunstitvtedy Sprifically: protected aperch under ibe Ther relcase ofe Tthec codemiale emailk Fus supeniion porch were otficiala actsi intendedi tep anduhen punishs maliciousy or public statemeats made by the Thesa actionuy MEE iscomger me from epaping y proncciat expreis Chairman mysefa and on motimniby othersly wilingnest my spacchs tos andi haye hada chilling eltehmy wbility spaech basede Woods onn my simemento spocifics constitutest malicious enpage viewpoint n proiecteds discriminaion, snoech e 20fficisl Acs by Geveac spinionso or perspectives tapcied my weres Thes rctiliaterys ofliciala actionss lakons by Oricials Caimae Wood. official actionb actsp by Patrick performedi in theircspicities as Suprisar govemtent Ouby, oticials and Tlese Supervisor ections Kendrick 3. Additionat Claims County, Virgion represent comfidemtiale Jreerve herighrs emailsa top and: Pursur any othern aditional related claims or related o1 thes unahnriel rease ofthe during thes course oft time. suhsequest. actions or pooch thar my bed deered IV DEMANDFORI RELIEF Idemand be following relict rellistory LAR fomnali investipatinna actioas kent by intot dhes the supervisars unauthurizedr reicase af, ubdantial - the C ECempaog 3lnjunctiven relicfi andy lop prevent punitived further darps for: tbev violatiga ofny comtian Gnal n Atiomey sfecs ando costs essociatedy rrtlatin with bhis and acios. tpprotest roy Fis: Amendint - VC CONCLISION This, andi to Notice formally ofClaimi entib is proyided lot Mn: any mpplicibker potioer uaca er Moa ufmyi Parick Counpy the Parric Counis Burus S Sa an supenisors County and its olicialst imtent a2B pursuel lgl estiea amp prpeltos e - 4 takes appropciate corectite pcoan Unes a 4a with filinga a lanzuit in the apprepniate cot Singrh, SE Siephe D. Marslano DBA Stce Mihely Blue Ridge Districts Supeniser Patrick Coonts, April 14, 2025 Page 25 Steve Marshall February 4 G Letter to the Enterprise Editor Debbie Hall 2.4.25 ------X #patrickcounty, #patrickcountyva, *patrickcountynews - - - - a ae Ead.e.ee 01 9comments 1 share Like Share Steve Marshall limited who can comment on this post. Most relevant Valerie Welch Loy Ify you're working for the people, why keeps secrets? Some board members have broken our trust, it's time to stop pointing fingers and take responsibility. 7w Like April 14, 2025 Page 26 Steve Marshall Valerie Welch Loy Thank you for sharing your concerns. It is important to have open and honest conversations about how our government operates, and I appreciate the opportunity to address this issue. However, I'd like to clarify a few key points about the distinction between "secrecy" and' "confidentiality," as well as why certain matters, particularly those involving personnel and legal issues, are not appropriate for public discussion. First, it's important to understand that confidentiality is not the same as secrecy. Secrecy implies an intent to withhold information for improper or unethical reasons, while confidentiality exists to protect the rights, privacy, and well-being of individuals. When it comes to personnel matters, confidentiality is not about hiding information from the public-it's about respecting the legal and ethical obligations we have to protect employees' privacy. Employees, whether they work in the public or private sector, have a right to privacy regarding their personal and professional matters. This includes personnel issues, disciplinary actions, and legal matters. Disclosing such information publicly would not only violate their rights but could also expose them to unnecessary harm, harassment, or reputational damage. As a government entity, we have a responsibility to ensure that our employees are treated fairly and with respect, and that includes safeguarding their personal and professional information. Additionally, legal matters are often confidential for good reason. Legal issues may involve sensitive information that, if disclosed, could compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy laws, or undermine the integrity of the process. Transparency is a vital principle in govemment, but it must be balanced with the need to protect individuals' rights and the integrity of legal and personnel processes. It's also worth noting that employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, whether from members of the public or elected officials. Harassment of any kind is unacceptable and counterproductive to fostering a healthy, professional workplace. When employees are subjected to harassment, it not only harms them personally but also undermines the ability of the organization to serve the public effectively. We understand that trust is essential in government, and would hope we are all committed to being transparent about the decisions we make and the processes wet follow. However, transparency does not mean that every detail of every personnel or legal matter should be made public. It means that we operate within the bounds of the law, respect individuals' rights, and ensure that our actions are fair, ethical, and in the best interest of the community we serve. If there are specific concerns about how the government operates or decisions that have been made, encourage you to bring those forward through appropriate channels. You can always find someone willing to listen and address legitimate concerns in a constructive and respectful manner. At the same time, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and privacy of our employees and ensuring that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thank you for your inquiry, and hope this clarifies why certain matters must April 14, 2025 Page 27 remain confidential. Our goal is to serve the public effectively while upholding the values oft fairness, integrity, and respect for all individuals. 7w Like 26 Valerie Welch Loy Weren't you voted in by the people? There should not be anything kept from the people of this county. We have every right to say how and where our tax dollars are being spent. The BOS 's personal feelings should NOT have a roll in what the citizens here in Patrick County desire. Call it what you may, confidential, or secretive. You have an obligation to the citizens of this county. Open transparency means no secrets or confidentiality with the voters of this county! 7w Like Steve Marshall Public employees, like all individuals, have legal and ethical rights to privacy. These rights are not abstract-they are enshrined in laws that protect employees from having their personal or professional matters disclosed inappropriately. As public servants, we have a responsibility to uphold these rights and ensure they are respected. Transparency in government does not equate to disclosing private personnel information or compromising legal processes. The approach you suggest would not only violate these rights but also create a hostile work environment. Such actions would discourage talented individuals from pursuing careers in public service, ultimately harming the county's ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Additionally, the county could face significant legal consequences, potentially requiring the hiring of additional legal resources to handle the resulting litigation. Public employees are not property; they are professionals who perform essential functions that keep our society running. From maintaining infrastructure to ensuring public safety, their work directly impacts the quality of life for all citizens. Dismissing their contributions or treating them as less than human is not only unjust but also undermines the very systems we all rely on daily. These individuals deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else, regardless of their role or position. lurge you to reflect on the importance of treating all people with basic decency. Public employees are not beneath anyone--they are our neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens. Disrespecting their rights harms not only them but also the community as a whole. 7w Like April 14, 2025 Page 28 Valerie Welch Loy Really? Nobody as far as the public has disrespected, or has put any employee in a hostile environment that I'm aware of. What the people in this county needs, the elected and the appointed officials such as yourself to work for the constituents and respect USI, This is what we're paying for Stop making up excuses to keep your nefarious agenda going. Imyself held a supervisors and management for 25 years. In other words don't try to educate me on things you have no clue about. How many years do you have under your belt? Let's also ask how much education or job experience do you have? Anyone can use Al to write posts and articles to make them look well educated. Let's also include the enterprise: The articles they were posting was a okay with you as long as the posts was from your point of view, Postings they write articles including both sides, you think they're biased. Again, your chair should have someone sitting in it for the people of your district, your personal views and feelings should have nothing to with the decision the people. Therefore this shows the lack of respect you have for your constituents. 7w Like Steve Marshall Valerie Welch Loy "The articles they were posting was a okay with you" "The articles they were posting were okay with you." Vupi it works! Thanks for the tipl Perhaps you could pass that tip on to the Enterprise; their editing is criminally bad. 7w Like Deb Keeling Journalism shouldn't push the drama lama to the front of a story to sensationalize it. We need facts without bias as consumers of news. This is especially true when local government articles are published. (not sure about the legality of publishing internal emails that's the county attorney'sj job) All I know is as soon as the drama lama becomes the news publication's mascot, - question the way the news is being presented and go looking for who has something to gain from the drama lama parade. Facts over feelings in my news please. 7w Like Valerie Welch Loy lonly see one drama lama! In other words, if the journalist writes something YOU don't agree with you're saying it's wrong, all the FOIA request doesn't lie! 7w Like Steve Marshall Valerie Welch Loy When a newspaper publishes lies, it's not just a simple mistake. It's a betrayal. It's a theft of truth. Its steals our right to know the facts, to understand the issues that affect our lives, and to participate meaningfully in our democracy. Misinformation is a cancer. It spreads through our community, poisoning our relationships, creating divisions where there should be unity. It makes it harder to work together, to solve problems, and to build a better future for Patrick County. truthmatters localnews #accountability patrickcounty, *patrickcountyva, #patri ckcountynews April 14, 2025 Page 29 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion LETTER TO THE ENTERPRISE EDITOR DEBBIE HALL 2.4.25 The recent unauthorized publication of private emails by The Enterprise ande raises journalistic ethics and ther responsibility of local news outiets to exercise discretion. cEnterprise, While the serious concerns about journalism, thec decision toy publishy prirate correspondence without consent pursuit of truth is a comerstone of for the profession. crussesal line that undermines public trust and respect Thee emails in question were never intended for public consumption. and their release serves no clear toj publish them Thel Enterprises and elnterprise has not only violated the privacy of the individuals involved public interest. By choosing troubling precedent that could discourage open and honest communication in our but has also seta and enlighten, not to sensationalizer or exploit. community. Journalism should aim toi inform Local news publications hold: uniquey positions of trust within their communities. Readers on and responsible reporting. When publication chooses toy clicks and rely them lo provide accurate, fair, ernding that trust. The decision lo publish these emails, and prioritize thes controversy over ethicald considerations, it risks judgment and failure 10 consider the broader implications of such subsequent actions. amplification of the story, reflectsa lack of editorial The role of the press is nou to act as an unchecked distributor of information tos This inci ident highlights ther need for grenter discretion and: recommitment private but serve as guardian of thes public good,. journalistic endeavors. Publishing private tot the ethical standards thats should guides all unethical. correspondence without compelling public interest is not just irresponsible-itis We urge Thel Enterprise ande eEnterprise to reflect on the impacte of their actions and tor adopt a more reportingi int the future. The community deserves joumalism that respecis individuals while thoughtful approachto of integrity. rights upholding the highest standards Sincerely, Steve Marshall. Patrick County: Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving all of Patrick County. Pages FommatingTes BarickCoinevess EMdatiw.IA Roles of Camsenhwaiahcuatr Dbishedimike Messages Busgontingcl fou Kendrick antEuterutisc-aluers Dobbiclallo AmCCambubis Mecunglan ----- Theinterprise ww Incal Hoards Theimiillea ALBcnlutione Thouyhisonl IENIsEeTNumAs Fvalitarianism Must Mork landinu land Integritusr Batric KCOImIHLLRg c Clone-Dor CtuntsiTaritenlanils goemmentsi intesrit April 14, 2025 Page 30 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion LAUDATORY VS. CRITICAL: SPEECH DURING PUBLIC MEETINGS 2.5.25 Note the Frcudians slip @o: 121 This enforces the idea that the Chairman only wishes to: allow positive speech. Descrimitory rules inc question start G0:20 Link: Miesgoint Dise riminatinn "Good morning. members of the Board. lam writing to: address what view as acriticali issue regardingt the public comment period of our meetings. Ibelieve that the rules on public: speaking as presented by Chairman Wood havel beens selectively enforced ly the Chairman. Allowing speakers lo praise officials by name, fore example allowing members of the bord. and public lo praise Jume Fulk. while prohibitingi in his reiteration of ther rules gorerning the public comment period, speakers from criticizing officials by name. This practicei isa aclear exampler of viewpoint discrimination, a lorm of conlent- -based regulation that the Supreme Courl has repeatedly condemned: as unconstitutional, The First Amendinent guarantees the right tot frees speech, including the right tos criticize our elected officials. This right is essential for healthy democracy: Ifwer only allow praise ands silence critici cism, we create an e hos chamber whene dissenting vuces are suppressed andi the public is denied: access to the full range of perspectives on imporiant issues. The princi ciples of viewpoint neutrality demands that I we allow laudatory comments about officials byr name, we must also aliow critical comments by name. I understand thats some may be uncomfortable with criticism, especially when directed: at specifici indiv iduals. However, thel First Amendment protects even unpopular or offensive speech. as long as it does not fail into one of thes very narrow categories of unprotected: speech, liker defamation or incitement. Letr me be clear: While wel have a right to free speech. that right is not without limits. We are: alls still subject tot the laws against defamation, harassment, and other legal restrictions. lfa speaker makes false and defamatory statements aboul an official, they can bel held accountablei inc court. Likewise, ifas speaker engages in threatening or harussing bchavior, they may face legal and civil consequences. But simply disagreeing with and official, or even expressing thato disagreement forcefully, is not a basis for censorship. lurge thal Chairman Wood immediately cease this praci ticed of viewp point diser rimination and ensune that all members of thes public have an equal opporiunity lo express their views, whether those views are laudatory or criticai. A truly open and transparent govemment welcomes andr respects the full spectrum of public opinion. Below are two relevant cites. Rosenbergery Rectora and Visitors oft thei University of Tirginia (1995): This is 3 landmark case dealing directly with viewpoint discrimination in a university selling (which is considered: a limited public forum). The Court held that the University" refusal tot fund a student religious publication, while funding other student publications. constituted April 14, 2025 Page 31 viewpoint discrimination and violated the First Amendment. This casej powerfully establishes that viewpoint discriminationi isas subset of content discrimination: and is presumptively unconstitutional. Lamb 5 Chapel 1 Center Moriches Lnion Free So hool Dist. (1993): This case involved: a school district that allowed community groupst to1 usei its facilities for social, civic, and recreational purposes, but denied access toa religious group that wanted Lo show a Gim. The Court found this to bes viewpoint discrimination because the denial was based ont ther religious viewpoint expressed ini the film. These cases make ite clear that Chairman Woods actions likely constitute unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. By allowing praise of officials that mentions names whiie prohibiting criticism that mentions namés, hei is favoring one viewp point over another. Thisi is preciselys thet typer ofs viempoint based restriction that the Supreme Court has consistently struck down. Iti isi important tor notel that the specific facts of each case are crucial. While these cases provides strong support for the principlesl have outlined, courtiwouid ullimately consider all the circumstances: surrounding the public comment period in Patrick County tos determine whether the Chairmans actions are constitutional. However. on the face ofi it, the practice appears to nun afould of established First Amendment jurisprdence. Best Regards Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving: ali of Patrick County. This publication is subject toc copyright protection under applicable la. tnauthorized use is strictly prohibited and my be subject to legalaction. Pages FommattingTest DairikCounyNeis Erdino Gnverment Eidgeting Pubtished) Emails Messaes Responding Thc Claxi don Kendrick And Enterprise Editor Debiic HtOn FOlAand OpenPublic) Mectinglan esponser ninaccuratcand Unethical Reporting, htheInterprisc Solars Controverse Iisliatitautihamahnuml lacall Boards The Invisible ALI Resnluion Thaughrson DET-Why Meritocracnd Fgalitarinnism Must, Work Handi ini Hand Integriiy Forl Butrick CumEEge Sunlightin PatricCumtvcivh Clayion Kendrick SClosriDoor Fantasies hrtentcal: sucmmenhimtgth Thes Solr SlandalflionIncall Resishunrei ininginia balisaudusuacilomet MhyisA Andror orhsiming to firethe Roarddlerk andcounts Administrator April 14, 2025 Page 32 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion CRITICALAND COMPLEX ISSUES INTRODUCED AS LAST-MINUTE MOTIONS DURING BOARD MEETINGS 2.6.25 October: 21, 2024) Jane Fulk added two serious items to thes agenda. Tivo: supervisors were taken by surprise, while thes other twa didi not seem: surprisedat: all Jane Fulk presented changes lo: station 8 EMS. Noj prior notification was given to Supervisor Steve Marshail or Supervisor Doug Perys This incident ultimately set in motion Debbie Halls, editor oft the Enterprise, war on Doug Perry and Steve Marshall. Here, Jane Fulk makes: a motion on a non existent issue, which is emphatically seconded by Clayton Kendrick-who, during the vote, tries to inject teven more drama into ther mix. No one had evers suggested buying cars. and the issue was presented solely to cause dramat and create the illusion of imprapriety. Notably. Jane Fulk: shouts down ands suppressesany debate on the motion Good Morning. Board Members, Ibelieve thisi is an opportune noment to reaffirm ani iportant principler critical: and complex issues should never bei introduced asl lasta minuter motions during board meetings. This is especially Irue for matters of significant consequence los our counly, such as thel EMS issue we faced in October ofk last year. Whens suchy pricticess occur, they undermine transparency, crode trust, and compromiset the integrity ol our decision makingr process. Introducing) high stakes items without proper natice er discussion is notj just poor governance iti isa deliberate act of political maneuvering that disenfranchises both board members and the public wes serve. It prevents thorough: analysis, stifles meaningful debate, ande often resuits in decisions that lack the neo essary depth and consideration. This approach is not oniy counterproductive buta aiso deeply disrespectful tot the collaborativespiit that: should guide our work. April 14, 2025 Page 33 Thec consequences of such actions are far reaching. They breed cynicism among constituents, who rightly expect their leaders to operate with honesty and accountability. They create divisions within the board, fostering: an environment of suspicion rather than cooperation. Most importantly, they jeopardize the well being of our community by prioritizing shurt ter gains or personal agendas over the long term interests of thes peoples we: are: swor tos serve. let us commil to upholding the highests standards ofi integrity in: our proceedings. By ensuring that: all significant matters are presented with ample noticea and open dialogue 50 we can make informed, equitabie decisions that iruly reflect the needs and values of oure county. Tugether, wes cans sel an exaple of responsible leadership: andr restore faith in the democratic process. Icall on our Board Chair. Mr. Wood to address and: seek a fairs and equitable solution for this issue. Thank you. Steve Marshall. Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving all ofl Patrick County: Below is my presentation on thiss subjcct from the) January 13th Board of Supervisors Mecting Discussion on Rules and procedures wantt tospeak to the multiplet times that major issues have been addedtot the: agendal by supervisors on the: might of our Board of Supervisor Meetings. The issues that were added had very obviously been planned: and discussed by at minimum: 2 supervisors prior lo the meetings. These were major issues withr major ramifications loi ioth thes operations of and expense lo thes county. believe this practices violates our rulesof procedure sols would like to draw the boards atiention lus several areas of the rules thal should be followeds going forward or amended heres and now. in Section 4-1. Agenda Preparation, would drase your attention ta BAny Iwol Board members may request that items be placed on: meeting agendal by conlacting the Clerk by noon: six days prior lo the Board mecting for which they wish thei iten scheduled. DN Nothing herein prohibits the Board from adding items to the agenda, provided that sucha a request isi in the form ofar motion, votedi upon by majority of the Board. Now while its would seem thati item Dcancels out Item B. Twouldo draw your attention to: section 1-2. Basic Principles Underlyi ing Kules of Procedure CTheB Board" sactions should bet the result ofac deci ision on the merits and not: a manipulation of the procedural rules; GH hery member must have equal opportunity toparticipate in decision making: There ist no way that a board member can be afforded their right t0 debate on a complex subject when no lime has been allowed andi they ares eflectively gated froms studyi ing thei issue. This disenfrane hises large segments of Patrick County from the reprsentation that is their right. These practices while great political theater are uncthical and of great disserv ice tot thex county. Fori instance 1 represent the Blue Ridge District. ITam gated from an issue then everyone in the Blue Ridge District is denied representative government pertaining tot that issue. "This electrunic communication, including any atlachments, is subject los copi right protection under applica able lans Unauthorized: access, use. or disclosure is stricthy prohibited andi m be subject toi legal action. Pages Eommattinglst DarikkCameNes Eruling Gosermment Budgeting- MS-a.www RuMlishetImmk Mossuses Responding macista.hemlikAmdl Enterprise Editor) Dbbic Hallon mdbahihal emctalmacemstcamal Iethicall Reportina bu The Enternrise April 14, 2025 Page 34 Steve Marshall February 8 @ Jane Fulk and her ideological counterpart, Andrew Overby, are pushing to replace current county employees with their own handpicked hires, insisting on local candidates only. Their stated goal is to resist change and preserve Patrick County as it has always been.' In reality, their agenda seems designed to maintain the status quo of the old boy network, ensuring that taxpayer dollars continue to be funneled out the back door as quickly as they come in the front. Join me on Substack! patrickcounty, #patrickcountyva *patrickcountynews Andrew Overby, are pushing to replace current county employees with their own handpicked hires, insisting on local candidates only. Their stated goal is to resist change and preserve Patrick County 'as it has always been.' In reality, their agenda seems designed to maintain the status quo of the old boy network, ensuring that taxpayer dollars continue to Matsiiassahwi. donrac cicll SUBSTACK.COM Steve on Substack 2 Like Share Steve Marshall limited who can comment on this post. April 14, 2025 Page 35 Steve Marshall February 10 G Supervisors Report Steve Marshall Blue Ridge District - 2.10.25 On. January 16th I attended the Tourism Advisory Council or TAC Meeting On January the 17th, attended the Stuart Fire Department's Annual Award and Installation Dinner, which honored members for their service and installed the 2025 roster of officers. The food, which was prepared by the fire department members, was excellent, and the evening was thoroughly enjoyable. I was particularly pleased to see Mayo River Supervisor Clayton Kendrick in attendance, demonstrating his support for our dedicated firefighters. hope that next year, the entire board will join to show their appreciation. The work of the Stuart Fire Department, and all fire departments, is vital to our community throughout the year. It isi important that we take the time to recognize and thank them for their commitment and service. On. January 21st I attended the Planning commission meeting. On the morning of January 22nd, 1 attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kam's Corner, a new outpatient treatment facility in Stuart. Kam's Corner is an Adult Mental Health Clinic, with "KAM" standing for "Kick. Addictive Mentalities. This facility represents a significant step forward in providing accessible mental health services to our community, and - am excited to see the positive impact it will have. Ini the afternoon of January 22nd, I participated in the Community Policy and Management Team meeting and Later that evening, attended the Economic Development Authority Meeting As an elected official, my foremost duty is to serve Patrick County's best interests. Today, I must address a serious matter that reflects threats to the integrity of our Board of Supervisors and the: stability of our county government. - recently sent two confidential emails to my fellow board members. These emails, clearly marked "confidential and do not share," addressed concerns about potential legal risks stemming from what in my view were instances of employee harassment and steps taken toward constructive termination. My intent was to foster a private discussion among elected officials about protecting our county from legal exposure and ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees. Regrettably, one or more of my colleagues disregarded this confidentiality and shared these emails with the press. This breach of trust was a reckless stunt that jeopardized our County's interests. Let me be dlear: these emails were never meant for public distribution. They were internal communications aimed at addressing concerns and reminding my fellow supervisors of our ethical and legal responsibilities, as well as the potential consequences of failing to uphold them. Their release publicly signals to current and former employees that they may have grounds to sue the county. This is irresponsible and a disservice to the very people we serve. This action exposed the county to costly litigation and undermines the trust essential among elected officials. It also creates unnecessary turmoil for our employees, who deserve a workplace free from fear, harassment, and political gamesmanship. To my fellow supervisors: We have a duty to act in the best interests of Patrick County. This includes protecting taxpayer dollars, maintaining a professional workplace, and respecting the confidentiality of April 14, 2025 Page 36 sensitive discussions. The unauthorized release of these emails violates these principles and sets a dangerous precedent. The subsequent public comments about me by my fellow supervisors have further breached trust and created a hostile environment Instead of addressing concerns directly, they were aired publicly-an unprofessional approach that hinders resolution. This damages our collective credibility and erodes public trust. To our Board Chairman My concerns, as outlined in the emails, are based on valid beliefs and perceptions that should not be dismissed. Understanding different perspectives and allowing differing viewpoints is crucial for collaboration and ensuring that decisions are made with a comprehensive view of their potential impact. Had you approached the issue directly and ethically, would have shared my perspective with you. Your handling of these matters demonstrates a lack of discretion and professionalism, making any such collaboration nearly impossible. want to assure you that my efforts will remain steadfast in promoting compliance with the law, safeguarding our county from liability, and advocating for a workplace free of harassment and political manipulation. I will not engage in, nor will Itolerate, any actions or discussions on your part that seek toj justify or rationalize your conduct. Furthermore, will not stand by idly ify you choose to perpetuate the narrative that you have advanced in the media. To the public: My actions are, and will continue to be, motivated by a desire to protect our county and its employees. I will continue to work diligently to address these issues in a responsible and ethical manner. I have no intention of backing down on these issues regardless of the serious risks imposed by my colleagues. To the individual who released these emails: I call on you to take accountability for your actions. The consequences of your actions extend far beyond political disagreements--they impact the livelihoods of our employees and the financial well- being of our county. Moving forward, Ihope you can all recommit to a spirit of integrity and honest collaboration. Our county deserves nothing less. 1 share Like Share Steve Marshall limited who can comment on this post. April 14, 2025 Page 37 S Supervisor s Report - 3.10.25 Blue Ridge District - Steve Marshall On February 12th, attended the Town of Stuart Council Mr. Bob to fill the seat vacated by Terry Dalton, who Meeting. Pittis was chosen by the council forward to in assumed the role of mayor. Congratulations to Bob! look sitting on your meetings and witnessing the contributions you will make to On February 13th, attended the school board your community. surprised that, despite the meeting, where budgetary discussions took place. I was widespread rhetoric and claims about the school over the past year, only two people other than myself attended budget and budget process budget. External budgets, such as those for the and specifically to hear about the school attention to. While these and other entities school the sheriff's department, are important to pay that disperses the tax dollars operate as their own authorities, it is the Board of Supervisors funding them. Iti is crucial for both the Board of to educate themselves as much as possible about these Supervisors and the public will likely be many erroneous claims of budgets. If past experience is any indicator, there these claims will be corruption. Judging by the low attendance at budget discussions, better folks. likely as ignorantly inflammatory andj just as inaccurate as they were last year. Do On February 14th, - attended the variety of treats, including baked ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Harvest House Emporium. They offer a goods, chocolates, fudge, coffees, and drinks. an impressive selection of locally crafted artwork for sale. Be Additionally, they feature St in Stuart It is always a good to sure to stop by and visit them at 131 N Main thing support local small businesses. On February 26th, - attended the Community Policy and Management Team Economic Development Authority Meeting later that (CPMT) Meeting and the evening. On February 27th, - attended the West Piedmont Planning District Commission a very important for Patrick County, that meeting. This body can be members the assuming the we receive adequate advocacy from our Board serving on commission. Iwill be attending more of these own and to: see if - can learn anything that will benefit Patrick meetings for my edification County. On Monday, March 3rd, - was very privileged to be invited to read to three different Head Start as part of Read Across America Week. Read Across America Week is held classrooms Seuss's birthday. This is a nationwide initiative to annually in celebration of Dr. Schools, libraries, and promote literacy and a love of reading among children. community organizations participate by hosting events, engaging students in activities that celebrate the of books. It inviting guest readers, and meaningful tradition joy was an honor to participate in this by reading to the children, sharing stories that inspire imagination and lifelong passion for learning. fostering a April 14, 2025 Page 38 teve Marshall March 10 at 11:05PM G In Support of the Access Control System Budget Line Item Access Control in our county buildings-particulary in this administration building is not just a budgetary decision. It is a moral and ethical one. Let's be very clear, the request for enhanced security did not materialize out of thin air. It came in direct response to a growing culture of aggression and hostility that has been encouraged and allowed to fester within our county. A culture that, regret to say, has been fueled, in part by the actions and rhetoric of some of my fellow elected officials. We have reached a point where county staff, the very people who keep this government running, feel unsafe in their workplace. They have been subjected to unannounced intrusions, aggressive confrontations, and an overall dimate of fear. Thisi is unacceptable. And yet, when these staff members who are simply trying to do their jobs-request basic security measures to protect themselves, they are met with opposition from some of the same individuals who have contributed to the current toxic environment. Let me fill you in on a conversation I had just last month with one of my fellow supervisors. Fraised concerns about their encouragement of aggressive behavior on social media, particularly in relation to a baseless and failed attempt to portray me as having sexually harassed someone. Their response was a smile and a shrug, as if to say, "Oh well, too bad." This dismissive attitude toward the potential consequences of their actions is emblematic of a much broader problem. When elected officials--those entrusted with the responsibility of leading this county-feed and encourage aggressive rhetoric and actions, including toward staff, why should we be surprised when aggression escalates? Why should we be shocked when staff feel threatened? And why would we oppose the very security measures that are, at least in part, necessitated by our own behavior? The Access Control System we are discussing in the budget is not some extravagant expense. It is a necessary investment in the safety of our employees and the public. It could provide a single, monitored point of entry, updated security cameras, and the ability to lock down the building in case of an emergency. The sad reality is that it has become necessary to protect our staff from human-based hazards. Don't forget that this building houses not only county offices but also General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. It is a hub of critical government functions, and yet it remains alarmingly vulnerable. Multiple unmonitored points of entry and no way to enforce firearm restrictions even if we had them and we should in this building. As things stand we are in dereliction of our duty to protect those who serve this community on a day to day basis. To those who oppose this measure, I ask you: What message are you sending to our staff? That their safety is not a priority? That the aggression they face is acceptable? That the very security measures in part necessitated by your own actions are somehow unnecessary? This is not just about money. It is about accountability and it's about recognizing that words and actions have consequences. We have a responsibility to mitigate harm -especially harm that we, as a board, may have helped create. This is about standing up for the people who work hard to serve this county, even in the face of open hostility and intimidation. And It's not just about supporting staff, it's also about holding everyone, including my fellow supervisors, accountable for creating a safe and respectful work environment. April 14, 2025 Page 39 Opposing this item would be hypocritical, and any rhetoric to the contrary would be disingenuous. Let me be clear: this is not a question of whether the Access Control System is a good idea. It is. The question is whether we are willing to prioritize it. If financial constraints are the issue, let's say 50 honestly and work to address them, rather than dismissing the program as unnecessary or ill-conceived. Let's do the right thing - urge each of you to put aside your personal agendas and prioritize the safety and well-being of our staff. News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion REGARDING VDEM GENERATOR GRANT FROM: FROM DEREK WAGNER JEB STUART RESCUE: SQUAD. VDEM Generator Grant From: Derek Wagner Tue, Mar 11. 2025 Ijust wanted to reach out and clear up: some concernsicomments made during the BOS meeling last night. I ould like toapologize for not beingable to: attend the meeting inj person. but Idid watch it virtually. During the meeting last night, it: seems as its was portrayed thats some items were requested from us and we never responded. lhave attached some screenshots of my email threads with Mr. Cassell. On Feb 10, lemailed the letler stating how wei planned on staffing thee emergency shelter. It simply states that Jeb Stuart Rescue Squad members would: staff it: and how they wouldi ber notified. In the event we are: unablet to: staff it, we would reach out tot thel local Red Cross volunteers for their assistance. lalso forwarded financial statements and the quotes we obtained. Prior toj yesterday, Iwas under the impression (from previous communications with Mr. Cassell), that we were, just vaiting on BOS approval and then the grant would be suhmitted. Yesterday. around: 2:38pm, received phone call from Mr. Cassell, after reaching out vial text to: sceif he needed anything cise from us, and hes stated that the county administrator stated "the staffing was not sufficient enough" and that the grant was not gonna bes submitted. Ifour method of staffing isa concern, would like to: ask, how does Smith River Rescue, a recipient of this grant, staft their shelter? From mny understanding. they rely on volunteers. After watching thes meeting last night, was made aware that there was: a request for proof of matching funds. have yet tor receive any form of communication regarding this request. Although wecutt the initial deadline of February 14th close, due to waiting on quotes from vendors and Mr Cassell being out of the office, we have provided: all requested information, prior to the February 14 deadline. So, inc quick summary, we did not wail 21 months to get this information to! Mr. Cassell, just didi not send this information to! Mr. Cassell last week, and lastly; wel havesent everything that was requested. My intentions are not tor make things more contentious, but simply sheda little more light on our side of the stor. We do not want to! bes portrayed as liars and problem starters. Wes simply want toj provide this safe haven for our community. Thank you for your time! Sincerely, [Left Unsigned) Response from Steve Marshall Dear Derek, Thank you for your email and for providing additional context regarding the VDEMI Generator Grant. I appreciate your efforts ta clarify thes situation and your commitment to ensuring thej proposed emergency shelter is properly staffed and operational for the community. After reviewing multiple Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting videos andi reflect ting on the disc ussions surrounding the Envision Crit VDOT grant and the VDEM grant, it isclear that there is confusion about how these matters should be handled. Whilet understand your frustration, 1 want to emphasize that thes county administration: acted in direct accondances with the instructions provi ided by Board of Supervisors member Andrew Uverby. April 14, 2025 Page 40 Iwasc disappointed thaty you didi not reach out to: all board members at the inception of this grant process. Movingt forward.T encourage: ally partiest to ensure that such requests are communicated. clearlya andi in: at timely manner to avoid misunderstandings. Int thes spirit of transparency and collaboration, Iv would like to reiterate thei importance ofi involving all relevant stakeholders in communications, especially when addressings grant- related matters. This ensurest that everyone S aligned and working toward the sames goais. lappreciates your past efforis to keep mei informed when secking funding. andi hope we can maintain open linesof communication going lorward. Regarding thec coniention you mentioned, believe it is important for all of us to work logether to avoid the appearance of creating contention, even itt that is not our intent. Contention oftens arises from miscommunication or incomplete information, andi it is our shared responsibility toz address these issues constructively: andj professionally. By fostering open dialogue and ensuring: all parlies arei included in key discussions. we can avoid misunderstandings: and work moreeffectively toward our common goals. Thank you for your dedication to this project and for your willingness to address these conce ems. Please let mel know in there is anything further I can do to assist you. Andrew Overby weighs in Steve, Isimply asked for a grant process/tracking system and policy to be established, with an emphasis on those that require BOS suppori letters or matching funds that must bes approved by the) BOS. As of this date, no proc ess or policy has been broughtt to thel board for approval. have absolutely no issue with any department or agency applying for grants that require no BOS: support or funds and have never insinuated or directed that grants should not be applied fori in these cases. This situation has absolutely no relation lo the Critz grant. As part of the: approval oft the resolution for that grant, the BOS required a letter from the gruup requesting support for the grant as a prerequisite for signingi the support letter. Apparently, that order was ignored as nol letler has ever been prodnced after have requested it multiple times and thes grant was applied for anyway. This was ther reason that lasked for a grant oversight process to be established. Int thet future, V would: suggest that befores you speak on something that have asked for. especially to outside entities, that you speak with me direcily instead of assuming that jnul have an understanding of my request. Regards, Andrew" T Overby Responsel From Steve Marshall Andrew. Thank you! fors your clarification regarding. your request for: at grant process" tracking system and policy. I understand your emphasis on establishinga aclear process for grants thati require Board of Supervisors support letters or matching funds, andi agree that such as sy stem would bel bencficialf for transparency and eficiency However, 1 want to address the core issue: at hand. While: you did differentiate betiveen the VDEMI Generator Grant and the Critz grant during the meetingy where the VDEM grant was disc ussed, this distinction was not comn municated until that point. A1 the previous meeting. where the VDOT/Critz grant was brought up. youi issued: specifici instructions regardings grant handling. but you did noti indicate that these instructions applied only to that specific grant or that other grants, liket the VDEM grant, should be treated differently. Asar result, staff operated: according to the instructions yous provided during the first meeling. as they had no reason tol believe those instructions were not applicablet toa ally grants requiring BOS involvement. This situation higblightsar common cognitive bias known: as "ther curse of knowledge" -1here someones who knows something (in this case, your expectations for how: grants should be handled) assumes that others (the staff)a also know or shouldi intuitively understand those expectations. Withoul explicit communication, it is unreasonable to expect staff to antici ipate or interpret varying expectations. Additionally, this tiesi intos what psychologists callt the "false consensus effect" thet tendency to overestimate how much others share our beliefs, opinions, or expectations. I appears there was an assumption that staff wouid naluraily understand the VDEM grani should be treated differently. even though this was never explicitly communicated. Movingi forward, feel that direct and clear communication is essential to: avoid misunderstandings. Thope we can work together to ensure that aill board members and stafl are provided with clear, consistent, and timely guidance lo: avoid confusion and ensure alignment. Thank you for your: atiention to this matier, and llook forward locollaborating on the development of a grant oversight process that meets the needs of the board and the community: April 14, 2025 Page 41 Regards Steve Marshall Andrew Overbys response Note that hes mentions both thea administrator. and critiques her performance. ie. substandard performance. This isa clear violation ofi widel accepted policy andy procedure regarding staff evalrations. Steve, Again, youl have noi idea that havel hade other conversations with thes county administrator on this lopic, sol would suggest that you mind your lane if you do not have all the facts andi refrain from attempting to lay blame: at my feet. I believe thec county administrator is well aware of my contact information. so ifr requests are unclear I would expect that she would ask for clarification, that is what professionals do. Regardless, asi stated, no process or policy has been brought to the board for approval, whichl feeli ist the bigger issue here. Also, please keep: your AI generated psycho bahble to yourself. Idon' tneed tol be lectured on more excuses from you to accept substandard performance. Regards, Andrew T Overby Response by Steve Marshall Asy you are aware, thel board operates as colleclive body. and decisions are made thmugh collaboration and: adherencet to established policies and processes. Ifthere are concems about clarity or communication, iti is: alwaysa appropriate to: seck clarification directly and professionalls. Regarding your comments about performance: and processes. again Iencourages you to bring any specific concerns or proposais 10 thel boardf for discussion and consideration. This is the appropriate forum for addressing policy matters and ensuringt that all voices are heard. That said, your associations andi relationships cannot be ignored when assessing, your behavi ior toward employees and other supervisors. Your close quid pro quor relationship with the editor of thel Enterprise newspaper, Debbie Hall, is particularly concerning. The fact that you gified her welle over SI. 000 of taxpayer dollars raises serious questions about the: appropriate use of public resources. Ms. Hall has made it rehemently clear that she strongly disapproves of our administrator and has openly demonstratedi that both she: and the Enterprise are direct patrons ofy yours. Additionally,; your deological alignment with Jane Fulk, your predecessor on the board, is troubling. The nature of your relationship with Ms. Fulk has ledi many in the public to1 refer to you: as Jane: 2.0." moniker that underscorest the similarities in yourl behavior and approach. Ms. Fulk S hislory of harassinge emplboes-culminmatingi in thes resignation of at least one staff member-and her glaringly apparent goal of removingt the county administrator by any means necessary, reflects patiem of behavi ior that undermines thes stability and professionalism of our county goverment. Your act tions and demeanor suggest similar disrugard for the well- beinge of staff and the integrity of our operations. Lastly, would) like to remindy you that respectful conduct is essential lo fosteringa pruductive and collaborative environment. Violently aggnessive behavior and unprofessional displays, such as those witnessed Monday during the board" closed session meeting. undermine the integrity of our work and do not serve the best interests of the public we represent. Ttrust thaty you will attempt to controly your emotions and move fonward with a focus on constructive dialogue and a commitinent to servingo our community effectively. Ifr not, know that will continue to hold you accountable for your actions and affect-such as violent, aggressive, arrogant, and demanding behavior. publicly if needed. Mly hope is that you willdisplay greater restraint and prufessionalism; going forward. Expecting professionalism moving forward Steve Marshall Note: This email thread S being publishedi ini Teal time on httpssi pevanews.com! for the purpose of transparency. Pages Bermauings April 14, 2025 Page 42 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion SOLAR CONTROVERSY HIGHLIGHTS PARTISANSHIP ONI LOCAL. BOARDS Patrick County Planning Commission Members Ed Pool and' lance Agcet travel tol Prince Edward County to present in Solar hearing. Patrick County, VA Two members of thel Patrick County Planning Commission recentlyr mades as six- hour round tript to present: ata public heuring during the Prince Edvard County Board of Supervisors March nthr meeling. Thel hearing focused on thes approvalof a large utility-scales solari installation, a topic that has become increasingly contentious in Patrick County: Att thek hearing. Ed Poolc delivered: a nearly identical version of: a speech he had given tot the Patrick County Board of Supervisors on January 13. 2025. while Vance Agee seemed to confirm that his mppointment lo the commissions was specifically tied to thes solar issue. Their presentations: uppcared to offer little new insight into the debate over solar development. Ther appointments of Pool and Agee have becomea sources of controversy in Patrick County: Both were installed along partisan (issue) lines. with the support of anti i-solar Board of Supervisors members jonathan Wood, Clayton Kendrick, and Andrew Overby: Critics: arguet that their appointments represent an intentional effort to "pad" the commissions with indivi iduais opposed to: solar development, elfectivelyt tumning the planning commission into body of partisan operatives rather than impartial decision- makers. Thetript tol Prince Edward County didi not appear to6 enhance their understanding of the solar issue. During the subsequent Patrick County Planning Commission meeting on March 18, 2025, discussions about the countys comprehensive plan- particularly regarding solar development- revealed significant confusion among members. Pool, Agee, and others, including Boardof Supervisors liaison Andrer Overby and! hise district appointee Mick hael Tatum, were repeatedly corrected by a representativel from The Berkeley Group, consulting firm hired tos guide the development of thecomprehensive plan. The consultant clarified the scope of the commissions: authority and pushed buck against attempts to overreach their statutory responsibilities. Thes situation underscoresa broader isste regarding the dangers of intentionally, stacking local boards and commissions wilh partisan appointees. When boards are filled withi indivi iduals chosen for their ideological alignment rather than their expertiser or commitment toi impartialg governance. the decision- making process suffers. In Patrick County, the apparent focus on opposing solar development: at all costs has led to confusion, misinformation, andi inflated propaganda. further polarizing the community. Localg governance relies ont trust. transparency, andz acommitment: tot the public good. When boards ande commissions: are padded withy partisan operatives, that trust crodes. Residents are lefty wondering whether decisions are being made in thel best interest of thec community or to: advancea specific agenda. In the case of Patrick County: thes solar issue has become a flashpoint for these concerns. butt thei implications extend far beyond renewable energs. April 14, 2025 Page 43 As Patrick County continues toj grappley withi itso comprehensive plan and the roles of solar development in its future, the actions of its planning commission members serve asa cautionary tale. Thei intentional politicization of local boards undermines their ability to function effectively and risks alienating the very communitics they are meant tos serve. Forr now, thes question remains: Will Patrick Countys leaders ever prioritize good govemance over partisan ssue politics? Pages Hormatungles PatrickCamnckars asatamathasiN. Thel Roleof osmnisnlaunanas PahlishelEmaiks Messages Responding Dclau tonk Kendrick And.Enterprisel Eliter) Jebliec Halion FOIA andOpen Publie Mecting lax Responsetol Innccrateand Minethical Reporling hu The Enterprise Solar Controvers Higblights Butisumhipanlecall Baards Thelnisihle/ ALE Renluion: Thoughis on DE Why Measamtnaliasaian Mustwork llandinlland Integrity For Patrick CounEEPage Sunlighti inj uarieaCaumgethx.cias Ion Kendrick s Glosl-Door Fantasies aiadmmslaet Thes Solar Standuf How Encall Resistancei in VinginiaCoulds Spark a State Takenver MhyisAndrev Oerhyiring tofinet thel Beard Clerkand Cunts Administrator April 14, 2025 Page 44 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion SUNLIGHT IN PATRICK COUNTY: WHY CLAYTON KENDRICK'S CLOSED- DOOR FANTASIES THREATEN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS INTEGRITY Clayton) Kendrick, tbe) Mayo River District Supervisor for Patrick County, hasi ignitedat troubling debate: Shouldy public business be conducted behind closed doors or openly, where taxpayers can seei it? Clayton Kendrick Mayo River District Supervisor Kendricks push to compartmentalize county govenunent or more accurately, to maintain recently existing: secrecy has included dmuliudamoalhemutas. against fellow supervisor whos semthaliariandmatanlmcmstiaus Hel has even demandedt that the budget process retreat back into the shadows. Kendrick clairns his closed- door budget commitlee meetings could eliminatea quarter-million dollars of "ini no time" Never mind that these meetings bypically last two hours-andi lasty year, Kendrick attended only fwo. Yet come spending election season, does loudly trumpet his "participation" in the "budgete committee" he Hist ltactics-retaliation, intimidation. and cercion-dissuade open participation: and undermine the legitimacy of county government. Bencath the veneers of "efficiency" lies: darker truth: Cnmparimentalizatin isnt about saving money. Iis about control. The Allure of Compartmentaliation (And Why Itsz Trap) Compartmentalizing: govemnment silos information, restricts public access, and limits oversight. Politicians like Kendrick argue this streamlines decisions. But) history shows that when accountability eaporates. so does integrity. Clased-door meetings dont trim fat from budgets they obscure where thes axe falis. Ist that $250,000 ins saings from cutting waste. or gutting vital services and plungingt the connty into fiscal chans? Without transparency citizens are left guessing. Thel Dishonest Reasons for Secrecy Avoiding Accountability: Private decisions leave no paper trail, noc debate, and no way tol hold leaders responsible. Kendricks disdain for public forums S telling: Suntight exposes bad actors. Suppressing Dissent: Byi inventing "lake quorums" and hauthadiaiaulasmuly narticipation, Kendrick aims to intiinidate. Transparency isnt loophole-itsaright. Concentrating Power: Campartmentalivation lets: select few act unilatenally. This goal unites Kendrick and Supervisor Overby: whos claims unilateral authority over county staft. April 14, 2025 Page 45 Andrew: Overby Dan River District Supervisor And Kendricks two- hour budget miracle" isnt fiscal genius-its about sidelining collaboration: and openness. Open government isntj justi idealistic- its practical. Public: scruting: Prevents Corruption: When every dollar ist tracked, backroom deals crumble. Builds" Trust: Citizens: accept lough choices when they see how decisions are made. Improve es Outcomes: Diverse input catches flaws. A couplec of "yes-men" saves time-but at the cost of competence. Kendricks "Efficiency" Fallacy Kendricks secrecy crusadei is likes chefi insisting meals improve ifd diners never sce the kitchen. Closed door deals might be faster, buts speed without oversight breeds disaster. Take Kendricks last reale estate assessment fiasco. Iti is: still robbing the poor to feed the richs while costing thes county atl minimum $1,51 million in revenues annually: Ita also resulted ins successful and costly litigation against thes county. True efficiency balanc es deliberation: and urgency, ite doesnt sacrifice one for the other. Why "Private" Isnt Perfect The Magic Act: Kendricks closed mcetings are likea magicians trick, distract with drama then make deficits (and critics) disappear." Dark Alleys Vs. Towr n Squares: Backroom deals are like deals madei n dark alleys. Legale Mayt be. Ethical? Never. Integrity Dies inl Darkness Clayton Kendricks crusade for compartmentaltization isnt about saving money itsa about maintaining control in order to) have the power and privacy tos shovel taxpayer millions outt the! back door tol his friends. True leadership thrives in transpareney, where ideas must withstand scrutiny and power serves thej people. Patrick County deserves as govemment that opcrates in the open, where budgeis are debated publicly, and hard work not secrecy is celebrated. Ast theo old adages goes: Sunlight disinfects. Kendricksf fear of thel light speaks volumes. Patrick County should listen. Pages FormalingTest PatrickfumeNints Tautinfinemumen Budgeting TheRoleofs Count Swxenhmincneraeu Published Emails Messages Responding: MClau don Kendrick AndInterprisel Editor Dchhie . selsaattaN. Resrtingthe TheEnterprise Sularcontroersy shnbantiasta.n Boanls Thel Invisible ALI Renlution: Thoughison DEL Nhy Meritocmou ndllgulnrimmism Musi Mork lland in Hand April 14, 2025 Page 46 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion FRAUD IN GOVERNMENT BUDGETING - THE ROLE OF COUNTY SUPERVISORS IN OVERSIGHT How Weak Controls & Lack of Scrutiny Can Lead to Fraud in Government Agencies a Any County Board ot Supervisors (BOS) playsa criticair role when approving budgets for constitutional authorities. They havea responsibility toensure that taxpayer funds ares spent properly. But what happens when an agency has weak internal controls, and the BOS fails too demand proper) justification for expensesThe result can be fraud. waste, and: abuse- schemes like ghost vendors, inflated invoices, andj phantom punhassdainingpahlie resources. The Board of Supervisors' Responsibility in Budget Oversight When a government: agency submitsi its budget request, the BOS has a fiduciary duty to: Request Detailed Justifications They should ask forl line item breakdowns of major expenses (P. g- equipment, contracts, staffing). Compare Historical Spending Are hudget increases reasonable, or dot they suggest bloat or fraud? Verify Internal Controls Does the agency have proper checks toy prevent fraud (e.g. audits, segregation of duties)? Demand" Transparency Require documentation for large contracts or recurring payments tos vendors. What If the Agency Has Weak Controls? Ifa an: agency lacks strong financial oversight, fraud risks increase, including: Ghost Vendors Fake companies billing for nonexistent services. Intlated Contracts Overpaying favored vendors in exchange for kickbacks. Phantom Purchases Claiming supplicsy were boughtl but never delivered. Misused Funds Redirecting budgeled money to unauthorized uses. Without the BOS askingt tough questions, these schemes can go undetected for years. April 14, 2025 Page 47 Real-World Consequences: When Oversight Fails Innocent peoples can get hurt Millionsi ini taxpayer dollars can bei losto causinga ripples effect where other vital senvices and programs go underfunded. The Board of Supervisors Ethical Responsibility Elected officials have a fiduciary and ethical duty to ensure that every dollar spent serves thej public interest. This means: Demanding Justification, Nol Rubber Stamping Budget requests should come with detailed breakdowns-not vague summaries. Historical: spending comparisons must ber reviewed to detect irregularities. Largeor recurring expenses should require documented proof of necessity. Insisting on Strong Internal Controis Ifana agency lacks proper fraud safeguards (audits. approval chains. procurement checks). the BOS: must require reforms before approving funds. "Trust but verify" should be thes standard- blind trust is negligence. Upholding Transparency, Fven for "Untouchable" Departments No: agency shouldl bes exempt from: scrutiny. Ifcertain budgeis are approved without debate. it signals either complacency or fear of backlash- bothof which betray the publics trust. The Bottom Line AJ Board ofs Supervisors that rubberstampsi budgets without scrutiny enables fraud. Strong oversight protects laxpayers- while negligence rikscomupiomectumims. What doy you think? Should the BOS exert more control toi investigate agency spending? Should: any constitutional government agency bet untouchable: and have unquestioned. access to public funds? Pages FormattingTes TairikCmmins a---aaAss Publishedimiiks Messages Responding: Md--aad DchhicHall On FOIA mipemhiirliactingl Las satia.a. Reporting hu Theinterprise Solard namaatatwin. on local Boands Thel InvisibleA AL Rerokation: Thoughtson DELWI Meritocns saudFaltatianisil Must Mrkllaudinlland Integrits For Palrickcou FLge Sunlishti inl PurickCounyll Clayonkendrick Ciomtlwazlantisiet Ihreaten ncls smemmenlisimteuix. Thes Solars Standoff How Locall Resistancein Tirginino Couls Sparkastate hkeser Mhyi ISA Andre (erbs tringi lofinethe Boird Clerka andComt Alministrauri April 14, 2025 Page 48 News, Exposé, Politics & Opinion WHY ISANDREW OVERBY TRYING TO FIRE THE BOARD CLERK AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR? Why S Andrew Overby tryingt to fire the Board Clerk and County Administrator? Hes claims its to save money: Hes claims its loy protect taxpayer dollars. But the truth is fari more troubling: Hes wants to climinate oversight andi bring back the chaos ando dysfunction that neariy drove Patrick county into bankruptey just few years ago. Dysfunction in government creates the perfect envi ironment for dishonest politicians to exploit taxpayer funds. W7 hens systems: are chaotic by design, oversight breaks down, and: nccountability mechanisms fail. those with illi intentions can operate freely: Deliberately creating friction, chaos, and infighting distracts the public and weakens Patrick Countys govemment. This makes it easier t0 divert resources, award questionable contracts, and engagei in outright corruption. In the absence of effectives governance, dishonest actors thrive, using the confusion as cover toj pilfer public money while citizens bear the cost. Our county administrator represents different approach 10 governa one rootedi in accountability and efficiency. Inj just the short time shel has been workingi in Patrick County. she has already identified and halted enough misspending to save at least double her salary annually, provi ing that fair and open administration can protect taxpayer resources. ller efforisstand in direct contrast in the old boy networksi influence. which hasi long clouded decision making withs self interest and backroom deais. Do notz allow deliberate chaos tos divert your attention from the truth. AI transparent, lawfully governed, and administratively efficient System is: alays preferable to deceitful politicians who create spectacle merely to distract and mislead. April 14, 2025 Page 49 Good Moming. Board Members, I believe this is an opportune moment to reaffirm an important principle: critical and complex issues should never be introduced as last-minute motions during board meetings. This is especially true for matters of significant consequence to our county, such as the EMS issue we faced in October of last year. When such practices occur, they undermine transparency, erode trust, and compromise the integrity of our decision-making process. Introducing high-stakes items without proper notice or discussion is not just poor governance- it is a deliberate act of political maneuvering that disenfranchises: both board members and the public we serve. It prevents thorough analysis, stifles meaningful debate, and often results in decisions that lack the necessary depth and consideration. This approach is not only counterproductive but also deeply disrespectful to the collaborative spirit that should guide our work. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching. They breed cynicism among constituents, who rightly expect their leaders to operate with honesty and accountability. They create divisions within the board, fostering an environment of suspicion rather than cooperation. Most importantly, they, jeopardize the well-being of our community by prioritizing short-term gains or personal agendas over the long-term interests of the people we: are sworn to serve. Let us commit to upholding the highest standards ofi integrity in our proceedings. By ensuring that all significant matters are presented with ample notice and open dialogue so we can make informed, equitable decisions that truly reflect the needs and values of our county. Together, we can set an example of responsible leadership and restore faith in the democratic process. I cail on our Board Chair, Mr. Wood to address and seek a fair and equitable solution for this issue. Thank you. -Steve Marshail, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving all of Patrick County. Below is my presentation on this subject from the January 131h Board of Supervisors Meeting Discussion on Rules and procedures I want to speak to the multiple times that major issues have been added to the agenda by supervisors on the night of our Board of Supervisor Meetings. The issues that were added had very obviously been planned and discussed by at minimum 2 supervisors prior to the meetings. These were major issues with major ramifications to both the operations ofa and expense to the county. I beliève this practice violates our rules of procedure sO I would like to draw the boards attention to several areas of the rules that should be followed going forward or amended here and now. in Section 4-1. Agenda Preparation, I would draw your attention to B Any two Board members may request that items be placed on a meeting agenda by contacting the Clerk by noon six days prior to the Board meeting for which they wish the item scheduled. April 14, 2025 Page 50 DN Nothing herein prohibits the Board from adding items to the agenda, provided that such a request is in the form ofa a motion, voted upon by a majority of the Board. Now while it would seem that item D cancels out Item B, would draw your attention to section 1-2. Basic Principles Underlying Rules of Procedure C. The Board's actions should be the result of a decision on the merits and not a manipulation of the procedural rules; G. Every member must have equal opportunity to participate in decision making; There is no way that a board member can be afforded their right to debate on: a when complex subject no time has been allowed and they are effectively gated from studying the issue. This disenfranchises large segments of Patrick from the representation that is their right. These practices while County great political theater are unethical and of great disservice to the county. For instance I represent the Blue. Ridge District. Ifl am gated from an issue then everyone in the Blue Ridge District is denied representative government pertaining to that issue. "This electronic communication, including any attachments, is subject to copyright protection under applicable law. Unauthorized access, use, or disclosure is strictly prohibited and may be subject to legal action. April 14, 2025 Page 51 UNAUTHORIZED RELEASE OF MY PRIVATE EMAILS BY THE ENTERPRISE AND EENTERPRISE 2.4.25 Share via: a n More Sent to Enterprise and Mountain Media staff. Good Moming! I: am writing to address a serious matter regarding the unauthorized release of my private emails by your publication. The emails in question were clearly marked as confidential and pertained to sensitive personnel and legal matters. Their relcase and the subsequent story that you published was not in the public interest but appears to have been intended to punish and humiliate me for sending them. Such actions undermine the trust and professionalism necessary for effective govemance and responsiblc journalism. In light ofthisi incident, wish to outline my rights under copyright law, reaffirm the importance of maintaining confidentiality in communications, and express my concerns about the ethical implications of your publications actions. 1. Copyright Protection for Emails As the author of original written works, including emails, 11 hold copyright protection over the content I create. Copyright law (17) U.S.C. $ 102); protecis original works ofa authorship fixed in a langible medium of expression, such as emails. This means: havet the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, display, or modify my work. Others cannot copy, forward, or publish my emails without my permission, unless an exception (such as fairt use) applies. While emails sent in the course of public business may be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), this does not negate my copyright ownership. FOIA governs access to public records but does not grant third parties the right to reproduce or distribute copyrighted material without authorization. To further assert my rights, I: am considering publishing certain correspondence to establish a clear record of my copyright ownership. Under copyright law, publication can strengthen my claim to protection and provide a basis for legal action against unauthorized use. lt is important to note that publication is not limited to written or electronic distribution. Verbally communicating the contents of copyrighted material to the public or press can also constitute publication for copyright purposes. Such actions may infringe on my exclusive rights as thc copyright holder. 2. Confidentiality of Sensitive Communications April 14, 2025 Page 52 The emails in question were clearly marked as confidential and related to and personnel legal matters. Disclosure of such sensitive information not only violates ethical standards but may aiso contravene. state and federal laws protecting privacy and confidentiality. As a local news publication, the Enterprise and eEnterprise has a responsibility to handle sensitive information with care and discretion. Unauthorized, publication of confidential communications harms the integrity of public discourse and undermines public trust in both governance and journalism. 3. Ethical Concerns in Publishing The decision to publish these emails raises significant ethical concems. Jouralism should aim to inform and not to sensationalize or exploit. By choosing to publish private enlighten, correspondence without a compelling public interest. The Enterprise and eEnterprise has prioritized controversy over responsible reporting. This lack of editorial judgment reflects poorly on your publication and sets a troubling precedent for how sensitive information is handled in our community. 4. Declaration of Copyright Over Future Correspondence Moving forward, hercby declare that - claim copyright protection over all original correspondence 1 author, emails, memos, and other written communications. This claim applics to both personal and official including unless explicitly stated otherwise. I expect all parties, including The Enterpriseand correspondence, and eEnterprise, to respect my copyright refrain! from reproducing. distributing, or publishing my correspondence without my express permission. unauthorized use ofr my work. including verbal communication of its contents, will be considered a violation of Any rights under copyright law. my 5. Request for Greater Discretion and Ethical Reporting I urge The Enterprise and eEnterprise to1 reflcct on the impact of its actions and to adopt a more thoughtful approach to reporting in the future. Local news publications hold a unique position of trust within their commumnities. Readers rely on them to provide accurate, fair, and responsible reporting. When a publication chooses to prioritize clicks and controversy over ethical considerations, it risks croding that trust. Toj prevent similar issues in the future. 1 strongly recommend that The Enterprise and eEnterprise consult legal counsel before publishing sensitive or confidential materials. This step will help ensure compliance with copyright law and confidentiality requirements, as well as protect your publication from potential legal liability. 6. A Call for Collaboration Transparency and accountability are essential, but they must be balanced with the need to protect privacy and intellectual properly rights. I hope thal The Enterprise and eEnterprise will lake this opporiunily lo recommil lo the ethical standards thal should guide allj journalistic endeavors. - am happy lo work collaboratively to ensur that our communications are handled with the professionalism and respect they deserve. -Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. Serving all of Patrick County. "This clectronic communication, including any attachments, is subject to capyright protection under applicable law, Unauthorized access, use, or disclosure is sirictly prohibited and may be subject to legal action. April 14, 2025 Page 53 LETTER TO THE ENTERPRISE EDITOR DEBBIE HALL2.4.25 Share via: + Mone The recent unauthorizod publication ofp private cmails by The Enterprisc and cEnterprisc, raiscs scrious concerns about joumalistic cthics and thc responsibility of local ncws outicts o exercisc discrction. Whilc thc pursuit of truth is: a comerstonc of jouralism. thc decision to publish privaice corespondence without consent crusses a linc that undermincs public trust and respoct for the profession. Thes emails in question were never intended for public consumption, and their release serves no clear publici interest. By choosing to publish them The Enterprise and eEnterprise has not only violated the privacy of the individuals involved but has also set a troubling precedent that could discourage open andl honest communication: in our community. Journalism should aim to inform and enlighten, 00t tos sensationalize or exploit. Local news publications hold: a unique position of trust within their communitics. Readers rely on them to provide accurate, fair. and responsible reporting. When a publication chooses to prioritize clicks and controversy over ethical considerations. it risks croding that trust. The decision to publish these emails, andi the subsequent amplification oft the story, reflects a lack of editorial judgment and: a failure to consider the broader implications of such actions. The role of the press is not To: act: as an unchccked distributor of privatei information but to serveasa guardian of the public good. This incident highlights the need for grcater diserction and a rccommitment to the cthical standards that should guide all joumalistic endeavors. Publishing private comespondence withour: a compelling public interest is notj just imesponsible-it is uncthical. We urge The Enterprise and cEnterprise to reflect on the impact of their actions and to adopt a more thoughtful approach to reponing in the future. The community deserves) journalism that respecis individuals rights while upbolding the highest standards of integrity. Sincercly, -Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Bluc Ridge District. Serving all of Patrick County. April 14, 2025 Page 54 ME sn a Jane Fulk and her ideological counterpart, Andrew Overby, are pushing to replace current county employees with their own handpicked hires, insisting on local candidates only. Their stated goal is to resist change and preserve Patrick County 'as it has always been. In reality, their agenda seems designed to maintain the statt quo of the old boy network, ensuring that tax dollars continue to be funneled out the back as quickly as they come in the front. Join me on Substack! #patrickcounty, patrickcountyva, d spatrickcountynews Andrew Overby, are pushing to replace current county employees with their own i handpicked hires, insisting on local candidates only. Their stated goal is to resist change and preserve Patrick County 'as it has always been.' In reality, their agenda seems designed to maintain the status quo of the old boy network, ensuring that taxpayer dollars continue to ha funnalod nist tho hark dinnr a0 mickh substack com Steve on Substack Derck CrackerJack Lambert + 1 Like Send Share April 14, 2025 Page 55 waiene wvescn Loy I only see one drama lama! In other words, if the journalist writes something YOU don't agree with you're saying it's wrong, all the FOIA request doesn't lie! 17h Like Repty Steve Marshall Valerie Welch Loy When a newspaper publishes lies, it's not just a simple mistake. lt's a betrayal. It's a theft of truth. it steals our right to > know the facts, to understand the issues that affect our lives, and to participate meaningfully in our democracy. Misinformation is a cancer. It spreads through our community, poisoning our relationships, creating divisions where there should be unity. It makes it harder to work together, to solve problems, and to build a better future for Patrick Write a commen... Gey si April 14, 2025 Page 56 8 : V a u sseen 2d @ Let's also include the enterprise: The articles they were posting was a okay with you as long as the posts was from your point of view, Postings they write articles including both sides, you think they're biased. Again, your chair should have someone sitting in it for the people of your district, your personal views and feelings should have nothing to with the decision the people. Therefore this shows the lack of respect you have for your constituents. Just now Likce Reply Write a reply... Deb Keeling Journalism shouldn't push the drama lama to the front of a story to sensationalize it. We need facts without bias as consumers of news. This is especially true when local government articles are Write a commen.... GIE April 14, 2025 Page 57 Valerie Welch Loy Thank you for sharing your concerns. It is important to have open and honest conversations about how our government operates, and - appreciate the opportunity to address this issue. However, I'd like to clarify a few key points about the distinction between secrecy" and "confidentiality," as wella as why certain matters, particularly those involving personnel and legal issues, are not appropriate for public discussion. First, it's important to understand that confidentiality is not the same as secrecy. Secrecy implies an intent to withhold information for improper or unethical reasons, while confidentiality exists to protect the rights, privacy, and well- being of individuals. When it comes to personnel matters, confidentiality is not about hiding information from the public-it's about respecting the legal and ethical obligations we have to protect employees' privacy. Employees, whether they work in the public or private sector, have a right to privacy regarding their personal and professional matters. This includes personnel issues, disciplinary actions, and legal matters. Disclosing such information publicly would not only violate their rights but could also expose them to unnecessary harm, harassment, or reputational damage. As a government entity, we have a responsibility to ensure that our employees are treated fairly and with respect, and that includes safeguarding their personal and professional information. Additionally, legal matters are often confidential for good reason. Legal issues may involve sensitive information that, if disclosed, could compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy laws, or undermine the integrity of the process. Transparency is a vital principle in govemment, but it must be balanced with the need to protect individuals' rights and the integrity of legal and personnel processes. It's also worth noting that employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, whether from members of the public or elected officials. Harassment of any kind is unacceptable and counterproductive to fostering a healthy, professional workplace. When employees are subjected to harassment, it not only harms them personally but also undermines the ability of the organization to serve the public effectively. We understand that trust is essential in government, and would hope we are all committed to being transparent about the decisions we make and the processes we follow. However, transparency does not mean that every detail of every personnel or legal matter should be made public. It means that we operate within the bounds of the law, respect individuals' rights, and ensure that our actions are fair, ethical, and in the best interest of the community we serve. Ift there are specific concerns about how the government operates or decisions that have been made, I encourage you to bring those forward through appropriate channels. You can always find someone willing to listen and address legitimate concems in a constructive and respectful manner. At the same time, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and privacy of our employees and ensuring that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thank you for your inquiry, and hope this clarifies why certain matters must remain confidential. Our is serve goal to: the public effectively while upholding the values of fairness, integrity, and respect for all individuals. April 14, 2025 Page 58 Open letter to the residents of the Dan River District. Share via: Facebook Twitter Linkedin More Reading Dan Smiths Letter to the Editor in the The Enterprise on October 30th 2024, was disappointing on two levels. First, while Dan Smiths piece was well written it was also wholly deceptive. Its a shame that the Sheriff, one of our most important Constitutional Officers, feels the need to lie to the public and employ "Dog Whistle" rhetoric that was intended to be as inflammatory as ity was false. Steve Ferrings questioning of Dan Smiths expenditures relate ONLY to the operations budget of the correctional facility/jail. Lets not forget that when Dan Smith lobbied for our own jail and rejected membership in a multi-county jail, he promised that the housing of state prisoners would fund the costs. This has not happened. Instead the overages come out of your pockets as taxpayers. Both Mr. Ferring and myself have suggested that there would be enough savings of taxpayer dollars to create at least three new patrol positions ify we could reign in Dans sometimes highly questionable use of taxpayer money. In fact, Iwas the only County Supervisor to suggest the additional funding for law enforcement in Patrick County and Candidate Steve Ferring wholeheartedly agreed. Andrew Overby has made no such suggestion and strangely neither has Dan. Steve Ferrings suggestion of a Central Purchasing Department, if implemented, would take all of that spending out of Dan Smiths hands and of course out of his overall budget. This WOULD NOT affect the law enforcement Personnel budget. Dan Smith would still get exactly what was needed for the jail and prisoners but the county and taxpayers would have oversight of all that spending. The purchasing of supplies is where most waste occurs in anyi institution and iti is thei first place to look when graft occurs. Iti is highly suspect behavior when a public official is so adamantly opposed to a policy that would provide for his departments needs and lessen his own agencies workload. Some might even say that attitude produces at least the appearance of impropriety. Secondly, la am disappointed that Andrew Overby has come right out of the gate saying he represents the Sheriff on: spending issues and not the interests of the taxpayers and residents. Make no mistake, Dan Smith wants an open checkbook,; yearly spending increases, and above all he wants no questions asked. Thats why he felt the need to bring the insults, lies and victim-hood over some imaginary vendetta. Apparently the Sheriff has in fact secured the promise of both the additional funding and silence from Mr. Overby and that is truly unfortunate. am not sure which is more damaging to taxpayeri interests, a public official that fears the sheriff, or one that panders to him. Steve Ferring wants to CUT WASTE NOT "DEFUND" ANYTHING. Elect people with a backbone and some integrity. Vote for Steve Ferring. -Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District. ad Pages Patrick County News HomeDan Smiths Letter to the Editor in the The Enterprise October 30th 2024 Open letter to the residents of the Dan River District. Integrity For Patrick County FB Page Open letter to the residents of the Dan River District. Steve Marshall 4h 3 This is what have been waming about all year. Instead of using a measured and moderate approach to inevitable utility scale solar expansion, County boards of supervisors have pandered to small groups who use hate, threats, misinformation and propaganda in a radical and futile effort to stop all solar progress. The resulti is that the state has the motivation and reason to: stepi in and take over. While we as a county might have realized a great deal of revenue via siting agreements it is now questionable what the state would leave to us if they become the arbiter of this issue. April 14, 2025 Page 59 Steve Marshall What people need is a course on keeping their SSN secure. Especially retired and disabled folks. Seems someone in this county got a hold of and disseminated my social security number. Someone then used it, fraudulently, to gain access to federal records. I had to lock down my credit or who knows what damage would have been done. Any ideas on this Treena? I will be filing a formal complaint with the National Archives on monday but really our SSN's should be more secure and folks should be more honest and have more integrity. Wonder how and where they got it. Pray that the perps are caught and punished. 2h Like Reply Share Edited Trena Anderson Steve Marshall What in the hell are you talking about? Don't include me in your crazy rants. Anything that know came from public information searches that do not expose social security numbers. Look at someone else because you're wrong on this one. D... See more 1h Like Reply Share Steve Marshall No threat, simply asking a question and stating facts. You have represented that you are in receipt of information that can only be accessed by using my SSN. In addition the permissions for accessing this documentation are very tightly controlled by the federal government and not public. Naturally would be polite and ask you first. This is the right thing to do. I don't mind asking from the other side of a deposition table but figured that you may want to unburden yourself before it gets to that point. If the information that you have represented as being in your possession was given to you by someone else then this is the time to say 50 and relay to me who that might be. As of now you are the only individual to make accusations and imply threats based on that information so naturally come to you first. am not threatening you, merely, asking if you have any insight. And no a deposition is not a threat but a constructive way to get to the truth. - am not suggesting that you committed any crime only stating that someone committed several and asking for your voluntary assistance in identifying who the perp or perps might be. Best regards andl pray that you enjoy the rest of your day. April 14, 2025 Page 60 Trena Anderson From Steve Marshall's Facebook page- To those in local political groups who claim am not polite in addressing them when they lie about county finances, solar and other issues. This is simple, do not lie, harass or throw fits to get your way on an issue. I will call you out inj plain language and don't care who you are or who you are shilling for. TM OFFENDED, YOU CANT SAY THATI N00000, ICAMIDDAMDIPROBABNY WILLAGAIN! April 14, 2025 Page 61 + Top Wayne Loy 50m - 6 35m Like Reply Steve Marshall Top contributor Wayne Loy majority rule does apply here. Majority rule does not include some small group of people telling public officials that they had better do what they're told or else. That kind of behavior will never work. Lying making up stories conspiracy theories are going to do nothing to help this County move forward and I for one will fight it every step of the way. 8m Like Reply 10 Write a reply... Write a reply... Kristie Voung Bentley Pnvarnmant nnaratee in lauare Write a public C... GIF) S 5 o - April 14, 2025 Page 62 3/16/24, 12:05 PM (20+) Groupal IFacebook What's Going On? Patrick County, Va. Elizabeth Hartwick & G The solar farm vote is a sad commentary on society as it exists now. There was a time that family looked after family, their neighbors and contributed to the health and well being of their community. Now we! have people like the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, the Stuart Town Manager and all the others that have their hand out, more interested in what's in it for me, than the legacy we will leave to all our descendants. @O Yau, Lynne Bogle, Rachel Martin and 9 others 57 comments Love Comment Share Top comments Steven Marshall Top Contributor lam not going to be as polite as other public officials. You lie and foment division and hate at every tum ma'am. You are part of a group that has created: so much hysteria around solar that it can no longer be discussed in a civil manner. This has been an egregious disservice to your neighbors by you and your cohorts. Please elaborate for the'society" that you opine for just exactly who, by name, don't be shy and what exactly they have received. Speak plainly we are all waiting. Dictionary DAy C gadfly pas Turss ysa n a and BAET og: mons a e CaSSE en - 6h Wow Reply Share Elizabeth Hartwick Author 0 Steven Marshall no fomenting here which is by definition toi instigate or stir up an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action. There is no undesirable or violent course of action being taken other than those taken by yourself. 5h Like Reply Share Steven Marshall Top Contributor Elizabeth Hartwick This is called a "Straw Man Fallacy" which is a variation of ignoratio elenchi (irrelevant conclusion). The general form of a straw man argument is to misrepresent an argument to make it easier to defeat. 4h Haha Reply Share 0 Elizabeth Hartwick Author 0 Steven Marshall Your mind set that all Patrick County residents are ignorant reeks ine every one of your postings. https lhwww facebook comigroupsleed 1/2 3/16/24, 12:05 PM (20+) Groups] Facebook 4h Love Reply Share Steven Marshall Top Contributor Come on now don't deflect. You made an accusation now you are on the spot. Answer the question who got what Exactly? 4h Like Reply Share Steven Marshall Top Contributor Elizabeth Hartwick No M April 14, 2025 Page 63 3/15/24, 4:18 PM (20*)Facebook + RachelMartin Parris neims Claytonis noto solar.olwoudhfwory about him being in thegroup. 2d Like Reply 3b X StevenMarshall RacbeMar - Why worry aboutany one ofus being here? The complaints that Thave seen arein part, censorship, private agendas, criminal activity, damaging the environment, vendettas against the sheriff's department and not representing constituents to mention only a fewo Why would you notwelcome engagement on alllevels by your elected representatives? Oh and! have-accomplished all of this within two monthsof taking my seatandi lin only three meetings ofthe BOS. 2m Like Reply Witoarorl Reply as Josh - Martin C GB e ---sawwwwumanaaeLwSTN 4 3 31 65455074908me: essage_id-mid.: s24yABpar.smuoeNSI2A. 1/1 April 14, 2025 Page 64 Steve Marshall e Top contributor Valerie Welch Loy Let me address your daims. Your Claim: I use Al to help him write articles. True, every spell checker, predictive text engine and grammar / structure corrector on any smart phone or computer uses Al to help write. In fact Your use Al every day, you, just don't understand the subject. You were given a catchphrase meant for negative insinuation, and you ran with it. You didn't even come up with this yourself, it was handed to you. (Not very genuine.) The term Al" was coined in the 1950s, and unless a machine can pass the Turing Test, it's not some "magic box" like you claim. Any user still needs their own reasoning ability. Ironically You sayl use "META AL," but the very Facebook you're posting on is owned by Meta and runs on machine learning. algorithms, and so-calied AL.. Just as a side note luse Ollama and multiple open source LLM's run locally. Your Claim: haven't graduated high school. Fact: I got my GED in 2000 Your Claim: believe I'm smarter than any citizen in this county. Fact: only strive to be smarter than myself Since Iwas a kid, I've made it a habit to leam one new thing every day, and that has nothing to do with anyone else's intelligence. I also pay attention to the Dunning-Kruger effect, always assuming idon't know something so Iresearch and leam as much as Ican. (Funny how that same awareness and my resultant attendance at public meetings upsets Clayton Kendrick and your whole group 5o much) Your Claim: He's a con man pretending to be so intelligent. Fact: I'm one standard deviation above average on the Wechsle-Bellewue-not: impressive, just slightly above normal. Meanwhile, your admired mentor and group organizer, Lynne Bogle, claims to have a MENSA- -level IQ of1 130+, which if true would make her (statistically) smarter than nearly everyone in Patrick County. Thet truth? You're wrong so often because you're handed talking points and never verify them. If you want your insults tos seem organic your group should stop reading off oft the same script and actually think for themselves. Steve Marshall 9 Top contributor Anita Lynne Stovall Hagood You have the old boy seat of your pants kind of supervisors and politicos who do not want change because they want tight control over every aspect of county function. Then you have those who want a structured administrative, data driven style of govemment. The Old school folks organize, get pretty nasty and can be quite aggressive. Their stated intent is to "run off the other supervisors and they have done just that on occasion. some of these folks even brag about "running off public officials. There is going to be friction between those two mindsets. keep in mind also that a1 thief will smile while he steals and spends your tax money. Friendly doesn't always equate to good and it doesn't always get thej job done. 2w Haha Reply Share Steve Marshall 9 Top contributor So that's not it she is ini fact an RN but seems to function under many aliases. So we have Heather Spence, Heather Morrison Spence, Heather Dawn Morrison Spence, Heather D: Spence. 50m Like Reply Share Trena Anderson 9 Top contributor Stevel Marshall Had to look that one up with Al didn't you lol 1m Like Reply Share Steve Marshall 9 Top contributor Hmm interesting financial background not dissimilar to yours Trena. Not going to Dox her here though. 48m Like Reply Share April 14, 2025 Page 65 Steve Marshall 91 Top contributor Heather Morrison Spence - must question the integrity of your post. What qualifies you-professionally or ethically-top publicly diagnose me with a "personality disorder" or "mental health problems"? For someone who has loudly accused others (including me) of "damaging health" (for not joining your extreme opposition to solar), ld expect more sympathy toward those with actual mental health challenges. As Irecall, you claim to be a registered nurse. If true, you of all people should know: Neurological VS. psychiatric conditions are distinct, and neither should be weaponized as political insults. HIPAA and professional ethics discourage dinicians from armchair diagnosing public figures-let alone doing so maliciously. Your post refiects the kind of reckless rhetoric that erodes trust in health professionals and fuels division. If you're indeed an RN, hope your employer would expeçt better from someone entrusted with patient care. Society suffers when medical credibility is abused to pathologize disagreement Steve Marshall 9 Top contributor David Profitt Forgive me for dismissing the idea that words are harmless--they are anything but. Words shape perceptions, fuel hatred, and normalize aggression, often escalating into violence. History proves this: dehumanizing rhetoric has enabled pogroms, lynchings, and genocide. insults and slurs don'tjust sting; they erode dignity, isolate people, and embolden cruelty. The leap from words to violence isn'ti inevitable, but when hatred goes unchecked, it becomes alarmingly likely. 2w Like Reply Share April 14, 2025 Page 66 3/15/24, 4:13 PM (20+)Facebook + Wayneloy 2h Patrick County Blue Ridge DistrictBoard of Supervisors. Steve/Marshall. Ireallyammotliking theriseof socialistgroups trying to hijackours county government: Theywantto dictate theuse of privatellandand: theywant ourgovernment to subsidize private businesses thatthey select. Tomakemaiterswose theywant, ultimately, tobring zoning to patrickcounty soan elitefew can control any industry and development goingforward: Wayneisa goodguy butheisbeing fooled by these folks. thave beent taking a closelookand following the money, This solargroupisrun by the same folks, frombehind.. Seemore 2h Like Reply 3 98 Rachel Martin Patack County Bice Ridge Distrit Board of Rules Comment as Josh... G GE ds Mapshwslastokcomissengecmedar rattachmend- / 90 age_ dmid. %24gABn p8r,S5musOEZ3W005/84NS128. 1/1 April 14, 2025 Page 67 3/5/24, 7:37 PM Facebook Patrick County Blue Ridge District Board of Supervisors. Steve Marshall. S Will Patrick County solar panels end up in landfills? No, Patrick County Energix solar panels will not end up in a landfill. First Solar builds the price of recycling the panels into the upfront cost to the customer. In this case Energix. First solar is contractually obligated to recycle the panels. First solar will get paid additional monies upon decommissioning of the panels from bonds that are required by the Patrick county solar ordinance. First Solar knows that In the 25+ years from installation to recycling that the cost of recycling will drop dramatically. This means that they will have been paid many times their cost to provide this service. First solar stands to make more on recycling the panels then what they sold for originally. 3/5/24, 7:36 PM Facebook Patrick County Blue Ridge District Board of Supervisors. Steve Marshall. Will Cadmium Telluride or CdTe in solar panels leach pure Cadmium or Cd into our water supply? No, Cadmium Telluride is no more Cadmium then table salt is chlorine or your plastic drinking bottle is crude oil. Educate yourself on compounds before falling for this scare tactic used by special interests in patrick County. 3/5/24, 7:35 PM Facebook P Author Patrick County Blue Ridge District Board of Supervisors. Steve Marshall. Denise Stirewalt think the best idea in the world is to put this on a ballot! Instead of rabble rousing why. don't you have your crew work toward this goal? Lynn Bogle has at least two operatives on the electoral board seems to me they would be the ones to spearhead the initiative. instead your group is doing more than seeking to cause as much trouble as possible in ways that accomplish absolutely nothing. nothing You can see why the group's motivation is highly suspect. Honestly when) you want to ban solar because of a few incidents in other communities you sound like the gun ban Lobby wanting to ban guns because of a few incidents in other communities. You all apply many of the same tactics. April 14, 2025 Page 68 3/5/24, 7:34 PM Facebook Patrick County Blue Ridge District Board of Supervisors. Steve Marshall. 6 There will be a group of solicitors out knocking on doors and handing out flyers in Patrick County. They will be asking residents toj join them in opposing solar in our community. One of the hallmarks oft this group has been disseminating false and inflammatory information and using scare tactics in order to further their agenda. One such piece of false information is the claim that the majority of Patrick County agrees with them. have personally spoken to many folks in patrick county including attending various gatherings and asking for input. This is what - have learned. Most people have no opinion one way or another. Their lives are busy and complex. They do not have the time or capacity to worry about this issue. The second thing found was that the pro and con groups were roughly equal until some of the myths being spread were addressed.. After that some of those initially against solar changed to an attitude of Ok if its safe and some were fine with it sO long as it wasn't in their backyard". My advice is to make up: your own mind. PeppusmaNdson-Aaseomew patrickcounty, #patrickcountyva, *Patickcountynews April 14, 2025 Page 69 3/2/24, 11:35 AM NOS SOLAR FARMS in Patrick County!! F Facebook Steven Marshall U Trena Anderson It is not simple and direct. It is flawed. The question assumes and perpetuates the fallacy that you either approve solar or you don't. One misconception under this idea is that the BOS approves or disapproves solar period. This is not the case as each project is unique and must be approved separately. certainly will not view them all as the same thing because that is an applied bias and I, as a personal choice will make no decisions based on this concept. Second it presupposes that I as a belief system want solar farms in Patrick County. - have no such desire. This is an assumption that you and others arrived at of your own volition. The solar issue arrived well before - was in office and it has fallen to me to decide my vote on a case by case basis. 1 did not create nor invite the issue it simply is an issue. - published an exactly equal number of pro solar and against solar articles. I did this in an attempt to provide the public with a balanced perspective. The pro solar folks asked me why was against solar and the anti solar people ask me why am pro. solar. Each side projected their own bias on the subject. At the time that Mr Roach called for the entire BOS to be removed had already visited one solar farm with Mr. Pool. At that time and because of what Ihad observed as well as other information that Mr pool had provided to me, I was leaning toward a no vote. Now let me make myself clear and I did sO with Mr. Pool. - do not agree with the idea that CdTe is hazardous at any time other than the manufacture and recycle phases. am not looking to debate this part of the issue. also really like the idea of a diverse energy supply. This means fossil fuels, hydrogen, solar and nuclear. am also fascinated by some of the potentials presented by the quantum mechanics fields. Another aspect that put in the pro solar column was the idea that we don't have zoning because we dont tell our neighbor what to do on their own property. This can not be a selective ideal. know the arguments but also know they would not be applied to another industry lets say gun manufacturing which also uses hazardous chemicals. Im not looking for debate on this angle either. The final truth is that I was in the "NO" vote zone only because of the esthetics and my concern that the property owners would not be treated fairly. As you can see consider issues carefully, not with emotion or bias. Thave travelled to solar installations and not the ones curated by Eergix. have knocked on doors and asked for input at group and club functions. Ihave done my due diligence. All was set in my mind until the attacks by Mr. Roach and others. I am of the school of thought that if an entity needs to bully, browbeat and lie then must question their motivation and platform. And yes did call Mr. Roach a liar and a bully to his face this is not something did surreptitiously. Truly if the tactics to be used are for a lack of a better phrase "nasty" and uncivil then I at least will simply dismiss the position. As Isaid to Mr. Pool Malcom sure knows how to pull defeat from the mouth of victory. lhope this clears up any confusion and - will be publishing a position piece on my BOS page. 15h Like Reply tps: wwetsaboak-comgoupen1ox2k841880A ted_ ader P e = ty. permalinks-1105848087120563 2/9 April 14, 2025 Page 70 3/3/24, 5:30 PM (4)NO SOLAR FARMS in Patrick County! Facebook The comment Steven Marshall is replvina to has been deleted. Steven Marshall Trena Anderson You see that right there. You and others insisting that - answer you on your terms. There is nothing obtuse about it. It is not BS Wayne Loy. 1 just can not side with folks that are just my way or the highway. Yall are welcome to your positions but lam out. A bunch of you could not even wait a reasonable amount of time for an answer you are predisposed to think its just A or B and no one is permitted a different perspective. I can not work with that - can not be like that. 004> session. The video where Marshall curses at a citizen/taxpayer is missing. Thankfully, reporter Taylor Boyd caught the activity : This disturbing behavior must stop! 5d Like Reply Rodney Overby Seems we didn't have all these issues until a couple new board members were added... 5d Like Reply 10 3 Topfon Steve Marshall Rodney Overby neither of the new supervisors have tried tor run anybody out of their jobs. Two veteran supervisors most certainly have. That would be. Jane Fulk and Clayton Kendrick. Ihave absolutely no problem naming names and letting the public know exactly what happened within the limits of the law. 5d Like Reply a Rodney Overby Steve Marshall Clayton and Jane are good people.. Itrust them.. 5d Like Reply Write a comment... April 14, 2025 Page 71 3/2/24, 11: 55 AM (3) NOS SOLAR FARMS in Patrick Countyti Facebook Terra Griffith For any that haven't read Steven Marshall's posting from Friday evening, justifying the stand he is taking regarding the solar farm, wanted to make sure it is perfectly clear by his own words why he is voting the way he is. Mr. Marshall represents that he was leaning toward voting against the solar farm but then goes on to say why he has changed his vote. Ican't even fathom having a public representative with the vindictive attitude he displays in this posting. If there was ever a good reason to remove someone from office, Mr. Marshall has provided it. just platform. And yes I did call Mr. Roach a liar and a bully to his face this is not something did surreptitiously. Truly if the tactics to be used are for a lack of a better phrase "nasty" and uncivil then I at least will simply dismiss the position. As I said to Mr. Pool Malcom sure knows how to pull defeat from the mouth of victory. - hope this clears up any confusion and I will be publishing a position piece on my BOS page. 24m Like Reply Pynne Bogle and Angela Laprade Gabriele 6comments Seen by 27 Like Comment Send Top comments Trena Anderson Admin Group expert Mr. Pool is not on Facebook. He shouldn't be included in any conversation because he isn't here to defend his position. 3h Like Reply ----ow 69690/7hoi isted_section 16 Te e mimAuemshet 1105848087120563 1/2 April 14, 2025 Page 72 lam a bit more concerned at this point about how would feel if my daughter, wife, granddaughter etcetera were being cussed and disrespected while she was on medical leave and unable to defend herself. All this while a man ofy your stature in the community stood by, witnessed this and said nothing. - am also more concerned that the action taken by the board was one founded in collusion and subterfuge. Your goal could have been accomplished honestly and openly by the Board of supervisors. The votes were there. The fact that folks decided to be deceitful and abusive are a direct reflection of their character and not the issue at hand. lask you Mr. Allen to consider these points. Steve Marshall April 14, 2025 Page 73 3/15/24,4:15F PM (20+) Facebook + All Posts People Reels Groups Pages V XUREN Steven Marshall Jan 8 - 6 This house, 150 Riverside Drive in Stuart has been a hot bed of criminal activity for more than three years now. At this time iti is an unsecured derelict property that has partially burned in what! I suspect was an arson fire. It currently has no utilities. The most recent suspicious activity at 150 Riverside has been these after dark visits. This video only shows the latest. The concem is that this has become a drop house. AI place where one party drops off illicit material for another to pick up. We do know the subject in the video. He is an informant for the Patrick County Sheriffs department and he has been used to make or fake multiple affidavits in order to obtain search warrants in Patrick County. He is also closely linked to the past bad actors in the neighborhood as well as the owner of record of the house. He has been involved with drug related issues and charges in the past. My questions are as follows. 1) - Would you all like to have a Facebook group or web page where you could anonymously report suspicious activity in your own neighborhood 2) - Do you think the county should adopt an ordinance to apply civil forfeiture to property where it can be demonstrated that there is a chronic, repetitive occurrence of criminal activity. This ordinance as propose it would eliminate the Sheriffs Department from the process altogether. Civil forfeiture is a civil process not connected to any criminal prosecution. The effect of this would be to lay responsibility and accountability on only one office. That of the Commonwealth attorney. The prosecutor would 00 Home Friends Video Marketplace Notifica at tions Menu 9S Lar N - - - awsskcwaessyaLdNTatsdw ment-37143165455074906n essage_ massipyperssawaSUOEZOOANSI2A 1/1 April 14, 2025 Page 74 415/24, 4:15 PM (20*)Faoebook + All Posts People Reels TOW ue suvjeur a uC viucu. Groups Pages V Patrick County Sheriffs ne 13 an "UI a IUI LC used to make or fake department and he has been search warrants in Patrick multiple affidavits in order to obtain linked to the past bad County. He is also closely as the owner of record actors of the in the neighborhood as well involved with drug related house. He has been past. issues and charges in the My questions are as follows. 1) - Would you all like to have a Facebook page where you could group or web activity inj your own neighborhood lanonymously report suspicious 2) - Do you think the county should to apply civil forfeiture to adopt an ordinance demonstratedt that there is property a where it can be occurrence of criminal chronic, repetitive activity. This ordinance as propose it would Sheriffs Department from the eliminate the forfeiture is a civil process not process altogether. Civil prosecution. The effect of this connected would to any criminal responsibility and be to lay of the Commonwealtha laccountability on only one office. That only need to show a judge attorney. that The prosecutor would prostitution, money laundering, certain crimes, such as crimes had occurred for profit on drug the, offenses, and gun Video property meets the criteria for at least premises. two of This and photographic evidence, those. and a motivated Commonwealth witness testimony should be needed ini this initiative. attorney are all that Hold your government accountable -Steve Marshall, Patrick Blue Ridge District. County Board of supervisors Representing all of Patrick County. 89 Home Friends Video Marketplace Notitications Menu C hment_jd-37145 1316 - 545507490 0&m age. id-mid. % April 14, 2025 Page 75 Mr. Galen Gilbert spoke regarding Spring Road intersections, handicap parking at County Administration, and public comment guidelines for all Boards and Committees. Ms. Michelle Waszuk signed up to speak but donated her time to Brett Boothe. Mr. Jonathan Boothe signed up to speak but donated his time to Brett Boothe. Mr. Andy Waszak signed up to speak but donated his time to Brett Boothe. Mr. Steve Ferring spoke regarding the budget. Patrick County Board of Supervisors April 14, 2025 This appears to be the first year in many, that you as a body have had the county prepare a more comprehensive budget for your approval. It is your job to question all the expense figures that the various department managers provide. We would like to assume that no favoritism is given during this budgeting process. That however has not been a valid assumption in the past. There are questions outstanding regarding some of the budget numbers put forth by the sheriff's department that need to be justified before you pass the current proposed budget. E-911 expenses for communications seem extensive and no mention is made of applying for the state grant program to modernize all 911 operations in the state. This is a grant of up to $150,000.00 we should qualify for and has been available since 2023. Why haven't we applied? We spend our funds to maintain the current radio system rather than use state funds to migrate to a digital system that is much cheaper to operate, has better coverage and is easier to maintain. Feeding the inmates at the jail is still out of proportion as compared to other jails in Virginia. They can feed their inmates for between $3.00 and $6.00 per person per day. We spend much more than $6.00. The contract for food has not been rebid in years. Why! The current budget is $235,000.00. If we allow $5.00 per inmate per day the amount of the budget should be $146,000.00 which is an $89,000.00 savings. The jail, the county and the school purchase janitorial products. I would suggest that these purchases be combined to take advantage of bulk discounts. The same logic applies to our paper and stationery requirements. Whatever you decide as to centralizing the purchasing, at least have the county administrator re-bid the larger expenditures as a verification of the amounts required. Ifthe county were to implement a fleet management program that served the county, school system and sheriff's department we would also save money on insurance, fuel and maintenance. You have objected to the county employees having bottled water but have not been willing to query the 2nd largest budget the county supports. Why? Is the Board of Supervisors not up to the task? Biased? The actions we are requesting you take in no way "de-fund" our police. They only make the department fiscally and managerialy effective. Steve Ferring Dan River District Mr. Chairman closed the public comment period. The Board thanked the speakers. April 14, 2025 Page 76 Patrick County Board of Supervisors Public Comment Period April 14, 2025 Name District Topic MIW Davin KISEN Alayb Dal OODATINS n) be Pohcke Beenda Pey PAC,O Sprincs D Jn SEENHANEA Smm PIVER FNANCIAL Pucy daphs Flaces mib Rner PuRs Boiad brett pooue SiVavt Rrice Cuxy cogslaninals Mhrens Aadeyson aCet 1GLN Gibert Rers Creck Mpliballe Waszk Shunt dagsnak PRa Mommillnn Eihe Slvsvt leagleuinal * Damis wdn 1B - 4ady Wssask SFgt Dos/sarwls *Dnehng mine e E7 FRPNSDK RJeR BGET April 14, 2025 Page 77 New Business: Proclamation - Child Abuse Prevention Month: On a motion by Steve Marshall to recognize April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month as presented seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 78 COUNTY OF PATRICK Board of Supervisors Oroclamation ofthe Board of Supervisors of Patrick County, Virginia recognizing April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. WHEREAS, the well-being and safety of children are fundamental to the strength and vitality of Patrick County and the Commonwealth ofVirginia; and, WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect are serious problems that affect children of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars; and, WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect requires the collective effort of families, communities, schools, law enforcement, and local government to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children; and, WHEREAS, raising awareness about child abuse and neglect is essential to promoting prevention, encouraging reporting, and supporting victims and their families; and, WHEREAS, the month of April has been designated as Child Abuse Awareness Month across the nation, providing; an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting children and strengthening families; and, WHEREAS, Patrick County is committed to fostering a community where children are valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of the citizens ofPatrick County, does hereby recognize April 2025 as CHILD ABUSE AY WARENESS MONTH in Patrick County. We urge all residents to join us in raising: awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect, to support efforts to protect children, and to work together to build a brighter future for all children in our community. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this fourteenth day of April, 2025. A Jonathan Wood, Chairman Patrick County Board of Supervisors Attest Amy Walker, Clerk The County of Patrick will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion. cofor sex. natiunal origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, or any others status protected hy lauv We arean Eyual Opportunity Employer PO. Box 466 1061 Rucker Street Stuart, Virginia 24171 Telephone: (276) 694- -6094 . Fax: (276) 694-2160 tplawcapatrick. a. s April 14, 2025 Page 79 Department of Housing & Community Development - Office of Broadband - Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director: Dr. Tamarah Holmes presented an update on broadband to the Board. - - Broadband: Patrick County Office of Broadband VIRGINIAI DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING a AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a DHCD Partners for Betler Communities April 14, 2025 Page 80 Agenda April 14, 2025 Commonwealth Connection Map Broadband Projects in Patrick County Project Details Review: 2022 WPPDC Patrick Universal Broadband Project 2022 WPPDC West Universal Broadband Project 2023 West Piedmont Planning District Commission West Universal Broadband Project WPPDC West ARCNATI 2023 Universal Broadband Project Commonwealth Connection Map Patrick County Cellular Coverage Discussion VEGINIA DEP METMENT of MOUSING DHCD ANDO OMMUNIY DEVEIOFME ENT - B Commonwealth Connection Map SN The Commonwealth 4 COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION Cres and Patrick County ac VT png EONCO ABOUT - Connection Mapi is an Speed Test a online interactive map Broadband Coverage that provides detailed Cunspees les Locations &E Boundaries information on FGEND broadband access Assets & Programs Broadband e Coverage Toens Siae nas SANP Post Virginia SpeedF Filter across the state, n Foclocatien abns 6 371 8i00mbps P20mbps BEADE Eligblet ocations Technology Fiter including maximum 1 Eu carsa d Assets AIIT Technologies Public WIFI Hotspots Percentage Fitet broadband speeds Vertical Assets 801 available in-service - Locations à Boundanes VATI Fundingi (2021) Counties andi Incorporaied territories in the aV VATIFundng12022 Cities BV VATiFundng/2023) Mapl Layers Commonwealth. Other Layers vATiFundng(2022) vAtiFunding(2023) EporMpL omeg VRCINIA DEPA AITMENT D OUSING DHCD AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT April 14, 2025 Page 81 VATI 2023 West Piedmont Planning District Commission West Universal Broadband in Patrick Broadband Project RiverStreet Networks Agreement Start Date: February 28th, 2024 County: Overview Agreement End Date: February 28"h, 2026 2019 Broadband Engineering Study and Design VATII Appalachian Regional Commission 2023 Universal Broadband Project - VATI12020 Patrick County' Wireless Broadband Expansion RiverStreet Networks Agreement Start Date: May 1, 2020 Agreement Start Date: TBD Agreement End Date: May 30, 2021 Agreement End Date: TBD Cancelled: July 26, 2022 2020 2022 2023 VATI! 2022 WPPDC Patrick Universal Broadband Project Charter Communications Agreement Start Date: August 151, 2022 Agreement End Date: August 15t, 2025 VATI! 12022 WPPDC West Universal Broadband Project RiverStreet Networks Agreement Start Date: September 30th, 2022 Agreement End Date: February 24th, 2026 DHCD ND L 2022 WPPDC Patrick Universal Broadband Project Status: Construction Award Amount $1,557,385.00 Program Year: VATI 2022 Total Match Funding Grantee: West Piedmont Planning District Committee $1,450,145.00 Project Passings in Project Area (WPPDC) 690 Internet Service Provider Partner: Charter Total Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Communications 676 Technology Type: Fiber Percent Complete Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Award Date: 12/15/2021 98% Agreement Start Date: 8/01/2022 Concerns Agreement End Date: 8/01/2025 Project will potentially be delayed due to Blue Ridge Contract Extensions: 0 Parkway permitting which can take up to 2 years to acquire. April 14, 2025 Page 82 2022 WPPDC West Universal Broadband Project Status: Construction Award Amount $33,571,073.00 Program Year: VATI 2022 Total Match Funding $59,425,085.00 Grantee: West Piedmont Planning District Committee Project Passings in Project Area (WPPDC) - West 10,056 Internet Service Provider Partner: RiverStreet Total Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Networks Technology Type: Fiber Percent Complete Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Award Date: 12/15/2021 0% Agreement Start Date: 9/30/2022 Concerns Agreement End Date: 2/24/2026 Delays have occurred due to VDOT ROW permitting and Blue Ridge Parkway permitting. Contract Extensions: 1 E 2023 West Piedmont Planning District Commission E West Universal Broadband Project Status: Pre-Construction Award Amount $8,013,600.00 Program Year: VATI 2023 Grantee: West Piedmont Planning District Committee Total Match Funding (WPPDC) - West $5,386,400.00 Internet Service Provider Partner: RiverStreet Project Passings in Project Area Networks 4,526 Technology Type: Fiber Total Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Award Date: 5/11/2023 J Agreement Start Date: 2/28/2024 Percent Complete Passings Provided Broadband Agreement End Date: 2/28/2026 Access to Date Contract Extensions: 0 0% VIRCNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING DHCD AND COMM UNITY DEVI OFME April 14, 2025 Page 83 - WPPDC West ARC 2023 Universal Broadband Project Award Amount Status: Pre-Contract $700,000.00 Program Year: ARC 2023 Total Match Funding Grantee: Patrick County $740,687.24 Internet Service Provider Partner: RiverStreet Project Passings in Project Area Networks 468 Technology Type: Fiber Total Passings Provided Broadband Access to Date Award Date: 8/11/2023 0 Agreement Start Date: TBD Percent Complete Passings Provided Broadband Agreement End Date: TBD Access to Date 0% VAGINIA DEPA IMENT DUSING HCD ANDCOMWUNITY DEVELOFMENT VATI Dashboard https://public. ableaucomlapp'poliehvigmadhedn, VATIDashboard/Overal. w WestPiedmontp PDCI Charter n222 Fiberilge toations (oreatintoatioe Fundrg Tet at itmad PusmPutas - is 15 aen 5156721500 - -5 - A mr nans be - VE (osstintn i TA TAM ivsa X X w VIGMIA DEPA AITMENS OF MOUSNG DHCD ANDCOM MUNITY DEVELOPME April 14, 2025 Page 84 Cellular Coverage in Patrick County The Office of Broadband has developed a landing page for the four non-deployment initiatives funded by BEAD which you can check out here! One of the Office's initiatives involves the expansion of cellular infrastructure to achieve universal BSLS RoadN Miles Area Sq Miles cellular coverage in 4G/ Available" 7790 364 1174.2 DNCD the Commonwealth. No 4GA Available 1112 192 605 COA THANK YOU Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D Director, Office of Broadband Tamarah.holmes@dhcdvirginla.soy (804) 592-8681 Chandler Vaughan Associate Director, Office of Broadband Chandler.Vaughan@dhedwiginasovy 804-801-7124 Broadband: Brelbandheiedsisnise Cellular: Caluaredhcdwiminiasey VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DHCD Poriners for Befter Communities April 14, 2025 Page 85 Appalachian Electric Power - Mr. Rob Mann, Broadband Update: Mr. Rob Mann presented a broadband update to the Board. AMERICAN ELECTRIG POWER - BOUNDLESS ENERGY ocal 6 02 Patrick County Virginia Broadband Updates 4/14/25 April 14, 2025 Page 86 AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER BOUNDLESS ENERGY Broadband: VA3 Program Update April 14th, 2025 ES VERI 6 April 14, 2025 Page 87 AMERICAN ELEGTRIG POWER - BOUNDLESS ENERGY High-Level Summary CONSTRUCTION (Total fiber miles remaining 217.21: Fiber miles Completed 118.59 miles) Telecom Fiber Construction Dickinson Franklin (22.1 miles) 24.90 mi complete Sago- Franklin (12.3 miles)- 16. .00 miles complete Endicott Franklin (24.0 miles) 8.23 miles complete Ingramville- Franklin (20.5 miles) 3. 13 miles complete Fieldale Spencer Henry (19.7 miles) 24. 80 mi complete Axton Ridgeway Henry (18.4 miles) -14.53 miles complete Leatherwood- Henry (15.8 miles)- Kick of 04.21.25 Figsboro- - Henry (17.60 miles) Construction ready for contractor: VDOT permit needed T Mithcont A 0 Distribution Make Ready Work iainsagnsalarialaw Spencer/E Endicott complete: with pole transfers outstanding Axton Ridgeway expected completion by 04.25 Ingramville expeciedcompletion by 04.25 StuartFloyd- VDOT permit received Leatherwood VDOT permit received. Stuart Willis Gap VDOT permit needed POP: Sites Woolwine/Patriat Centre both locations in Night: foundations poured. and shelters scheduled for delivery OakLevel- nearly ready for contractor April 14, 2025 Page 88 AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER BOUNDLESS ENERGY Make Ready progress: Route County Comple Simple Complew % Dickinson Franklin 37 113 00 Spencer 81 244 100n Patrick 23 31 1005 Sago rankin 18 Logs - Henry 67 149 90% Patrick 87 118 Endieent Franklin 17 116 n Leatherwood Henry 55 97 Trank klin 47 27 205 Patrick 107 51 enry 112 a9 Patrick 26 23 Soapstone Hs enry 07 00 Henry 55 154 Patrick 25 3 Patrick 4C 55 Patrick 72 57 Totals 962 1382 37% POP site(s) - progress: Woolwine: foundation poured; shelter scheduled for delivery on 04.30 Patriot Centre: foundation poured; shelter scheduled for delivery on 05.07 Oak Level: at IFC; ready for contractor April 14, 2025 Page 89 AMERICAN ELEGTRIG POWER BOUNDLESS ENERGY Fiber Miles VA Project # 3 Fiber Miles Route/location County Total Miles Miles % Completi Completed Dickinson Franklin 22.10 24.90 113% Stella Patrick 30.10 26.99 90% Fieldale: Spencer Henry 19.70 24.80 126% Sago Franklin 12.30 16.00 130% Auxton Ridgeway Henry 18.40 14.53 79% Stuart Floyd Patrick 24.00 0.00 056 Endicott Franklin 24.00 8.23 34% Leatherwood Henry 15.80 0.00 0%6 Stuart Willis Gap Patrick 30.00 0.00 0%6 Ingramville Franklin 20.50 3.14 15% Figsboro Henry 17.60 0.00 096 Dobyns Patrick 13.90 0.00 096 Soapstone Henry 20.50 0.00 0% Bassett Henry 21.70 0.00 0% Elamsville Patrick 14.10 0.00 0%6 Pole Bridge Patrick 17.60 0.00 096 Meadows of Dan Patrick 13.50 0.00 096 Total 335.80 118.59 35% April 14, 2025 Page 90 AMERICAN ELECTRIG POWER - BOUNDLESS ENERGY VA3 Fiber Schedule Overview Fiber Fiber Constructio Route Splicin Fiber/Segmert County Miles Construction Spliçing Start Start Dickinson Franklin 22.10 05/23/24 11/22/21 In Design 05/01/25 Stella Fatrick 30.10 3042124 06/09/25 In Design 05/29/25 Fieldale Spencer Henry 19.70 09/0M24 02/10/25 In Desisn 05/05/25 Sago Franklin 12.30 11/07/24 02/20/25 In Design 05/20/25 Endicott Franklin 14.00 D2/10/25 08/18/25 Not Repeivet D902/25 Auton Ridgeway Henry 18.40 02/10/25 07/14/25 In Design 09/22/25 Ingramylle Franklin 20.50 03/1225 08/27/25 Not Rereivet 09/06/25 Stuart Floyd Patrick 24.00 04/07/25 10/13/25 NoT Receivet 10:23/25 Leatherwood Henry 15.80 04/21/25 179/91/25 Not Recelvet D9/16/25 Stuart Wilis Gap se Patrick 30.00 05/03/25 01/20/25 Not Receive: 01/30/26 Figsborc Henry 17.60 D7/14/25 17/08/25 Not Receivet 12/18/25 Dobyns Patrick 13.90 07/17/25 11/13/25 Not Repeivet 11/23/25 Soapstone Hetry 30.50 07/23/25 01/14/35 Not Repeivet 01/24/26 Elamsvilie Patrick 71.70 08/04/25 01/19/25 Not Repeivet 01/29/26 Bassett Henry M4.10 08/19/25 12/16/25 Not Repeivet 12/26/25 Pole Bridge Pabrick 17.60 09/0125 0126225 Net Repehed 02,05/26 Meadovs of Dan Patrick 13.50 09/15/25 01/12/25 Not Repeived 01/22/26 - April 14, 2025 Page 91 AMERICAN ELEGTRIG POWER BOUNDLESS ENERGY Fiber Fiber Construction Route! Splicir Fiber/Segment County Miles Construction! POP Start Start Stella Patrick 30.10 10/21/24 06/09/25 06/29/25 Woolwine Stuart Floyd Patrick 24.00 04/07/25 10/13/25 10/23/25 Woolwine Stuart Willis Gap :e Patrick 30.00 06/03/25 01/20/26 01/30/26 Woolwine Dobyns Patrick 13.90 07/17/25 11/13/25 11/23/25 Woolwine Elamsville Patrick 21.70 08/04/25 01/19/26 01/29/26 Woolwine Pole Bridge Patrick 17.60 09/01/25 01/26/26 02/05/26 Woolwine Meadows of Dan Patrick 13.50 09/15/25 01/12/26 01/22/26 Woolwine Totals 150.80 April 14, 2025 Page 92 RiverStreet Networks - Mr. Michael Brown, Broadband Update: Mr. Michael Brown gave a broadband update to the Board. Patrick County Fiber Optic Build Plan RiverStreet RiverStreet Overall Virginia Project rs gini RiverStreet April 14, 2025 Page 93 Patrick County Project Summary RiverStreet FTTH TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE Proect: Patrick County- RMerStreet Communications ofy Virginia Region Virginia) Wes! Version 12 Date Prepared 11-Feb-25 istm ateTotals APE PN RPP O0ICAFIIEIRbIe Locations OSPLabora and Materials 169222175 17,852 1.923 1,576 17.9% VATIZ2E Eligble Locations OSP Engineering 7,963,396 8,401 905 3,376 384 4% VATI 22/RDOF Eligible Locations OSP Construction Subtotal 24,885,613 26,253 2827 3,424 38 9% VATI2 23 Eigblel Locations 426 4.8% RDOF Eligible Locations Acoess Equip 950,000 1,002 108 00% SevcableUnhnded Locations Network Equioment 300,000 34 8,802 TOTAL Service Locations Total Construction Cost 26,135,613 27.572 2.969 Miles 948 Con on Passingsp per Mie 9 2024 2025 PrcesDesnplisn 2026 683 1,024,500 1,500 Thisp project providest for thec cost ofk labora andr materials to construct 2027 1,274 1.911,000 1,500 fbert to all ofthe RDOF, VATI22 and VATI231 Locations in Patrick 2028 880 1.,320.300 $ 1.500 County Total Connection Cost 2,837 4,255,800 TOALPROECICOS - 30391413 062 3453 RiverStreet AEP/Riverstreet Transport Routes RiverStreet April 14, 2025 Page 94 RiverStreet Phasel Phasel Build from North Carolina State Line to Shingle Shop and NettleRidge Serving Offices including distribution. Shingle Shop 1475Locations Nettle Ridge = 316 Locations Approximately 210 Miles of Fiber Schedule: Lawsonville and Oak Ridge Fiber to State Line currently under construction Shingle Shop Construction Start Q4/2025 NettieRidge Construction Start Q4/2025 RiverStreet RiverStreet Phase II Phasell Utilize AEP Stuart tc Woolwine and Woolwine andE Bassett to Woolwinel Fiber for Transport to Woolwine and Elamsville Serving Offices and build out distribution. Woolwine : 1235 Locations Elamsville - 9641 Locations Approximately 178 Miles of Fiber Schedule: Woolwine Construction Start Q1/2026 Elamsville Construction Start Q1/2026 RiverStreet April 14, 2025 Page 95 RiverStreet Phase III Phasel! Utilize AEP Pole Bridge! Road Fiber for Transport to the Oliver Lane Serving Office and build new RiverStreet Transport Fiber to the Microfilm Serving Office. Oliver Lane 902 Locations Elamsville = 52 Locations Approximately 126 Miles of Fiber Schedule: Oliver Lane Construction Start Q2/2026 Microfilm Construction Start Q3/2026 RiverStreet RiverStreet Phase IV PhaseV Utilize AEP Stuart to Willis Gap Fiber for Transport to Patrick Springs. Dry Pond and New Valley Serving Offices andt build out distribution. Patrick Springs 1442 Locations Dry Pond: - 675 Locations New Valley 451 Locations Approximately 231 Miles of Fiber Schedule: Patrick Springs Construction Start Q3/2026 Dry Pond Construction: Start Q3/2026 New Valley Construction Start Q4/2026. RiverStreet April 14, 2025 Page 96 Charter Communications - Mr. Joe Prater, Broadband Update: Mr. Joe Prater presented a broadband update to the Board. Charter PNIRICKCOL T Patrick County VATI Broadband Update Patrick County VATI + RDOF-Overview RINOE Khor GUSTEK RDCFS TIK RDOF Legend: B CBGs (Chartera owardedi a CEGsIOthers RDOF Winner) a CBGIS 251 Hbps Downloady E CEGP 25 and 1001 Mbps Downtoad, B CEGP1 100 and 500M Mbps Download) a CBGD 5001 Mbps Download) Charter Footprint RDOH ClusteFoundary County UndeaservadAdaiess a Charter rHub/EDFA VATILocations (Approx.): 690 RDOF Locations (Approx.): 873 Locations TOTAL (Approx):1,563 Charter April 14, 2025 Page 97 Patrick County VATI + RDOF - Status Update VATIStatus 98%0 Completed(676 of6 690Locations) Remaining! locations tiedt toE Blue Ridge Parkway permitting needs (Gunny Sack Trail, Hillsville) Metv withresidentst tot try tof finda alternativer route Permitshavet beens submitted VABroadbandOffice notified RDQE: Status 75%0 Completed(686 of 901Locations) Remainingl locations expectedt to be completedby! Q4 2025 Thesek locationsa are alsot tiedt to Blue Ridge Parkway permitting. National Parks reportingt these permits should ber receivedby Q32 2025 Permits submittedinMarche of 2023 ondingurdresomssonin Januaryof2024 Charter Charter Thank You! April 14, 2025 Page 98 Environmental Review Record - WPPDC West ARC/ATI 2023 Universal Broadband Project: Patrick County received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission/VATI 2023 Universal Broadband Project. An Environmental Review is required for federal grant funding and was completed by West Piedmont Planning District Commission. The Environmental Review requires signature from our Chief Elected Official. On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the signature of our Chief Elected Official on the Environmental Review Record seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 99 COAIBINEDNOTICEOF FINDINGOF NO: SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ANDINTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS April 15. 2025 The County of Patrick POT Box 466 106 Rucker Strect Stuart, Virginia 24171 (276) 694-6094 This Notice shall satisfy the: above-cited two separate but related s.wwN REQUESTI FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS Ond or about May 15, 2025, Patrick County will submit a request to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for the release of Appalachian Regional C ommission (ARC ) funds to undertake a project know n as the WPPDC West ARC VATI2023 Universal Broadband Project, for thej purposes of funding the following projects: installation of fiber-optic broadband utilities inj portions of Patrick County. VA. FINDING OF NO SIGNIF ICANT IMPACT Patrick County has detenmined that the project willl have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional projecti information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (E RR) file: at the Patrick County Administration Building, 106 Rucker Street, Stuart, VA 24171 and the West Picdmont Planning District Commission (WI PPDC . 1100 Madison Street, Mantinsville, VA 24112 and may be examined or copied on from 9:00 4:00 weckdays A.M. to P.M. PUBL IC COMMENTS Any individual, group. or agency disagreeing wi ith this determination or wi ishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to Patrick County, PO Box 466, Stuart. VA 24171. All comments receivedby May 14, 2025, willl be considered by Patrick County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing. RELEASE OF FUNDS Patrick County certifies to DHC D that Jonathan Wood, in his capaci ity as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if: an action S brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilitics have been satisfied. DHCD's approval oft the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NE PA and related lawis and authorities and: allows Patrick County lo use ARC funds. OBJECTIONS TORELEASE OF FUNDS DHCI Dwill: accept objections to itsr relcase of funds and Patrick County 's cenification received by May 14, 2025 only ifthey are on one of the followi ing bases: (a) thes certification was not exccuted by the Cenifying Officer of Patrick County (b) Patrick County has omitted - stepor failed tor makead decision or finding required by applicable laws; (e)t the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incuredcosts, or undertaken activities not: authorized by DHC D before approval of: a release of funds by DHC D; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project 5 unsatisfactory from thes standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitied in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFRI Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to be addressed to DHCI D: at: Director Virginia Department ofHousing & Community Development Attn: Program Administration and Assistance Oflice Main Street Centre 6001 E. Main St, Suite 300 Richmond, Virginia 23219-2430 (804)371-7061 [TIP371-7089. FAX 371-7093] Potential objectors should contact DHC D to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Jonathan Wood Certifying Officer April 14, 2025 Page 100 Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) = Aerial Spray Treatments: Mr. Ben Templeton, STS Project Supervisor provided information regarding the upcoming spongy moth spray treatments in the County. CMAE) EN Ro Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) Spongy Moth STS 2025 Treatment Areas LITLEETT Carroll_3 Mating Disruption - 1,649 acres - Caro - - 6r mg/acre SPLAT-GM O H 7 Patrick ou LEWI April 14, 2025 Page 101 NIST USDA dafons - C AmStan ANIST. NIH, USDA, USArF Forpe Vodal ISCA NSF. USA Army. nd ard cient compan SPLAT GM-O Frequently Asked Questions Hhat Is SPLA7 GM-02 SPLAT GM-O is an organic, biodegradable formulation for the control of Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) using Mating Disruption. Iti is made entirely of food grade materials and has the consistency of hand cream. SPLAT GM-O uses pheromone, an effective and safe method to control Gypsy Moth without impacting other insects, mammals or the surrounding environment. Hlut Mre Pheromones? Pheromones are natural compounds that insccts use to communicate. similar to the way humans use language. Applying pheromone to at field confuses the insects. removing their ability to mate and controlling populations ina a completely non-lethal manner. Thut Is Mating Disrption? Mating disruption is a mechanism for insect control that utilizes species-specific pheromones to disrupt the life cycle of insects. Confusing insects and removing their ability to mate controls populations without the use oftoxic chemicals. Hone SPLAT GM-0 Be pplied? SPLAT GM-O is almost always applied aerially. Airplanes or helicopters flying 100 to 200 feet above trectops will spray SPLAT GM-O over areas where gypsy moth control is desired. orlas ISCATECINOLOGIES, INC. 123Sp 1ss asica T0sSs INIS Fas SI5 1047 snbe 3ICNRlyal Thv Ml April 14, 2025 Page 102 NIST 6 USDA: 9 odafone ris a ati on ISC ANIST, NIH, USDA. NSF. US Air Force. USA Aimy. andy Vodafoner research awardi recipient cor mpany Hom Much SPLAT GM-0 Tll Be Used? For control of Gypsy Moth, doses of active ingredient (pheromone) can range from a low of3 3 grams per acre to: a high of 30 grams per acre. Most frequently, it is applied at a dose of 6 grams per acre, which equates to 46 grams of SPLAT GM-O. This is less than a cup of SPLAT GM-O being spread over an acre of forest per year to control Gypsy Moth. Is SPLA7 GM-0 Harmfnl To Mumans Or nimals? No, SPLAT GM-O is completely harmless to humans and animals. All of the ingredients in SPLAT GM-O are listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe and have been approved for food use. Shouldy you.your children and/or pets come in contact with SPLAT GM-O, simply wash the affected arca with soap and water, Clothing can be cleaned- with hot water and laundry detergent. Is SPLAT GM-0 Harmful To Thc Emirommen? No, SPLAT GM-O is completely harmless to the environment. SPLAT GM-O is a biodegradable formulation specifically targeted at the Gypsy Moth. It will not affect other insects or wild life. ISSPLAT GM-0 Organie? Yes, SPLAT GM-O is certified organic under the USDA's National Organic Program. In 2017, ISCA also expects to receive organic certification from the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Mhat If SPLI 17 GM-0. Lands 0n A41 Cron La? SPLAT GM-O will not harm the paint of your car. Ifyou notice SPLAT GM-O droplets on your car, wash it with a mild detergent and water likeyou would with road grime. SPLAT GM-O will not harm your lawn and will immediately start biodegradation into the soil. SCATECIENOLOGIES. INC. Tipzw 123Spa - D KIN S 358 -SA wwsorp TDSTBSAA s SI5) 4 323 - safiae 12M7ISCAy tis MVtsTaNa April 14, 2025 Page 103 Transfer Station Adjustments: Mr. Scottie Hylton, Transfer Station Manager made recommendations for pricing and other adjustments at the Transfer Station. Tipping Fee Adjustment: Beginning July 1, 2025, our current solid waste contractor, Republic, will implement their annual 5% rate increase. The current cost is $64.19 per ton; the new rate is expected to be $67.39 per ton. Presently, the County charges $65.00 per ton, resulting in a projected deficit of $2.39 per ton. To offset this deficit and provide a more sustainable margin, we propose increasing the tipping fee to $69.25 per ton. This change would result in a positive margin of $1.86 per ton. For the average customer disposing of 200 pounds of waste, the cost would be approximately $6.93 a modest increase that still keeps disposal affordable for residents. Tire Disposal Fee Adjustment: The County currently pays approximately $9,500 annually for tire recycling and operates at an annual deficit of roughly $500. We propose increasing the tire disposal fee from $130.00 per ton to $135.00 per ton. Historically, the County charged a flat fee of $2.00 per tire, regardless of size. This model was unsustainable, especially for large tires such as those from tractors. By moving to a per-ton rate, we aligned costs more accurately. The average cost to dispose of a standard tire is now approximately $1.80. Increasing the per-ton rate allows the County to recover costs while having minimal impact on residents disposing of standard tires. Elimination of "General Cleanup Trash" Line Item: We propose eliminating the "general cleanup trash" line item from the Transfer Station's weighing requirements. This category has created confusion and frustration among residents. For example, if a resident cleans out a closet, they are currently required to weigh that material separately--even though it's clearly household trash. Many residents circumvent this by placing such items into trash bags to avoid the extra step. This policy has led to inconsistent enforcement and places Transfer Station attendants in the difficult position of making judgment calls. Removing this line item simplifies the process, reduces resident complaints, and treats all household-generated trash uniformly. The anticipated increase in tonnage is considered an acceptable cost in exchange for improved April 14, 2025 Page 104 customer service and operational clarity. All other separate line items, such as furniture, mattresses, appliances, and construction debris, will remain. Interest Charges on Unpaid Credit Balances: We propose charging annual interest of 10% (0.83% per month) on past due Transfer Station credit balances. This interest charge will apply to charges made on/after July 1, 2025, which are unpaid after 30 days of the statement date. On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the Transfer Station rate updates as follows: tipping fee of $69.25 per ton, tire disposal fee of $135.00 per ton, the removal of the "general cleanup trash" line item, and interest charges on unpaid credit balances effective July 1, 2025 seconded by Doug Perry and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None 2024-2025 Capital Improvements Requests from Volunteer Agencies = Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department and CCDF Volunteer Rescue Squad: Mr. Scottie Cassell, Emergency Management Coordinator reviewed the annual capital expense requests from the two agencies in the yearly funding rotation, Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department and CCDF Volunteer Rescue squad. Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department requests $154,000.00 for a new brush truck. CCDF Volunteer Rescue Squad requests $76,000.00 for a Likepak 35, replacement of the front and rear porches in order to comply with ADA requirements, and to refurbish Unit 110. On a motion by Clayton Kendrick to approve the capital improvement request for Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of $154,000.00 seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 105 On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the capital improvement request for CCDF Volunteer Rescue Squad in the amount of $76,000.00 seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None The Board took a 10-minute break. The Board reconvened in open session. Old Business: Formal Termination of Fairy Stone Solar Siting Agreement: Beth Simms advised the Board that under the Fairy Stone Solar siting agreement, Article III, paragraph 3, there is no obligation to develop the project and electing not to develop is not an event of default. Nevertheless, Energix's representation that there was a late-stage fatal flaw to the project" coupled with their reimbursement of the legal and application fees is fairly construed as termination of the project and siting agreement. A formal letter will acknowledge Energix's election not to develop the Fairy Stone Project, and notify them that the County construes this as termination of the Fairy Stone siting agreement. This action releases the memorandum filed by Energix in the Clerk's office. On a motion by Steve Marshall for the County Attorney to proceed with a formal letter to terminate the development of the Fairy Stone Solar project seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None April 14, 2025 Page 106 Budget Discussion: Beth Simms updated the Board on the budget adjustments made from the previous meeting. The current deficit is $197,336.00. There is a mower included in the FY2026 budget for Parks and Recreation. Based on equipment needs, it has been requested to purchase the mower now instead of waiting until July. Cost of a commercial grade mower is $14,500. A consensus was met to purchase the mower now. Steve Marshall suggested using the reserve funds to cover the deficit and increase the personal property tax as Patrick County has one of the lowest property taxes in the region. He suggested using a median levy amount and implement in a three-year phase then index the amount to the consumer price index urban. Clayton Kendrick stated he would not agree to a tax increase. He stated that the machine and tools tax is rough on businesses. Lori Jones stated that some counties have different personal property and machine/tools tax. Doug Perry stated that the increased revenue on the personal property and machine/tools tax is due to the highway construction. Steve Marshall noted that the deficit is not a cost problem, it is a revenue problem. The tax schedule is dated and should be adjusted. Doug Perry indicated that many of the budget cuts cripple the departments and suggested an increase to the personal property and transient occupancy tax. Steve Marshall stated that having a regressive real estate tax assessment would have lower income citizens pay more than higher income citizens. Having income from others sources would help offset tax increases. Doug Perry stated that next year when the reassessment comes, property values will increase as surrounding counties have increased there will be a need to reduce the real estate rate down. Jonathan Wood noted that a personal property tax increase would need to be $0.07 in order to balance the current deficit. Steve Marshall recommended a median price of $2.23 and prorate the increase over the next three years. April 14, 2025 Page 107 Doug Perry recommended increasing 1-2%. Clayton Kendrick suggested taking more time to make more cuts. Beth Simms noted that many of the cuts are unrealistic adding that a department cut office supplies to $0. Clayton Kendrick stated that in the bills packet, money has been moved from one fund to another to cover expenses. Beth Simms stated that there will be some line items that will have a surplus and moving funds from one line to another is the way the budgeting has been done for many years even though it's not what she recommends. Doug Perry added that the building inspection code has changed and is causing more inspections to be completed which adds additional workload to the Building Inspections department; however, a cut was made in fuel. Beth Simms noted that Patrick County departments have the smallest budgets of any surrounding counties. Clayton Kendrick said Patrick County probably has the lowest rate of income as well. Steve Marshall stated that the increase he is proposing is to cover future years. 1-2% would not fix the current deficit nor is it tenable to continue using reserves to balance the budget. He indicated that $2.20 is the average across the region and recommended a three-year implementation period then index to the CPI. Beth Simms requested the Board to set a public hearing for April 28 for the proposed budget. Lori Jones stated that this year it is expected to add an additional $2 million to reserves. Clayton Kendrick asked about funding for the capital improvements. Lori Jones confirmed that $1,328,000.00 would be pulled from reserves to fund capital improvements. Andrew Overby asked about the corrections to wages and benefits. Lori Jones confirmed that the corrections are due to staff changes in the Department of Social Services and personnel who have complete probationary periods. April 14, 2025 Page 108 Jonathan Wood added that a 1.5% increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax would cover the deficit. Beth Simms stated that a full 2% increase would earn about $280,000.00 for the General Fund. Jonathan Wood stated that another tax increase option would be the meals tax. Clayton Kendrick stated that bringing in more businesses would generate an increase in the tax revenue. Jonathan Wood stated that he is willing to use reserve funds to balance the budget with the intention of an increase in other tax(es) to restore. On a motion by Andrew Overby to schedule a public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 budget for April 28, 2025 seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None On a motion by Andrew Overby to propose an increase to the Transient Occupancy Tax not to exceed $0.02 and earmark those funds specifically for fire & rescue during the public hearing on April 28, 2025 seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried 4:1. Voting Aye: Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: Marshall On a motion by Steve Marshall to propose an increase to the Personal Property Tax not to exceed $0.16 over the next three years during the public hearing on April 28, 2025 seconded by Doug Perry and carried 3:2. Voting Aye: Marshall, Perry, Wood Voting Nay: Kendrick, Overby Jonathan Wood requested the average cost of personal property increase based on a $0.16 increase. April 14, 2025 Page 109 FY2026 CHANGES TO BUDGET AFTER INITIAL REQUESTS 4.14.2025 FY2026 Deficit as of 03-24-2025 (581,138) DEPT REVENUE CHANGES AMOUNT 12311 RE Taxes Increase per 2025 Land Book 113,676 12312/PPT Taxes Increase in Expected Machinery &1 Tools Taxes 50,179 22300 OCFG Operation Cease Fire Grant Revenue Increase 4,625 42400 Transfer Station Increase duet to Proposed Rate Change 33,000 81600 Tourism Decrease in Transfer from TOT Fund (2,838) 90000 DSS Increased Revenue for Healthl Insurance Increase 17,464 90001 DSS Increase in Reimbursed Expenses 7,632 TOTAL REVENUE CHANGES 223,738 DEPT EXPENDITURE CHANGES AMOUNT 12110 County Admin Add Back Water Cooler 936 12240_Auditor Add Back Financial Advisor 15,000 22100 CommAtty Add Back Water Cooler 181 32600_EMS Add Back Water Cooler 298 32600_Ambulance Cut 41 Full Time Staff/Add $25,000 Part Time (243,617) 33401 Jail Add Back Water Cooler 4,259 71100Recreation Add Back' Water Cooler 279 81200 Contributions Reduce PHCC to Level Funding ($10,000) (7,322) 90001 DSS Increasei inF Reimbursed Expenses 1,372 91000Non- Departmental Cut Planning Commission Consultant (43,200) 91000 Non- Departmental Remove Transfer to Health Insurance Fund (116,135) Variousl Depts Corrections to Wages/Benefits 27,885 ALL Departments Health Insurance Increase 200,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURE CHANGES (160,064) NEW GENERAL FUND SURPLUS (DEFICIT) (197,336) April 14, 2025 Page 110 Administrator's Report: No reports. Supervisor's Reports: Steve Marshall made a procedural motion that his Supervisor Report be received and filed into the minutes without reading, second by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None Supervisors report 4.14.25 - Blue Ridge District Steve Marshall On March 18th, I attended the Board of Social Services meeting. I'm pleased to report only positive updates-our foster care numbers have declined to reasonable levels, adoptions are up, and at-risk children in our county are being well served. Later that evening, I also attended the Planning Commission meeting. On March 19th, I attended the Town of Stuart Council meeting. On March 26th, I attended the CMPT meeting, followed by the EDA meeting later that evening. On March 27th, I attended the West Piedmont Planning District Commission meeting. There was a very interesting and informative presentation on regional demographic trends. Highlights ofthe presentation were to what extent aging populations constrain growth and the gradual reversal of population decline in our region. If anyone isi interested the presentation should be available through the commission. On Monday, April 7th, I attended the Patrick County Tourism Summit, held at the historic Star Theater. This was a well-presented and informative event, featuring representatives from: -The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC): Promotes inbound travel and supports regional/local tourism through grants and services. -Thel Friends of Southwest Virginia: Focuses on branding Southwest Virginia as a cultural heritage, artisan, and outdoor recreation destination. -The Longwood Small Business Development Center: An economic development program offering free resources for small businesses. Their Martinsville office is located at 191 Fayette St, Martinsville, VA 24112 (phone: 276-403-5609). -The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity: Administers the SWaM certification program, helping small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses compete for state contracts. The West Piedmont Planning District Commission -And the The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation We also heard from our own Patrick County Tourism Department, which organized this outstanding event, as well as the Chamber of Commerce: and One Family Productions. Ishould also note that Reynolds Homestead did a finej job catering the event. The summit demonstrated how tourism has become one of Patrick County's most important economic drivers and showcased how professional networking and collaboration are creating powerful momentum for Patrick county's tourism industry. The single most pressing need identified was the critical lack of hotel lodging in Patrick County. If we, as a Board, can find and exert the political will to address this issue, we would create tremendous opportunities to capitalize on our growing tourism appeal. April 14, 2025 Page 111 Ahomeowner on Fire Trail Lane recently inquired about public water access to her property. While extending service for a single residence is not financially feasible, this inquiry did highlight the broader opportunity ofexpanding existing water infrastructure along Rhody Creek Loop. Currently, a 6" water line runs about a quarter oft the way down Rhody Creek Loop from the west end. This proposed extension would connect this line to the main water line at Route 58 near Walmart This proposed expansion would enable increased land use and economic activity, in that area ultimately boosting county revenue. This proposal aligns with the EDA and the Board's strategic infrastructure goals, particularly along the Route 58 corridor, where water and sewer expansions would serve as key drivers for economic development and growth. Implementation ofthis initiative would of course require collaboration between the county. the Town of Stuart, and the Public Service Authority. I have become aware of a worsening problem in the county concerning roaming dogs. There is an exploding population of Great Pyrenees and Pyrenees mixes in the Meadows ofl Dan and Vesta areas, as well as loose dogs in Stuart and I'm sure this is an issue across the rest of the county. There have been social media reports of livestock killings, my own family has even suffered losses when a loose dog attacked our chickens last year. Recently the sheriff department's own FB page reported a dog attacking and biting folks on Dobyns Road and yesterday, large dogs were once again loose in our' neighborhood. This is a growing public health and safety issue. Loose dogs can spread disease and parasites. They pose a safety risk to adults, children, pets, livestock, and wildlife. They can cause auto accidents and they create liability issues for the county if, being aware oft the problem, we do nothing. I've heard this issue dismissed ini the past with wom-out platitudes such as that "there's no public support" or "it's always been this way". The real truth is, the buck stops with this board-literally. I call on our chairman to lead our board in adressing this growing issue. April 14, 2025 Page 112 Nickel-and-Diming Our Budget Signals a Revenue Problem, Not a Cost Problem When governments resort to trimming minor items-like water coolers-to balance budgets, it signals ai revenue shortfall, not excessive spending. If costs were the real issue, leaders would pursue. larger efficiencies, such as consolidating services or modemizing operations, rather than the deamlh-by-a-lhousmdcus austerity we are currently pursuing. Persistent reliance on minor cuts reveals that revenues haven't kept pace with needs, a situation driven by maladjusted tax policies in our case. Patrick County is squeezing its budget dry-not because of runaway spending, but because our tax system hasn'tkept up with reality. Inflation has affected every aspect of our society, yet our county (for example, with the personal property tax) has ignored it, resulting in steady revenue erosion. Most neighboring and regional counties avoid this trap by regularly adjusting assessments to reflect market prices. But in Patrick County, leaders have kept some taxes unreasonably low whilei inflation has eroded both the real value of those taxes and the county's revenue stream. The result? A slow-motion budget crisis- -not because taxes are too high, but because they're effectively too low. I propose a staged increase in the PPT over the next three years to align our rate with the average median rate of regional and neighboring counties. This gradual approach allows for predictable adjustments for taxpayers. Aligning our rate with the regional median strikes a fair balance. After that, we should index the tax to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), as this inflation measure accurately reflects real-world price pressures. Now, before folks complain about increasing taxes, remember that increased Personal Property Tax (PPT) revenue can offset real estate tax hikes. This approach is fairer because wealthier individuals contribute more proportionally, helping to alleviate the revenue burden on lower-income households. Currently, our regressive real estate tax structure has lower-income segments subsidizing the wealthier ones. The PPT increase reverses the regressive effect where someone like Grandma or Grandpa living on a low fixed income and owning a lower-value vehicle might pay around $40: a year, while a wealthier individual with a vehicle valued at $40,000 for example, would contribute around $684. This makes for a more fairly achieved revenue stream and a more sustainable budget for Patrick County. By implementing these changes, we can move away from ineffective minor cuts and towards a more stable and equitable financial future for our community. Clayton Kendrick attended the Economic Development Authority meeting and West Piedmont Planning District Commission meeting. Doug Perry attended the STEP meeting where a work appropriate clothing closet was implemented and available the 4th Thursday each month, 1-4pm, registration required. STEP is also accepting donations for such clothing. Mr. Perry also attended the Patrick County Drug-Free Coalition meeting. He also attended the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting and gave praise to the EMS teams who helped with the Gregory fire. The Sheriff's office has noted an increase in scams and he advised citizens to be extra cautious. Andrew Overby had no reports. Jonathan Wood attended the West Piedmont Planning District Commission meeting where grants were discussed. He would like to see consistency within all April 14, 2025 Page 113 public meetings, specifically for public comment. Also, he asked that the Sheriff's office monitor the intersection at Spring Road/South Mayo and Highway 58. Adjourn: On a motion by Steve Marshall to adjourn until April 28, 2025 seconded by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None XA wn Jonathan Wood, Chairman April 14, 2025 Page 114