* Sean QR Codeto View Agendal Packel. * * * Agenda Board of Supervisors Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM 179 Administration Building Auditorium adison Caes 414 North Main Street, Madison, Virginia 22727 Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence Determine Presence of a Quorum/Adoption of Agenda Public Comment Consent Agenda 1. Approve Minutes: Joint Meeting 05/07/2025 Special Appearances 2. Blue Ridge Committee for Shenandoah National Park Relations - Bruce Bowman Public Hearing Old Business 3. FY26 Budget Adoption County Administrator & Finance Director a. Resolution #2025-10 Maintenance Agreement County Administrator 4. Hoover Ridge Forest/Open Space a. Set Public Hearing Date New Business 5. Subdivision & Site Plan Ordinance Amendment - Planning & Zoning Administrator 6. Committe-Board Updates Deputy Clerk a. Economic Development Committee Applicant 7. Graves Mountain Lodge Annual Firework Event - County Administrator a. Large-Scale, Outdoor Event Permit Application b. Firework Permit Application 8. Economic Development Committee Report Supervisor Jewett Discussion ImformatiowCarmepandme 9. Upcoming Public Hearings County Administrator Public Comment Closed Session Adjourn 186 IPage MADISON COUNTY BOARD OF Date: 6:00 PM SUPERVISORS MEETING Location: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Admin. Building Auditorium, 414 N. Main Street MEETING #27 May 27th At a regular meeting of the Board of Admin. Building Auditorium: Supervisors on Tuesday, May 27th at 6:00 PM in the PRESENT: R. Clay Jackson, Chairman Carty Yowell, Vice-Chairman Jud Buchanan, Member Dustin Dawson, Member James Jewett, Member Jonathon Weakley, County Administrator Hannon Wright, County Attorney Jennifer Warren, Finance Director Kimberly Turner, Deputy Clerk ABSENT: None. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Jackson called the Board to order. & MOMENT OF SILENCE the Pledge of Allegiance and follow with a moment Chairman Jackson stated he would like to start with of silence. DETERMINE PRESENCE OF A Chairman Jackson advised that a QUORUMADOFTION: OF AGENDA quorum was present. Supervisor Dawson made a motion to approve the Chairman Yowell. Aye: Jackson, Yowell, agenda as presented, seconded by Vice- Absent: (0). Buchanan, Dawson, Jewett. Nay: (0) Abstain: (0) PUBLIC COMMENT Chairman Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Jim Smith: Mr. Jim Smith, Brightwood resident, detailing the Board's efforts in zero-based provided public comment on the tax rate, funding. Mr. Jim Smith emphasized the budgeting and the challenges of Federal and State cost of government, despite importance of maintaining a inflation and unfunded flat/decreasing real dollar concerns with people spreading disinformation. mandates. Mr. Jim Smith expressed his exceptional job and encouraged the Board to Mr. Jim Smithh stated the Board has done an vote in favor oft the FY26 Budget. With there being no further public comment opportunity was closed. being brought forward; the public comment CONSENT AGENDA 187 I Page 1. Approve Minutes: Joint Meeting 05/07/2025 Vice-Chairman Yowell made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Supervisor Dawson. Aye: Jackson, Yowell, Buchanan, Dawson, Jewett. Nay: (0) Abstain: (0) Absent: (0). SPECIAL APPEARANCES 2. Blue Ridge Committee for Shenandoah National Park Relations - Bruce Bowman Mr. Bruce Bowman, a Madison County representative on the Blue Ridge Committee for Shenandoah National Park Relations was present and provided an update on the Blue Ridge Committee for Shenandoah National Park Relations' last meeting. Mr. Bruce Bowman highlighted the new superintendent's appointment and the challenges ofbudget cuts and staffing. Mr. Bruce Bowman discussed the impact ofi recent heavy rain on park trails and the cancellation and reactivation of an air quality contract. Mr. Bruce Bowman mentioned the Park would no longer accept cash and discussed the possibility of shutting down trout fishing during low water conditions. Supervisor Buchanan mentioned he learned that the Shenandoah National Park attendance is staying steady, but the park is unsure of attendance for future international visitors. The was a discussion regarding the new Shenandoah National Park Superintendent attending a Board of Supervisors' meeting. PUBLIC HEARING None. OLD BUSINESS 3. FY26 Budget Adoption - County Administrator & Finance Director a. Resolution #2025-10 The County Administrator and the Finance Director confirmed the budget was as advertised and ready for adoption. Supervisor Jewett highlighted the challenges oft the budget process, including significant budget requests and the impact of state funding cuts. Supervisor Jewett, Supervisor Buchanan, and Chairman Jackson expressed their gratitude for the hard work of County employees and the Board's efforts in maintaining low tax increases. 4. Hoover Ridge Forest/Open Space Maintenance Agreement - County Administrator a. Set Public Hearing Date The County Administrator recommended scheduling a public hearing on July 8, 2025, or June 24, 2025, for the Hoover Ridge Forest/Open Space Maintenance Agreement. 188 I P a g e After discussion, the Board agreed to schedule a public Ridge Forest/Open Space Maintenance hearing on June 24, 2025, for the Hoover Agreement. There was further discussion regarding the purpose ofthe Hoover Maintenance Agreement. Ridge Forest/Open Space NEW BUSINESS 5. Subdivision & Site Plan Ordinançe Amendment = Planning & Zoning Administrator The Planning & Zoning Administrator presented the Site Plan Ordinance to comply with SB 974. The proposed changes to the Subdivision and and Planning Commission as approving authorities changes include removing the governing body The Planning & Zoning Administrator and replacing them with a designated agent. plan ordinance were red lined and in the mentioned his suggested edits to the subdivision and site agenda packet for review. Vice-Chairman mentioned a needed minor edit to the Subdivision and Site Plan Ordinance. There was further discussion regarding the time requirements for handling applications. The County Attorney mentioned he had reviewed the ordinance few notes for the Planning & Zoning Administrator amendments and stated he had a recommended to define "designated 99 to discuss. The County Attorney agent." Supervisor Jewett mentioned that when the Economic oft the responsibilities charged was to develop fiscal and Development Committee was created, one development in the County. Supervisor Jewett informed economic impact analysis for Commission & Economic Development the Board that Mr. Jim Smith, Planning Member, has taken the lead on this project. Mr. Jim Smith, Planning Commission & Economic fiscal impact analysis and economic impact analysis Development Member, proposed adding a are beneficial to the County. Mr. Jim Smith reviewed requirement the for applications to ensure they completion oft the fiscal impact analysis and the draft ordinance that required the economic impact analysis. Chairman Jackson inquired what triggered a fiscal impact and analysis. analysis an economic impact Mr. Jim Smith explained that certain items would need to be clarified required a fiscal impact analysis and an economic to decide which cases impact analysis. Vice-Chairman Yowell and Chairman Jackson ifi this do. inquired was legally something they could The County Attorney stated he would explore it further. The Board had further discussion regarding the new legislation, the Ordinance Amendment, and the potential draft Fiscal Subdivision & Site Plan Impact Analysis and Economic Impact 189 I Page Analysis Ordinance. The Board discussed the need for public input and the potential challenges oft the new legislation. The Board agreed to proceed with the proposed changes to the Subdivision & Site Plan Ordinance Amendment and to schedule a public hearing on July 2, 2025, which would make them compliant with the State law. The Board agreed to have the Planning Commission review and consider the additional criteria provided by Mr. Jim Smith and the amendments to Article 16 oft the Zoning Ordinance after July 2, 2025. The Board also agreed to check with VACo to see where they stood with the new legislation. 6. Committee-Board Updates Deputy Clerk a. Economic Development Committee Applicant The Deputy Clerk informed the Board of a new applicant, Ms. Molly Wilshere, for the Economic Development Committee and requested the Board's direction. Supervisor Buchanan and Supervisor Jewett discussed Molly Wilshere's experience and encouraged the Board to appoint her to the Economic Development Committee. The Economic Development & Tourism Director stated Ms. Molly Wilshere was excellent. Vice-Chairman Yowell made a motion to approve Ms. Molly Wilshere to the Economic Development Committee, seconded by Supervisor Dawson. Aye: Jackson, Yowell, Buchanan, Dawson, Jewett. Nay: (0). Abstain: (0) Absent: (0). The Board discussed the need to advertise for vacancies on the Thomas Jefferson Area Criminal Justice Board and the Central Virginia Regional Jail Authority Board. Chairman Jackson advised providing Mr. Steve Hoffman a certification for his years of service on the Thomas Jefferson Area Criminal Justice Board. 7. Graves Mountain Lodge Annual Firework Event = County Administrator b. Large-Scale, Outdoor Event Permit Application C. Firework Permit Application The County Administrator confirmed these applications were circulated with the public safety team and stated staff recommended approval. Supervisor Jewett made a motion to approve Graves Mountain Lodges' Large-Scale, Outdoor Event Permit Application and their Firework Permit Application, seconded by Supervisor Buchanan. Aye: Jackson, Yowell, Buchanan, Dawson, Jewett. Nay: (0). Abstain: (0). Absent: (0). 8. Economic Development Committee Report = Supervisor Jewett Supervisor Jewett provided an update on the Economic Development Committee's activities, including research on data centers and Amazon warehouses. Supervisor Jewett mentioned a proposal for an event venue by Ms. Molly Wilshere, which could benefit the county through 190 I Page e agro-tourism. The committee is considering a town hall to progress and solicit feedback. meeting update citizens on their The Board supported the idea of a town hall meeting and second Board meeting in June. agreed to discuss it further at the DISCUSSION None. POBATONCONNEPONNERG 9. Upcoming Public Hearings - County Administrator The County Administrator reminded the Board of School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement upcoming public hearings, including the draft Ordinance on June 10, 2025. Program draft Ordinance and the Employee Bonus PUBLIC COMMENT Chairman Jackson opened the floor for public comment. the public comment With there being no opportunity was closed. public comment, CLOSED SESSION None. ADJOURN With there being no further business to conduct, Vice-Chairman adjourn, seconded by Supervisor Buchanan. Yowell made a motion to Nay: (0) Abstain: (0) Absent: (0). Aye: Jackson, Yowell, Buchanan, Dawson, Jewett. R. Clay Jackson, Chairman Madison County Board ofs Supervisors Jonathon Weakley, Clerk Adopted on: June 10, 2025. - Additional document recordedfor the record: PDF Budget Statement Summary from 5-27-2 191 IF Page e Budget Commentary Jim. Jewett, Madison County Board of Supervisors 5/27/25 The 2026 budget has been adopted by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting on 5/27/25 by a unanimous vote. The budget process was challenging to say the least considering various factors. The result was al budget that covered public safety and public education needs of the county and other, government functions with no fat. The county has curbed spending with a scalpel and not a hatchet as can be done at the state and federal levels. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for spending taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently providing needed services while protecting the pocketbooks of county taxpayers through minimizing taxes. Inflation has been a persistent problem over the last five years. Cumulative inflation = depending upon the source and interpretation of data - has been 24%-26%. As you well know, many other necessities such as food, housing and groceries have increased at even faster rates putting a burden on our citizens. Despite the increasing costs of and the demand for county services, the Madison County Government has kept spending increases to roughly the rate of inflation over that period. Despite the demands on spending, taxi rates on real estate have only increased slightly. Madison has the second lowest real estate tax rates in the surrounding area. The initial budget requests for 2026 FY represented a 12.7% increase in spending from 2025 FY. Through the persistent efforts of the Board of Supervisors and the county administration, the increase was reduced to 5.3 %. Many of the challenges with our budget this year stem from reductions in state support. Our school system lost $370,000 in state money due to an archaic funding formula that provided less money due to the decline in student enrollment. We also lost funding for one of our School Resource Officers (SRO), which had to be made up by the county. The loss of just these two items accounts for approximately 2/3 of the 2-cent increase in our Real Estate rate increase the was part of the budget. Despite having a $2.1 billion surplus in 2025 FY and a projected $3.2 billion surplus in 2026, the state government sees little need to send more funding to localities to help with schools and public safety. Our county tax rates are a major area of concern. The biggest source of revenue for the county is real estate taxes which represent 40% of the total local county revenue. The 2026 FY budget includes a 2-cent per hundred increase in the rate. This is the first increase in the rate in four years. The county also performed the state requirement for real estate property reassessment in 2025. The last reassessment was performed in 2019. Ifyou owned a house in Madison County during the 2019-2025 period, you have made a great investment. Overall average increase in housing values from the reassessment (which is based on market values) hovered around 50% with some properties seeing even higher appreciated assessed values. The property taxes on houses did not increase during the 2021-2025 period despite the inflationary pressures on county spending. The 2-cent per. hundred rate increase on the new higher reassessment values (after equalizing the rate 49 cents per hundred) represents a small increase in property taxes compared to the increase in values of home in the county and inflation. The following table compares two Madison County homes to illustrate this change in valuations and taxes: 2019 2025 Percentage 2021 Tax New annual increase Percent Cumulative Assessed Assessed increase in (annual tax tax based Increase Inflation Value Value Value paid since upon 2020-2025 2021) reassessment and 51 cents per hundred rate House 1 $215,900 $329,400 53% $1,597.66 $1,679.94 $82.28 4.1 % 26% House 2 $332,200 $505,000 52% $2,458.28 $2,575.50 $117.22 4.1 % 26% As displayed in the table above, housing values have increased significantly while taxes have not increased significantly. Iftaxes had increased with inflation, the new tax on house one would be $2,013.05 per year and the tax on house two would be $3,097.43 per year. If taxes had increased with assessed value, the new tax on house one would be $2,428.44 per year and the tax on house two would be $3,736.59 per year. Therefore, the amount of tax paid on houses in Madison County has declined in real dollars when inflation is considered. Madison County has reached the limits on spending without cutting into basic services. The obvious answer is to increase the tax base through sensible economic development. The Board of Supervisors created the Economic Development Committee (EDC) this spring and assigned the committee this task. The EDC has been actively investigating potential business investments and opportunities within the county. The EDC is guided by the Comprehensive Plan and the historical precedents practiced in the county. We will only develop businesses that promote the economic well-being of citizens while preserving our culture, lifestyle and natural resources. A1 town hall meeting will be held in August (a day to be determined) to update citizens on the EDC's progress and to invite input from citizens. In Summary, the Madison County Government has navigated the economic and political challenges of creating a budget that performs for the county citizens while only requiring needed resources from them. My gratitude extends to our Leadership on the Board of Supervisors which includes Clay Jackson, Chair and Carty Yowell, Vice-Chair and to our county administrative team lead by county administrator Jonathon Weakley and to all county officials and staff who jealously guard the money entrusted to them by our county residents. Jim Jewett Madison County Board of Supervisors