Floyd County Political News

During the public comment period of the monthly meeting of the Floyd County Board Of Supervisors (8/12/08), the Rev. Warren Brown of Faith Baptist Church, spoke in opposition to an ABC license application for Shooting Creek Farm Brewery. This microbrewery has plans to produce up to 10,000 gallons of beer per year and to have a tasting room. His comments centered on increased traffic on Thomas Farm Road, neighborhood opposition and safety issues related to the traffic. Pastor Brown also made the Board aware of a public hearing before the ABC Board in Roanoke on 8/13/08.

According to Carl Ayers, director of the Department of Social Services, there is a 17% increase in applications for fuel assistance over the last two years, a troubling statistic as winter approaches.

There was an excellent presentation to the BOS by Cathy Shaut and Darcie Luster of the Floyd Co. Humane Society. The focus of the presentation was to ask the county to partner with the society to make the animal shelter more accessible using volunteers to increase the hours of operation. Members of the Floyd Co. Humane Society said they are "here to help" by feeding animals and cleaning cages, photographing dogs for the website, increasing adoptions while reducing euthanasia. As a member of the BOS I found it refreshing to see such a committed group of volunteers offering their services to Floyd County.
Dan Campbell, county administrator, presented a plan to increase Floyd County's recycling rate (plan available at the county office). The rate must be 15% or higher according to DEQ.

Dr. Arbogast, superintendent of Schools, talked about school opening on August 21, 2008 and said that projected enrollment as of 8/12/08 is 2067.5. One disturbing piece of news, because of state budget shortfalls, budget cuts in November could impact the state's basic aid to education. Dr. Arbogast said he had received no confirmation of this but would keep the BOS informed.