Floyd County Political News (2/13/09)

There were few items to take action on at the February meeting of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors; however, several individuals representing various agencies or interests made presentations to the Board. Representatives of Wingate and Associates, appraisal firm, talked about the upcoming reappraisal and sbsequent reassessment. State law dictates what assessors look at and how they will proceed. It is expected that the fieldwork will be completed by November, 2009 with public hearings to follow.

Carl Ayers, Director of the Floyd County Department of Social Services, stated that due to current economic conditions, food stamp applications are up 10% over last year and applications for energy assistance have surpassed last year's numbers. S-CHIP/FAMIS (childrens' insurance program) has been reauthorized by the U.S. Congress.

Marti Holliday, representing the New River District Planning Commission and Workforce Development, invited BOS members to participate in community converstions (visioning Floyd 2020) at The Floyd Country Store on March 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM. This is also a great way for all of us to give input as to what we would like to see happen /accomplished in Floyd County in the next 10 years.

Dan Campbell, Floyd County administrator, reported that he has met with representatives of the Floyd County Humane Society, Jerry Boothe and the animal control officer. Another meeting will be initiated but unfortunately it does not look like much will happen until a second animal control officer is hired.

Tammy Lemons and John McEnhill gave the BOS an update on activities and changes within New River Community Action (NRCA). Tammy's new title is regional assistance coordinator but she will still be based in Floyd. A federal review of Head Start earned the program an A+ rating. Demand for services from NRCA has greatly increased.

David Rundgren, New River Valley Planning District Commission (NRVPDC), gave an overview of conservation easements. He also talked about the PDC's help with revising Floyd County's comprehensive plan. This process is just starting and will look at all aspects of Floyd County development and planning.

Dr. Terry Arbogast, superintendent of Floyd County Schools, discussed several items with the Board. These items follow:
1. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Floyd County School Board and New River Community College has been executed. The purpose is to provide an off-campus alternative education site to teach students who have been long term suspended or expelled. There may be other students who will qualify on a case-by-case basis.
2. Dr. Arbogast discussed the impact of projected state budget cuts. He said his goal is to protect every staff position but, currently, does not know the revenue stream from the state or from the federal stimulus package.
3. Dr. Arbogast announced that a foundation, Floyd County Public Schools Foundation, has been established. This foundation will have a board of directors (nine members) and donors can earmark money for certain projects/causes or just donate to the school system.

Lee Chichester and Martha Sullivan from The Jacksonville Center received permission from the BOS to apply on the Board's behalf for a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

By consensus the BOS recommended that David Ingram, Dan Campbell and a community representative meet with U.S. Senators Warner and Webb as well as with Rep. Boucher in preparation for Floyd County to receive federal stimulus money.

There will be a Floyd County Board Of Supervisors planning retreat at the Floyd Country Store on February 28, 2009 beginning at 9:00 AM. As with all BOS meetings, this gathering is open to the public. In addition the first county budget work session will be on the evening of March 5, 2009 beginning at 6:30 PM at the Floyd County Administration Building.