Floyd County Political News (11/17/09)

Due to state compensation board budget cuts, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors once again approved reductions to the offices of commonwealth's attorney, sheriff, treasurer, circuit court clerk, commissioner of revenue and registrar. This continues to be the governor's approach in meeting state budgetary shortfalls. I have asked that before formulating the 2010 county budget that the BOS meet with these officers to discuss office needs in order to maintain the level of services they are currently providing.

Carl Ayers, director of Floyd County Department of Social Services, reported on the tremendous increases in demand for services (food stamps, fuel assistance, Medicaid, and child protective services). He stated that statewide DSS is "woefully underfunded and is failing. People are unhappy about not being seen soon enough."

At 3:00PM there was a public hearing related to mandated changes in the county's Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Approval of the plan was rejected on a 3-2 vote but will be on the agenda again in December for reconsideration. The sticking point appears to be increased inspections and the possible need for an additional person to fulfill the requirements of the ordinance.