Floyd County Political News--3/2/10

Since the February meeting of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors there have been several meetings on the budget for 2010-2011. Hard decisions have been made related to maintaining, cutting or or totally curtailing programs. The one unknown at the present time is the state's contribution to public education in Floyd. Supposedly, this will be known by March 13th but it is estimated the cuts will range from $1.6 to 2.1 million.



The draft budget shows real estate collection at the same level as the current budget. Based upon the grand total increase in the real estate valuation it appears that the the real estate tax levy will stay within the $0.44 or $0.45 per $100 valuation. Because of state cuts in education of $1.6 to 2.1 million to Floyd County and the BOS reluctance to increase local effort toward the schools, education in Floyd County will suffer. In addition without increased local revenue safety issues raised by the sheriff and commonwealth's attorney cannot be met, other constitutional offices cannot be supplemented and funding to many agencies that are vital to our well-being must be cut or eliminated. Finally, this budget is not addressing reduction of the debt the county incurs each year to keep the local government operating.

How much longer can Floyd County make the minimum effort? Once the economic downturn passes, how will Floyd County, already behind from years of sub-par funding, catch up?

Floyd County Political News (2/11/10)

The Floyd County Board Of Supervisors met on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the Floyd County Administration Building. This was a snowy, mixed precipitation day but typical of our current winter.

I would characterize Tuesday as one of information gathering. Stephanie Murray-Shortt, Commonwealth's Attorney, said she is anticipating another $20,000 in cuts to her office from the state. This would necessitate her losing a part-time position in her office and would further hamper the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the office. Remember this office continues to deal with high profile cases that take a lot of preparation time.

Sheriff Zeman stated that state budget cuts will have a drastic effect on his office and will compromise the safety of the citizens of Floyd County. By one proposal he could lose six deputies over the next two years leaving only three deputies working throughout the county.

Carl Ayers, director of Floyd County Department of Social Services, spoke of the continuing rise in demand for Food Stamps and help with utility bills. Carl also made the BOS aware of a proposal in the state senate to regionalize departments of social services. This is modeled after the current Community Service Board set up. If this were to happen it would be a tremendous loss to Floyd and the clients that DSS serves.

The BOS adjourned until February 18th at 6:00PM for it's first budget work session at the county administration building

Floyd County Political News--1/15/10

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors met on January 12, 2010 at the Floyd County Administration Building. There was significant discussion related to state budget cuts and the impact on localities. These cuts will be the subject of more discussion as the BOS works to craft a new budget.

Carl Ayers, director of Floyd County Department of Social Services, stated that demand for services from his agency (Food Stamps, Medicaid and TANF) was up 25 % in December, 2009 over December, 2008. He listed numerous areas where his agency is facing cuts.

Don Thomas, an appraiser with Wingate and Associates, talked about the conclusion of the appraisal process. All real property in Floyd County is valued at $1.8 billion. An Equalization Board has been named and includes David Peters, Jim Richards, Judy Anderson, Monty Moran and Evelyn Janney. Meetings are scheduled for January 19th, January 22nd and February 1st for the purpose of hearing complaints of inequalities, including, errors in acreage. Meetings will be held at the Floyd County Administration Building and citizens must call (540)745-9354 to make an appointment.

Dr.Terry Arbogast, superintendent of Floyd County Schools, stated that the December 1, 2009 unduplicated, special education child count was 324 (15.52 % of the school population of 2087).
He also gave the BOS preliminary results of Fall SOL scores from Floyd County High School. These scores are excellent and reflect the hard work of all involved.

Other actions or discussions of the BOS follow:
1. On a 3-2 vote approved the Erosion and Sediment Ordinance.
2. Bob Beasley (VDOT) said that lay-off notices were given to many VDOT employees including himself. The Hillsville office will also close on that date and then Floyd County will be part of a district that includes Montgomery and Giles.
3. Maintained the way the Floyd County school budget is proposed, adopted and administered throughout the fiscal year.
4. Set the hearing for the secondary road construction plan for March 9, 2010 at 7:00PM at the county administration building with a snow date of (2/11/10).
5. Approved purchasing software to bill in-house for emergency services, a move that will save the county approximately $14,000 per year.

Floyd County Political News--1/15/10

Congratulations to Willis Elementary on being selected for a Governor's Award for Excellence in Eduation . There were only 14 other schools chosen for this elite award in Virginia.

Floyd County Political News--1/6/10

At an adjourned meeting of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors (1/5/10) the following actions were taken toward reorganization:
(1) David Ingram was re-elected chairman and Fred Gerald is vice-chairman.
(2) Regular board meetings will continue to be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30 AM at the Floyd County Administration Building.
(3) Fred Gerald will continue to represent the BOS on the Floyd-Floyd County Planning Commission and the New River Valley Planning District Comission.
(4) David Ingram will be the legislative contact from the BOS to the Virginia Association of Counties.
(5) Case Clinger was appointed to the Floyd County Social Services Board.
(6) Bill Gardner will be the the BOS liaison to the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library system.
The regular BOS meeting will be at 8:30 AM on January 12, 2010 at the county administration building.

Floyd County Political News--12/14/09

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Floyd County administration Building. On a 3-2 vote the BOS adopted a resolution that allows the county to borrow $900,000 from the Virginia Municipal League-Va. Association Of Counties loan program. This money will be used for purchasing fire and solid waste equipment . The initial payment and fees are in the current budget and will be a budget item through the length of the loan (2010). For the first 12 months the rate will be 1.73% and after 12 months 1.58%.

Carl Ayers, Department of Social Services, stated that case loads are up 48% from last year for Medicaid and Food Stamps. Currently 1743 floyd County citizens are on Food Stamps. Energy assistance had 602 applications this year and reflects a 20% increase over 2008.

It was announced that the Floyd County Health Department is closer to obligating a new space. The health department will be in transitional quarters until the new space is renovated.

Dr. Terry Arbogast, Floyd County Schools, brought the BOS up to date on several initiatives. In September all schools went through an accreditation review, AdvancED. All schools met the expectations and responsibilities for accreditation without reservation.Dr. Arbogast also reported a current enrollment of 2086.

The Erosion - Sediment Ordinance is on the agenda for January since additional details need to be worked out.

I would like to pay tribute and thank Jerry Boothe for his many years of service to the BOS and to the citizens of Floyd County since this was Jerry's last meeting.

The BOS adjourned until January 5, 2010 at the county administration building for reorganization at 6:00PM. Snow date is 1/7/10 at 6:00PM.

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.