05-03-2018 Work SessionWORK SESSION OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD IN
THE ROBERT C. CLAUD, SR. BOARD ROOM OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
COURTHOUSE ON THURSDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR TWO
THOUSAND AND EIGHTEEN
PRESENT:
Rudolph Jefferson, Chairman, Hardy District
William M. McCarty, Vice -Chairman, Newport District
Don G. Rosie, II, Carrsville District
Joel C. Acree, Windsor District
Richard L. Grice, Smithfield District
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Mark C. Popovich, County Attorney
Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator
Carey M. Storm, Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Jefferson called the work session of the Board of Supervisors to order at
6:00 p.m. and welcomed all present.
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Supervisor McCarty delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American flag.
County Administrator Keaton disseminated proposed budget amendments to the
FY2018-19 Operating and Capital budget incorporating a School Resource Officer,
requested changes to appropriations to the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and
Paul D. Camp Community College and various other adjustments to the General
Fund for a total budget of $74,460,860. No draw from the Fund Balance and no
tax increase was emphasized.
The Board was reminded that a special meeting for adoption of the proposed
FY2018-19 budget is set for May 10, 2018.
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator, provided an update to the
proposed 2018-19 Capital Budget under Expenditures in the categories of Fire &
Rescue, Schools, Public Utilities/Water, Public Works, Transportation, Stormwater
and Contingency and under Revenues in the categories of Proffers, Fund
Balance/Reserves, current Bonded and Grants/Other.
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County Attorney Popovich provided an overview of proposed changes to the Isle
of Wight Code Chapter 15, Taxation.
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It was the consensus of the Board that the proposed changes be advertised for
public hearing.
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Gerald H. Gwaltney, Commissioner of Revenue, provided an overview of the
Business License tax under the four major categories of Contractors, Retail Sales,
Financial Real Estate and Personal/Business and Other Services. Those not
subject to a license tax pursuant to the Code of Virginia were outlined. The tax
rate of $100 for gross receipts and thresholds were overviewed and it was noted
that the County charges the same rate as other localities in the Hampton Roads
region.
Mr. Gwaltney presented a chart depicting the potential impact on the County's
revenue stream if the threshold of $4,000 was increased to $10,000, and a second
option of a graduated tax rate. Adjusting the amounts equally across the board
was discussed which revealed a much more significant revenue impact to the
County.
Scenarios of potential rate adjustments to the various categories were explored
revealing different levels of revenue loss and creating disparity to other
categories.
The importance of small businesses in the County was recognized as evidenced by
the collection of $841,000 in business license taxes to date.
It was suggested that Mr. Gwaltney prepare a more in-depth presentation so that
citizens might be enlightened qn the financial impact associated with adjusting
the Business License tax.
The consensus of the Board was to further discuss and evaluate methods of
potentially adjusting the rates.
Supervisor McCarty left the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and did not return.
Following a recess, County Attorney Popovich presented proposed revisions to
the Isle of Wight County Code incorporating new permit requirements for public
demonstrations.
There was discussion involving what a reasonable fee would be for the issuance of
a permit; the ratio needed for officer versus demonstrator; the inclusion of a
monetary provision to address property damage in the event of a non -peaceful
demonstration; the feasibility of incorporating insurance to recover any damages
incurred; and bonding.
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The need to have a policy in place was noted as important, citing that it could be
amended, if needed and staff was directed to advertise the revisions, as
proposed, for public hearing at the Board's June meeting.
Don Jennings, Director of Public Utilities, provided an overview of the County-
wide hydrant maintenance program charged with ensuring that all hydrants are
accessible and operable and having them painted according to a nationally
recognized system to identify the flow from each hydrant.
Discussion on the importance of working private hydrants was discussed and staff
was referred to the City of Chesapeake which requires that all hydrants be
annually inspected and certified.
Having the GPM of private hydrants on file for first responders was noted as
important.
A follow up date in the notice was recommended, as well as more understandable
language. The addition of a line stating it impacts not only the owner, but his
neighbors, was suggested, as well as providing a copy of the letter to all
surrounding property owners. It was noted that the media has been alerted
about this upcoming program.
County Administrator Keaton was requested to invite the Smithfield and Windsor
Town council members to attend a future Board meeting for sharing information
on a quarterly basis.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:30 p.m., Chairman Jefferson declared the work session adjourned.
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Rudolph Jefferson, Chairman
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