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04-08-2021 Regular Meeting REGULAR MEETING 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 LOCATED AT 17090 MONUMENT CIRCLE, ISLE OF WIGHT, VIRGINIA ON THURSDAY, THE EIGHTH DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY ONE PRESENT: Richard L. Grice, Smithfield District, Chairman Don G. Rosie, II, Carrsville District, Vice-Chairman William M. McCarty, Newport District Joel C. Acree, Windsor District (via electronically from Lancaster, Pennsylvania) ABSENT: Rudolph Jefferson, Hardy District ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Robert W. Jones, Jr., County Attorney Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator Carey Mills Storm, Clerk CALL TO ORDER Chairman Grice called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. County Attorney Jones advised that under State Code and the Board's by-laws, a Board member can participate remotely in a meeting if a quorum is assembled and the member has requested and notified the Chairman that he wishes to appear remotely/electronically. He advised that Supervisor Acree will be participating electronically due to a personal reason which requires no Board vote for him to participate remotely but does require him to state the remote location from which he is participating. Supervisor Acree advised that he would be participating electronically from Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a personal reason. Supervisor McCarty moved to allow Supervisor Acree to participate in the meeting electronically. The motion was adopted (3-0-1) with Supervisors Rosie, McCarty and Grice voting in favor of the motion; no Supervisor voting against the motion; and Supervisor Jefferson absent from the meeting. Supervisor Acree thereafter joined the meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On motion of Supervisor McCarty, the agenda was approved (4-0-1) as presented with Supervisors Rosie, Acree, McCarty and Grice voting in favor of the motion; no 1 Supervisor voting against the motion; and Supervisor Jefferson absent from the meeting. INVOCATION Supervisor Rosie delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT County Administrator Keaton reviewed the proposed 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Budget consisting of increases totaling $6.3 million dollars in the following categories: $3,155,000 in Real Property taxes of $0.04; $1,969,000 in Personal Property taxes; $275,000 in the Sales & Use tax; $645,916 in the transfer from Debt Service Revenue; $275,502 associated with an indirect cost (Department of Social Services), $200,000 associated with County Tax on Record/Wills and a $110,000 increase in building permits, followed by a review of decreases in the budget in the areas of $1,9800,000 in Debt Service Reserve; $963,465 in Capital Projects; $568,927 in debt service (2020) bonds; $370,000 in economic Incentive; and, $345,623 in pay and benefits. A recap of proposed new positions was provided. Lieutenant Tommy Potter, Sheriff's Department, provided an overview of new positions within that organization. It was noted as important that constituents be made aware that the proposed tax increase is not related to operational costs of the County and strictly for the servicing of bonds, one already issued and another soon to be issued; that this will be the first tax increase in over eight years; and, that at the end of nine years, it will roll back to the $.85. It was further noted that the County will be submitting another request to the State next year regarding a 1% sales tax and, if approved, the real estate tax will immediately roll back to $.85. Lieutenant Potter provided an overview of the departments within the Sheriff's office, to include the Animal Control Department. He notified the Board of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Towns of Windsor and Smithfield and the Sheriffs Office related to calls and the need for backup. Chief of Emergency Services, Pat Humphries, provided an outline of the organizational chart within the Department of Emergency Services. County Administrator Keaton reviewed the Utility Fund which does not contain any increase in the water and sewer rates. Gerald H. Gwaltney, Commissioner of Revenue, addressed qualifications for the elderly and totally disabled receiving tax relief. He was requested to advise County Administrator Keaton what it would take to increase the current income level or the rate of discount. Mr. Gwaltney offered to look at the different parameters so that the Board could decide the direction it wishes to go in. 2 ADJOURNMENT At 8:30 p.m., Chairman Grice declared the meeting adjourned. 567-rrt _dada Richard LAW airman Carey Mills Storm, Clerk 3