5-4-2023 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 LOCATED AT 17090 MONUMENT CIRCLE, ISLE OF WIGHT, VIRGINIA
ON THURSDAY, THE FOURTH DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND
TWENTY-THREE
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
William M. McCarty, District 2, Chairman
Joel C. Acree, District 4, Vice -Chairman
Richard L. Grice, District 1
Don G. Rosie, II, District 5
Rudolph Jefferson, District 3
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator
Robert W. Jones, Jr., County Attorney
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McCarty called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On motion of Supervisor Grice, the agenda was unanimously approved (5-0) with
Supervisors McCarty, Acree, Grice, Jefferson and Rosie voting in favor of the motion
and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
INVOCATION
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator, delivered the invocation and
led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Sheriff Clarke introduced Sgt. Randy Campbell, True Blue Solutions, who
addressed the Board regarding a school zone photo speed enforcement program
designed to deter speeding in school zones.
Discussion by the Board followed related to the desire to have a program in place by
the start of school next year. The Board was apprised contracts could be signed by
late May and the program in operation by October or early November.
Vice -Chairman Acree noted this is the first presentation received regarding this type
of program and he voiced his interest in implementing a school bus camera program.
Sheriff Clarke confirmed that if this program is implemented, summons could be
reviewed by existing officers in his department and no additional personnel would be
necessary.
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Supervisor Grice suggested revenue received from this program could be used to fund
the school's undertaking and review of its security programs.
It was the consensus of the Board to further discuss this matter and staff was
directed to add this matter to the Board's May 18, 2023 regular meeting agenda.
Chris Morello, Director of Economic Development, addressed the Board regarding the
recently created Energy Task Force.
The consensus of the Board was for staff to proceed although the Task Force is not
yet fully formed and lacks a member to represent the Carrsville District.
Supervisor Grice recommended a Mission Statement be created, to include
objectives and a timeline for the Task Force's recommendations. He suggested that
the Task Force, if constructive, could be turned into an ongoing
board/commission/committee.
Supervisor Grice moved that Michael G. Smith be appointed to serve on the Energy
Task Force as the at -large appointee from the Town of Smithfield. The motion was
unanimously adopted (5-0) with Supervisors McCarty, Acree, Grice, Jefferson and
Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
Gerald H. Gwaltney, Commissioner of Revenue, provided the final reassessment
results which revealed a 34% increase in residential properties; a 26% increase in
multi -family properties; and, an 11% increase in commercial properties. He advised
that a home in 2022 that was valued at $225,000 would now be valued at $288,000
based on a 28% increase in value. He advised that in order to generate the same
amount of tax to make it revenue neutral, the current $.85 rate would need to be
lowered to $.66. He concluded his presentation with a review of the appeal process
which will begin when tax notices are mailed out.
County Administrator Keaton provided an update on changes made to the budget
following the Board's last meeting related to additional elderly/disabled tax relief of
$200,000; an additional capital transfer of $438,000; additional school funds in the
amount of $322,500; additional fire department funds of $10,500; and, additional
Sheriff Department funds in the amount of $422,000. He confirmed that an
additional $3,114,000 in funding over and above last year's amount was received by
the School Division. Following an outline of additional budget adjustments in the
total amount of $63,551, County Administrator Keaton concluded his presentation
with a chart depicting proposed real estate tax rates for Surry, York, James City
County, Southampton County, and the cities of Franklin, Suffolk, Hampton and
Newport News.
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Vice -Chairman Acree requested that the Board be notified under the Consent Agenda
section of future agendas when County vehicles are being considered for purchase.
Supervisor Grice requested a public review of the capital report in the future.
County Attorney Jones advised that he would proceed with advertisement of a public
hearing to set the County's Real Estate Tax rate at $.73 and $1.95 for the Machinery
& Tools Tax rate.
Mr. Gwaltney provided a brief presentation on proposed tax relief for the elderly and
disabled.
Supervisor Jefferson requested a status of Tyler's Beach Boat Harbor, Bradby's Park
and the Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department renovation.
Vice -Chairman Acree directed staff to provide a status report on the Carrollton
Volunteer Fire Department and Dominion Power's presentation on new meters on
the agenda for the Board's June 15, 2023 regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:30 p.m., Chairman McCarty declared the work session adjourned.
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
William M. illa ty, Sr., Chairman
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