By Debbie Hall
The Henry County Board of Supervisors will discuss a Voluntary Settlement Agreement (VSA) related to reversion at its Dec. 14 meeting.
The agreement between the county and the City of Martinsville was discussed by the board at the end of a Nov. 23 public hearing. However, the board took no action at the time.
In other matters at the 3 p.m. meeting in the Summerlin Room of the Henry County Administration Building, the board will:
* Consider a path forward for realignment of the county’s magisterial district. With the release of updated Census information every 10 years, localities are required to revisit magisterial district borders to ensure all requirements are met based on population. This process was impacted by delays in receiving Census data because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
* The firm of Creedle, Jones and Alga, P.C., will present its audit of county accounts for the fiscal year that ended June 30.
* Consider buying land from Anne Vipperman and accepting donated land from Newco, Inc. to develop Riverview Park. In July, the county was awarded $495,000 from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Land and Water Conservation Fund to buy 56 acres adjacent to the Smith River Sports Complex. A local foundation is donating 60 acres. Combined, the county will have approximately 117 acres for the new park.
* Hear from two residents – the Rev. Tyler Millner plans to discuss reversion, and Doug Stegall will discuss health insurance.
* Hear an update on delinquent tax collection efforts by Treasurer Scott Grindstaff.
* Consider projects for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Each year the West Piedmont Regional Economic Development District, which serves Henry, Patrick, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties, the cities of Martinsville and Danville, and the town of Rocky Mount, compiles an updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The plan will be forwarded to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to maintain the eligibility of the participating localities to receive EDA funding.
* Consider setting a date and time for the board’s 2022 Organizational Meeting, as required soon after the first of the year. During that meeting, the board also will set its meeting dates for the 2022 calendar year and elect a chairman and vice-chairman.
* Consider an additional appropriation of Four-for-Life Funds. The county recently received $53,422.72 from the Commonwealth’s Four-for-Life, return-to-localities fund. This fund is derived from a fee charged by the state on each vehicle registered in the county. The funds must be used for emergency medical services training, supplies, or equipment. In the past, the funds were distributed equally among the five rescue squads and the Department of Public Safety for ambulance operations. If the board chooses to divide the funds among the six departments equally, each will receive $8,903.78.
*Consider meeting in closed session to discuss appointees to Blue Ridge Regional Library Board, Patriot Centre/CCBC Advisory Board, and Southern Area Agency on Aging; discuss pending legal matters; the acquisition or disposal of real estate; as-yet unannounced industries and personnel matters.
The board also will meet at 6 p.m., to discuss:
*A resolution recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
* Hear an update on General Highway Matters by Lisa Price-Hughes, resident engineer of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
* A swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials that include Henry County Board of Supervisors members Jim Adams, Blackberry District; Joe A. Bryant, Collinsville District; Garrett L. Dillard, Iriswood District. Henry County School Board members Thomas E. Auker, Blackberry District; Elizabeth A. Durden, Collinsville District, and Benjamin E. Gravely, Iriswood District.
