By Taylor Boyd
A motion to approve an appropriation of $532,239 from the Henry County School Board’s fiscal year 2025 unexpended local funds for the installation of generators at three schools failed with a 2-3-1 vote at the March 24 meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors.
Garrett Dillard, of the Iriswood District, made the motion, which was seconded by Pam Cobler, of the Reed Creek District.
Chairman Jim Adams, of the Blackberry District; Vice-Chairman Travis Pruitt, of the Ridgeway District, and Debra Buchanan, of the Horsepasture District, voted no.
Chris Lawless, of the Collinsville District, abstained from voting.
County Administrator Dale Wagoner said county staff recommended that the board allow the county to have the funds available until the General Assembly approves its fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
Before voting on the motion, Dillard, who is employed in the school system, asked Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis how the funds would impact the school.
“We are seeking to use those for some critical safety projects that include those generators at three schools-” Mt. Olivet Elementary School, Axton Elementary School, and Drewry Mason Elementary School. “I want to stress to you all that these are not new funds, they’re dollars that have already been allocated to the school division,” she said.
Because the request exceeds what the county provided above the required local share, Blake-Lewis said a portion of the funds are state dollars intended for education.
Blake-Lewis also cited state code, which states the 2025 General Assembly overrides a former code section and permits a school division that has met required local effort and required local match for fiscal year 2025 to carry forward any fund balance that is unexpended.
“I don’t think that could be any more clear. I also want to add that this places the school division where we feel we’re being penalized for good stewardship. We’re being thoughtful in how we manage our resources and how we set aside funds to address facility and maintenance needs that are not eligible under the one percent sales tax,” she said.
Pruitt asked if grant funds could be available for the generator project.
Blake-Lewis said the division has secured a grant for some functions and is utilizing some one percent sales tax that are considered “a major renovation. But our goal is to have all the schools available for public use in the event of an emergency. I don’t think I need to remind any of you of the winter storms that we endured just back in January.
“If all of our schools had been properly outfitted with these generators, looking at future potential events if we lose power for an extended period of time our schools would become those shelters and warming centers for the community,” Blake-Lewis said, adding this project is the division being active and proactive of the community it serves.
School Board Vice-Chairman Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District, also voiced his support for the motion.
Debra Buchanan, of the Horsepasture District, said the county is also trying to be a good steward of taxpayer money.
“I think we’re all in this together to be good stewards of the taxpayer’s money. We don’t have numbers yet from the state about what’s coming back to the locality, so it’s still kind of up in the air,” she said.
Wagoner noted changes to the Local Composite Index (LCI) automatically increased the county’s contribution requirements to the school system and changes to the health department’s formula changes how much money the county will provide to the division annually.
“As well as all the other unfunded mandates from the Commonwealth including CSA (Child Service Authority) funding and pay raise for constitutional officers and teachers. There is absolutely uncertainty with the budget,” Wagoner said.
Buchanan asked if the request could be tabled until after the General Assembly passes its budget.
Wagoner replied staff recommended the supervisors allow the county to have the funding available to it as it works through its budget.
“There is going to be a lot of uncertainty in whatever budget we present to you all,” he said.
In other matters, the board:
*Presented the Community Connected Citizen Award to Naomi Hodge-Muse.
*Heard an update on District 7 from State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta.
*Tabled approving a resolution establishing Hospital to Home, LLC as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency in Henry County.
*Approved an additional appropriation of $73,560 received through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Jail-Based Substance Use Treatment Grant program to cover overtime pay for deputies facilitating inmate movement to and from substance abuse programs at the Adult Detention Center.
*Approved a resolution honoring the Carlisle School girls’ basketball team for their Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) Division III state championship win.
*Conducted a public hearing and approved a request to rezone parcels in the Blackberry District from Suburban Residential District (S-R) to Agricultural District (A-1). The applicant wishes to combine the parcels to construct and accessory buildings.
*Approved a resolution opposing bills in the General Assembly that would impose mandatory collective bargaining on localities throughout the state.
*Approved a performance agreement with FKC America.
*Approved a deed of easement with Bassett Furniture Industries for public access to the Smith River off Trent Hill Drive
*Approved $5,000 from the Community Impact Fund to the Dream Center to fund a community project to address the county’s litter issue.
*Approved using up to $1,200 from the Community Impact Fund to cover the entrance fee costs for Virginia Storm home games at the Smith River Sports Complex for anyone who wishes to attend.
*Approved sending a potential tire ordinance to County Attorney George Lyle to be reviewed before being presented to the board at the next meeting.
*Approved giving Friday, April 3, or Good Friday, as a day off to county employees.
*Approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as child abuse prevention month.
*Heard an update on general highway matters.
*Heard an update from the Blue Ridge Regional Library.
*Approved the items of consent.
*Heard the monthly report on delinquent tax collection efforts.
*Heard an update from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation.
