The Henry County Board of Supervisors presented the 2023 Jack Dalton Community Service Award to Joel Barnes at its January 23 meeting.
Barnes, a Horsepasture native, said, “I know Mr. Dalton played an important role in Henry County over the years, and to me classified in these certain qualifications is certainly an honor.
“I’d like to thank Henry County for letting me be a part of fire, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), and public safety over the last 46 years,” he said.
Debra Buchanan, of the Horsepasture District, read a resolution stating that Barnes has actively served his community in various roles for 46 years.
“Mr. Barnes joined the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department in 1977, and has served as first and second lieutenant, president, vice-president, assistant chief, and as chief from 1985 through 1990,” she read.
When Barnes was the department’s chief, Buchanan said he coordinated with the Ridgeway Rescue Squad to establish a substation in Horsepasture. It later became the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad.
“Whereas Mr. Barnes has mentored the youth as a coach with Henry County Parks and Recreation and has sponsored several teams each year with boys’ baseball and girls’ softball,” she read. “Barnes takes care of elderly community members by preparing meals and stands ready to assist anyone he can with groceries, fuel, or company.”
Buchanan added the board encourages county residents to emulate the good deeds of Barnes “who is a true public servant in our community.”
County Administrator Dale Wagoner said the award was established by the board in 2001.
“The award is presented annually to the Henry County resident that best exemplifies this standard for community service set by the late Mr. Dalton,” he said.
Dalton served on the Henry County Board of Supervisors for more than 24 years and was serving as its chairman at the time of his death on May 4, 2000.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the Local Business and Employment Notice and the HUD Grievance Procedure as it relates to the Fieldale Recreation Center Interior Renovation grant.
*Awarded a contract to Haymes Brothers, Inc., in the amount of $1,230,470 for the construction of phase 6-A2 of the Dick and Willie Passage Trail.
*Approved an additional appropriation of fiscal year (FY) 2023 carryover funds in the amount of $51,732 to the facilities category of the FY24 School budget.
*Approved an additional appropriation and awarded a contract of $107,679 to Town Police Supply for the purchase of patrol rifles for the Sheriff’s Office.
*Approved an additional appropriation of $28,975 received from the insurance settlement from a damaged tractor. The funds will go towards the replacement of the tractor for the Parks & Recreation Department.
*Heard an update on the county’s local energy efficiency action plan.
*Heard an update on the county’s housing assessment.
*Heard an update on services provided by Piedmont Community Services from Executive Director Greg Preston.
*Conducted a public hearing and approved the abandonment of 50-feet of undeveloped right-of-way along Oak Level Road.
*Conducted a public hearing and approved the abandonment of State Route 9199 in the Ridgeway District.
*Approved an additional appropriation of $4,175,201 to the FY24 School budget, received as part of the Commonwealth’s All In Virginia Initiative.
*Approved a siting agreement with Shifting Sands Solar, LLC.
*Appointed Barry Jarrett to an unexpired term on the Industrial Development Authority, scheduled to end March 31, 2026.
*Approved the items of consent.
*Heard informational items from the board.
*Heard an update on general highway matters from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) from regional engineer Lisa Price-Hughes.
*Appropriated $1 million to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to facilitate the purchase of land, building, and all improvements thereto located at 1320 Beaver Creek Drive, and authorized the chairman to execute all documents related to this transition.
