The Henry County Board of Supervisors capped off American Heart Month by buying six new LifePak 35 Heart Monitors for the Public Safety Operations Division.
The new equipment is both an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor and a defibrillator, which allows emergency responders to not only monitor a patient’s heart activity but also to deliver life-saving shocks if needed. This dual capability is crucial for treating life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
“We are incredibly grateful for the addition of these six new cutting-edge heart monitors to our fleet,” said Matt Tatum, Director of Public Safety. “This purchase is a game-changer for our team, allowing us to quickly assess and diagnose cardiac emergencies on the spot. With these devices, our staff will be able to make faster, more informed decisions, ultimately saving valuable time when seconds matter most.”
The county is purchasing the LifePak 35 Heart Monitors through a $355,752 contract with Stryker Corporation. Half of the amount will be paid through a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant. The remaining $177,876 was taken from the county’s general fund to provide a match for the grant.
Along with its advantages in terms of portability and ease of use, the LifePak 35 is capable of transmitting patient data directly to the hospital, which enables medical staff to prepare in advance for the patient’s arrival. This seamless data transfer can significantly reduce response times and improve patient outcomes, as hospital teams are already aware of the patient’s condition before they even arrive.
Also at its February 25 meeting, the board heard from County Treasurer Scott Grindstaff about a proposal of maintaining the current tax schedule but adding a due date of Feb. 6.
“I’d like to see the due dates and the late dates changed,” Grindstaff said.
The proposed change would also adjust the real estate tax due date to October each year. Currently, late payments incur a 10 percent penalty immediately, but under the proposed change, citizens would have a 15-day grace period before penalties apply. A public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for March 25.
Garrett Dillard, of the Iriswood District, asked if the county could allow residents to pay taxes with a credit card without charging a convenience fee. He was told that state law requires the county to collect 100 percent of the tax. Absorbing the fee could cost the county a significant amount.
For instance, if the county collected $100,000 and took on the cost of the convenience fee, it would lose $3,000, according to the discussion.
Grindstaff said the county had no way around the requirement. “Do you want to collect full tax, or do you not want to collect full tax?”
Pam Cobbler, of the Reed Creek District, suggested allowing residents to make payments in installments.
“I will tell you right now, 90 percent of those people paid cash,” Grindstaff said.
County Administrator and PSA Manager Dale Wagoner said that General Assembly bills that would have removed local control over solar farm approvals were not passed. However, he expects the issue to return next year.
Lisa Hughes, Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), updated the board on local roadwork. Work will begin in early March near Speedway Convenience Store at Dyer Street. VDOT agreed to review the speed limit on Reed Creek Drive and evaluate road markings in the area.
In other matters, the board:
- Approved an additional appropriation of $257,251 received from the fiscal year 2025 Virginia Fire Programs “Aid-to-Localities” fund to purchase a fire truck for the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $20,000 from miscellaneous refunds and revenues to cover the salary expenses for a part-time position in the Circuit Court Clerk of Court’s office.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $551,164 received from the Virginia Department of Education due to the recalculation of the average daily membership for all school divisions and the increase in funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative. The county contributed an additional $32,204 for the local match to those funds.
- Presented the Community Connected Citizen Award to CD Prillaman.
- Held a public hearing and approved the rezoning of 0.53 acres in the Blackberry District, from Suburban Residential to Rural Residential. The applicant wishes to place a single-family dwelling on the property.
- Reappointed Barry Nelson to the Industrial Development Authority for a 4-year term, scheduled to expire on March 31, 2029.
- Reappointed Stuart Bowman, Glenwood Vaughn, and Hal Dee West to the Planning Commission for 4-year terms, scheduled to expire on March 31, 2029.
- Appointed Joseph Pigg, Jr., to the Public Safety Authority for an unexpired term, scheduled to expire on January 5, 2028.
- Reappointed Tierra Dillard to the Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program Board for a 3-year term, scheduled to expire on March 31, 2028.
