During its meeting on Tues., June 7, the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors approved adding $1,433,190.50 of funding from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act to its 2022-2023 budget.
In other action taken, Dr. Ronald Goings was appointed to fill the position on the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library Board that Matt Garten, whose term of service will expire on June 30, must vacate. A rule prevents Garten from serving consecutive terms.
Currently, Shannon Cox and James Griffith serve on the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, but their terms expire on June 30 as well, and only one can continue to serve due to a rule change.
Cox agreed to let Griffith continue serving, and the Board approved his appointment to continue in that capacity.
Town of Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine questioned why Alleghany County needs to increase its annual refuse fee from $60 to $80 per household.
He pointed out that the increase will impose a hardship on the elderly citizens who are living on fixed incomes.
Currently, pursuant to Sections 15.2-107 and 14.2-2 122 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended and agreements between the parties, the possible adoption of sewer rates for the Town of Clifton Forge and the Town of Iron Gate are as follows: Clifton Forge, FY 2023 Rate, $3.96/1,000 gallons; and Iron Gate, FY 2023 Rate, $16,810.00 per month.
The Board also approved the appointment of Johnathan Fitch as director of public safety, the position Ryan Muterspaugh had held.
The Board agreed to discuss and consider an agreement between Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and Alleghany County.
Also approved by the Board were future discussions and considerations for recreational access grant funding to improve Rose Dale Park, the adoption of “Alleghany County Procurement Guidelines,” the adoption of the revised “Classification Pay Plan” and the “Memorandum of Understanding with the Alleghany County School Board” in relation to transfer of school property to the County.
Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall invited members of the Board to come and view the new body scanner that has been installed.
Reid Walters presented his report to the Board, and he noted that the budget appears to be a good one.
VDOT Resident Engineer Susan Hammond reported that recent storms have downed a number of trees that have been removed from roadways, and she said that bridge repairs continue.
The Board will meet on Tues., June 21 to vote on approving the 2022-2023 budget.