The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – On Tuesday, Dec 3, the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors met to discuss ongoing projects and celebrate many big accomplishments as the year ends. Board members spent time recognizing the service and deserved retirement of several county employees.
First, Kevin Hall, Sherriff’s Office, for 16 years of service. Sylvia Tolley-Ayers, Sheriff’s Office, with 19 years of service. Valerie Bruffey, Commissioner of Revenue Office, celebrated 20 years of service. Michael Ailstock, also with the Sherriff’s Office was recognized for 23.5 years of service. Richard Fridley, Sherriff’s Office, 24.5 years of service. Terrie Rhea had the longest service recognized with 32.5 years working at the Commissioner of the Revenue Office. Board members thanked each of those recognized.
The Board then held a public hearing to consider an application for rezoning the building at 129 Mall Road from B-1 zoning to B-2 zoning to allow for climate-controlled mini-storage.
In new business, Donald Lugar presented his thoughts regarding personal property tax scheduling. Lugar raised concern over the short notice from receiving county property tax statements just before the due date and urged county board members to consider moving from a yearly statement to a bi-annual statement. Lugar indicated that many county residents had expressed the burden of having a large tax bill due just a few weeks before Christmas without much time to prepare. A spring payment earlier in the year, combined with a smaller December payment would ease the tax burden for residents, Lugar suggested. Lugar also proposed having some tax exemptions considered for lower-income residents.
Donald Lugar, Alleghany County resident (Jessica Freeman photo)
Matt Garten, Chairman of the Board, offered some exciting updates, that while there was still no move toward bi-annual payments, county residents would be able to take advantage of a new system starting in January that would allow residents to prepay towards their 2025 property taxes well in advance of the December deadline, allowing them to offset some of the burden.
Other new business items considered a continuation of the mutual aide agreement with Rockbridge County and the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, and another mutual aide agreement with other county volunteer departments.
Then Tammy Wilson, Director of Alleghany/Covington Department of Social Services presented a request for an authorized ordinance to allow for a $1000 bonus for each of the staff members which was approved by the DSS Board on Sept. 23, and contained within the current budget. County Board members unanimously approved the ordinance, recognizing the hard work that staff members do in order to provide services to many county and city residents.
In closing remarks, board members wished residents a safe and happy holiday season. Garten also thanked the other members of the board for their service during the year and encouraged, “Our future in Alleghany County is very bright!”
Many new projects and plans will unfold in the new year. The first board meeting of 2025 will be on Jan. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the government complex in Low Moor.
