The Shadow
LOW MOOR — Alleghany County has finalized an agreement that will share recycling services with Covington and Clifton Forge.
The board of supervisors on Wednesday approved a memorandum of understanding that will allow county residents to take recycling to drop-off locations in Covington and Clifton Forge. Alleghany County has been without recycling service since Jackson River Enterprises closed earlier this year.
“This would open it up so citizens of the county could utilize those stations,” said Pete Huber, the county’s interim administrator.
The memorandum calls for Alleghany County, Covington, Clifton Forge, as well as Iron Gate, to share in the cost of the service, based on their respective populations.
Alleghany County, with the largest population, will be responsible for 51.5 percent of the cost. Covington’s share is 28.7 percent. Clifton Forge will bear 17.8 percent of the cost and Iron Gate, 1.6 percent.
Based on the percentages, the cost breakdown is Alleghany County, $25,750; Covington, $14,350; Clifton Forge, $8,900; and Iron Gate, $800.
Covington’s drop-off site for recycling is located at the former True Value Hardware property, across from Covington High School. In Clifton Forge, the drop-off location is at Matthews Park, near Hardees.
In another regional matter, supervisors weighed in on the upcoming merger of Alleghany County and Covington City Schools. The merger will occur on July 1, 2022.
Specifically, supervisors discussed needed improvements to athletic facilities in Covington. The city has applied for grant funding to carry out improvements to Casey Field and the Jackson River Sport Complex. Those facilities will host football, baseball and softball for the combined school division.
Improvements to the playing surface at Casey Field are part of the city’s proposal. Jackson River Supervisors Steve Bennett says the city should consider installing field turf, which would allow Casey Field to be used year-round.
“Field turf the entire facility,” Bennett said. “To me, that would make it the classiest place in western Virginia. That facility could be used year-round for multiple events.”
James Griffith, the board’s vice chairman, represents Alleghany County in the Joint School Services Committee. The committee developed the plan to merge the school divisions.
Griffith said city officials have indicated they are not interested in field turf at Casey Field.
The initial discussions focussed on adding a field house at the Jackson River Sport Complex to make it Title IX compliant. Improving locker rooms and other assets at Casey Field were also discussed. The focus was later broadened to improve the playing surface at Casey Field.
As a result of Tuesday’s elections, the board will have a new member on Jan. 1. Ron Goings will replace Joan Vannorsdall as the Clifton Forge East District representative. Goings ran unopposed in the Tuesday election. Vannorsdall did not seek reelection.
Greg Dodd will retain his Clifton Forge West District seat. He was elected to a four-year term on Tuesday. Dodd was appointed to the board in February following the resignation of Richard Shull.
Garten said the board of supervisors has made positive strides in recent years due to the low turnover of its members.
“We have done a lot of great things in the past 10 years I’ve been here. It’s amazing,” Garten said.
In other business Wednesday, the board:
— Approved rezoning that will allow JPB Ventures LLC to operate a vehicle sales lot on the corner of Valley Ridge Road and Smokey Bear Lane. The zoning was changed from Business B-1 to Business B-2. The property is owned by Modular Home Units Inc.
— Approved a resolution approving the county’s participation in the latest proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against various companies. The county will not know how much money it will receive until all claims are settled.
— Approved the payment of a one-time bonus of $3,000 to employees at the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Alleghany County and Covington will cover the bonus payments to employees not covered by State Compensation Board funding. Huber said the county’s share of the cost is $11,100, while Covington’s is $3,900. The money will come from the American Rescue Plan Act.
