- Call To Order – Board Chair Harrison Jones, Jr. called the meeting to order. Supervisor Gilliam and Supervisor Jenkins were both absent from the meeting due to illness.
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- Recognitions –
- Employee of the Month:The Board recognized Deputy Leneisha Simmons. After nearly two decades, Deputy Simmons continues to show that consistency, character and positive attitude make a lasting difference.
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- Public Participation – The Board received public comments from citizens addressing a range of community issues, concerns and topics to include the data center project and flu shots.
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- Community Partner Update – The Board welcomed Farmville Town Manager, Scott Davis, who introduced Deputy Town Manager, Julie Moore, who will serve as Interim Town Manager, effective October 31, 2026.
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- Highway Matters – Scott Frederick, PE, VDOT, updated the Board on road maintenance/construction activities.
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- Piedmont Senior Resources – RAM Donation – The Board approved a $1,000 donation to assist with the Cost of the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event which will take place in March of 2027 at Prince Edward County Middle School.
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- Resolution for DHVFD First Responder – The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Darlington Height Volunteer Fire Department to operate a First Responder (BLS – Basic Life Support/Non-Transport) in the County.
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- Properties Committee Report – The Board accepted the recommendations of the Properties Committee and accepted the bid by Webb Development for the Landfill Scalehouse and Entrance project, approved the purchase of a new scalehouse from Willscot for a total project cost of $2,197,150.20, and authorized the County Administrator to execute all contract documents.
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- Wayfinding Signage – The Board approved the award of a contract to Rite Lite Signs in the amount of $262,806 for Phase 2 Trailblazer signage and one gateway sign on Rt. 307, utilizing Transient Occupancy Tax revenue set aside for the project and Tobacco Commission Grant funds, and authorized the County Administrator to execute contract documents.
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- Budget Schedule – The Board approved the FY 28 County Budget Schedule.
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- Finance & HR Department Report –
- The Board approved an amendment to the FY 27 School Budget for the fencing and backstop project for the High School baseball and football field in the amount of $83,984.
- The Board approved and appropriated state grant funds in the amount of $59,897.58 to the FY 27 School Budget.
- The Board appropriated $69,676.50 of Tobacco Commission Grant reimbursement funds to the IDA for the HIT Park Access Road.
- The Board approved an appropriation for a $900 donation for animal care to the Sheriff’s Department.
- The Board approved the purchase and appropriation for $102,915 to replace the AS 400, the County’s financial system.
- The Board approved an expenditure in the amount of $39,464 for Health Department access upgrades in the courthouse.The Health Department will fully reimburse the County.
- The Board approved an appropriation of $29,400 in FY 26 carryover funds for the purchase of ballistic vests.
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- Waiver of Business Park Covenants – At the request of the IDA, the Board approved a parcel-specific waiver of certain industrial park covenants and the agreement for the construction of a new probation and parole office.
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- County Administrator’s Report – The County Administrator provided the following updates:
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- Prince Edward County Public School’s Child Nutrition Department has officially been named one of only five school districts in the United States recognized by the Chef Ann Foundation as a 2026 School Food Renegade!This national recognition highlights our commitment to transforming school meals through scratch cooking, fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and providing students with nutritious, high-quality meals every day.The Chef Ann Foundation will be sharing this recognition nationwide through social media, publications, and news outlets; shining a spotlight on the incredible work happening right here in Prince Edward County.Congratulations to Superintendent Jones, Supervisor of Food Service Bruce Davis, and the entire school system on a job well done.
- The Manor Master Plan– The Poplar Hill Community Development Authority approved an updated Final Master Plan as prepared by Kimley-Horn at their September 29, 2026 meeting. This plan uses more up to date County GIS parcel data that was derived from surveys, and incorporates the previously approved uses and housing densities. This revision is considered a minor amendment pursuant to the County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 2-700.9(B) as it does not increase any densities of use no substantially change any development features and has been approved by staff.
- Computer Software Conversion – The County recently completed the transition to Microsoft 365 across all departments; providing staff with a shared platform for communication, document management, and collaboration. This investment helps employees share information more efficiently, coordinate work across departments, and better serve our citizens. It also supports more consistent technology management and access to current software tools. We thank IT Director Shawn Howard for spearheading the effort and guiding departments through the transition.
- Nottoway/Prince Edward Boundary Line – A public meeting was held on September 14th at the Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department.The purpose of the meeting was to share information about County services with residents that have been switched from one County to another.Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, Commonwealth Attorney, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Animal Control, Solid Waste, Community Development, etc. were invited to participate.We were able to identify a couple issues including emergency response and notification of additional properties that need to be addressed by staff.
- Crossroads CSB – Judge Donald Blessing and County Administrator Douglas Stanley presented to the Virginia Board of Behavioral Health and Development Services regarding the Central Virginia Recovery Court and received significant praise for efforts to get the court established.
- 1% Referendum – The Countyis providing general information to the public regarding the upcoming referendum, and pursuant to Code, the information does not suggest a vote for or against the measure.
- Planning Commission – Member Rhett Weiss submitted his resignation from the Planning Commission, effective immediately, due to extensive travel obligations.Vacancies on the Planning Commission will be filled by the Board at its December meeting.
- VDOT Projects – Abilene Road should be completed in the next 30 days and the Loman Road project has been completed. Based on the schedule, Featherfin Road (3.0 miles) should be up next year.More than likely, due to the length of the project, it will have to be spread over two budget years.
- Animal Shelter – The project is set to go out to bid on October 15th with bids due on November 17th.The plan is to have a recommendation to the Board at its December meeting.
- Fire and Rescue Study – The Fire Services Board study team presented the study report and recommendations. We intend to take the Study to the Public Safety Committee to start prioritizing recommendations based on what can be implemented and funded.
- Data Center Meeting – Representative from the Berkley Group walked the IDA Board and Planning Commission through potential zoning regulations to address concerns raised about data center development during the public meeting held on August 27th.The next step will be a presentation of draft concepts to the two bodies in November.
- Kingsville Roundabout – The landscaping in the Kingsville Roundabout has been installed.Special thanks to H-SC and Harbor Freight for supporting this project.
- Powerline Upgrade Meeting – Dominion will be holding a meeting on a proposed upgrade of the 115kv powerline between the Cumberland substation and Appomattox to 230kv on November 5th from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm at the Appomattox Community Center.Dominion has indicated they intend to hold a meeting in Farmville in the future. We would note that this project has NOTHING to do with Project Pegasus at the HIT Park as adequate transmissions lines are already available on-site to accommodate the proposed development.
- Forester RFP – The County is currently soliciting for forestry consulting to assist the County in evaluating standing timber on County and IDA properties.In particular, this will provide the expertise to look at when the various sites should be timbered and to look for potential disease.The RFP includes cooperative procurement to be available to surrounding jurisdictions, including the Piedmont Regional Jail.
- Planet Network Broadband Project – As of October 1st, a total of 414 miles of middle-mile conduit (11 in September) and fiber have been installed in Prince Edward County (40 miles/VATI and 374/RDOF) and 4,055 passings have been completed with a total 30 customer installs completed in August.To-date we have a total of 1,574 installs completed on the project with 1,657 current customers.
- Upcoming BOS Engagement Opportunities – Upcoming opportunities within the community for BOS engagement include:
- Watson Farm, LLC Open House – Egg Production Facility – 10/15, 11:00-4:00 pm
- Ribbon Cutting - Ellington Catering – 10/22 ,4:00 pm
- Crossroads Open House – 10/28, 2:00-5:00 pm
- Leigh District Town Hall Meeting – 10/29, 6:00 pm
- Farmville Halloween Parade – 10/30, 4:00 pm
- Dominion powerline meeting @ Appomattox Community Center – 11/5, 5:00-7:00 pm
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- Drought Watch Advisory – In accordance with the County Drought Response and Contingency Plan, the Board was provided a written update on the drought conditions in Prince Edward County.Prince Edward County is no longer under drought conditions.
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- The Board voted to adjourn.
- Note:The November Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
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