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01-29-2025 Budget Forum - FINAL PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ BUDGET FORUM January 29, 2025 VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' ("Board") Budget Forum was held on January 29, 2025, at the Chatham Community Center, 115 S Main Street, Chatham, Virginia 24531. CALL TO ORDER (9:00 AM) Tucker called the Meeting to Order at 9:00 AM. ROLL CALL The following Board Members were present: Robert M. Tucker, Jr. - Banister District Eddie L. Hite, Jr. - Dan River District Kenneth L. Bowman - Chatham-Blairs District Darrell W. Dalton - Callands-Gretna District Timothy W. Dudley – Staunton River District William V. (“Vic”) Ingram - Tunstall District Murray W. Whittle - Westover District APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve Agenda. RESULT: 7-0 (Approved) MOVER: Hite SECONDER: Dalton AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NOT PRESENT: None FY2026 Budget Request Overview The budget was broken down into key components like salaries, benefits, community contributions, and debt service. The impact of the COLA and the need to consider departmental operations when making cuts were discussed. The economic development budget, including incentives and shared revenue, was highlighted. New position requests across departments were outlined, along with the potential to reallocate positions to cover vacancies. The importance of justifying community donation requests to the board was also addressed. The Board recessed at 10:05 AM, and reconvened at 10:15 AM. Capital Improvements Plan Discussion The capital improvements plan discussion focused on the County's general fund contribution. The plan included projects such as elections equipment, public safety equipment, and facility upgrades. Concerns were raised about the usage and need for the training center facility, and the Board directed staff to gather more information on its utilization. The financing options for capital projects were also discussed, with the Virginia Resources Authority identified as the recommended approach due to its lower costs and more favorable terms. Debt Analysis The discussion focused on the Board's options for financing the capital projects. The Board was presented with three potential approaches - going through the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA), using Industrial Development Authority (IDA) revenue bonds, or pursuing a direct placement. The VRA option was recommended as it would provide the most flexibility and the lowest overall cost, The Board was informed about the current favorable interest rate environment, but also cautioned that this could change rapidly, making it important to act sooner rather than later. The Board was also advised that the application process for VRA financing would need to be completed by May in order to secure the funding in time. The Board recessed for lunch at 11:52 AM, and reconvened at 12:26 PM. Lease Discussion Kim Van Der Hyde discussed with the Board the County's current lease arrangements, particularly for the Sheriff's vehicles. It was noted that the County had previously moved away from leasing vehicles due to the high costs, but the Sheriff's office had requested to return to a leasing model. The Board expressed concerns about the long-term financial implications of these leases, emphasizing the need for a more structured approach to vehicle replacement and disposal. The Board suggested establishing a hard stop for vehicles based on age or mileage, rather than continuously leasing new vehicles. The discussion also touched on the County's lease for a dozer in the enterprise fund, with concerns raised about the high cost compared to renting the equipment. Overall, the Board emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive fleet management plan to ensure the County's vehicle needs are met in a fiscally responsible manner. Dudley left the Meeting at 1:00 PM. Ingram left the Meeting at 1:12 PM. General Board Budget Discussion The Board emphasized the need to focus on what is truly necessary, rather than just approving all the requested items. There was a discussion about the historical contributions the County has made to school and park facilities, and the Board directed staff to gather more information on the current maintenance responsibilities and usage of these shared facilities. There was consensus of the Board members to keep the tax rate at $.56. The Board stressed the need for careful financial planning, collaboration with stakeholders, and a focus on the County's core priorities and obligations, and directed staff to provide additional information and analysis on various budget items to aid in the decision-making process. ADJOURNMENT Tucker adjourned the Meeting at 1:35 PM.