BUCKINGHAM – Adhering to its goal of enhancing economic development resources in hopes of increasing the county's competitive advantage for attracting new businesses and industry, the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors approved a feasibility study to research and develop a plan for countywide broadband Internet access.

Supervisors, with a motion by Cassandra Stish, unanimously supported the RFP during their December meeting.

Prior to the vote, County Administrator Rebecca Carter explained that the cost estimate for the study is needed prior to the planned financial forecast review already sanctioned by the board in conjunction with its goal setting agenda adopted several months ago.

The RFP will include a plan as well as the proposed cost for achieving the goal of offering broadband Internet service throughout the county, explained Carter.

Earlier in the meeting, during the public participation segment, one resident/business owner expressed the frustration of living in an area of the county where broadband Internet service is unavailable.

The resident, who lives near the Buckingham and Cumberland line but has a business in Dillwyn, shared that although she is able to utilize high-speed Internet service at her business, she is unable to do so at home. Subsequently, she said she could not use programs she utilizes in conjunction with her business, such as QuickBooks, at her residence.

“We have no way of doing anything but dial-up,” said the speaker, noting that her young daughter is also at a disadvantage when it comes to doing research and other school-related work on the Internet.

“We really want the board to look into getting something else, DSL or something,” she said. A hair stylist by trade, she shared that she hears complaints from her clients on an almost daily basis regarding the lack of countywide access to high-speed Internet service.

She offered that she really didn't think that the board realized how much the citizens of the county want the service. “I just really wish you could look into it,” she added. “Please help us.”

Supervisor Stish shared that the speaker, along with 164 other Buckingham residents, responded to a Facebook poll and expressed that broadband/internet access was a “worthy priority” for the county.

Review of Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances

Responding to a request from Zoning Administrator Rebecca Cobb, the board agreed to seek quotes for a review of the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and the subdivision ordinance to ensure that the three documents are congruent.

Cobb explained that after several years of working to update the zoning and subdivision ordinances, she and the planning commission would like a third party to review the documents for consistency.

She advised supervisors that she contacted Mike Chandler, an expert in the planning arena, and he said he would review the documents for an estimated $7,500. “I'd just like to ask you tonight to consider that,” said Cobb.

Supervisor Stish added, “I can't think of anybody better to review those three documents.” She shared, “He's remarkable-he has vast knowledge of the subject.”

Offering that she was in favor of supporting the request, Stish moved to do so.

However, Supervisor Talbert questioned approving the request without knowing the exact cost.

Cobb explained that the cost could exceed $7,500 if the board wanted Chandler to do more than a basic review by working with them regarding their ideas about what they would like to bring into the zoning and/or subdivision ordinance.

At that point, County Administrator Carter explained that if the cost exceeded $10,000, the board would have to put it out to bid.

“Anything over $1,000 but under $10,000, we have to get quotes. If it's over $10,000, we have to advertise it and actually get proposals,” said Carter.

Subsequently, Stish amended her motion to stipulate that the board seek quotes for the review. With a second by Supervisor Joe Chambers, the board gave its unanimous support.

Business Directory Proposal

County Administrator Carter informed supervisors that she would be speaking at the February meeting of the Buckingham County Chamber of Commerce.

She asked for the board's permission to request that the chamber appoint two members to a taskforce to explore the feasibility of developing a business directory. Along with the representatives from the chamber, Carter recommended the taskforce include her and Supervisor Donnie Bryan.

Subsequently, the board unanimously approved Carter's request, which included bringing the taskforce's resultant recommendation to the full board for its consideration.

During those goal-setting work sessions held this summer and early fall, the board discussed the possibility of working with the chamber to compose a business directory. The proposal called for having all businesses register with the county through the commissioner of revenue's office with the ultimate goal of accountability of all businesses.

Moreover, the discussion included exploring the feasibility of a small registration fee, which in turn would go to the chamber to help with the cost of the directory.

Administrator's Report

Carter began her report by announcing some “good news.” She shared that James River Slate Company, Incorporated has purchased a portion of the Allied Concrete Products, LLC, formerly operated as Solite.

She explained that the company was requesting a “re-permit” as an existing mine site through the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy's Division of Mineral Mining.

“That means with approval of this (re-permit), we will have some people back to work down there,” offered Carter.

According to Carter, James River Slate Company, based in Fair Haven, Vermont, proposes to use the mined slate to manufacture architectural products such as roof shingles, floor tile and wall panels.

Carter advised that a letter from the Auditors of Public Accounts reports that its review of the county's treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, and sheriff for the year ended June 30, 2012, found that they complied in all material respects with state laws, regulations and other procedures relating to the receipt, disbursement, and custody of state funds.

The county administrator offered, “They all received good reports.”

Carter also updated supervisors on the financial situation of the Piedmont Regional Jail. She explained that the recommendation from the jail board is for each county to pay according to the use calculated using its respective inmate days for the period of May through October 2012.

“Buckingham County's percentage of use is 13.23 percent,” stated Carter.

Reminding that the member counties have not paid anything to the jail for the past 24 years, Carter said the jail has past due obligations of $201,891.54.

“The Regional Jail Board voted that this would be distributed and paid over a three-month period. Our percentage would be $8,903.42 per month for three months,” explained Carter. She added, “The November billing amount, which we have already received, based on our 13.23 percent, is $13,624.71.”

According to the county administrator, the county reserved $100,000 in its FY13 budget in response to anticipation of the jail's notification of the financial shortfall.

Noting that to date, the county has expended $5,972.12 from that reserve, Carter stated, “If my calculations are right, if it remains the same, we probably will have to appropriate about $40,000 to $45,000 more before the end of the fiscal year.” She added, “I do not think it will be any more. It could be less.”

Carter concluded, “At this point, I just want to make you aware. We will follow the contract. We have money budgeted so you don't have to appropriate any additional money at this time.”

In Other Board Action

Supervisors, in a unanimous vote, appropriated $17,850 awarded through a Homeland Security Maintenance Grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to the Buckingham County Sheriff's Office.

In a memo from Assistant County Administrator Karl Carter, he explained that the grant was awarded to the BCSO for an upgrade of its mobile wireless cards.

With a motion by Supervisor Staton, the board unanimously agreed to nominate Lisa Reid for reappointment to the Industrial Development Authority. The actual appointment is made by the Circuit Court Judge.

Supervisors approved their 2013 meeting schedule. According to the schedule, the meetings will continue to be held on the second Monday of the month with the exception of the October and November meetings, which will be held on the second Tuesday of the month.

After Staton advised that the finance committee was down to a final vendor, Professional Communications, for the upgrade to the county's 911-radio system, the board authorized the committee to negotiate with the vendor to finalize the terms and contract.

The board also unanimously agreed to appropriate $2,200 to change all radios used by the fire departments and rescue squad, from broadband to narrowband. Presenting the request, Staton explained that the FCC mandated that by December 31, 2012, all commercial and EMS radio systems change from broadband to narrowband.