By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Board of Supervisors approved a cigarette tax not to exceed $0.15 at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 18.
County Administrator Geri Hazelwood suggested setting the tax at $0.10 per pack, to match the Town of Stuart’s cigarette tax.
Hazelwood said the tax has been in the works for months, and the board finally received the opportunity to implement it.
“Legislation changed, and we’ve been doing a lot of research to make sure this is something we want to do. We’ve kind of been sitting back and watching to see what other jurisdictions are doing with it – was it worth their while, what is the cost, what is the benefit,” she said.
Clayton Kendrick, of the Mayo River district, said that while he is opposed to almost all taxes, he’s happy the county can implement this tax to take some of the pressure off the real estate tax.
Clyde DeLoach, vice chairman and of the Blue Ridge District, received a certificate of completion of the Virginia County Certified Supervisors program from Karen Walker, coordinator of programs and development of Virginia Association of Counties (VACO).
In other matters, the board:
*Scheduled a public hearing to discuss a proposed tax on wills and amendments for Nov. 8 at 6:15 p.m.
*Scheduled a public hearing to discuss a collection of transit occupancy tax for Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
*Approved the Public Service Authority (PSA) bylaws as presented.
*Discussed the Tourism Advisory Council’s (TAC) and Planning Commission’s bylaws.
*Approved celebrating Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 30.
*Approved to follow the recommendations of the Personnel Committee to hire a new maintenance director, maintenance assistant, part-time Economic Development Authority (EDA) assistant, a part-time tourism assistant, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) director.
*Approved Debra Shelor for an additional four-year term on the EDA board.
*Scheduled an ARPA committee meeting for Friday, Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m.
*Approved the Opioid Settlement Authorization Resolution.
*Heard the county administrator’s report.
*Heard reports from supervisors.
*Heard an update about what is being done to help the Wolf Creek Lane community and its road woes.
*Approved the meeting minutes.
*Approved the bills, claims, and appropriations.
*Recognized the second cohort of Leadership Patrick County.
*Heard a presentation by Patrick County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. David Martin.
*Amended the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget to include additional Patrick County Public Schools receipts totaling $7,773,859.44.
*Witnessed Clyde DeLoach, of the Blue Ridge District, receive his certificate of completion of the Virginia County Certified Supervisors program from Karen Walker, coordinator of programs and development of Virginia Association of Counties (VACO).
*Discussed the potential of a county dog park.
*Approved the payment of a Lucas CPR Device.
