By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to authorize a $1 million commitment to RiverStreet Networks for the development and promotion of Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications.
Clyde DeLoach, vice-chairman of the board and of the Blue Ridge District, said the money shows the board is committed to expanding broadband in the county.
“We want to get in on it and we want to move with it, but that’s all the money we have to put in right now,” he said.
The board is expecting more money to become available for broadband if the $1 trillion infrastructure bill is passed.
“The governor is also committed, and his main point person on broadband has told us money is coming so don’t spend all your money right now,” he said.
The $1 million will be from CARES Act funds and not tax-payer money, Clayton Kendrick, of the Mayo River District, added.
Jane Fulk, of the Dan River District, said she voted against the commitment as no part of RiverStreet’s plan will cover the Dan River District.
VATI grant applications are due by late September, and the results will not be known until December or January.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the meeting minutes for the July 12, 23, and 26 meetings.
*Voted to pay the bills, claims, and appropriations.
*Approved the year-end reports.
*Recognized Emergency Management Services Volunteers Mike Fulk, Sarah Steil, and Diane Foley for their services.
*Approved the Fair Housing Month Resolution.
*Approved the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA).
*Adopted the business and employment plan for the Patrick County COVID-19 support for non-profit networks 2021 as part of the CDBG-CV Grant Documentation.
*Adopted the nondiscrimination policy for the Patrick County COVID-19 support for non-profit networks 2021 as part of the CDBG-CV Grant Documentation.
*Adopted the grievance procedure for the Patrick County COVID-19 support for non-profit networks 2021 as part of the CDBG-CV Grant Documentation.
*Adopted the fair hiring certification for the Patrick County COVID-19 support for non-profit networks 2021 as part of the CDBG-CV Grant Documentation.
*Approved the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) Charter Change Resolution/Letter of Support.
*Heard Supervisor Committee meeting reports.
*Awarded a contract for the (HVAC) equipment at P&HCC to McKinney Heating and Air Conditioning.
*Awarded a contract for the HVAC equipment at the Transfer Station to Handy Reynolds.
County Administrator Geri Hazelwood did not attend the meeting.