By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation and presented its first-ever Patrick County Partner Award to Judy Lacks at its final meeting of the year.
Lacks, a former school superintendent who later assists the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, now serves as chairman, treasurer, and planning committee member of the Patrick County Senior Citizens group.
County Administrator Michael McGuinness created the new award program to honor unsung heroes—those who work without formal recognition to make the county a better place to live, work, and play.
Also at the December board meeting, McGuinness, who had been named the interim county administrator, was unanimously confirmed to the position.
Following the meeting, McGuinness said he was honored and energized by the board’s decision.
“It’s an honor. I am fired up. I feel like I could go back to the office at 2 a.m. and start working,” McGuinness said.
“When the employees say, ‘Hey, I haven’t been this motivated,’ or ‘I feel validated,’ that’s why you work 70 hours a week — because you care,” he said. “I’ve said it before, and I’m assuming it’s going to get old, but it’s an honor” to serve in the post.
McGuinness said the decision was unexpected.
“Did I think it could come true? Sure,” he said. “Do I think — and you’d have to ask the supervisors — that they may have seen some positive changes already in 30 days? I hope. I hate to keep saying it, but we’re winning. Patrick County is winning.”
In other business, the board:
- Heard from Ed Anthony on the need for the board to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendations regarding limits on solar energy in the county.
- Approved releasing the remaining funds allocated to the Patrick County Food Bank for fiscal year 2026.
- Approved a $30,000 donation to the Patrick County Food Bank using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
- Approved reallocating $16,000 originally earmarked for the Business Development Center to the Food Bank.
- Appointed a budget committee for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget season in a 4-1 vote. The committee will include the chair and vice chair selected at the January meeting. Steve Marshall, of the Blue Ridge District, cast the dissenting vote.
- Heard an update from Parks and Recreation Director Luke Williams.
- Allocated $4,000 per park to cover operating expenses for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 using ARPA funds.
- Allocated up to $21,000 to Mountain Top Park for work on its well.
- Allocated $1,500 in ARPA funds to I.C. DeHart Park for an electrical project.
- Allocated $2,500 in ARPA funds to Dan River Park for awning and window repairs.
- Denied the Appalachian Power easement as presented by majority vote and asked that alternative easements be brought forward for consideration.
- Discussed bids for proposed facility card readers. Vice Chair Andrew Overby, of the Dan River District, and Marshall will participate in further discussions.
- Approved codification as presented at the Nov. 17 meeting.
- Appointed an at-large member to the Economic Development Authority.
- Heard an update on the Patrick County Library and Bookmobile from Blue Ridge Regional Library Director Melissa Chapman.
- Approved a letter of commitment for a regional stormwater-sewer vulnerability assessment grant application.
- Heard from Kurt Bozenmayer regarding Doug Perry’s tenure on the board. The meeting marked Perry’s final meeting as the Smith River District representative. Rick Swink will take the seat Jan. 1.
- Recognized Perry for his four years of service on the board.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing Lacks as December’s Patrick County Partner, in part for her work with Parks and Recreation.
- Approved an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget.
- Heard a broadband update from RiverStreet Networks Director of Business Development and Government Affairs Rob Taylor.
- Heard a broadband update from Appalachian Power External Affairs Manager Rob Mann.
- Approved the Nov. 17 meeting minutes.
- Approved bills, claims, and appropriations as amended.
- Heard the county administrator’s report.
- Heard supervisors’ reports.
