By Taylor Boyd
Residents criticized the Patrick County Board of Supervisors at the Oct. 20 meeting over recently approved motions, transparency issues, and a perceived lack of communication with the public.
For the past two years, Steve Ferring has attended meetings hoping the board would address resident concerns and suggestions.
“The board’s response to our public’s suggestions to date has been a close inspection of your shoes,” Ferring said.
Ferring believes the way the meetings are conducted should change to include civil interaction and discussions between the board and residents.
“This change would allow members of the board to give the public an indication that the issue raised will or will not be addressed in a subsequent meeting. In the past, our concerns have simply been ignored,” he said.
Ferring emphasized that residents want transparency, accountability, and clear explanations about which issues will be addressed and why. He suggested the board provide a timeframe for reviewing topics raised by the public.
Supervisors are responsible for approving the county budget and setting policy, he said. “That’s what we’re asking for.” Ferring noted the board ignored a proposal last year to create a central purchasing policy and provide staff to implement it. He also said the board dismissed a request this year to change how public parks are supported, which could improve youth activities and accountability.
“We’ve heard bupkis from you. Let’s change this lack of transparency and responsibility on your part going forward by improving these meeting formats with proper interaction,” Ferring said.
Trena Anderson said the board’s rules for public comment violate residents’ constitutional rights.
“Every U.S. citizen has the absolute right to criticize our government at every level. Every member of this board is guilty of violating our Constitutional right to free speech. Please rescind the illegal rules for public comment tonight,” she said.
Anderson said the board also has a habit of approving contracts or taking issues to public hearings that aren’t finalized or complete. She listed the Patrick County EMS contract and the approval to close a section of Dogwood Road in front of Hardin Reynolds Memorial School as examples.
“The county administrator was still negotiating contract issues and elements with the EMS situation after the board approved and signed the contract. That’s not how the law works. Your attorney should have recommended that the elements of all contracts were clear, concise, and finalized before the board takes any action. That’s his job,” she said.
Anderson believes the board’s decision to approve the Dogwood Road closure as an incomplete plan could also leave Patrick County open to future litigation.
“Only finalized plans, resolutions, and contracts should be brought before the board or to a public hearing. Voting on half-baked plans is going to bite you in the tail and leave taxpayers responsible for costly litigation,” she said, adding that lifting the residency requirement sets up other county employees to live outside the county.
“Citizens saw right through that move, and they are angry. All department heads should be required to invest within the county and pay into our tax base. In December 2024, the county administrator purchased a home and land in Franklin County for $388,000, thus denying Patrick County the financial opportunity to recoup taxpayer money into our coffers,” she said.
Anderson added that some county boards, committees, and authorities are violating FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and not meeting quorum requirements.
“Both of these issues must always be met; they are legal requirements, not mere suggestions. Be aware that legal agencies and offices across the Commonwealth are aware of these violations and they will be dealt with in due time,” she said.
She also presented the board with a Comprehensive Viewer sheet detailing the county administrator’s purchase of property in Rocky Mount.
Galen Gilbert criticized the Dogwood Road closure, saying the board had claimed it would not cost taxpayers money. “Well, the taxpayers paid for the road to be paved, so now it will have to be dug up. That was taxpayer money, so that was not true,” he said.
Gilbert also called for the Emergency Services Coordinator position to require residency within the county or within five miles of its borders, citing response time concerns for emergencies in remote areas.
“If you have a hazmat incident and you’re going to have to come 50 miles away just to get to the county, and then if it’s over in Ararat or up in Meadows of Dan you’ve got another 30 minutes or more” just to get to the accident site. “That’s just not feasible,” he said.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the sale of Patrick County Parcel #4811-9-103, the former EMS building on East Blue Ridge Street.
*Amended the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget with an increase of $2,623,080.43.
*Tabled a request for Appalachian Power easements pending additional information.
*Scheduled a public hearing on Nov. 17 for a proposed codification ordinance.
*Approved the Community Criminal Justice Board roster as presented.
*Appropriated $2,500 for West Piedmont Planning District Commission assistance with the 2026 comprehensive plan update.
*Approved replacement of the Transfer Station tractor-trailer truck with a 36-month warranty.
*Appointed Jeff Houchins to the Public Services Authority as Blue Ridge District representative for a four-year term.
*Reappointed Bobby Mangrum to the PSA as Smith River District representative for a four-year term.
*Heard updates from Brightspeed and Appalachian Power broadband.
*Approved the Sept. 8 and Sept. 29 meeting minutes.
*Approved bills, claims, and appropriations.
*Heard supervisors’ reports.
