by RODERICK MULLINS
CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors moved forward Tuesday with a federal grant agreement to clean up local waterways and voted to maintain current tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year.
In a series of public hearings and special meetings, the board addressed lingering concerns over a USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) grant. The funding is earmarked for debris removal and restoration at five specific sites in the county following previous flooding events.
County Administrator Larry Barton informed the board that while some members previously questioned the selection of the five sites, a meeting with USDA officials clarified that the locations were chosen to “plug the gaps” in areas not already covered by FEMA or the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
“FEMA and VDEM were taking first and second due on the response,” Barton said. “They were trying to plug the gaps… that’s how they came up with the five areas that they had identified.”
The board approved the agreement contingent upon written confirmation from the USDA regarding cost overruns and site flexibility. The grant provides 100 percent funding for engineering and technical costs, totaling approximately $28,500, while the county will be responsible for a 25 percent cost share on the work itself, which totals $241,061.25. Barton noted the county hopes to meet that share through in-kind services or in-house labor.
Supervisor Shelbie Willis expressed relief that the work would proceed, stating, “A little bit of cleanup, I guess, is better than none.”
Following the grant discussion, the board held a public hearing for the fiscal year 2026-2027 tax levies. For the sixth consecutive year, the board proposed no increases to tax rates.
The approved rates include:
- Real Estate: 52 cents per $100 of assessed value.
- Personal Property: $1.85 per $100.
- Machinery and Tools: $1.85 per $100.
- Merchants Capital: $10.50 per $100 (assessed at 10% of reported value).
Barton highlighted that the county’s real estate rate remains significantly lower than the state average, which he noted is currently above $1.00.
The meeting was conducted with Supervisor Richard Thacker participating remotely due to illness, following the adoption of a resolution allowing electronic attendance under a medical exemption.
The board adjourned shortly after the tax levy vote, with the next phase of the budget process expected to continue in the coming weeks.
