Appomattox Times – CMS

Category: County and Town

  • Board Preview: Supervisors to Vote on Valley Link Opposition, Honor Jamerson at Monday Meeting

    Board Preview: Supervisors to Vote on Valley Link Opposition, Honor Jamerson at Monday Meeting

    APPOMATTOX — The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors will take up one of the heaviest agendas of the year Monday evening, headlined by a resolution formally opposing a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line through the county and a tribute to former Board Chairman William E. “Bill” Jamerson, Sr.

    The meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. at 333 Court Street, also features a public hearing on whether to authorize a new private ambulance service to operate countywide, a presentation of VDOT’s six-year road improvement plan, and scheduling of the FY 2027 budget public hearing. The Board is also expected to set the stage for a proposed real estate tax rate of $0.45 per $100 of assessed value — above the equalized rate of approximately $0.42 — with the surplus earmarked for a School Construction Fund. A public hearing on the tax levy is already scheduled for April 30.

    The Board will also enter closed session to consult with legal counsel on litigation related to Region 2000 and a FOIA complaint, as well as a proposed water and sewer transaction with the Town of Appomattox — a topic that has recurred in closed sessions across multiple recent meetings.

    At a Glance

    Board Poised to Formally Oppose Valley Link Transmission Project

    The Board will consider adopting a resolution opposing the Valley Link “Joshua Falls to Yeat” project, a 115-mile, 765-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line proposed by a joint venture of Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission, and Transource Energy that would cut through approximately 15 miles of Appomattox County.

    The resolution, directed by a unanimous Board vote on March 16, cites potential harm to the county’s rural character, agricultural heritage, and forestlands. It notes that steel lattice structures approaching 160 feet tall would pass within 500 feet of numerous homes and decrease property values for hundreds of residents — while providing no direct benefit to the county’s residents or businesses.

    At last month’s regular meeting, at least six residents addressed the Board to speak against the project, with several also voicing concerns about the AVAIO Data Center Project. Supervisor Trevor Hipps expressed support for the resolution, citing residents’ property value concerns.

    The resolution urges Valley Link and the Virginia State Corporation Commission to pursue alternatives that do not impact Appomattox County, or at minimum require the line to be placed underground. Copies will be forwarded to the SCC, the Governor, and the county’s General Assembly delegation. The resolution’s language was modeled after a similar one adopted by Louisa County.

    Board to Honor William E. “Bill” Jamerson, Sr.

    The Board will adopt a resolution honoring the life and service of William E. “Bill” Jamerson, Sr., who died October 19, 2025 at the age of 91. His family will be present to accept the resolution.

    Jamerson was a three-sport athlete at Appomattox High School, a scholarship football player at Virginia Tech — where he started on the undefeated 1954 team — and the leader who grew JE Jamerson and Sons into one of Central Virginia’s largest construction companies. The firm built Appomattox County High School, the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, and the Appomattox County Courthouse, among other structures.

    His business interests also included Drinkard-Jamerson Realty, Kings Supermarkets, Dinner Bell Meat Products, and Wyndhurst, a 400-acre mixed-use development in Lynchburg. He served as an ACC football official for 21 years, working over 200 major college games, 11 bowl games, and four National Championship Games.

    Jamerson was elected to the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors in November 1989, serving one four-year term including three years as Chairman. During his tenure, the Board expanded from three members to five. The resolution also cites his philanthropy, including contributions to the Jamerson Memorial Library, Appomattox High School Athletic Complex, Courtland Festival Park Foundation, and the American Civil War Museum.

    The meeting will also feature a separate special presentation honoring Mr. Samuel E. Carter. Details were not included in the agenda packet.

    County Weighs Authorizing New Private Ambulance Provider

    A public hearing will be held on a proposed amendment to the county code that would authorize Hospital to Home, LLC to provide medical transport services throughout Appomattox County.

    Hospital to Home is a state-licensed Emergency Medical Service provider with offices in Richmond, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Roanoke, and Charlottesville. The company focuses on non-emergency transport: routine transportation of dialysis patients, hospital discharges, stretcher-based transports, inter-facility transfers, and standby services for events.

    Hospital to Home would not respond to emergency 911 calls unless specifically requested by the county through its EMS system. The Board authorized the public hearing at its March 16 meeting after a presentation by H2H Vice President Andrew Brasington.

    If approved, the Board would adopt both an ordinance amending Chapter 15.2-6(C) of the county code and a companion resolution formally authorizing the company to operate. Hospital to Home would join a roster of authorized providers that already includes Appomattox County Rescue Squad, Pamplin Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Centra Health, UVA Pegasus, Carilion Lifeguard, and several other services.

    VDOT to Present Six-Year Road Plan and Rural Paving Priorities

    Robert Brown, VDOT Appomattox Residency Administrator, will present the county’s Secondary Road Six-Year Plan for FY 2027–2032 and the Draft Rural Rustic Priority List, laying out which unpaved roads are in line for improvement.

    Topping the rural rustic priority list are Maury Place (Route 730), estimated at $99,000 for 0.33 miles of paving; Snaps Mill Road (Route 703), the costliest project at $396,000 for 1.32 miles; and Bell View Road (Route 611) at $240,000 for 0.8 miles. Additional roads on the list include Trents Mill Road, Elliott Lane, Depot Lane, Wagon Wheel Road, Patterson School Road, and Watts Mill Road.

    Staff is recommending the Board authorize a public hearing on the six-year plan for the May 18 regular meeting.

    FY 2027 Budget Season Enters Home Stretch

    The Board is expected to authorize staff to schedule and advertise a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 Consolidated County/School/DSS Budget for Monday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m.

    The budget hearing comes on the heels of a separate Special Called Meeting already set for April 30 at 6:00 p.m. to address the county’s recent real estate reassessment and set the FY 2027 tax levy. During budget work sessions in March and April, the Board discussed an equalized real estate rate of approximately $0.42 per $100 of assessed value and voted 3-2 to advertise a proposed rate of $0.45 per $100, with the amount above equalization earmarked for a School Construction Fund.

    The two upcoming hearings — tax levy on April 30 and full budget on May 11 — will give residents their most direct opportunities to weigh in on county spending and taxation for the fiscal year ahead.

    State Grant to Fund New School Resource Officer Position

    Sheriff Robert Richardson is requesting the Board approve a $23,662 local match to fund a new School Resource Officer through a Department of Criminal Justice Services grant totaling $83,855. The state is providing $60,193 in special funds for the position, which runs through the end of 2026.

    The grant was awarded under DCJS Grant #558761 and the Sheriff’s office submitted the request on April 14. Staff recommends a transfer from the General Fund to establish the new SRO budget line.

    Ag Teacher to Make Case for AFID Grant Resubmission

    Ed McCann, agriculture teacher at Appomattox County Public Schools, will appear before the Board to discuss resubmitting an Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development grant application. The AFID program, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, supports projects that create new jobs and economic activity in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Details on the grant amount and intended use were not included in the agenda packet.

    Commissioner Henderson to Address Tax Relief for Elderly, Disabled

    Commissioner of the Revenue Sara Henderson will appear before the Board to address questions on the county’s tax relief program for elderly and handicapped residents. At the March 31 budget work session, the Board voted unanimously to increase the net combined financial worth threshold to $150,000 and raise the annual relief limit to $500 per year.

    Two Candidates for Open EDA Seat

    The Board will appoint a representative to fill the unexpired term of Watkins Abbitt on the Appomattox County Economic Development Authority. The term runs through December 31, 2026. Abbitt resigned effective December 31, 2025 due to health issues.

    The EDA has unanimously recommended Faber B. Jamerson, Sr. for the appointment. The Board has also received an application from Winfred D. Nash.

    New 911 Center Logo Up for Approval

    The Board will vote on adopting a new official logo for Appomattox County Emergency Communications, designed by a local 911 dispatcher as part of the statewide One Commonwealth Logo Project. The circular logo features symbols representing the county’s Sheriff, Fire Department, EMS, Animal Control, and 911 communications under a single design. John Vannoy will present the logo.

    In Brief

    Woodchase street acceptance: The last remaining 0.14-mile portion of Somerset Drive in the Woodchase Subdivision will be accepted into the state secondary road system, completing a process that began when the first section and Arbor Court were accepted in April 2025. The 22-lot subdivision off Pumping Station Road currently has 14 homes.

    Virginia Cooperative Extension update: Senior Extension Agent Bruce Jones will brief the Board on Extension Office activities.

    Consent agenda: The Board will consider $1,134,011.96 in invoices for payment, approve draft minutes from three prior meetings, and process five Veteran’s Exemption tax refunds totaling $1,969.39. Department supplements include $17,654.49 for the Sheriff’s Office (reimbursements from the Town, School Board, DCJS, and City of Lynchburg) and $6,648 in fire program funds.

    School financial report: The February 2026 month-end financial report from Superintendent Dr. Jason Tibbs shows school division expenditures year-to-date at approximately $20.7 million against a $38.8 million total budget, with 76.93% of appropriations utilized through the eighth month of the fiscal year.

    Delinquent tax collection: The Sands Anderson status report shows 457 total parcels turned over for collection since June 2002, with 347 (75.9%) paid in full. Tax penalties and interest collected total $972,637.19, with $244,509.30 in surplus from sales escheated to the county.

    Closed session: The Board will enter closed session to consult with legal counsel on two matters — actual litigation related to Region 2000 and a FOIA complaint, and legal advice related to a proposed water and sewer transaction with the Town of Appomattox. The town water/sewer matter has been a recurring topic in closed sessions across multiple recent meetings.

    Meeting agenda and supporting documents are available at AppomattoxCountyVA.gov. All information is sourced from the publicly available April 20, 2026 Board of Supervisors agenda packet.

  • Town of Appomattox Wins $400,000 State Grant for Garment Factory Redevelopment

    Town of Appomattox Wins $400,000 State Grant for Garment Factory Redevelopment

    APPOMATTOX — The Town of Appomattox has been awarded a $400,000 grant from Virginia Housing to support demolition and redevelopment of the long-vacant former garment factory at 1720 Confederate Boulevard.

    The property has sat deteriorating for nearly two decades. The grant will fund site clearance and help advance plans to build approximately 34 units of affordable housing.

    The project is a public-private partnership between the Town and Phillip Jamerson of Jamerson Real Estate. Jamerson Real Estate will handle demolition, construction, and long-term management of the housing once completed.

    Town Manager Michael Campbell said Jamerson has been involved from the outset and will remain a central partner through all phases of the project.

    “For two decades, this property has been a symbol of stagnation,” Campbell said in a statement. “This partnership allows it to become a source of stability and attainable housing.”

    The Town also credited regional support for strengthening the grant application, including assistance from Megan Lucas and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, along with letters of support from local business owners.

    Virginia Housing administers the grant program, which is aimed at expanding affordable and workforce housing across the Commonwealth.

    Next steps include grant compliance with Virginia Housing, demolition of the existing structure, development of the housing units, and establishment of long-term property management. Additional project details are expected as work moves forward.

  • Cardwell: Let’s Keep Appomattox a Hallmark Town

    Cardwell: Let’s Keep Appomattox a Hallmark Town

    Publisher’s Note: The following is the full text of Councilman McKinley D. Cardwell’s remarks delivered during Council Comments at the September 8, 2025 meeting of the Appomattox Town Council. It is published here verbatim as part of our continuing coverage of local government.

    To the Mayor, Council, and Town Manager,

             Our 100-year celebration, in my view, is just the start. This Council and previous councils have built a community worth living in and growing up in. However, this body is stretched too thin, and while our actions are vital, I believe they are not enough. We govern in a world more connected than ever, yet also very disconnected. The digital age has led society to invest in technology and pull away from one another. Instead of sharing ideas, we focus only on ourselves. Instead of moving together toward a higher goal, we each fight for our own hills.

             We can’t fix this ourselves, but we have a community of wonderful people who can and who have been involved from the start. I suggest we focus on uplifting and highlighting ministries, non-profits, and other special groups that truly make an impact at the ground level. We’ve dwelled in negativity for far too long. I’ve come to believe that the best thing I can do as an elected official is to give people more voice and more power in efforts to improve and change our community. The bank account of community spirit is running low. We have many contributors; we need to recognize and invest in them so they can carry the mission forward.

             Second, we need to begin again preparing for our community picnic, and every year from now on. The turnout at our 100th anniversary celebration was terrific, and I genuinely believe we can do even better in the future, and I hope to rival any small town that can ignite a June Thanksgiving like we did. The Mayor, the Council, the staff, and dedicated volunteers made it all happen. I am grateful for our united effort. From Mrs. Mobley helping before the event to Treasurer Ray being the last one there picking up trash and restoring Courtland field to its original condition. It was hard work, but through our combined effort and faith in our town, we pulled it off. Let’s aim to do it again, each time a little better.

             Finally, our community efforts should happen quarterly. From activating local youth in spring with our Mayor for a day to hopefully in the future having a council for a day, to hosting our community picnic in the summer, supporting the community and town at large with the railroad festival in the fall, and finally, developing something grand for our community in winter. We have had many great ideas from numerous council members as well as local community members who are looking for a nostalgic feeling, and I don’t think folks would mind if their town reflected a Hallmark movie set every now and then.

             If our community members pride us on having small town charm in our past SWOT Analysis, I say we make it more of a reality every year, so that even when we grow, we will grow stronger and grow closer because the community chose to do so.

    Respectfully Submitted to The Mayor, Council, and Town Manager,

    McKinley D. Cardwell

  • Board to Trace $13,000 in Town Funds Earmarked for Sheriff’s Office

    Board to Trace $13,000 in Town Funds Earmarked for Sheriff’s Office

    APPOMATTOX, VA – Sheriff Robby Richardson told the Board of Supervisors Monday that $13,000 in funds approved by the Town of Appomattox for his department has been inaccessible, prompting a pledge from the board to investigate the budget discrepancy.

    Richardson said the funds were approved by the town for its FY 2025 budget to support its two town-funded deputies. The money was specifically designated for line items such as K-9 care, uniforms, and training, but Richardson said it was never reflected in his departmental budget.

    The unexpected report left county staff without immediate answers. “I’ve got to look at what we claim in the revenue budget from the town,” said County Administrator Susan Adams.

    With the transaction details unclear, the board tabled the matter. It directed staff to trace the funds and deliver a report to resolve the issue at the August meeting.

  • Board Approves $1.1M for School Capital Fund, Authorizes Employee Bonuses

    Board Approves $1.1M for School Capital Fund, Authorizes Employee Bonuses

    APPOMATTOX, VA – More than $1.1 million will be transferred to the Appomattox County Public Schools’ capital improvement fund following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors Monday night.

    The $1,134,311 transfer represents end-of-year savings from the school system’s FY 2024 local budget. Per an agreement between the two boards, these surplus funds are dedicated to the School CIP to address building repairs and infrastructure needs.

    In a separate financial action, the board passed an ordinance authorizing a 1.5% one-time bonus for full-time county employees. The payment, already included in the FY 2026 budget, required a specific ordinance under state law for one-time bonuses.

  • Board Honors Wave of State-Level Student Achievements

    APPOMATTOX, VA – The Board of Supervisors turned its chamber into a hall of fame Monday, issuing four separate resolutions to honor a string of recent state-level achievements by Appomattox students in sports and agriculture.

    The board formally recognized:

    • The Appomattox Senior FFA Chapter, named the overall Top FFA Chapter in Virginia for the third consecutive year.
    • The Appomattox Raiders Baseball Team, crowned the 2025 VHSL Class 2 State Champions.
    • Xavier Moseley, who won the 2025 VHSL Class 2 Indoor Track Long Jump State Championship.
    • The Appomattox Raiders Softball Team, which fought its way to the Class 2 State Semifinals.

    Supervisors presented the students, coaches, and advisors with framed resolutions, commending their dedication and success on the state stage.

  • Board Wipes Out $225K Fire Dept. Loan as County Safety Rating Climbs

    Board Wipes Out $225K Fire Dept. Loan as County Safety Rating Climbs

    APPOMATTOX, VA – Appomattox County’s volunteer fire department got a double dose of good news Monday: a $225,000 loan was forgiven by the county, and its public safety rating has improved—a move that could lower insurance rates for property owners.

    The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to forgive half the loan it provided for a new ladder truck after Fire Chief Jonathan Garrett reported the department could not sell its old truck, putting a strain on its operational budget. “This is about ensuring we remain capable of doing our job,” Garrett said.

    Separately, the board heard that the county’s Public Protection Classification (ISO rating) has officially improved to a Class 4/4Y. The rating, used by insurers to calculate premiums, reflects better fire preparedness from the 911 dispatch center, equipment upgrades, and firefighter training. The new rating becomes effective September 1.

  • Supervisors Greenlight Wedding Venue, Overruling Planning Commission in 3-2 Split

    Supervisors Greenlight Wedding Venue, Overruling Planning Commission in 3-2 Split

    APPOMATTOX, VA – In a 3-2 vote Monday, the Appomattox Board of Supervisors approved a wedding venue on Piney Mountain Road, overriding a unanimous recommendation for denial from its own Planning Commission.

    The decision followed a public hearing where residents voiced sharp opposition, citing concerns over traffic on the narrow rural road, noise, and light pollution from the proposed Quail Run Wedding and Special Events Venue. The Planning Commission had previously found the project would negatively impact the “harmony and/or character” of the agricultural neighborhood.

    “They’re robbing us of our dream,” said Jack Adams, one of several new landowners in an adjacent nine-lot subdivision. “That’s a home for me. It’s a business site for them.”

    Applicant Mary Beth Mayes defended the project as a family-run business that would bring revenue and an affordable event space to the county. In a key concession, the board’s approval was granted on the condition that all music must be contained indoors.

    The motion to approve was made by Supervisor Trevor Hipps and passed with support from Chairman John Hinkle and Supervisor Ken Wolfskill. Supervisors Samuel Carter and Alfred Jones voted against the permit.

  • Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Today, I formally requested that the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors cease their practice of selectively disabling public comments on the official county Facebook page. Open dialogue and transparent governance are essential to a healthy democracy, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has clearly affirmed that public comment sections on government-run social media constitute protected forums for free speech (see Davison v. Randall, 2019).

    By selectively restricting comments, our County openly engages in viewpoint-based censorship, which undermines our fundamental constitutional freedoms. It is vital that citizens have the opportunity to openly discuss, question, and provide feedback on the actions of their government.

    I have respectfully urged the Board to promptly re-enable comments on all past and future posts and adopt clear, fair, and constitutionally compliant guidelines for managing public interaction on their official platforms.

    Let’s keep Appomattox County a place where voices can be heard and rights remain protected.

    20250514-AT-PUB-APCODownload

  • Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Appomattox is a town built on history, from the fields where the Civil War ended, to the little shops and family-run businesses that have kept the town going for generations. The town has always been about resilience; about community and showing up for each other.

    There was a time when this town thrived. Agriculture, railroads, tobacco, tourism; they each had their moment., and through it all, Appomattox stood strong. The town where Lee surrendered to Grant. The place where a war ended, and healing began. That history is something to be proud of.

    But history alone won’t carry the town forward, and as the world around us keeps shifting, from coal to code, from farming to fiber optics, the town is at a crossroads. Other small towns are changing, adapting, finding ways to grow. If not careful, Appomattox will get left behind.

    Right now, the median household income here is about $58,000, which is lower than both the state and national averages. That number isn’t just data, it’s a sign that people are working hard, but not always getting ahead. And the next generation? They’re leaving. Not because they don’t love this place, but because they don’t see a future in it. And honestly, who could blame them?

    We can’t keep repeating the same pattern; empty buildings, low-wage jobs, another dollar store we didn’t ask for. What we need are businesses that attract, not distract. Places that spark energy, offer real jobs, and bring something new to the table. Tech startups, clean energy companies, more local businesses. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods that value wellness and community. We need options that make people want to stay, and make new folks want to come.

    Because let’s be honest, Gen Z isn’t looking for parking lots and strip malls. They want a walkable downtown with fast Wi-Fi, green spaces. organic food and most of all a sense of purpose. They’re building lives around value and experience, not just convenience.

    So why not give them a reason to choose us?

    Picture it: a downtown full of life co-working hubs for remote workers, live music on the weekends, food trucks lining the square, art festivals and open-air concerts that bring people together. Imagine the local history coming alive through reenactments, interactive exhibits, and festivals that not only educate, but inspire. Kids laughing in community gardens. Artists finding space to create. Visitors staying the night, not just passing through. In the end the town and the people in the town prosper.

    We don’t have to erase the towns roots; we just need to let them grow. Appomattox already has the story. Let’s tell it louder, bolder, and with a vision for the next chapter. Because here’s the truth: if we don’t act or invest in our people, Appomattox could slowly slip into being just another ghost town. A memory, instead of a destination. Why continue letting Lynchburg, Farmville and Richmond take our revenue, let’s make it a town to work and shop in.

    I didn’t grow up here. But I chose this town. The pride, the grit and the possibility. Let’s stop waiting for change to find us. Let’s build something that ensure the stability of the town for future generations.