Passionate residents filled the meeting room for the February 20 Board of Supervisors Meeting. The Board faced tough procedural questions and extensive citizen comment regarding the termination of Public Safety Director Bobby Wingfield.
Supervisor Al Jones started the session by seeking clarification on the Board’s rules. He pointed out previous deviations from the agenda. “There are several instances that I am worried about, the first one, the library board, was not on the agenda, but it was brought up and voted on, and the latest personnel matter that we had – it was also brought up and voted on, so I want clarification to know whether this board is going to operate the way we say we are going to operate.”
In response, County Attorney Mr. Thomas Lacheney offered legal guidance. He noted the need for unanimous consent or a formal vote to add new agenda items. He explained, “Any member can add an item to the agenda by submitting it to the County Administrator by close of business on the Wednesday prior to the next meeting.”
“Unlike Michigan, Mr. Hinkle”
Monte Mays
A significant part of the meeting consisted of public comments. Six residents stepped forward to address the Board.
Mr. Monte Mays led the charge. He called for respect and fairness in the treatment of civil servants. He evoked the “Appomattox Way,” recalling the town’s notable contributions to state and national leadership. “alright, let’s get this started.” As he turned to face the crowd, he asked, “How many toes were stepped on? Raise your hand.” Mr. Mays addressed the Supervisors: “Unlike Michigan, Mr. Hinkle; unlike Pennsylvania, Mr. Wolfskill; unlike Pennsylvania, Mr. Hipps.” The heart of his argument was a strong defense of Bobby Wingfield. His recent dismissal spurred a wave of opposition. “We strongly suggest your being respectful and fair in the future with your actions, or you can rest assured that none of you will be reelected in this County,” Mays asserted.
Mr. Hinkle’s reply was brief, “We appreciate the lesson on those famous Virginians.”
Citizen Commentary Highlights:
- Dennis Torrence: As a former Board of Supervisors member, Mr. Torrence voiced his dismay at the board’s recent 3-2 vote, stating, “As I see it, it presently stands embarrassing and inexcusable and will surely affect us in the hiring of future county employees.”
- Pat Torrence: Mrs. Torrence expressed worry about the financial repercussions of the board’s decisions, “long-term legal actions – the taxpayers of Appomattox County will be paying for, Not you.”
- Linda Mays: Mrs. Mays outlined “after 20 years of employment, without any reprimands or bad evaluations, he was informed on January 23rd that the board had voted to terminate him.”
- Barbara Williams: The retired Circuit Court Clerk shared a practical concern, “If I were a County employee, I’d be very worried about my own job if I had to deal with that.”
- Michael Dunkin: Mr. Dunkin called for accountability. “If wrong has been done it must be addressed transparently.”
The audience’s response to each speaker was enthusiastic, marked by notable applause. After the citizen comment period, the Board swiftly moved to the next item without fanfare.
The Board recognized the Future Farmers of America for their National FFA Week. The report was from the Appomattox Senior FFA Chapter. Ms. Braelyn Floyd accepted the resolution.
Sheriff Richardson requested several minor budget amendments. The Board approved the budget items unanimously. With a full room of constituents, he continued to address the Board and made a passionate plea for more resources. He pointed to a recent overdose to show the need for more deputies. “this past weekend, we had a young female juvenile overdosed on fentanyl. Deputies were the first one on scene and administered Narcan. If they couldn’t have been there in time, who knows where that could have went.”
The Sheriff ended with a clear message: “I need more deputies.”
The Board continued its budget planning process for fiscal year 2025. Appomattox Social Services and the Appomattox Tourism Committee both presented to the Board seeking financial support.
- Appomattox County Social Services Lindsey Hix, newly appointed director of Appomattox County Social Services, requested $78,000 in new local funds.
- Appomattox Tourism Committee Don Jones, President of the Appomattox Tourism Committee, requested continued support.
The Board’s operations were not without procedural hiccups. Supervisor Hipps highlighted an issue over a motion about the use of county property. “Is this not the issue we were talking about? Taking an item out of the administrator’s report?” This prompted a procedural clarification. It also sparked a reflection on decision-making within the Board.
Following approval of the consent agenda, Mr. Hinkle revisited the personnel matter. “Mr. Lacheney, I have been thinking about the passion of the audience, is there anything we might be able to respond to their passionate pleas?” Mr. Lacheney replied, “unfortunately, our hands are tied… personnel matters by state law and by definition are not transparent.”
“I’ve already been told, I’m on the list.”
Supervisor Al Jones
As the meeting drew to a close, the Board shifted to address internal concerns.
“When the library board was fired, that was not an agenda item.” Mr. Jones opened, “after carefully considering that. I looked back at that decision and realized that I had let myself get carried away. Everyone speaking reflected my world view.” He continued, “I made that split second decision which was poor governance.”
Concerning the decision to terminate Mr. Wingfield, Mr. Jones expressed his surprise, “I’m shellshocked,” he continued, “I’ve already been told I’m on the list, they got to get rid of me.”
Mr. Hinkle never lost control of the meeting. But, at times, audience members spoke from their seats. One person said “I have been here 40-years, and this is the way the Appomattox board does it… they do what they want, and if you don’t like it, tough.”
Mr. Hinkle addressed Mr. Jones by way of the County Attorney. He spoke about Mr. Wingfield’s termination. “We really are not the decision makers in that matter. Unless I misunderstood?” Mr. Lacheney requested that they speak on the issue in the closed session.
During Supervisor Comments, Mr. Jones noted a brewing conflict between law enforcement and Appomattox County Public Schools for funding. He hoped to avoid it. “I see law enforcement support being at odds with school support. I don’t want that to become an issue in our county.”
Mr. Jones also brought up a complaint from one of his constituents. The complaint indicated that litter has been a long-standing issue on Walnut Hill Road, despite the resident’s attempts to clean it up. Mr. Wolfskill shared insights from his trash collection efforts through VDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program. “We kept doing it [picking up trash]. By doing that, there’s less now when we pick it up.” Mr. Wolfskill advocated for personal responsibility and public service. He said, “Sometimes we have to do more than pay taxes.”
Mr. Hinkle jabbed at the Town of Appomattox, and expressed his desire to meet. “I read in the Town minutes that Mayor Conner isn’t getting any response from the Board of Supervisors Chairman to have breakfast. I’m having the same problem with Mayor Conner.”
The most recent meeting between the Board of Supervisors and the Town Council took place in 2016.
The meeting concluded with a closed session. Mr. Lacheney listed the topics included in the closed session as:
- E911 Employee Matters
- Region 2000 Trash Litigation
- The Carver Price Vocational Training Facility
- Emanuel Tire
The Board of Supervisors will meet next on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room. The March 5 meeting is a joint session with the Appomattox County School Board.
