Smyth County Board Of Supervisors 10.22.26

Smyth County Board of Supervisors meeting, October 23, 2026. The board reviewed a revised FY2027 budget totaling about $145 million, including a general fund proposal of $51.9 million—just over $3 million below the current budget through cuts and revenue recapture. Supervisors discussed the potential effects of reductions on schools, social services, and other agencies, including an estimated $540,000 reduction in local school funding that could affect approximately $2.2 million when state funding is included. The board unanimously scheduled a budget work session for November 5; staff said the proposed budget public hearing would be set for November 12, subject to advertising requirements. Monthly appropriations were approved, and the board unanimously approved transfers of $6,000 from health department maintenance to administration building maintenance and $2,000 from the same account to library maintenance. Accounts payable, including an approximately $275,000 CSA payment and about $150,000 in CDBG-related flood assistance, was also approved.

Facilities and project items included discussion of seeking HVAC repair quotes for the county building, with no spending authorization reported, and a proposed agreement to accept dirt from a contractor working on the Creeper Trail for the Sheriff’s Office shooting range. Supervisors indicated support for accepting the material and asked staff to obtain assurance that it was not hazardous; staff also planned to negotiate for the contractor to grade the site. Public comments focused on the county’s data-center ordinance, transparency, and a possible conflict of interest; no related procurement action was taken. The board also discussed holding some work sessions at locations around the county to improve public access.