2026.03.10 - Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on March 10, 2026, which included extensive public commentary primarily focused on affordable housing, school closures, and budget concerns. Several citizens expressed strong opinions regarding the need for affordable housing and criticized disparaging remarks made by a supervisor about certain populations. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the school system's budget shortfall, with speakers urging the Board to fully fund schools to avoid closures, particularly of Stewartsville Elementary, and to reconsider grade reconfigurations that could negatively impact students. The Board approved several procurement-related items, including acceptance and appropriation of grants: a $97,000 state rescue squad assistance fund grant requiring a 50% match, an opioid abatement authority cooperative partnership grant for substance abuse recovery programs, and a congressional direct spending grant application for nearly $1 million to fund sheriff and 911 expansion projects. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution to adopt a 200% Medicare fee schedule for EMS revenue recovery, expected to increase revenue by approximately $150,000 to $165,000. The Board also initiated zoning ordinance text amendments to define and regulate intermodal freight containers and tow truck services, with provisions to support agricultural uses while protecting residential neighborhoods. The meeting concluded with commitments to collaborate with the school board on budget and school facility issues and plans for upcoming budget work sessions.