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Special Called Board of Supervisors Meeting (Monday, March 2, 2026)
Northumberland County, Virginia
Members Present:
James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Members Absent:
James M. Long
Other Staff Present:
Mr. Luttrell Tadlock, County Administrator
Mr. Drew Basye, Assistant County Administrator
Ms. Morgan Wilson, Executive Assistant
Mr. Carl Hayden, IT Technician
Ms. Mary Dodson, Bookkeeper & Benefits Administrator
1. Opening of Meeting 3:30P.M.
Information: A. Call to Order
The special meeting was convened by Chairman Brann and held at the
Northumberland Courthouse located at 220 Judicial Place, Heathsville, VA 22473.
2. County Administrator Items
Action, Information: A. Forest Green Subdivision Drainage Easement
County Administrator Tadlock reminded the Board that last year Forest Green Subdivision requested the Board’s assistance in road modifications and improvements. At that time, the Board held a public hearing at the meeting on May 8, 2025 on the secondary six-year plan and included Forest Green Subdivision into that plan. The individuals in that subdivision have been working with Mr. David Beale from VDOT on the necessary paperwork and are here tonight in hopes of obtaining approval of a drainage easement by the County. In addition to the drainage easement, once that is approved and recorded, there is a resolution that the Board must pass as well.
Motion to approve the drainage easement for Forest Green Subdivision.
Motion by: Chip Williams, second by: Keith Harris.
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Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: B. Rural Addition Resolution - Forest Green Subdivision
Motion to approve the resolution contingent upon the recording of the easement as presented. Rural Addition Resolution per State Code §33.2-335 for Northumberland County
Rural Addition Requiring Funds for Improvement
The Board of Supervisors of Northumberland County, in regular meeting on the 2nd day of March, 2026, adopted the following:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the street described below was established in 1960, and currently serves three or more owner occupied dwelling units, and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation has deemed this county’s current subdivision control ordinance meets all necessary requirements to qualify this county to recommend additions to the Secondary System of State Highways, pursuant to §33.2-335, Code of Virginia, and
WHEREAS, after examining the ownership of all property abutting this street, including the deeds and related plats, this Board finds no restriction on the use of public funds for the improvement of the road, and
WHEREAS, after examining the ownership of all properties abutting this street, this Board finds that speculative interest does not exist; and
WHEREAS, this Board identified available funding to make improvements required to qualify the street for addition to the Secondary System of State Highways, based on the Department’s cost estimate of $160,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to §33.2-335, Code of Virginia, this Board requests the following street to be added to the Secondary System of State Highways maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation and hereby guarantees the right-of-way of the street to be clear, unencumbered, and unrestricted, which right-of-way guarantee shall include any necessary easements required for cuts, fills, and drainage:
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Name of Subdivision: Forest Green Locksley Hall
Name of Street: Forest Green Rd
From: Rt 1301 Locksley Hall Rd
To: 0.265 miles south of Rt 1301
Length: 0.265 Miles
Guaranteed Right Of Way Width: 50 Feet
Plat Recorded: Date: March 11, 1960, Plat Book: 1, Page: 208
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in lieu of providing a turnaround easement at the end of state maintenance, this Board hereby guarantees the right-of-way of Locksley Ln through Forest Green Locksley Hall Subdivision from the proposed end of state maintenance of Forest Green Rd to the existing end of state maintenance of Rt 1303 Locksley Ln for the purposes of ingress and egress.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to improve said street to the prescribed minimum standards, funding said improvements with the following funds:
Source of Funds Amount
SSYP Telefees $160,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board agrees to reimburse, within 45-days of receiving an invoice, all costs that the Virginia Department of Transportation incurs to relocate existing utilities within the right-of-way that are discovered during the course of and in conflict with the construction, drawing such funds from resources other than those administered by the Department; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board agrees to reimburse, within 45-days of receiving an invoice, all costs that the Virginia Department of Transportation incurs in the construction of necessary improvements to the road that are over and above the estimated cost of improvements or to otherwise identify an eligible source of funds administered by the Department to cover such costs; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Residency Administrator of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: Chip Williams.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
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Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: C. Comprehensive Plan
County Planner Stuart McKenzie explained that the Planning Commission made revisions to the 2016 comprehensive plan and at the July 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, the commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the revised plan by the Board of Supervisors and forwarded the draft to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and VDOT as required by state law. Staff received the reviewed plan from DEQ on November 6, 2025, and from VDOT on December 31, 2025. Further revisions were made based on the suggested revisions from VDOT and DEQ and the commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt the final revised plan at their meeting on February 19, 2026. Mr. McKenzie explained that the order of the chapters changed substantially, there were updates made to County maps, additions of concepts that developers should consider before planning a solar project in the County, and details on the financial feasibility of constructing reservoirs in the County were included as well. In addition, the Planning Commission created pillars of growth along with a community growth assessment tool with a survey for citizens that assesses quality of life, workforce, infrastructure, and community support within the County. Supervisor Fisher asked if the requirement of ¾ mile distance from the water in relation to solar projects was included in the plan.
Mr. McKenzie stated that that language is included in the zoning ordinance, which is a different document dealing with enforcement.
Mr. John Kost, Planning Commission member, mentioned the addition at the end of Chapter 4 which talks about the surplus land in the County and offers detailed recommendations. He also explained that the Planning Commission reviewed the plan back in April/May time frame, so there are some amendments in relation to the animal shelter updates he recommended that the Board approve:
The current language in the plan is as follows:
“A fenced animal shelter is located on the property currently used for solid waste disposal on U.S. 360 near Horsehead. This facility can house 20 dogs, and a recent expansion provides space for cats. It is operated by volunteers and managed by the Animal Warden who is supervised by the Sheriff.”
Mr. Kost and the Planning Commission recommended the following language be revised as follows:
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“A fenced animal shelter is located on the property currently used for solid waste disposal on U.S. 360 near Horsehead. This facility can house 36 dogs and 14 cats. It is operated by volunteers and managed by the Shelter Manager who is supervised by the Sheriff. The Friends of the Northumberland County Animal Shelter (FINCAS) have recently suggested the current facility is in poor condition and lacks space to meet demand. They have proposed constructing a new facility, at their expense, if the county will provide sufficient land for a new facility. At the request of the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission is currently working with FINCAS to develop a plan and recommendations for consideration by the Board of Supervisors.” Mr. Kost also brought attention to another amendment to Chapter 1, following page 1:69, as follows:
"F: Forestry
As part of the update to the Comprehensive Plan for 2026, the County did not focus on the current state of forestry within the County or were unaware of any issues to be addressed. However, upon completion of the final draft, the Comprehensive Plan was submitted to various state agencies for review. The Virginia Department of Forestry recommended the inclusion of the following data about forest land within the County."
In addition to the language, the Commission requested to revise the Tables of Contents by renumbering any reference pages, if necessary, as a result of the change above. Supervisor Harris mentioned the dual lane mentioned in Chapter 4 from Burgess to Kilmarnock, but there’s already been one proposed from Heathsville to Burgess. He thought this route had been surveyed 3 or 4 times, but they never followed through with the plans.
Supervisor Fisher stated that they came up with a cost 8 or so years ago and the price was unbelievable considering all the factors.
Mr. McKenzie stated that estimate was back in 2023 as a “desktop exercise” with a total cost of about $70M. VDOT suggested taking it out of the plan because it’s not realistic, but staff decided to keep it in there, so it’s known.
Motion to authorize staff to advertise for a public hearing to be held at the regular meeting in April on the Comprehensive Plan with the necessary amendments as presented.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: Chip Williams.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
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Mr. Kost reminded the Board of the pillars of growth survey at the end of the plan and urged them to share it with their constituents to get feedback from the County.
3. Items Related to Closed Meeting
Action, Information: A. Convene into Closed Meeting
Motion to Action: A. Convene into Closed Meeting: convene into closed meeting as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1)(29);1. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals. Any teacher shall be permitted to be present during a closed meeting in which there is a discussion or consideration of a disciplinary matter that involves the teacher and some student and the student involved in the matter is present, provided that the teacher makes a written request to be present to the presiding officer of the appropriate board. Nothing in this subdivision, however, shall be construed to authorize a closed meeting by a local governing body or an elected school board to discuss compensation matters that affect the membership of such body or board collectively. 29. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: Chip Williams.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: B. Reconvene into Open Meeting
Motion to reconvene into open session.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: AC Fisher, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: C. Certification of Closed Meeting
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Motion that the Northumberland Board of Supervisors return to Public Meeting and certify by roll call vote that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered during the closed meeting. The vote on the motion was passed by a roll call vote as follows:
Aye: Keith Harris, AC Fisher, Jr., James W. Brann, Charles H. Williams
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: AC Fisher, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: D. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Requests for Proposals Health Insurance Services
Motion to deny all proposals received by the County in relation to Health Insurance services.
Motion by: Chip Williams, second by: AC Fisher, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: E. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Anthem Local Choice Health Insurance FY27 Renewal and Proposed Rates
Motion to accept the FY27 Local Choice Health Insurance Renewal Rates as proposed for active employees by using the key advantage 500, key advantage 1000 and the high deductible plan with comprehensive and preventative dental.
Motion to allow early retirees not eligible for Medicare to continue coverage under early retiree group coverage at Local Choice’s full premium cost until they become Medicare eligible as currently being offered.
Motion by: Chip Williams, second by: Keith Harris.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: F. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, New Courthouse Siding and Gutter Repair
Motion to approve the estimate from Norman Roofing for siding and gutter repair at the New Courthouse in the amount of $8,500.00.
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Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: AC Fisher, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Action, Information: G. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, New Courthouse Load
Analysis
Motion to approve Raymond Global to perform the HVAC load analysis on the New Courthouse in the amount of $12,500.00 by using the tax-exempt borrowing funds.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: Chip Williams.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
4. Closing of Meeting
Action, Information: A. Economic Development Commission Survey on Website
Supervisor Harris asked staff to put the survey on the County website so the Board can gather feedback and see where the priorities are.
Motion to authorize staff to post the survey created by the Economic Development Commission on the County's website to seek citizen input.
Motion by: Keith Harris, second by: AC Fisher, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris
Chairman Brann mentioned a bill that’s failed the last couple years dealing with recognizing dispatchers are first responders. He asked staff to draft a resolution supporting recognition of dispatchers as first responders in hopes that other counties will adopt the same resolution so that when the bill is presented again, it will pass.
The Board asked Mr. Tadlock if he would touch base with Northern Neck Electric and Dominion and clarify that they are coming to present at their regular meeting next week and not answer questions from the public.
County Administrator Tadlock stated that he would and explain that it’s a presentation to the Board and they can answer questions from the Board members.
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Chairman Brann agreed, stating that it’s presentation to the Board regarding electric bills and the public can ask questions during the public comment session.
Vice Chairman Williams stated that the citizens can reach out to the Board members as well and they will do the best they can to address any questions they have.
Action: B. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Chip Williams, second by: Keith Harris.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James W. Brann, Chip Williams, AC Fisher, Jr., Keith Harris