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Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - Mar 12 2026 Minutes
Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
220 Judicial Pl. Heathsville, VA 22473
1. Opening of Meeting 5:30 P.M.
A. Remote Participation
Motion to ratify Mr. Brann's approval and to allow Supervisor Harris to participate via zoom during the meeting as allowed under the Board's adopted remote participation policy.
Moved by: James Brann; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. Invocation - Pastor Kori Kiss, Bethany Baptist Church
Pastor Kori Kiss led the invocation.
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Supervisor Long led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Approval of Agenda
County Administrator Tadlock stated that Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Dominion Energy will be presenting together tonight and asked if the Board would like to move closed meeting to the end of the agenda.
The Board requested closed meeting be moved to the end.
Motion to approve the agenda for today's meeting with the suggested revisions.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
2. Approval of Minutes
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A. February 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 12, 2026.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. February 19, 2026 Special Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on February 19, 2026.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. March 2, 2026 Special Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on March 2, 2026.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
3. Presentations
A. Update from Virginia Department of Transportation
Mr. Todd Vanlandingham presented his report on behalf of the Virginia
Department of Transportation. The full report can be accessed in the attachments. Supervisor Long reported ditch cleaning on Light Street and asked VDOT to continue working on the traffic pattern at Academic Lane.
Northumberland BOS Report 3-2026.pdf
B. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Dominion Energy Presentation
Mr. Reagan Fakhoury from Dominion Energy explained that part of their bill increase deals with riders and their base rate increase approved by the State Corporation Commission (SCC).
Chairman Brann asked why the customers have to pay fees for the riders if the projects are federally funded by the government.
Mr. Fakhoury was unsure on the federal level, but the SCC approves the projects annually and deems them critical. He stated that he’d follow up with the Board on an explanation from the federal level. He explained that the base rate increase came into effect on January 1, 2026, which was also approved by the SCC. Mr. Fakhoury stated that the increase was approved due to costs of labor, equipment, materials, investments and reliable service.
Supervisor Long asked why the electric bills are so high for some people. Mr. Jim Robertson from Northern Neck Electric Cooperative explained that each Page 2 of 15
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winter he has people come to him with concerns about the high electricity bills and it all yields down to the following:
Shorter days = less sunlight to provide natural heat
Cold outdoor temperatures cause HVAC systems to run longer and work
harder to maintain desired temperature
Drafty doors/windows and insufficient insulations cause heat loss, making HVAC systems run longer and work harder.
More details related to how to manage and save on your electric bill can be accessed in the attachments.
Mr. Fakhoury suggested that citizens do a home energy audit and if they cannot, they can contact Dominion and they can send someone there to do it for them and explain what aspects of the home are costing the customer money.
Chairman Brann doesn’t understand why the SCC recommends increases for
Dominion every year because when you go online and look at Dominion’s profits for the last three years, he believes they can afford to give back to the customers rather than continuing to increase their rates.
Supervisor Fisher asked if they were familiar with any proposed tax increase coming in on utilities from the current administration in Richmond.
Neither representative was familiar with the proposed tax increase.
Chairman Brann asked Mr. Fakhoury to comment on the energy efficient expo. Mr. Fakhoury stated that they want to come out and educate, and they can discuss individual bills with customers. He explained that once it is scheduled, they will advertise for everyone to attend.
Chairman Brann asked if this could flow through the EDC to ensure that it happens. Mr. Tadlock stated that he and the Board can work directly with Dominion and NNEC to get this set up.
Supervisor Long asked how soon they could do it.
NNEC representative Jim Robertson recommended Spring or Fall.
The Board asked Mr. Tadlock to work with both representatives to set something up in September and to advertise it in advance.
Supervisor Harris recommended that the County do an energy audit as well. NNEC-Dominion Northumberland Slide.pdf Dominion and NNEC Docs.pdf
C. Mr. Stuart McKenzie, County Planner - Year End Report
County Planner Stuart McKenzie presented the year end report to the Board. The full report can be accessed in the attachments.
2025_Annual_Report.pdf
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D. Update from Northumberland County Public Schools
Superintendent Leslie presented a PowerPoint presentation related to state competitions, school division reports (posted on the school’s Board Docs), and the school’s request for CIP funds for the well.
Mr. Hardcastle, Maintenance Supervisor at the school, stated that they spoke with the school’s attorney who suggested they take out the need for utility location services in the RFP, so he presented quotes for such service to the Board so they could get that done ahead of issuing the RFP. Mr. Hardcastle recommended the Board move forward with Capital City Services to locate the utilities as they have done work for the school in the past.
Chairman Brann asked Mr. Tadlock to confirm if there are monies available for this project.
Mr. Tadlock explained that the County set aside $110,000 for the well project and last October the Board authorized the School Division to use $22,632 of the $110,000 for services to start the project. He stated that the service cost would come from the $110,000.
Chairman Brann reminded the public that they are on a deadline, and they have no choice but to move forward as required by DEQ.
Motion to authorize the School Division to move forward with Capital City Services, Inc. in the amount of $2,916 utilizing funds from the School's Capital Improvement Fund that were earmarked for the well project.
Motion to authorize the School Division to move forward with Capital City Services, Inc. in the amount of $2,916 utilizing funds from the School's Capital Improvement Fund that were earmarked for the well project.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
4Q appropr request v2.pdf Feb 2026 check register.pdf Feb 2026 electronic payments.pdf March 2026 Finance Exec Summary.pdf trsf to school capital acct.pdf March 10 revised budget.pptx March 10 revised SB budget.pptx Finance
Presentation BOS.pptx 3_12_26 BOS Pres.pptx (1).pdf
Supervisor Fisher asked what the expected cost of the new well is going to be. Mr. Hardcastle stated that they will not be digging a new well. The current project is to locate the utilities that need to be added. Overall, they are working to abandon the water well at the elementary school and tie the storage tank to the high school well and then the high school well will provide water to all three schools.
Mr. Hardcastle also mentioned that he met with the DEQ grant writer and he informed him that as long as they have their new application in for groundwater withdrawal before the Page 4 of 15
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deadline, that counts has a continuance of the current permit that they have. Additionally, the permits now last 15 years, not 9.
Vice Chairman Williams asked what the projected date is for the abandonment of the middle/high school well.
Mr. Hardcastle stated it’s dependent on when the County has the funds available to do it. They could do it as early as next year, but he anticipates another 10 years. Finance Director Anne Curran presented information on finance activities to date. She provided a summary of the IDEA audit, gave an update related to the ERP steering committee, and explained their efforts to clean up some of the school’s financials. Her full presentation can be accessed in the attachments.
Finance Facilitator Karen Pica provided her executive summary to the Board which can be accessed in the attachments.
E. Supplemental Appropriation - School Board
4Q appropr request v2.pdf
Motion to approve the fourth (final) quarterly appropriation for the School Board in the amount of $5,311,742. The break down is as follows:
30-6000-6100 $3,932,400
30-6000-6200 $368,532
30-6000-6300 $367,405
30-6000-6400 $507,988
30-6000-6600 $7,500
30-6000-6800 $127,917
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Dr. Pica asked that the Board reconsider quarterly appropriations for the next budget cycle. She explained that there are other alternatives that give the County the same amount of control.
Dr. Pica then announced that there are two new accounts set up on the County side, one being the school CIP so the school will not be retaining any funds that should be returned to the County when identified. The request below is for a transfer into the new account and will be funding earmarked for the NES
playground.
F. Transfer of Funds - School Board Request
trsf to school capital acct.pdf
Motion to approve a transfer of funds from 30-6000-6400 (Operation &
Maintenance) to line item 36-4100-410030 (new County account for School CIP funds) in the amount of $125,690.33.
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Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Dr. Pica explained that this account will continue to receive funds back from the school up to the $286,000 which is what the capital outlay request originally was for next year. Once the account balance gets beyond the $286,000, other funds are then going to be transferred to the other new County account which are for reimbursement funds coming back to the school that should be returned to the County taxpayers.
Lastly, Dr. Pica provided the Board with the seven budget proposals that follow County guidance and the funding requested is the lowest County contribution since 2022. Because the School Board voted on a budget outside of County guidance (including a 2.5% salary increase), the Board would have to appropriate the same amount as last year to cover that and provide $30,000 less in the technology line item because their marching orders were to not exceed last year’s request.
Chairman Brann thanked the finance staff and School Board for all of their hard work throughout this process.
G. Proclamation - Red Cross
Red_Cross_ Proclamation2026.pdf
Motion to approve the proclamation for Red Cross Month as presented to the Board.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
H. Resolution - Supporting Recognition of 911 Telecommunication Officers as First Responders
Recognizing 911 Telecommunication Officers as First Responders.pdf
Motion to approve the resolution in support of recognizing 911 telecommunication officers as first responders as presented to the Board.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
4. County Administrators Report
A. Building Permit Report
B. Re-appointment - Heidi Wilkins-Corey Planning Commission District V
Motion to approve the re-appointment of Heidi Wilkins-Corey to the Planning Page 6 of 15
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Commission, District V.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. Appointment - Gregory Basye Economic Development Commission District I
Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Gregory Basye to the Economic Development Commission, District I.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Brann
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Supplemental Appropriation - Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund
Opioid Appropriation.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to line item 47-5102-3200 in the amount of $75.74 for interest accrued in January 2026 on the opioid abatement account.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Supplemental Appropriation - Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Appropriation.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 10-1800-189917 to line item 3102-5805 in the amount of $150.00 for a tow bill reimbursement.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
F. Supplemental Appropriation - Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Appropriation 1.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 10-1800-189917 to line item 3102-3012 in the amount of $3,369.92 for an insurance reimbursement and a supplemental appropriation from 10-1800-189917 to line item 3102-7005 in the amount of $157.94 for a return reimbursement.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
G. Supplemental Appropriation/Transfer of Funds - Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Transfer and Appropriation.pdf
Motion to approve a transfer and a supplemental appropriation from 20-2200- Page 7 of 15
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220220 (Federal Asset Forfeiture) to 3102-8008 in the amount of $10,000 to purchase equipment. Motion to approve a transfer and a supplemental
appropriation from 22-2200-220222 (State Asset Forfeiture) to line item 3102-8009 in the amount of $9,991.12 to purchase equipment.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
H. Supplemental Appropriation - Emergency Services
EMS Appropriation.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from the EMS billing monies to line item 3203-5409 in the amount of $9,400 for equipment and supplies.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
I. Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
Transfer of Funds EMS.pdf
Motion to approve a transfer of funds from EMS revenue (56-1600-161315) to EMS expenditure (56-3506-5956) in the amount of $18,222.16 for March 2026 as required by the auditors for RDA purposes.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
J. Sheriff's Department Toughbook Quotes
Toughbook Quotes.pdf
Motion to approve the quote from Law and Order Technology LLC for toughbooks in the amount of $10,051.36.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
K. L3 Harris Radio High Capacity Batteries Request
Assistant Chief Harding provided the Board with an update in relation to the high capacity batteries as discussed at last month’s meeting. He received an email quote for 125 batteries with a 40% discount in the amount of $13,125.00. The life expectancy of the batteries is 3-5 years with some of them lasting up to 7 years. Mr. Harding stated that they do not have a warranty on them, but they received in writing that if they go bad within a year, they can send them back for replacements.
Chairman Brann asked if there were funds in the radio system available for this purchase. Mr. Tadlock stated there were some monies available that they borrowed that can be Page 8 of 15
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used for this. He asked Mr. Harding if L3 Harris provided him with any documentation in addition to the email stating the cost.
Chairman Brann asked Mr. Harding to get a paper quote to Mr. Tadlock so they can move forward.
Motion to approve the purchase of high capacity batteries from L3Harris not to exceed $13,125.00 pending receipt of the invoice.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
L. Little Wicomico Dredging Project Update
County Administrator Tadlock stated that funding for the Little Wicomico Dredging Project has been approved by VMRC through their emergency funding request that was submitted with the assistance of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC). This was the use of the waterway maintenance fund. Staff and the NNPDC continue to engage with VMRC and the Army Corps of Engineers on the Joint Permit Application submitted by the County. The County has secured the private oyster lease easement and is still in the process of trying to secure the placement easements for the land with the property owners. Separately, in partnership with the NNPDC, the County has been in contact with the Army Corps of Engineers about submitting budget requests for an assessment of the physical jetties through their operations and maintenance budget. He explained that this is totally separate from the dredging project itself as this is the rock and retaining wall, etc. In addition to this, the County is working with the NNPDC to submit funding applications to community project funding and the congressionally directed spending programs at approximately $500,000 to do a complete assessment of the jetties. He explained that they will continue to work with these programs on any matching requirements they would be used to supplement what’s already being requested by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Motion to partner with the Planning District Commission to submit funding applications to community project funding and the congressionally directed spending programs.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
M. Other County Administration Items
Mr. Tadlock requested authorization to advertise invitation for bids for fuel for FY27. He explained that this would include bids for both the County and the school division.
Motion to advertise the invitation for bids for fuel in Northumberland County.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
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Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
County Administrator Tadlock then provided an update to the Board regarding the budget. He explained that staff has been actively compiling information for the budget and Ms. Dodson has been inputting information related to health insurance and working on salary information. Mr. Basye has started to pull department requests together and input that information into the draft budget. Mr. Tadlock stated that he is looking for the committee to start meeting with departments the week of April 13th. Additionally, they are finalizing some deadlines related to the Board of Equalization as that will impact some of the public hearings held on the budget. Once finalized, staff will provide that full calendar to the Board.
Lastly, Mr. Tadlock explained that the Board Docs platform will phase out and will become a “read-only” platform by the end of the month. Staff is working to transition to the new Diligent platform, so the Board will receive emails on how to set up their account sometime next week. He stated that we would like to start using the platform on a non-regular meeting, so they are aiming to start using Diligent for the March 24, 2026 meeting.
N. Department Agency Monthly Updates
County Admin Report.pdf DSS & CSA Reports.pdf IT Monthly Report -
February 2026.pdf Library report BOS February 2026.pdf Monthly Report EDC February 2026.pdf Monthly Report EDC January 2026.pdf
5. Committee Reports
Chairman Brann mentioned the Joint Finance Committee meeting and stated that Mrs. Heather Cockrell and Mr. John Kost will serve as the co-chairs. He stated that the meeting went well and their next one will be held on March 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Supervisor Harris asked if the Treasurer could provide a report that shows the dollar amount collected in addition to the percentage.
6. Board of Supervisor Items
A. Approval of Check Register
Updated BOS Mar26 Check & Electronic Register.pdf Updated BOS Mar26
Vendor Payments Voucher report by Acct Code.pdf
Motion to approve the March 2026 check register in the amount of $510,186.20.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. Board Comments
Supervisor Fisher believes it is a bad time to accept bids on fuel.
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Mr. Tadlock stated that this is typically the time of year that the County requests bids. Chairman Brann mentioned that they may have to request them again if the bids are not suitable.
Chairman Brann requested the land they are thinking about selling be included as part of their budget discussions.
7. Public Comments (4 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
Mr. Tom Jeffries urged the Board to consider adopting a resolution in opposition of the redistricting referendum.
**The Board moved on to Section 9. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
8. Items Related to Closed Meeting
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.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. Reconvene into Open Meeting
Motion to reconvene into open session.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris Page 11 of 15
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Motion Carried 5-0
C. Certification of Closed Meeting
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, James M. Long, AC Fisher, Jr., James W. Brann, Charles H. Williams
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Mobile Classrooms Removal Award
Motion to move forward with Jimmy’s Bulldozing Service for the removal of the mobile classrooms at the Old School Board Office in Lottsburg in the amount of $4,500.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Sanitary District Wastewater Operator/Maintenance Position
Motion to hire Mr. Austin Mothershead for the Sanitary District Wastewater Operator/Maintenance position contingent upon the background check and driving record with a starting salary of $37,907.17 effective April 1, 2026.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
**See Section 10. Closing of Meeting.
9. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
A. Request by Anthony Mangano, owner, for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a 195-foot communications tower on property zoned B-1, Business General. The property is shown as Tax Map Parcel # 8-B(1)-116 and is located on Movie Hall Lane.
BOS_3_12_2026_ad_echo.pdf Mangano bos.pdf Suggested ConditionsBOS
03-12-2026.pdf PC_Memo_to_BOS_02-09-
26_cond_use_Mangano_cell_tower.pdf
Ms. Lisa Murphy, council for the applicant, explained that Vertical Bridge and Verizon Wireless are seeking a conditional use permit for the purpose of constructing and operating a 195-foot monopole, wireless telecommunications tower with a 40-foot lighting rod. Ms. Murphy explained the details of the project Page 12 of 15
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to the Board. The CUP application can be accessed in the meeting attachments. She explained that they sent notices to all adjourning property owners notifying them of the application.
Chairman Brann asked if the letters were mailed certified.
Ms. Murphy stated they were not, but she has copies of the mail out if they’d like to see. She stated that they also received positive feedback from the Planning Commission with unanimous approval.
**Chairman Brann requested a 5-minute recess.
Chairman Brann asked about the illustration showing the tower collapsing within the 50-foot portion of the fence and stated that it’s not the same construction or material.
Ms. Murphy explained that it’s just an example, that it would operate similarly even though the illustration was different.
Chairman Brann asked what if there’s a failure at the base of the tower? Mr. Rau de Silva with Vertical Bridge stated that everything will collapse before the base fails, but he’d be happy to ask the structural engineer.
Chairman Brann asked how frequent the towers get struck by lightning.
Mr. Rau de Silva stated that he’s unsure but if it does it will transfer to the ground. Chairman Brann asked what the noise factor would be if it did get struck. Mr. Rau de Silva stated he’s unsure, but he imagines it would be similar to when lightning strikes the ground or a tree.
Chairman Brann asked where the equipment is stored.
Mr. Rau de Silva stated that they use cabinets outside and no longer use shelters at the base.
Chairman Brann asked if they have coverage maps of the existing cell phone coverage in the Callao area.
Mr. Rau de Silva stated they could get those.
Vice Chairman Williams asked what the radius of decent coverage is that this will provide to customers.
Mr. Rau de Silva stated there isn’t an exact line, but they say about a 3-mile radius. Supervisor Harris asked if there are other properties that could be affected if the tower fails to fall into the 50-foot zone.
Supervisor Fisher asked if this would overcome the low-lying areas that do not have good coverage in the County.
Mr. Rau de Silva stated that it should help with the low-lying areas that are within Page 13 of 15
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the 3-mile radius, but if they are really low and out of the line of sight and potentially blocked by trees, then there still may be some coverage issues. Public Hearing Open.
Mrs. Jamica Campbell spoke on behalf of her family and requested that the Board oppose the CUP as it does affect the compound in which they live.
Public Hearing Closed.
Supervisor Harris thanked Verizon for wanting to put towers in our area because there is a need, but his concern is that he would not place a tower within 195-feet of his property. He asked if there is any way the tower can be moved on the property to better accommodate the neighboring properties.
Ms. Murphy stated that they can take this back for consideration if that is the will of the Board.
Chairman Brann would like to table a decision to next month’s meeting once all the Board members have gone to visit the site.
Supervisor Long asked how this project would affect Mrs. Campbell and her family. Mrs. Campbell stated that she can’t have radio waves around her so it will affect her health.
County Attorney Gregory informed the Board that federal regulations prohibit the consideration of certain aspects of radio waves or impacts of allegations of radiation, so those concerns are not to be considered by the Board as it is not a part of their authority in the case of any communication tower.
Motion to table a decision to next month's regular meeting on April 9, 2026.
Moved by: James Brann; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
**The Board convened into closed meeting at this time. See Section 8. Items Related to Closed Meeting.
10. Closing of Meeting
A. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Keith Harris
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Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Board Clerk - E. Luttrell Tadlock
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