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Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - Jun 11 2026 Minutes
Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
220 Judicial Pl. Heathsville, VA 22473
Members Present: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, Keith Harris
Staff Present: County Administrator Tadlock, Assistant County Administrator Drew Basye, Finance Operations Specialist I Morgan Wilson, IT Technician Carl Hayden
1. Opening of Meeting 5:30 P.M.
A. Invocation - Pastor Gene L. Cumbia of Smithland Baptist Church
Pastor Cumbia led the invocation.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Supervisor Long led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda for today's meeting.
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
A. May 7, 2026 Special Meeting
May 07 2026 - Special Meeting.docx
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on May 7, 2026.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. May 12, 2026 Special Meeting
May 12 2026 - Special Meeting.docx
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Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on May 12, 2026.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. May 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
May 14 2026 - Regular Meeting.docx
Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on May 14, 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
D. May 19, 2026 Special Meeting
May 19 2026 - Special Meeting.docx
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on May 19, 2026.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. May 28, 2026 Special Meeting
May 28 2026 - Special Meeting.docx
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on May 28, 2026.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
3. Presentations
A. Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent Update
Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent provided the Board with an update related to proposed bills and where they stand moving forward. She stated that all of her legislation came from the district and heavily concentrated on concerns coming from home like education, natural resources, and affordability. Delegate Kent presented a few of bills she put forth such as allowing green lights on farm use vehicles, nitrous oxide regulations, military family allowable absences from school, and recess time in relation to children's health. She stated that she understands people who are urgent to receive information on the state budget, so she'll be going back to Richmond to work on this with hopes that they pass a budget by the June 30th deadline.
The Board thanked Delegate Kent for helping kill a couple bills that would have adversely affected commercial watermen this year.
Chairman Brann asked that the state consider recognizing dispatchers as first responders.
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B. NCPS Boosters Club - Mr. Allen Garland
Mr. Garland presented a funding update in relation to the elementary school playground. He explained that they received a grant from the Wiley Foundation and presented a check at the School Board meeting earlier this week in the amount of $53,000 to go towards the playground. He stated that some of that came from local donors, but a big chunk of it came from the Wiley Foundation. He kept $50 in the account, so they won't have to close it and Mr. Garland informed the Board that they're going to continue to push this issue by reaching out and trying to get more grant and community funding so that the school gets the playground they deserve.
C. Northern Neck Wooden Boat School - Mrs. Katie Wilkins
NNKWBS BOS 6-26.pdf
Mrs. Katie Wilkins explained that she and Mr. David Clark from the Reedville Fishermen's Museum teamed up about four years ago to bring the family boat build operation to her students at the school. She stated that it's a hands-on program that teaches students how to build wooden boats. The program is solely funded by donations, grants and any public assistance. Mrs. Wilkins announced that there's a summer program happening at the middle school and the
opportunity is available to any Northumberland middle or high school student, free of charge, who wants to build a boat. Upcoming events related to the program can be found in the attachments.
Supervisor Fisher asked if they are in need of any woodworking tools.
Mrs. Wilkins explained that they are and that they currently use the volunteers' personal tools.
Vice Chairman Williams asked what happens to the boats when the program is complete.
Mrs. Wilkins stated that they may save a few for some school projects as they partner with NAPS for creek cleanups, etc., they discussed possible boater safety classes, or they may auction or raffle them off and use the proceeds to put back into the program as done in the past.
Vice Chairman Williams asked about the enrollment.
Mrs. Wilkins stated that they're at full capacity right now and are hoping to expand to an afterschool program this coming year for middle and high school students. She explained that they met with Delegate Kent regarding long term goals for the programs and they'd like to team up with RCC and offer a credit-bearing course. Chairman Brann asked if someone wanted a skiff, could the individual purchase a kit as a donation and have the group build it.
Mrs. Wilkins stated she'd have to bring that topic to her Board.
D. American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Tournament - EDC Director Bob Bullard
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(Corrected) AJGA 2026 Resolution (DRAFT).docx (Corrected) Memorandum for AJGA Support 2026.pdf
EDC Director Bob Bullard requested the Board consider a donation in the amount of $2500 for the American Junior Golf Association Tournament held at the Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club in August of this year. Mr. Bullard explained that the Board did donate $2500 last year for the tournament and it was quite an
investment as it generated significant economic activity, brought visitors to the County, provided national exposure, supported local youth activities and leveraged a nationally recognized event. He informed the Board that the event was deemed by the AJGA as the best youth league tournament for 2025.
Golf Coach Allen Garland explained that the Northumberland golf team
participated in this event and all the help and volunteering encouraged AJGA to donate $6,000 to the golf team last year.
Mr. Bullard stated that it was over $6,800 that was provided to the athletic department.
Motion to approve the resolution as presented that gives a contribution in the amount of $2,500 to support the American Junior Golf Association Tournament to be held at Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club in August 2026.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Update from Virginia Department of Transportation
Northumberland BOS Report 6-2026.pdf
No VDOT representative was present at the meeting. The report from VDOT can be accessed in the attachments.
F. Update from Northumberland County Public Schools
June 2026 Finance Exec Summary BoS.docx May 2026 check register.pdf
May 2026 EFT payments.pdf nutrition proposal 2027 final.pptx
Assistant Superintendent Javornda Ashton thanked the Board for attending graduation, their approval of the CIP funds for the bus purchase as well as the playground, and thanked the Boosters and community for their contributions as well.
School Nutrition Director Saunee Hamlett presented the school nutrition budget request in the amount of $766,299 with no carry over. The budget presentation can be accessed in the attachments.
4. County Administrators Report
A. Building Permit Report
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B. Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
EMS Transfer.pdf
Motion to approve a transfer of funds from EMS revenue (56-1600-161315) to EMS expenditure (56-3506-5956) in the amount of $11,064.58 for June 2026 as required by the auditors for RDA purposes.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. Supplemental Appropriation - Opioid Abatement Funds
Appropriation Opioid Funds.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to line item 47-5102-3200 in the amount of $85.71. The break down is as follows:
January bank interest $5.35
May bank interest $80.36
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Request - Emergency Services
Emergency Services Chief Bailey requested the Board's endorsement to apply for the FEMA Safer grant in the amount of $125,000 in support of the two volunteer fire departments in the County. It's a non-matching grant for the categories they'll be applying for, which is predominately used for recruitment and retention for volunteer fire service members. This will include full funding for a firefighter 1 and 2 program with supplemental classes attached to that.
Motion to allow Emergency Services to apply for the non-matching FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Supplemental Appropriation - Treasurer
Appropriation Treasurer.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 10-2200-220210 to line item 1213-5401 in the amount of $102.98 for DMV paper purchase reimbursement.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
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F. Election Split Waiver
Split Waiver.pdf
County Administrator Tadlock explained that each year the Board must request a waiver from the State Board of Elections due to the area located in Kilmarnock.
Motion to hereby approve the resolution and authorize the Northumberland County General Registrar to submit a request for a waiver from the State Board of Elections pursuant to Section 24.2-307 of the Code of Virginia to administer the District 4 precincts in Northumberland County located in the Town of Kilmarnock, Town Code 1390 as split precincts for the 2026 election.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
G. DMV License Agent's Agreement
Motion to approve the DMV License Agent's Agreement to continue operation of the DMV in the Northumberland Treasurer's Office.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
H. Bank of America Equipment Lease Agreement Amendment
County Administrator Tadlock stated that this amendment would allow the
monies held in the project account to be used by the lessee to pay equipment cost without further consent of the lessor. The program is set up so that when the County has an expense related to the regional radio program, the County has to get authorization from Bank of America and once they get approval, then it's submitted through the SNAP program. Mr. Tadlock stated that the timeframe on the loan has been 2-3 years now, so they are relaxing that requirement. The County still has to go through the SNAP program so it is still being monitored, it's just eliminating that extra step.
Vice Chairman Williams asked County Attorney Gregory for his opinion on this. Mr. Gregory stated that they've conferred with bond council and Davenport Financial Advisors who worked with the bank to obtain their approval and it looks good. He recommended that the Board move forward.
Motion to approve the amendment to the equipment lease purchase agreement with Bank of America regarding the regional radio equipment for emergency services.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
I. Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits VRS Rate Resolution
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County Administrator Tadlock stated that the Board asked about the enhanced hazardous duty benefit going from 1.7% to the 1.85% multiplier and that increase has been built in the proposed FY27 budget. If the Board wishes to move forward with that increase, they need to take action on the resolution tonight for July 1, 2026 implementation.
Supervisor Fisher believes this will help hold onto their good employees.
Motion to approve the VRS enhanced hazardous duty benefits resolution
increasing the multiplier to 1.85% effective July 1, 2026.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
J. Other County Administration Items
Mr. Tadlock stated that the County is continuing to work with the Northern Neck Planning District Commission on the Little Wicomico Dredging. The joint permit application is currently scheduled to be on the agenda for consideration with VMRC at their meeting on June 23, 2026. One item that the team continues to work on is with the Maryland Department of Environment with permitting requirements that they are asking the County to complete. Mr. Tadlock thanked everyone for all the community support received and they are still continuing to move forward with this process.
K. Department Agency Monthly Updates
BOS Library report May 2026.pdf CSA and DSS Reports.pdf EDC Monthly
Report May 2026.pdf NCDES Monthly Report - May 2026 .docx RSD
Report.pdf Zoning Monthly Report 05-2026.docx Treasurer Report.pdf IT
Monthly Report - May 2026.pdf County Admin Report.pdf
5. Committee Reports
6. Board of Supervisor Items
A. Approval of Check Register
June 2026 Check Register and EFT Register.pdf June 2026 Voucher
Transactions Report.pdf
Motion to approve the check register for June 2026 in the amount of $477,642.97.
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 Long asked about the old School Board office in Lottsburg.
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Mr. Tadlock stated that the trailers out back have been removed and that property is still on their list for future discussions.
Chairman Brann stated that property discussion should be occurring at their meeting in July.
Chairman Brann would like department heads to have monthly meetings to voice their concerns. He believes this would be a good opportunity for the County Administrator to pass on County business with the department heads. Moving forward, he'd like to see departments put their staff members' names in a jar and draw a name out each month. The following month, Mr. Brann wants the department heads to highlight that employee at the staff meeting and then bring that information back to the Board the same month to highlight that employee again. He stated that there are a lot of good employees in the County and they need to be recognized at the Board meetings.
7. Public Comments (4 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
Mrs. Jennifer Packett spoke about her experience working for the County at the Sheriff's Office. She stated that Sheriff Wilkins told her that if she came to work for the Sheriff's Office, she'd be able to get her officer certification and get the hazardous duty supplement when she retires. Due to declining mental health, Mrs. Packett decided to leave the Sheriff's office and in June 2025, Mrs. Packett sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator inquiring about her supplement and she was informed 3 days prior to her leaving that she was not eligible for the supplement. She stated that she wanted it known that she did not leave the Sheriff's office because of the pay, and she will not stop fighting for what she's entitled to. Mr. Jeffrey Tarleton stated that he has several sink holes in his yard due to the property next door. He would like to sit down and discuss is issue with the County because he's been fighting this battle for quite some time.
**The Board convened into closed meeting at this time. See Section 9. Items Related to Closed Meeting.
8. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
A. TABLED FROM THE REGULAR MEETING ON MAY 14, 2026; Request by Robert G. Bruechert, owner, for an Exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance in order to construct an accessory structure on property zoned R-2, Residential Waterfront. The property is shown as Tax Map Parcel # 38-D(1)-17 and is located at 625 Harbor Drive.
BOS_5_14_2026_ad_echo.pdf Bruechert_Robert.pdf Suggested
ConditionsBOS 05-14-2026(3).doc
Zoning Administrator Marston reminded the Board that this hearing was tabled from last month's meeting because the Board wanted more information related to the specs for the drywell from the designer. He also had a request related to comments from DEQ which have been provided to the Board as well.
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Supervisor Fisher stated that he was very skeptical about this application and after conferring with DEQ, they issued a letter back not being in favor of the project being granted so he reiterated that he cannot support it.
Vice Chairman Williams understood the placement of the garage and appreciated all the work the applicant has put into the project, but there's a provision in the County's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and he believes it's important to this application. Vice Chairman Williams does not believe this proposal is consistent with the original intent of the Bay Act so he is not in favor of the application at this point.
Motion to deny an Exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance in order to construct an accessory structure on property zoned R-2, Residential Waterfront. This motion is made in due consideration of the administrative record before the body, including the planning commission’s deliberations and
recommendation, the information received via the public hearing, including statements offered by staff, the applicant, and members of the public, the public health and safety, the general welfare of the community, public necessity, convenience, in the exercise of good zoning practices and the body’s legislative prerogative, and pursuant to the body’s statutory authority.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. To consider an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget. This budget
amendment is for the purpose of budgeting/appropriating monies for grants, reimbursements, additional personnel, Contractual Costs, Opioid Settlement Monies, Sheriff’s Office, School Division, Capital Improvement Projects, and Emergency Services.
Budget_Amendment_FY26_Ad_6_2026.doc FY26_Budget_Amendment.pdf
FY26 Budget Amendment Resolution_6_2026.docx
County Administrator Tadlock stated that these funds are not new monies and have already been previously appropriated, however the County is required to hold a public hearing due to the amount being over the 1% of the budget. The budget amendment resolution can be found in the attachments.
Public Hearing Open.
No comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve the budget resolution as presented.
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.
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9. Items Related to Closed Meeting
A. Convene into Closed Meeting § 2.2-3711 A(1),(8),(29)
Motion to Action: A. Convene into Closed Meeting: convene into closed meeting as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1),(8),(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. 8. Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter. 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: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
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: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
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, AC Fisher, Jr., James M. Long, James W. Brann, Charles H. Williams
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
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Motion Carried 5-0
**Chairman Brann requested a 10-miutes recess.
**The Board moved on to the public hearings. See Section 8. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
10. Closing of Meeting
A. Adjournment
The Board announced that they've scheduled a budget work session for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Motion to adjourn.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Board Clerk - E. Luttrell Tadlock