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Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - Sep 10, 2026 Minutes
Thursday, September 10, 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, Administrative Assistant Diana Williams, Finance Operations Specialist, II, Mary Dodson, 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 Gene Cumbia led the invocation.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Supervisor Harris 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. August 13, 2026 - Regular Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on August 13, 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. August 24, 2026 - Special Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on August 24, 2026.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris Page 1 of 11
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Motion Carried 5-0
3. Presentations
A. Resolution - Mr. Chris Cralle, Planning Commission Member District I. Chris Cralle Planning Commission.doc
Motion to approve the resolution recognizing Mr. Chris Cralle as the Planning Commission Member for District I, as presented.
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. Resolution - First Responders Day
First_Responders_Day_2026.docx
Motion to approve the resolution recognizing First Responders Day, as presented.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. Resolution - Fire Prevention Week
Fire_Prevention_Week_2026.docx
Motion to approve the resolution recognizing Fire Prevention Week, as presented.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Resolution - In Support of Ocean Harvesters and Omega Protein Corporation Omega Resolution 2026.docx
County Administrator Tadlock informed the Board that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will have a public hearing on September 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Northumberland High School in Heathsville, Virginia. The hearing will address a draft addendum to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan, which proposes options to reduce the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap. Mr. Tadlock emphasized the high stakes for Northumberland County, noting that Omega Protein is the county’s largest employer. A significant reduction in the cap could negatively affect local harvesting, vessel operations, jobs, and the broader economic activity of the Reedville fishing and processing industry.
Motion to approve the resolution in support of Ocean Harvesters and Omega Protein Corporation, as presented.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris Page 2 of 11
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Motion Carried 5-0
E. Proclamation - Star Spangled Banner Day
word Proclamation for Star Spangled Banner Day.docx
Motion to approve the proclamation for Star Spangled Banner Day, as presented.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
F. NWS StormReady Community Presentation
On July 9, 2026, the National Weather Service recognized the County as StormReady. Eric Seymour of the NWS presented the four-year certification, which honors communities that excel in safety planning and hazardous weather communications. Mr. Seymour praised the County's outstanding effectiveness in broadcasting warnings and preparing the public to handle severe weather impacts.
G. Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates - Mr. Taylor Stover, FY25 Audit Presentation 2025 Final - Northumberland.pdf Northumberland FY25 Board Presentation
Powerpoint.pptx
Mr. Stover with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates presented the results of the FY25 Audit.
The full presentation can be found in the attachments.
Vice Chairman Chip Williams asked if their findings were reoccurring from the previous year's audit. Mr. Stover responded that they had findings in the FY23 audit, a clean audit in FY24, and they issued a material weakness in FY25. Mr. Stover believes the findings in FY23 had a material weakness due to accounts payable missing invoices.
H. Animal Shelter Full-Time Position Request
Shelter Manager Gabby Vaculovicova from the Northumberland County Animal Shelter, reminded the Board of the shelter's request for a full-time position. In response, the Board requested information regarding the full-time pay and how it compares to neighboring localities.
Supervisor Fisher asked whether the request was for an additional staff member or a replacement. Ms. Vaculovicova clarified that an existing part-time employee would fill the full-time role.
Mr. Fisher advocated for increasing part-time wages instead, noting that the County saves money by not having to provide benefits.
Chairman Brann opposed relying on part-time help, expressing a preference for transitioning existing part-time roles into full-time positions.
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Ms. Vaculovicova noted that shelter staff currently handle both animal care and the building maintenance. Chairman Brann responded that the County should handle the building maintenance since the County owns the building.
I. Update from Virginia Department of Transportation
Northumberland BOS Report 9-2026.pdf
Mr. David Beale presented his report on behalf of VDOT. The full report can be accessed in the attachment.
Supervisor Fisher would like VDOT to consider moving the second mowing of primary roads up two weeks due to high weeds and johnson grass.
Supervisor Long reported mowing needed on Hull Neck and Blundons Road for their Edwards Day celebration parade.
Vice Chairman Williams commented on shoulder repair work needed near
Academic Lane traveling east on Route 360.
J. Update from Northumberland County Public Schools
One Year Progress.pptx Aug 2026 check register.pdf Aug 2026 electronic
payments register.pdf Expenses YTD.pdf FY2026 Nutrition Account
Appropriation Adjustment Request.docx 9_10_26 BOS Pres.pptx.pdf
September Central Newsletter.docx (2).pdf
Superintendent Leslie gave a brief overview of the school newsletter. The full presentation can be accessed in the attachments.
Supervisor Harris questioned whether an interim member would be appointed to the School Board vacancy ahead of the November election.
Superintendent Leslie noted that if the School Board does not make a decision by September 15th, the matter will be transferred to the Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Hardcastle, Director of Facilities/Maintenance for Northumberland Public Schools, presented two quotes to the Board related to the interconnection and abandonment of the school well.
Chairman Brann stated that the quote requires School Board approval and
requested that Mr. Hardcastle notify Mr. Tadlock and the Board of the outcome. Chairman Brann asked about the Annual School Report deadline.
Mrs. Kimberly Hall-Deans stated that although the report is due September 15th, they have requested a 15-day extension. She and Cherry Bekaert are actively working on it, and she expects to complete it on time.
Dr. Pica urged the Board to reconsider the appropriation approved last fiscal year for the school's nutrition budget as the expenditures exceeded the revenue. Page 4 of 11
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Dr. Pica presented a final progress report showing the financial progress over the last year. Her full report can be accessed in the attachments.
The Board thanked Dr. Pica for her assistance in the school's finances.
**Chairman Brann requested a ten minute recess.
4. County Administrators Report
A. Building Permit Report
B. Supplemental Appropriation for EMS
Appropriation EMS.pdf
EMS Chief Bailey explained that the EMS department has run into several vehicle maintenance issues since the start of the fiscal year and has used over 50% of their appropriations in the vehicle repair and vehicle supplies accounts.
Motion to approve a transfer with a Supplemental Appropriation from 56-1600- 161315 (EMS Billing) to 3203-3012 in the amount of $15,000.00 and from 56-1600- 161315 (EMS Billing) to 3203-7006 in the amount of $5,000.00, totaling $20,000.00.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. Emergency Operations Plan
EMS Chief Bailey explained that the EOP has all but five signatures as requested to endorse the plan and is ready for approval.
Motion to approve the Emergency Operations Plan, as presented.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Discussion on County Properties
EDC Feb Briefing to BOS(Final) .pptx Poor House Tract Phase I Presentation Final(26May26).pptx
1st_set_county_owned_properties_less_the_Five_PC_recommended_sm.pdf
2nd_set_county_owned_properties_less_the_Five_PC_recommended_sm.pdf
PC_recommended_Five_Co_Owned_Properties_Investigate_Selling_sm.pdf
Summary_Maps_PC_Analysis_Co_Owned_Properties.pdf
The Board will hold a special meeting on September 30,2026, at 6:30 p.m. regarding County properties; Chairman Brann also welcomed the EDC to attend if scheduling permits.
E. Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB) Appointments
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County Administrator Tadlock stated that he had preliminary discussions with the Commonwealth Attorney and Sheriff Beauchamp about serving on the CCJB. Mr. Tadlock, Commonwealth Attorney Wrightson, and Sheriff Beauchamp have all agreed to serve.
Motion to approve the appointments of Commonwealth Attorney, Jane Wrightson, Sheriff Beauchamp, and County Administrator Tadlock to the Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB).
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
F. Other County Administrator Items
G. Department Agency Monthly Updates
Zoning Monthly Report 08-2026.docx Sanitary District Report.pdf County
Admin Report.pdf Library Report BOS Sept 2026.docx.pdf EDC Monthly
Report August 2026.pdf DSS and CSA Reports.pdf IT Monthly Report -
August 2026.pdf County_Planner_Monthly_Report_Aug_2026.pdf Treasurer
Monthly Report 9.10.2026.pdf
5. Committee Reports
6. Board of Supervisor Items
A. Approval of Check Register
September 2026 BOS Monthly Check and EFT Registers.pdf September 2026
Voucher Transactions Report by Code.pdf
Motion to approve the September check register in the amount of $614,543.28.
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. Board Comments
Supervisor Harris would like to form a steering committee for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on a replacement solution for Daveware as the software developer is retiring in 2028. Mr. Harris would like a report back to the County by the December meeting so they can move forward with a new software package.
Motion to form a steering committee for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Board on a replacement software for Daveware. The Board would like the committee to consist of Drew Basye, Assistant County Administrator, Pam King, Treasurer, Todd Thomas, Commissioner of Revenue, Robert Headley, IT Director, Kimberly Hall-Deans, Page 6 of 11
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Interim Finance Director, Morgan Wilson, Finance Operations Specialist, I, Jerry Rushing, Building Official, and citizen representatives John Kost and Karen Pica.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Supervisor Harris would also like staff to develop a proper budget on operations within the Treasurer's Office as well as commence a time and motion study. The study will measure the following: a description of each task required to administer the collection of real estate taxes, the amount of time each employee devotes to each task that they undertake related to the collection of real estate taxes, which is to be measured in 1/4 hour increments. Mr. Harris' goal is to understand how much time is actually involved in gathering County taxes one time a year, which will allow them to better understand how to move forward.
Supervisor Long suggests discussing this with the County Treasurer Pam King. Vice Chairman Williams asked how burdensome this process is going to be on the Treasurer's office.
Supervisor Harris stated that it is just a matter of documenting their hours at the end of the day.
Chairman Brann stated that the Board asked the Treasurer to come up with a cost of labor/materials, which also relates to time, so he believes they just need to follow up with her on that request. Chairman Brann stated that he would follow up with the Treasurer. Supervisor Fisher had one more addition to the meeting on September 30th. He stated that Mr. Tadlock was contacted by the State regarding getting rid of the public pier at Sandy Point. County Administrator Tadlock stated that Mr. Fisher was correct Mr. Fisher would like to discuss this at the meeting on September 30th, as he believes the pier is needed.
Vice Chairman Williams asked where the County stands on the letter that is being sent to the Coast Guard in reference to the icebreaker rockpile hazard in the Great Wicomico River.
County Administrator Tadlock stated that staff sent a draft letter to the Sheriff's Office, Department of Emergency Services, Smith Point Sea Rescue, Congressman Whitman, and Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent, all of which have signed off on the letter. The letter was also sent to VMRC, Kaine and Warner's office but the County has not received anything back from them.
Vice Chairman Williams stated that the County has not heard from Kaine and Warner's office, and stated to his understanding VMRC is not ready to sign, and asked if that was correct.
Mr. Tadlock said that is correct, the County has not heard back from VMRC. Vice Chairman Williams stated that the Commissioner is comfortable with this letter; however, he cannot solely attach VMRC to this letter. The Commissioner wants to have word from the Governor and Secretary of Natural Resources that they are in agreement with what we the County is trying to do. Mr. Williams is ready to get this letter off to the Coast Guard.
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Motion to move forward with sending the letter to the Coast Guard advocating for public water safety in relation to the icebreaker rockpile hazard in the Great Wicomico River.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
7. Public Comments (4 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
No public comments were made.
8. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
A. In order to consider an amendment to the fiscal year 2027 budget. This budget amendment is for the purpose of budgeting/appropriating monies for grants, reimbursements, State compensation adjustments, Capital Improvement Projects, and Emergency Services.
Budget_Amendment_FY27_Ad_9_2026.doc DHCD.pdf FY27 Budget
Amendment Resolution_9_2026.pdf RESOLUTION - Appropriation of Funds NC - Lampkintown Road (003).docx
County Administrator Tadlock stated the primary focus of the budget amendment is DHCD community grant in the amount $1,012,978.00 as this is a requirement of DHCD.
Public Hearing Open.
No comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve the resolution which appropriates and budgets the DHCD monies, as presented.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Motion to approve the resolution from DHCD indicating that the monies have been appropriated for the Lampkintown Housing Project, as presented.
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. Revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-3, to modify the definition of Bulk Oil/Propane Storage, Commercial, (third sentence of the definition) from “Such facilities shall not include retail sales.” to “Such facilities may include retail sales.”
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Jul_2026_bulk_oil_storage_in_B-
1_zoning_cond_use_pub_notice_ad_BOS_rrecord.doc Northumberland
County Zoning Ordinance Proposed Change to the Definition of Bulk Oil.pdf County Planner Stuart McKenzie stated that the Planning Commission
unanimously voted to approve revising the definition as presented at their meeting on August 20, 2026.
Supervisor Fisher asked if this is above ground, below ground or both?
Mr. McKenzie believes both and explained that the conditional use permit will specify that the applicant will need to obtain all permits from relative State agencies, etc.
Public Hearing Open.
No comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
Supervisor Fisher asked if the definition should state both above and below ground.
County Attorney Gregory stated that it has no bearing on it and it would have to be above ground. He stated that the ordinance language itself does not distinguish above and below ground.
Motion to approve the revision to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-3, to modify the definition of Bulk Oil/Propane Storage, Commercial, (third sentence of the definition) from “Such facilities shall not include retail sales.” to “Such facilities may include retail sales.”
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. Revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance § 148, Attachment 1, Table of Usages to add Bulk Oil/Propane Storage, Commercial as a conditional use in the B-1, Business, General Zoning District.
Jul_2026_bulk_oil_storage_in_B-
1_zoning_cond_use_pub_notice_ad_BOS_rrecord.doc
Proposed_Change_to_Zoning_Usage_Table_Bulk_Oil_cond_use_B1_highlighted.j pg
Public Hearing Open.
No Comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
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Motion to approve the revision to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance § 148, Attachment 1, Table of Usages to add Bulk Oil/Propane Storage, Commercial as a conditional use in the B-1, Business, General Zoning District.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
9. Items Related to Closed Meeting
A. Convene into Closed Meeting § 2.2-3711 A(1),(3),(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. 3. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body. 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
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
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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
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Engagement Letter FY26 Auditing Services
Motion to approve the signing of the engagement letter with Robinson, Farmer, Cox, Associates for FY26 auditing services.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
10. Closing of Meeting
A. Carry Over
Motion to carry over to the special meeting on September 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Keith Harris
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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