Weekly recap

The week of August 3

August 3–9 · Compiled later from the records

The Board of Supervisors adopted the FY27 County Budget of $48,796,856 on June 18, and the minutes were posted August 6.¹ The Board also denied Robert G. Bruechert an Exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance for an accessory structure at 625 Harbor Drive.² Supervisors moved $346,558.91 into the school CIP account, earmarking $184,874.91 for the elementary school playground and $161,684 for a new bus purchase.³

Summarized from the county’s records, September 26.

Where each sentence comes from

“Motion to approve the FY27 County Budget in the amount of $48,796,856.”Board of Supervisors · meeting of June 18 · minutes posted August 6
“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.” … “is located at 625 Harbor Drive”Board of Supervisors · meeting of June 11 · minutes posted August 6
“in the amount of $346,558.91 to move prior year reimbursement funds to the school CIP VIP account” … “earmark $184,874.91 of those funds for the elementary school playground and to earmark $161,684 of those funds to use for a new bus purchase”Board of Supervisors · meeting of June 4 · minutes posted August 6

Written automatically from the county’s records. Each sentence has to quote the record it comes from, word for word, or it’s left out. The records have the final say.

Decided, and posted this week

Board of Supervisors, meeting of June 4

Minutes posted August 6 · Minutes, Jun 4 ·

Transfer of Funds - School Capital Improvement
Approved · $346,558.91 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a transfer of funds from revenue account 10-1800-189932 to revenue account 36-4100-410030 in the amount of $346,558.91 to move prior year reimbursement funds to the school CIP VIP account so they can be used for CIP projects. The Board approved to earmark $184,874.91 of those funds for the elementary school playground and to earmark $161,684 of those funds to use for a new bus purchase.” (minutes, Jun 4, p. 3)

Board of Supervisors, meeting of June 10

Minutes posted August 6 · Minutes, Jun 10 ·

Transfer and Supplemental Appropriation - School Board
Approved · $162,854.42 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a transfer and a supplemental appropriation from revenue account 36-4100-410030 to line item 10-9103-7030 in the amount of $162,854.42 to transfer monies from the school VIP CIP account to cover the deposit for the elementary school playground.” (minutes, Jun 10, p. 1)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Payment Authorization - Elementary School Playground Deposit
Authorized · $162,854.42
“Motion to authorize staff to move forward with submitting a manual ACH payment to cover the deposit of the elementary school playground in the amount of $162,854.42.” (minutes, Jun 10, p. 2)
Resolution - Gardy's Mill Pond Restoration Support
Adopted
“Motion to authorize staff to draft a resolution in support for restoring Gardy's Mill Pond and to reach out to Westmoreland County and request that they adopt a resolution in support as well.” (minutes, Jun 10, p. 3)
Action Taken from Closed Meeting, State Compensation Board Bonus
Carried
“Motion to not accept the legislatively approved bonus for constitutional officers through the state compensation board.” (minutes, Jun 10, p. 4)
What’s a closed meeting?
“‘Closed meeting’ means a meeting from which the public is excluded.”
Code of Virginia § 2.2-3701, Chapter 37. Virginia Freedom of Information Act

Board of Supervisors, meeting of June 11

Minutes posted August 6 · Minutes, Jun 11 ·

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.
Denied · Part of the robert G. Bruechert: construct an accessory structure
“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.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 8)
Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
Approved · $11,064.58 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“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.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 5)
Supplemental Appropriation - Treasurer
Approved · $102.98 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“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.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 5)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Supplemental Appropriation - Opioid Abatement Funds
Approved · $85.71 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“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” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 5)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits VRS Rate Resolution
Approved · Part of the fiscal year 2027 budget
“Motion to approve the VRS enhanced hazardous duty benefits resolution increasing the multiplier to 1.85% effective July 1, 2026.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 6)
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.
Approved · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve the budget resolution as presented.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 9)

6 more

American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Tournament - EDC Director Bob Bullard
Approved · $2,500.00
“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.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 3)
Election Split Waiver
Authorized
“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.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 6)
What’s a general registrar?
“‘General registrar’ means the person appointed by the electoral board of a county or city pursuant to § 24.2-110 to be responsible for all aspects of voter registration, in addition to other duties prescribed by this title.”
Code of Virginia § 24.2-101, Chapter 1. General Provisions and Administration
What’s a state board?
“‘State Board’ or ‘Board’ means the State Board of Elections.”
Code of Virginia § 24.2-101, Chapter 1. General Provisions and Administration
DMV License Agent's Agreement
Approved
“Motion to approve the DMV License Agent's Agreement to continue operation of the DMV in the Northumberland Treasurer's Office.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 6)
FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Request - Emergency Services
Approved
“Motion to allow Emergency Services to apply for the non-matching FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 5)
Bank of America Equipment Lease Agreement Amendment
Approved
“Motion to approve the amendment to the equipment lease purchase agreement with Bank of America regarding the regional radio equipment for emergency services.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 6)
Approval of Check Register
Approved · $477,642.97
“Motion to approve the check register for June 2026 in the amount of $477,642.97.” (minutes, Jun 11, p. 7)

Board of Supervisors, meeting of June 18

Minutes posted August 6 · Minutes, Jun 18 ·

Appropriation of Funds for FY27
Approved · $47,547,118.00 · Part of the fiscal year 2027 budget
“Motion to approve the appropriations resolution for the FY27 with an appropriated total of $47,547,118.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 2)
FY27 County Budget Adoption
Approved · $48,796,856.00
“Motion to approve the FY27 County Budget in the amount of $48,796,856.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 1)
Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates FY25 Cost Allocation Plan Contract
Approved · $6,000.00
“Motion to move forward with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates' contract to assist in the preparation of the County's Cost Allocation plan for one year, FY25, in the amount of $6,000.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 3)
Capital/Fixed Asset Increase Starting Cost
Carried · $5,000.00
“Motion to increase the capitalization threshold of capital/fixed assets from $5,000 to $10,000 as recommended by the County auditor due to increased costs.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 2)
Approval of Personal Property Tax Rate (PPTR)
Approved
“Motion to approve the following resolution on personal property tax relief.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 2)
Approval of FY27 Tax Rates
Approved
“Motion to approve the following resolution to set the FY27 tax rates.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 1)
FY2027 DEQ Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant
Authorized
“Motion to authorize staff to move forward in submitting application for the FY27 DEQ non-competitive litter prevention and recycling grant with no required County match.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 3)
FY27 Fee Schedule Adoption
Adopted
“Motion to approve the resolution to adopt the County Fee Schedule for FY27.” (minutes, Jun 18, p. 2)

Board of Supervisors, meeting of June 23

Minutes posted August 6 · Minutes, Jun 23

Both:Approved

Transfer of Funds - School Board
$90,000.00 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a transfer of funds from 30-6000-6100 (Instruction) to 30-6000- 6200 (Admin & Health) in the amount of $90,000.” (minutes, Jun 23, p. 1)
Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
$716.79 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation and transfer of funds from EMS revenue (56-1600-161315) to EMS expenditure (56-3506-5956) in the amount of $716.79 for a refund.” (minutes, Jun 23, p. 1)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports

Each quote opens the minutes where it’s written. Routine votes (approving the agenda and minutes, entering and leaving closed session, adjourning) aren’t listed.

Moved forward, and new

On the Joint Finance Committee agenda

August 5 · 1 matter

Fiscal year 2028 budget (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028)

Promised, and what happened

What the records say would happen, as of this week.

Zoning ordinance change: § 148-150 (Piers)
A second look promised by February 13, 2027 · Board of Supervisors, February 12Open
The words
“Motion to revisit the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-150 in one year to see of controls can be put in place by both the State and the County.” (Board of Supervisors minutes, Feb 12, p. 24)
The county is reviewing its rules for cell towers
Sent for review · Board of Supervisors, April 9Open, 17 weeks
The words
“Motion to send the Zoning Ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further discussion in relation to cell towers and monopoles to see what other counties have in place and bring that information back to the Board.” (Board of Supervisors minutes, Apr 9, p. 11)
Scott B. Johnson: install 170 linear feet of bulkhead channelward of an existing bulkhead (Little Wicomico River)
Tabled until July 14 · Wetlands Board, June 9Date passed; not yet taken up in the records
The words
“After reviewing the project and there being concerns and objections, George Rew made a motion to table the project until the July 14, 2026, meeting so that Mr. Johnson could submit revised drawings of the project. Albert Fisher seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.” (Wetlands Board minutes, Jun 9)
The county is reviewing its rules for businesses run from home
Sent for review · Board of Supervisors, July 10Open, 4 weeks
The words
“Mr. McKenzie read the July 10, 2026 memo from the Board of Supervisors regarding home occupation businesses, asking the Commission to review current zoning regulations on Home Occupation Businesses to further clarify the use so as to not negatively impact the surrounding neighbors.” (Board of Supervisors minutes, Jul 10)

Earlier this year: 5 tabled decisions were taken up on the date set.

What was coming, as of this week

Rebuilt from the records, since this week was compiled later.

Mon10Aug
Electoral Board Meeting (no agenda)
Tue11Aug
Wetlands Board Meeting
Thu13Aug
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting
Tue18Aug
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Thu20Aug
Planning Commission Meeting