At its February 13 budget work session, the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors considered funding requests from constitutional officers, internal departments, and local community organizations. Key discussions included requests from the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department and the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office.
Jonathan Garrett, Chief of the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department, reported that the department currently operates with an annual budget of $84,000. He requested additional funds to increase the operating budget for the next fiscal year, seeking $60,000 from the County and $40,000 from the Town. Supervisor Wolfskill highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the volunteer service, stating, “If we had to fund this as a paid operation, it would cost the county millions.”
Sheriff Robby Richardson requested funding in the amount of $260,000 to add four new deputy positions. He emphasized the department’s operational needs by stating “We have operated at the minimum for way too long.” In an effort to explain the necessity of additional deputies, Sheriff Richardson presented body camera footage of deputies responding to various types of calls as an immersive example of what a Deputy might encounter on any given shift. “There are some nights when Appomattox is protected by only one Deputy,” Richardson added. The Sheriff also requested increased funding for officer training and three vehicles.
Supervisors Carter and Jones expressed support for the Sheriff’s requests but noted the financial constraints faced by the County. Supervisor Carter remarked on the board’s limited capacity to fulfill all funding requests: “The Board of Supervisors can only do so much. We’d love to give him the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but we don’t have it.”
In a separate decision, the board unanimously authorized 25% matching funds for a state grant, which could provide up to $75,000 to replace law enforcement radio equipment.
Following a half-hour closed session, the board voted to reject all bids for the P25 Radio System project (Detailed Procurement Information) and terminate its contract with CTA Consultants, LLC. This decision effectively concludes an eight-month-long procurement process at the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee. The termination of the contract and the rejection of the bids occur less than three weeks following the removal of Bobby Wingfield from his role as Public Safety Director. Wingfield was listed as the Procurement Officer in the initial Request for Proposal.
No indication was given as to if the P25 Radio System RFP will be rebid or if Appomattox County will devise an alternative strategy to enhance the existing radio infrastructure without a full system overhaul.
The board also heard funding requests from the Piedmont Area Veteran’s Council, J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, Virginia Extension Office, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Electoral Board, and CASA of Central Virginia
The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
