By Michael Copley
Staff Writer

Shared revenue being held for now

In order to provide what supervisors called “wiggle room” to respond to a worst-case scenario in state funding, the board of supervisors voted March 4 to hold $776,000 in revenue shared between the county and schools in an undesignated reserve fund.

Based on an already-established ratio used to divide shared revenue between the county and schools, the school system stands to receive 60 percent of the $700,000 sum — $466,000. Add to that the return of the now-requested $517,000 in surplus funds from last year, and the school board could see $983,000 added to its budget.

Water and sewer rate adjustment

In an effort to move the county’s water and sewer system towards self sufficiency, the board of supervisors approved changes to the fees residents are charged for those services.

During a rate adjustment presentation, Christopher Rapp, Director of Utilities and General Services, said the fee adjustments are meant to recover the capital the county has already invested in the system.

District 5 Supervisor Carson Tucker said Powhatan is trying to develop a self-sustaining system, similar to what other counties already have, that isn’t subsidized by homeowners.

Anti discrimination policy, hour per work week increase

District 1 Supervisor Joe Walton asked Carolyn Bishop, County Administrator, to review Powhatan’s anti-discrimination policy, particularly as it pertains to sexual orientation.

He also made a motion to amend the work week for salaried county employees from 35 hours per week to 37.5. “In this day and age, 37.5 is not an unreasonable amount,” said Walton.

Judge Warren honored for service

Former circuit court judge Thomas V. Warren was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the Powhatan Board of Supervisors for 32 years of service.

“I’m honored to have been able to serve the Commonwealth for over 32 years,” Warren said last week. “It was indeed a privilege…”

Child Abuse prevention month

April 2010 has been proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month by board of supervisors.

Clarification
The board of supervisors hasn’t voted on District 1 Supervisor Joe Walton’s proposal to increase the hours salaried county employees are required to work during a week, from 35 to 37.5 hours.