#AmherstCounty

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1 month ago

Amherst County CIP highlights include EMS equipment, a fifth medic unit and sheriff body-camera replacement The county's proposed capital-improvement program (~$4.1M after a late sheriff request) prioritizes EMS equipment replacement (cardiac monitors, stair chairs), vehicle and body-camera packages for the sheriff's office and IT upgrades (Toughbooks, CradlePoint/MDTs); staff proposed financing and phased replacement where possible.

Amherst County's bold $4.1 million capital-improvement plan aims to enhance public safety with new EMS equipment, updated body cameras, and crucial IT upgrades.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #EmergencyMedicalServices #CitizenPortal #TechnologyUpgrades #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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1 month ago

Board backs CV safety action plan and recommends Smart Scale option C for CVTC access The board endorsed the Central Virginia safety action plan (Safe Streets and Roads for All) committing to a regional goal to reduce serious and fatal crashes by 50% by 2045, and recommended Option C for a second entrance to the CVTC property as the county's smart-scale application.

Amherst County is stepping up for safety, adopting a plan aimed at cutting serious crashes by 50% by 2045 and backing a strategic new entrance to the Central Virginia Training Center!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #TransportationReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityPlanning

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1 month ago

Amherst County approves two 199-foot cell towers after public hearing despite resident health concerns The Amherst County Board of Supervisors approved special exceptions for two 199-foot wireless towers after public hearings in which residents raised health, environmental and notification concerns. Staff and applicants said the proposals meet county setbacks and federal standards; votes were 4–1 on each tower.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors has approved two controversial 199-foot cell towers, sparking fierce debate over health and environmental risks amidst public outcry.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityConcerns #PublicSafety #TelecommunicationsPolicy

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1 month ago

Amherst County staff proposes nearly $73 million FY27 budget, warns of a roughly $15 million shortfall County staff presented a proposed full-expense FY27 budget near $73 million that includes 33 new position requests and a $4.1 million CIP; staff said projected revenues of about $58 million leave a gap that could require raising the tax rate to about 76.5¢ if the board sought to fund every request.

Amherst County's proposed $73 million budget could raise taxes significantly, leaving residents to weigh the impact of new positions and capital projects against a looming $15 million shortfall.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #FiscalResponsibility

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2 months ago

Service Authority defers action on ARPA subrecipient agreement, asks for Treasury guidance and MOU Boardors deferred approval of an ARPA subrecipient agreement for the Gateway project pending confirmation whether Amherst County classified the funds as 'revenue loss' under Treasury rules and review of the memorandum of understanding with the Board of Supervisors.

Amherst County's Service Authority is at a crossroads with $6.1 million in ARPA funds, deciding between crucial sewer upgrades and a promising Gateway project.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #InfrastructureUpgrades

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2 months ago

Amherst County Service Authority outlines scaled‑down Gateway sewer project after value engineering, cites grants that cut funding need Staff described a multi-part River Road/Gateway sewer project whose original $7.77 million estimate was reduced through value engineering and other savings to about $1.899 million; the authority said a $500,000 SEID grant plus $1M ARPA support substantially cut the long-term funding need for the project.

Amherst County's Gateway sewer project just saw its cost slashed from $7.77 million to a jaw-dropping $1.899 million thanks to savvy value engineering and generous grants!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CommunityDevelopment #AmherstCountySewer #PublicInfrastructure

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2 months ago

Amherst County hears Gateway sewer-extension update as supervisors debate $2.5 million bond County officials heard a detailed update on the Gateway sewer-extension project, including value-engineered cost cuts that shrink the estimate toward $1.9 million, and debated whether the county should continue to back a $2.5 million short-term bond while the developer’s site plan and permits remain incomplete.

Amherst County officials are questioning the wisdom of backing a $2.5 million bond for a stalled sewer project, as concerns mount over the developer's lack of progress on permits and site plans.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #EconomicDevelopment #AmherstCountySewer #PublicInfrastructure

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3 months ago

Board updates VDOT support for Dillard site and backs $10,000 Go Virginia match for Sweet Briar The board amended a prior resolution to support up to $800,000 in VDOT design funding for roads to the Dillard Industrial Site (no county cost); it also directed the administrator to include a $10,000 FY27 match for Sweet Briar College’s Go Virginia grant application to expand engineering workforce training.

The Board has just approved crucial funding updates that could reshape the future of economic development in Amherst County!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #WorkforceDevelopment #AmherstCountyEconomicDevelopment #HigherEducation #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Amherst County residents press board over large assessment increases; board urges appeals process At a Dec. 2 Amherst County Board of Supervisors meeting residents described assessment increases ranging from tens to hundreds of percent and reported parcel/GIS errors; the board reminded residents the reassessment is distinct from the tax rate, outlined the appeal process and set deadlines for in-person appointments.

Amherst County residents are sounding the alarm over shocking real estate assessment hikes, with one owner facing a staggering 790% increase—could your property be next?

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#AmherstCounty #VA #PropertyAssessment #AmherstCountyResidents #LocalGovAI #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Board tables IT strategic plan after security and transparency questions Virtual IT presented a three‑year technology plan for Amherst County that recommends upgraded GIS, CAD (9‑1‑1) systems, a new tax billing platform and roughly $1 million in capital spending over three years; supervisors asked for a non‑sensitive summary and tabled formal adoption until the plan is provided for review.

Amherst County's IT strategic plan, promising $1 million in upgrades and modernized services, faces delays as supervisors demand greater transparency and security precautions.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #GovernmentTransparency #PublicSafety #AmherstCountyTechnology #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Amherst County residents push back after reassessment increases; board outlines appeals process and next steps Hundreds of Amherst County property owners told the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 2 that reassessment notices produced sharp increases — including multiple large outliers — and urged corrections, clearer communications and tax‑rate relief. The board repeated appeal steps, set a Dec. 10 appointment deadline, and moved funds to cover reassessment costs.

Amherst County residents are in uproar over shocking property reassessments, with some facing increases as high as 790%—will their voices be heard?

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#AmherstCounty #VA #PropertyAssessment #CommunityEngagement #AmherstCountyPropertyOwners #TaxReform #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Board approves monument interpretive sign after committee recommendation and debate After months of committee work and public input, the Board of Supervisors approved an interpretive sign near the courthouse monument and agreed to fund up to $5,500 for installation and zoning compliance; the committee said it had not expected private funding only.

Amherst County's Board of Supervisors just approved funding for a new interpretive sign near the courthouse, igniting discussions on public vs. private support for local historical projects!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #PublicInput #CommunityInvolvement #HistoricResources #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Amherst sheriff’s office re‑accredited; board presses commonwealth’s attorney over Brady letters and votes to seek legislative protections for deputies The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission presented a four‑year re‑accreditation certificate to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office. Immediately after, supervisors debated Brady/Giglio letters naming deputies, criticized the commonwealth's attorney for not attending, and passed motions asking for legislative due‑process protections and requesting factual support from the commonwealth's attorney.

Amherst County's Sheriff’s Office just celebrated a significant re-accreditation, but the spotlight quickly shifted to troubling Brady/Giglio letters that could jeopardize deputies' careers!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability

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5 months ago

(2/3) Madison suggested “limber twigs or Rawle’s Jenniting.” The Limbertwigs apple gets its name from its drooping branches. “Rawle’s Jenniting” was probably the apple called Ralls Janet or Jannetting, grown by an #AmherstCounty #Virginia nurseryman, Caleb Ralls, in the 1790s.

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6 months ago

Amherst County Plans Student Involvement at 54th Annual Apple Harvest Festival Amherst County promotes student participation at upcoming Apple Harvest Festival events.

Amherst County is gearing up for a vibrant Apple Harvest Festival, with exciting student-led activities and 160 vendors ready to celebrate local traditions!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #LocalTraditions #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructureManagement

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7 months ago

Madison Heights Board Approves CDBG Application to Benefit Low Income Homes Board approves CDBG funds for 57 homes in South Madison Heights project area.

The Amherst County Board has just approved a crucial funding initiative that will help 57 low to moderate-income households in South Madison Heights—here's how it could transform the community!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #AmherstCountyCommunity

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7 months ago

Amherst County Board Discusses $100K Siting Agreement for HYSIP Solar Project The board reviews a siting agreement and its implications for local solar initiatives.

Amherst County is buzzing with excitement over a proposed solar project that promises $6 million in electric savings and environmental benefits, but how will it impact local residents?

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #AmherstCountySolar #EnvironmentalImpact #CommunityBenefits

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8 months ago

Amherst County Board Discusses $261K Victoria Drive Upgrade and School Capital Plans Board approves Victoria Drive project funding amid concerns about financial implications.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors is facing rising tensions over transparency as they tackle community concerns, including a costly upgrade to Victoria Drive and funding for school improvements.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability

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8 months ago

Board Approves Electronic Meeting Participation Policy Members adopt policy allowing electronic participation in meetings for absent members.

Amherst County's Board of Supervisors just approved a groundbreaking policy that allows members to participate in meetings electronically, ensuring every voice is heard—no matter where they are!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #AccessibilityInGovernment

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8 months ago

Parks Board Announces Day in the Park and Honors Assistant Chief Mac Mays Parks Board plans Day in the Park event while honoring late Assistant Chief Mac Mays.

Amherst County is gearing up for a joyful "Day in the Park" while honoring the legacy of the late Assistant Chief Mac Mays, blending celebration with heartfelt remembrance.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #LocalEvents #CommunityService #AmherstCountyCommunity #YouthSports

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10 months ago

County Board approves demolition of blighted properties to enhance Old Madison community Board members support efforts to eliminate blight and improve public safety in Old Madison.

Amherst County is transforming Old Madison by demolishing blighted properties and planning for a brighter economic future!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AmherstCountyCommunity #CommunityImprovement #EconomicDevelopment

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10 months ago

Candidate Reed engages local community ahead of January capital session Reed invites community members to share concerns before his January legislative session.

A statewide candidate's recent visit to Amherst County sparked excitement as they pledged to prioritize local voices in upcoming legislative discussions.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #CivicParticipation #AmherstCountyLocalPolitics #LocalVoices

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10 months ago

John Reed advocates for local governance at Henrico County meeting John Reed emphasizes local decision-making over state directives for governance.

Local leaders are pushing back against state control, advocating for the power to make decisions that truly reflect community needs—what does this mean for your town?

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LocalGovernance #CivicAccountability

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10 months ago

Amherst County Board honors Citizens Academy graduates with diplomas Board approves consent agenda and celebrates graduating Citizens Academy participants with diplomas.

Amherst County's Board of Supervisors celebrated the graduation of its Citizens Academy, highlighting the vital role of community engagement in local governance.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #AmherstCountyCitizens #CommunityEngagement #CivicParticipation

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11 months ago

City proposes 3.5% rate increase to balance budget and support staff salaries City budget aims for reduced rate increases while funding operations and infrastructure improvements.

Amherst County is proposing a balanced budget with a modest 3.5% rate increase to support vital services and staff, all while prioritizing affordability for residents.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CommunityAffordability #PublicSafety #FiscalResponsibility #CitizenPortal

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11 months ago

Monacan Indian Nation seeks approval for event area and bathroom facilities in Amherst County County staff reviews Monacan petition for special exception on event space and facilities.

A bold proposal from the Monacan Indian Nation could transform Amherst County into a vibrant hub for cultural celebration, but will it come with too many traffic woes?

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#AmherstCounty #VA #AmherstCountyCulture #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety

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11 months ago

Planning Commission approves conditions for annual powwow and restroom installation Commission approves special exception for powwow, education, and restroom facilities usage.

Amherst County is set to celebrate its cultural heritage with an annual powwow and enhanced facilities for community engagement!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CulturalHeritage #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EducationInitiatives #AmherstCountyCulturalEvents

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1 year ago

Horizon Behavioral Health reports growth and new services at annual community meeting Horizon Behavioral Health highlights increased client engagement and new initiatives at annual presentation.

Horizon Behavioral Health is transforming lives in Amherst County with innovative programs and a commitment to mental wellness, celebrating 55 years of service while expanding crucial support systems for the community.

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#AmherstCounty #VA #SubstanceUsePrevention #CitizenPortal

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1 year ago

Seneca Haskins earns Class 2 water operator license amid ongoing infrastructure projects Seneca Haskins achieves Class 2 water operator license as board reviews Route 130 proposals.

Amherst County is making waves in infrastructure improvements while celebrating local talent like Seneca Haskins, who recently earned his Class 2 water operator license against the odds!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EmergencyPreparedness

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1 year ago

Amherst County Parks and Rec outlines April events and new programs Parks and Rec shares details on Amherst County Day and upcoming community events.

Amherst County is gearing up for an exciting spring with events like Amherst County Day and a summer celebration at Mill Creek Lake, promising fun and community spirit for all!

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#AmherstCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EmergencyServices