Nelson Supervisors to consider financing proposals for new social services building, high school renovations

The five member Board of Supervisors in Nelson County will meet at 2:00 p.m. for their afternoon session followed by an evening session at 7 p.m.  This is the first of two meetings this week. (meeting packet)

The consent agenda contains a few interesting items such as a budget amendment and a recognition of the creators of the Quarry Gardens of Schuyler.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will present a report and there will also be a work session on the Secondary Six Year Plan. 

Under new business, there are four items.

The first is an update on project financing for local government and schools projects from Davenport Public Finance. The county hopes to construct a new building to house the Department of Social Services at a cost of $9.5 million as well as renovation of Nelson County High School estimated to cost $25 million. 

There’s a comparison of different financing schemes, as well as details on how Tye River Elementary School may be used as collateral. That requires the Economic Development Authority to be involved. They’ll meet on Wednesday to consider the recommendation to go with a proposal from First National Bank. 

The second is on applications for real estate tax exemptions. These are:

• The University of Virginia Physicians Group for the Stoney Creek Medical Building 
• The University of Science and Philosophy 

The third is a usage agreement for the Lovingston logo that Supervisors approved for official use on February 13, 2024. Anyone who wishes to use the logo must pay $25 to the Nelson County Department of Tourism and Economic Development. Does this apply to journalistic endeavors? I’m not risking it today but take a look at it here.

The fourth is an authorization to set the public hearing for the FY25 budget for May 14, 2024 in the General District Courtroom in Lovingston. 

The evening session will feature action on the 2042 Comprehensive Plan which has already had a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors. The process began on May 31, 2022 with a kick-off meeting. Many members of the community took the opportunity to push back against tourism destinations on Route 151 and the proliferation of short-term rentals. 

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the April 8, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.