Hear Our Voices (HOV) Meeting to Discuss Accomack County Issues. November 5, 2009
Board of Supervisors (BOS) Chambers, Accomac, Virginia
Agenda issues included proposed formation of PSA (Public Service Authority) for county, county budget, and redistricting in county. There is no audio for this meeting.
ATTENDANCE
Present: Philip Steve Mallette (Chair BOS); Laura Gordy (Vice-Chair BOS); Mike Mason, County Finance Department; Wesley Edwards, County Utilities Commission
HOV Attendees: Kay Lewis, HOV President.
Audience: About 15 attendees
Kay Lewis calls meeting at 7PM
Opening Remarks: Ms. Lewis discussed future meetings. Mr. Mallette noted meeting at Shore Bank on sewage in county.
Ms. Lewis discussed the format of the meeting and the topics. Principally questions and answers with Mr. Mallette and Ms. Gordy.
Mr. Mallette discussed his background in regard to his farming roots in an Amish community and moving about the country and world in a military family. He believes in community and simple solutions.
Ms. Gordy has been on the eastern shore her whole life. She has been on the board since 1988 with one exception. Her concern is do the best for Accomack County.
Audience Member (AM) asked about redistricting and the impact on the number of supervisors in the future. Ms. Gordy indicated the census will give more info on the proper districting. One aspect that Mr. Mallette stated was that BOS should stagger terms. Some mechanisms to redistrict are to have a citizens’ group involved. AM noted that with lesser number of BOS members there is need for more stake holders to be involved. Each BOS member carries expenses of $10K to $15K. Mr. Mallette noted that another expense is the polling machines for each district. Ms. Gordy indicated that seven districts may be the end number. Redistricting is required every ten years based on the census as provided by federal law. AM noted districts should be contiguous and compact; current districts do not follow this easily due to population dispersion. AM asked about the timeline for redistricting. Mr. Mallette indicated it is a tight one year period. AM noted that last census there were issues with Captain’s Cove and Greenbackville. Mr. Mallette added that this is dependent on retirees moving into these areas. AM commented on the fact that the census does not require a declaration of being a US citizen. This can convolute the appropriate voting redistricting especially considering migrant population. Ms. Lewis noted there is also a seasonal variance. The timing of the census may or may not capture migrant population correctly.
AM asked guests their impressions of PSA (Public Service Authority) to handle sewer and water in county. Mr. Mallette commented that first step is to protect environment, then try to concentrate populations in towns so they can be easily serviced by sewer and water. He noted that some areas are dead since they cannot expand without adequate sewer. Mr. Mallette believes the PSA is the best approach. In this way local communities will pay for the delivery of their services. He commented that having the county to pay for services is not the best cost effective way for all the citizens, especially those who would not be able to obtain these services. The county has no room on its plate to handle and manage these services. He discussed the complications of identifying assets and evaluating pollutants. It is a funding issue that the county cannot take on at this time. The PSA would run it like a business and manage it properly.
Ms. Gordy is against PSA. She is concern that non-users will still be charged for the formation and management of PSA. She believes central sewage is good, but she is troubled by the current economic times that do not favor its formation at this time. She noted that many citizens are not in favor of PSA. One key cost is the individual home hook-up costs that would be a burden to individuals.
AM asked about the current sewer system in Onancock and its rates. AM commented if Onancock could expand it will accumulate more users and rates can be lowered. Mr. Mallette is concerned about the competitiveness of sewer rates that may force businesses out of county. He also noted the possibility of annexation of small towns around Onancock that can lead to double taxation if Onancock provides sewer services. Ms. Gordy discussed the possibility of meeting with Onancock town council so that realistic rates can be considered. AM noted that incorporated towns do not choose to hook up to PSA they will not be required to do so. AM discussed who could serve on PSA and Mr. Mallette noted means on how to remove an individual PSA member. Wesley Edwards discussed that PSA has no taxation authority. PSA does not have salaries as commented by Mr. Mallette. However, Ms. Gordy did not believe in future the salary status will remain the same. Mr. Edwards discussed negotiations with Onancock. He stated the rates cannot be lowered without new customers being added. Mr. Mallette noted rates can be lowered with grants. Mr. Mallette noted that county will not be responsible for debts owed by PSA. AM asked about privatization of services and Mr. Mallette indicated county would lose control on growth in county. Another means to provide services is through Public Works. AM indicated that dissolution of PSA can only be performed if someone assumes debts. Mr. Mallette has concerns about Onancock setting rates on county without any county processes. Mr. Edwards stated that homeowners will not be forced to hook up to sewer system as stated in PSA charter. Comments were made that charter could be changed and the state does allow required hook ups if mandated. AM discussed old EDA (Economic Development Authority) sewer line and to what extent it can handle businesses. Currently 23 customers are serviced by EDA sewer line which is currently managed by county and its staff. Ms. Gordy commented on hospital coming to Onancock area and this may be seven years out. A hospital would require large sewer services. AM asked about the potential sewer system in Greenbackville. Mr. Mallette commented it was not clear how these ten unit sub-development can sustain system through costs. He noted in some cases if homes were resold a bank may require homeowner put in a new septic system. AM discussed overall development and population growth in Accomack county and competing with Maryland schools.
Discussion turned to budget issues. Ms. Lewis commented on the cuts over the year. Mike Mason indicated there was some good news on monies returned from bonds. He discussed how growth could stop future cuts and budget should be balanced up to 2011. This still depends on unknown quantities for future economics. Ms. Lewis asked about adding to county budget. Mike Mason does not believe in across the board cuts. He believes in targeted cuts that reduce poor performers. Mr. Mallette commented on fund balance which was 1.8% in June 2008 and making an effort to put money into rainy day fund. Optimal balance should be 8% for reserve fund for county. Currently it is about 3.8%. Mr. Mallette commended departments and constitutional officers in reducing spending during these economic times. AM was concerned about decreased revenues due to land values decreasing. Mr. Mallette believes new businesses could offset these revenues reductions. Mike Mason discussed lease space for the county and attempting to eliminate these costs. He believes county can build appropriate buildings with low interest rates and reduced costs of construction contracts.
Ms. Lewis asked if there were any other questions on the three topics. She thanked speakers and county staffers for their attendance.
Adjournment approximately 9:00 PM
Notes by Tim Getek
N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is presented as accurately as possible. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island and Accomack County. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.
