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In brief . . .
Highland County Supervisors
¦ District ranger Pat Sheridan of the Warm Springs Ranger District told Highland County supervisors last Wednesday that fire restrictions are still in effect, despite the recent rains. "The rain brought fire conditions up from ultra-extreme to severe," he said. "Cold, drier air exacerbates things. With hunting season, we'll have more people in the woods, too." In the national forest, the ban is on campfires, stoves or grills that use solid fuel. Liquid or gas fuel stoves are allowed. ¦ Commissioner of Revenue Bobbie Griffin and treasurer Lois White told the board that some inconsistencies in the way the computer program processed tax information has created a problem with some personal property tax tickets, particularly those involving some small campers and other exempted vehicles. The discrepancy is not in the tax charged, but in the fee charged and whether or not the vehicle or camper requires a sticker. The board directed county attorney Melissa Dowd to do a search of all state attorney general opinions on the state law and determine a course of action to resolve the personal property tax questions the commissioner and treasurer have. "We have to make a decision as to who gets exempted and who doesn't," said Dowd. ¦ The board directed county administrator Roberta Lambert to arrange a meeting in the next two weeks between the board and Griffin to discuss part-time help in the commissioner's office. ¦ County employee Richard Waybright said vegetative waste is piling up at the county's refuse collection facility due to the restriction on outdoor fires. The board directed Dowd to research options on changing the current ordinance regarding the disposal of vegetative waste at the facility and report her findings within five days. ¦ The board rejected a bid on two county vehicles for $500. The vehicles are 1996 and 1998 Ford Crown Victorias retired from service with the sheriff's department. They have around 100,000 miles. ¦ The board agreed to a resolution supporting an Isle of Wight County initiative to ask the General Assembly to adopt legislation that would grant localities the authority to ban or discourage the use of plastic bags. ¦ The board adopted a resolution to establish the personal property tax relief act percentage at 68 percent this year for personal use vehicles valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Personal use vehicles valued at less than $1,000 are eligible for 100 percent tax relief. Vehicles valued at more than $20,000 are granted 68 percent relief for the first $20,000 in value. The percentage was used on recently distributed personal property tickets. Business use vehicles, farm use vehicles, and motor homes are among the list of vehicles that do not qualify for tax relief. ¦ The board approved an application from Leonard Harris for a water connection to the McDowell water system, as long as he pays for the extension. Harris' property is across from the McDowell VDOT office. ¦ One hundred and twenty dollars has accrued from Department of Motor Vehicles' Animal Friendly License plates. The money is to be used for the county dog and cat sterilization fund, which is administered by the Highland County SPCA. The board voted to assign the $120 to the Highland SPCA, as it has done in the past. Fifteen dollars of each animal license plate fee from vehicles registered in Highland County returns to the county. ¦ The board directed Lambert to set up meetings with Sen. Emmett Hanger and Del. Chris Saxman before the end of the year to discuss legislative initiatives for the coming year. ¦ The board held a closed session to discuss the duties and compensation of a county employee. No action was taken. ¦ The next regular meeting of the board is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4. However, it is expected that a meeting between the commissioner of revenue and board will be held before then.
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