By Matt de Simone
The county introduced new Grounds Maintenance Technicians Wayne Carter, Brandon Decker, and Seth Snead, reporting to Ricky Dowdy, Botetourt County Director of Maintenance. Niki Payne was introduced as the newest member of the county’s Human Resources department.
Tiffany Bradbury, the county’s new Director of Communications, was officially introduced to the board by County Administrator Gary Larrowe.
Board Chairman Dr. Mac Scothorn thanked Botetourt County staff for coordinating the county’s role in the successful Ironman 70.3 event earlier in June. A video presentation showed highlights from the event. Scothorn announced the county looks forward to the event returning to Botetourt County next year.
The board approved the county’s FY 2021-22 $111.5 million budget with no changes to the tax rate (schools receive over $65 million). Additionally, the board approved the five-year, $11 million Capital Improvement Plan.
The request for amendments to the designation of approximately 82 acres from Rural Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential developments across off of Eztler Road was denied. The board approved the development of a new drive-thru restaurant (Dairy Queen) at the Daleville Town Center.
The board filtered public comments throughout the meeting, ranging from Critical Race Theory (CRT), the repositioning of the Confederate Monument in Courthouse Square in Fincastle, and the future of Botetourt’s Historical Museum. Community members stood in support of the Rocky Forge Wind project. One community member asked that the county look into reconfiguring the intersection of Routes 11 and 220 in Troutville—namely, the righthand lane turning off Route 11 turning north onto 220.
