Botetourt County has issued a public statement explaining how it selects publications for legally required public notices after officials said they received questions from residents about where those advertisements are appearing.
In a statement released over the weekend, the county said legal notices for public hearings, rezoning requests, budget hearings, ordinance amendments and other government actions are published in accordance with Virginia law, which allows local governments to use multiple court-approved print and online publications.
County officials said publication decisions are based on several factors, including the ability to meet statutory deadlines, publication schedules, staff efficiency and cost.
The statement notes that changes to Virginia law that took effect July 1, 2024, expanded the types of media organizations eligible to publish legal advertisements. According to the county, the change gave local governments additional flexibility while maintaining the same legal requirements for public notice.
The county said it adopted a countywide publication policy in April 2025 that allows legal notices to be published in any publication authorized under Virginia law.
According to the statement, having multiple authorized publication options provides greater flexibility when meeting legal advertising deadlines, particularly when public hearing schedules or meeting agendas change after a weekly newspaper’s submission deadline. Officials said the practice helps prevent delays to public hearings, development projects and other county business while remaining compliant with Virginia law.
In addition to legal advertisements, the county said residents can stay informed through its website, public meeting agendas and agenda packets, postings at county facilities, email notifications and other communication channels.
The statement follows recent public discussion regarding the county’s use of multiple publications for legal notices.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
