Last week, Billy Martin, Board of Supervisors representative from the Blue Ridge District, provided Botetourt County with another community update.
Martin expressed his excitement for the possibilities the spring and summer bring to the county. Many members of the community continue to receive their vaccinations. Martin mentioned that while there have been rises in COVID-19 cases locally, the citizens continue to do well in the Roanoke Valley. Over 40% of Botetourt County residents received their first dose, and 30% of residents are fully vaccinated. Martin encouraged everyone in the area to continue using proper social distancing precautions, including avoiding large crowds, wearing a face covering, and washing hands.
He reminded the community to sign up to schedule their vaccination appointment by calling 540-613-6597 or visiting vdh.virginia.org.
Martin mentioned that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently certified the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS to administer vaccines to those elderly community members unable to travel to receive their shots. Botetourt Fire & EMS plans to set up pods to target areas that may not have easy access to the vaccine.
Martin also stated that local department heads are working on a new budget for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year, including no tax increases and no use of fund balance. For more information about the proposed budget, call the Department of Financial Services at 540-928-2102.
Lastly, Martin expressed appreciation for Cody Sexton’s dedicated work on the County Administration team over the last seven years. Sexton takes over as the new assistant town manager in Vinton on May 3.
