[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6750300,"mediaKeyId","5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26","parentId",5566982,"title","Prince George board authorizes staff to negotiate wastewater options with Sussex, Hopewell and to develop funding plan","audioSeconds",3172,"startMs",8528000,"endMs",11700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26&start=8528&end=11700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26/thumbnail_8528000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6750300/Prince-George-County/Virginia/Prince-George-board-authorizes-staff-to-negotiate-wastewater-options-with-Sussex-Hopewell-and-to-develop-funding-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750300-baaaf029e7ea73a434e3c60cc5fdb8fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770483504&Signature=jG3feloTSPDILjY3kazGdGRimwAN6yqM3IakLtUQKsZqjUQWRGeut65Zu~rymopdOrFERymVDohK6aJIRUYxlCOZsuiN~bVyNYYf5V8Oz9qI4wTd4ElY0WlpxXkPfxKRLLbhnsoO5rzelId4AJX2JpF~4~BhZB2Lzrmt8opG6ZIbubqOjVW443Y2QJLWpBoOfR4xVa-TodtQ2kK55AiYek2JOt3zRHvhvUz40T7ArXWrJd0bJAfYCkf8ksNunxIEPOCu7TIBt2glGsZOcfARMQ3AuiGjYJ2Dv4J05MoWLs0jXdMTgPwLKApNUSIm56hc1f8J00CTT67YJMx-~5ju2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Prince George County","date","2025-08-12T00:00:00Z","article","Prince George County on Aug. 12 directed county staff to pursue agreements with both Sussex County and the City of Hopewell while staff develops a financing plan for new wastewater capacity needed to attract industrial development.

At the start of a lengthy utilities discussion, Frank Holcomb, director of utilities and engineering, said the county’s current wastewater and water capacity “will not be able to meet our demands for the many industrial projects that we have already lost,” and summarized three options: sending wastewater to Hopewell, building a new plant (in‑county or regionally with Sussex), or continuing the status quo. He told the board that scope and cost estimates have risen since earlier planning and that the county must identify funding sources and contracts to take advantage of a $10 million Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) grant within an eight‑week window.

The county’s economic consultant, Martina Arel of Mangum Economics, presented an economic and fiscal impact model showing that a hypothetical build‑out of industrial sites could support thousands of jobs and generate substantial tax and utility revenue over 30 years — but only if utility capacity exists. “These new employers could help offset some of the trends in your county,” Arel said, noting modeled increases in average wages and long‑term tax revenue. Board members repeatedly cited that study in arguing that capacity is necessary to attract large, water‑intensive projects.

Mr. Holcomb reviewed the two partner options: expanding the City of Hopewell Water Renewal Facility and building a new plant tied to Sussex County. He said sending flow to Hopewell may require clarifier expansions and a force main and carries the risk of higher long‑term sewer rates; by contrast, a phased build with Sussex would carry higher upfront capital costs (for a longer force main and a new plant) but would give Prince George more operational control and potentially lower operating costs in the long run.

Citizens and regional officials also spoke. Justin Noblin of Centennial Road urged the board to act: “We are at a position now where previous boards have shorted the county,” he said, calling a Sussex partnership “the only logical option” for long‑term control. Richard Douglas, Sussex County administrator, told the board Sussex leaders are “very enthusiastic” about partnering and that the Sussex board would consider the proposal; David Conmeade, Sussex deputy county administrator for economic development, also noted potential mutual benefits and regional funding opportunities.

After discussion and two competing motions, the board voted to authorize county staff to negotiate agreements with both Sussex County and the City of Hopewell and to direct staff to present at least five potential funding options for capital and operations. That motion passed on roll call with one abstention. The board also instructed staff to pursue the state grant timeline and return with any agreements for board approval.

What this means: The county is now authorized to negotiate multiple partnership paths and to seek funding options that could include bonds, tax increment financing, dedicated local tax districts, grants, or other tools. Any agreement or construction contract will still require board approval.

Provenance: Staff presentation and discussion began at 02:22:08; public comments and Sussex representatives’ remarks occurred between 02:45:10 and 02:57:20. The board vote authorizing staff to negotiate with both localities occurred at 02:57:20.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Prince George County - Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Prince George County on Aug. 12 directed county staff to seek wastewater agreements with both Sussex County and the City of Hopewell while staff develops a financing plan to expand wastewater capacity needed to attract industrial development.","taxTitle","Prince George County, Virginia","taxId",51064,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750290,"Board narrows solar siting: ordinance amended to require special exception in M‑3 zoning",222,2644000,2866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26&start=2644&end=2866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26/thumbnail_2644000.jpg","/articles/6750290/Prince-George-County/Virginia/Board-narrows-solar-siting-ordinance-amended-to-require-special-exception-in-M3-zoning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750290-6f37b2accd3b2dc49ebcd5f123953dbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770483504&Signature=PVUtrn1Gj7gK8iwugAflAbFi~IJako5Z0J6cbf7U~v5Hah~8AxlarcvJiH18fLTJzlBVgNjUP1sw-yPrBhFhiT52qJL60lkfrYw4OZyEboPaElos8k3L3lzGkd7wyht0o9ZWK3NNyS3FlPCy47UaA9W6Ag8nO-rFRT5r2~EkSVYO-o1OIFB3ciTccMl0WLMRzeUQ6brm6c4SaTPyPUx3usynnLnwfmuLeWSGKrv8hSQGpdLLyt9Qz6Rr5SBkd42El9MlmHANCNk9YGKAQFrMDMFGNbp5yJOs0EQlAoeGi4WPFuqMIiqiYNq-~zzMjzWZcb0C3dscI-oIkNZ~qr9V-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 voted to amend the county zoning ordinance so that utility‑scale solar facilities are permitted only by special exception in the M‑3 heavy industrial zoning district rather than by right in multiple zoning districts.

Planner Graves told the board the amendment modifies specific sections of the zoning code (references provided in staff slides) to move solar approvals into a special‑exception process for M‑3. The Planning Commission had prepared the amendment at the board’s request and recommended approval after a public hearing.

During the public input portion, resident Rick Tetherton supported solar broadly — particularly rooftop installations over farmland — and raised questions about funding and long‑term responsibilities if solar panels are installed on public facilities such as schools. Chairman Brown clarified that the amendment keeps solar allowed in M‑3 but subjects it to a special‑exception review rather than allowing it by right, giving the board and the Planning Department an opportunity to evaluate site‑specific impacts during the special‑exception process.

The motion to approve the ordinance amendment passed by roll call. The change does not prohibit solar in industrial areas but moves siting decisions into a discretionary public hearing process so the board and neighbors can review proposed projects and conditions.

Provenance: Planning staff presentation began at 00:41:24; public comments and board discussion occurred through 00:49:50; roll call vote at 00:49:59.","Prince George County amended its zoning ordinance on Aug. 12 to require that utility‑scale solar projects be considered only by special exception in M‑3 industrial zoning rather than allowed by right in multiple districts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750295,"Prince George approves special exception allowing retail firearm sales from residence with conditions; one abstention, one 'no'",735,1594000,2329000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26&start=1594&end=2329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","/articles/6750295/Prince-George-County/Virginia/Prince-George-approves-special-exception-allowing-retail-firearm-sales-from-residence-with-conditions-one-abstention-one-no","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750295-24b5a3c562b4490ee1c741a36a42ad64/orig.mp4?Expires=1770483504&Signature=NSf2bFxq1vqHrOBZ1AA7VbPP3opWTdqLeVt3Gvz-SY5pTF3Z~OTl2gTUXHYnlL~C2M1BV1horWiyf5JsJLjETeP5SyujfuXF3eykCJ3fdfcRlcHQW9z40-dxtfXnElO-4J26ybcYh-6Z4IkHh-uU50vUURTVDFeJfzcEX63C9pQO5ZXvJVW3J19jpODHgowkNByM0ctZCcX8wDC0t21HX~VOvSEQtvWlk7cj3uf6DufxN-w1IV172GzZ41rH94RQbMqiMANXCuKI9OQwca80iVJ7~Gmio8G-TKz56kxZjGacrpmLGBERgdQ6t742ujsfBVWVX7CGhwSMNFBAso2gVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff presented Special Exception SC25‑0002 for the retail sale of firearms from an attached garage at 8089 Hines Road. The application, submitted by property owner Daniel Mills, would permit Federal Firearm License transfers to occur indoors, estimate roughly ten transfers per week and use the existing driveway for customer parking. The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions addressing signage, parking, hours of operation, limiting employees and requiring transfers to take place indoors.

The board discussed precedent and asked staff whether other local approvals existed; Jack Greenstein (planning) said the most comparable approval staff could find in records dated to 1997 (file SC9720 at 9507 Cedar Lane). Planning staff also read a single written comment in opposition from a neighbor (David Rodriguez, 8100 Hines Road) who cited traffic and safety concerns and urged the applicant to use a commercial building rather than a residence.

No one in the meeting room requested to speak on the item. After brief questions to staff clarifying that no on‑site discharge would occur and transfers would be indoors, a motion to approve the special exception subject to the Planning Commission’s conditions passed. The roll call recorded one abstention (Supervisor Webb) and a recorded 'no' vote from Vice Chair Weymack; the motion nonetheless carried.

Board action summary: SC25‑0002 approved with conditions; staff will monitor compliance with the Planning Department conditions, including limits on signage, employee count, appointment‑only customer visits and indoor transfer rules.

Provenance: Staff presentation began at 01:37:42; public comment and written opposition were referenced at 01:59:15. The roll call vote occurred at 02:23:38.","The board approved Special Exception SC25‑0002 allowing retail sale of firearms from an attached garage at 8089 Hines Road, subject to planning conditions limiting signage, parking, hours and indoor transfers. Planning staff noted one written opposition; no in‑room public speakers. The vote recorded one abstention and one 'no.'",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6750287,"Votes at a glance: Prince George Board approves special exceptions, rezoning, contracts, transfers and appointments",6032,1214000,7246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26&start=1214&end=7246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566982-60a58250e64edfdc74b3c162c78a1b26/thumbnail_1214000.jpg","/articles/6750287/Prince-George-County/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Prince-George-Board-approves-special-exceptions-rezoning-contracts-transfers-and-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6750287-0de98a527dabd7f49497a7398e935104/orig.mp4?Expires=1770483504&Signature=ocPLrmjVNZu5AYc2t1PQAaO5T5982NGxtKZOSW7OIXKAfp0A0X1w1A947sUCIPXNceId2tHZj1JUdcdT88MXUr6xk1P2C7-oJ1nkA0KlLvPmAi116PESlQSUuP3cqm2EVsoEDysO5Wi4~0a95uidyQtCfbtfGyo6ac3k9JFxiuY67Fz87OJizBEn~7YvTwI4fsvz~vdxHiyXlOcg7Qzwiesq51pt63u7CPagk5Dt2AmBbiyOrqhERydAQ5HdzIfz-WFGk5HSfH7Bq6oHdVyV7lV35OMTZcxm4NqAddVhkDRNChWF6u2C7fIyZZDniDdCZayrexuW~YQ6gGMCcbsHDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Prince George County Board of Supervisors took votes on a slate of public‑hearing items, contracts, budget transfers and appointments during its Aug. 12 meeting. The most substantive actions are summarized here with their outcomes and next steps.

Special hearings and land‑use
• SC25‑0001 (home professional/trade office, jewelry studio at 9017 Hollywood Drive): Approved with the Planning Commission’s recommended conditions (motion by Supervisor Cox; second by Supervisor Webb). Vote: unanimous. Conditions address signage, hours, appointment‑only customer visits, parking on existing driveway, employee limits and noise restrictions.
• SC25‑0002 (retail sale of firearms at 8089 Hines Road): Approved with Planning Commission conditions limiting signage, parking, hours, indoor transfers and employee count. Roll call recorded one abstention (Supervisor Webb) and one 'no' (Vice Chair Weymack); motion carried. Staff to monitor compliance.
• RZ25‑0004 (rezoning 11.5 acres from R‑1 to RA at 616 Birdsong Road to allow a family subdivision): Approved; no public opposition and Planning Commission recommended approval. Motion carried by roll call.
• OA25‑solar (zoning text amendment to allow solar only by special exception in M‑3): Approved by roll call. The board directed staff to implement the new review requirement and to update the code language.

Contracts, transfers and budget actions
• Vehicle replacement CIP transfer (FY26): Approved transfer of $61,853 to support FY26 vehicle purchases; results in replacement of police and sheriff SUVs and reduced fleet count by three vehicles.
• Courthouse water infiltration: Approved CIP transfer of $49,992.76 from courtroom renovation savings to address water infiltration and to contract Centennial Contractors for repairs.
• Electrical services contracts: Awarded annual electrical services contracts to McCray Electric and Frasier Electrical to support utilities/pump station work; projects above $50,000 will continue to require individual board approval.
• Carolina Recording Systems: Approved award (grant‑funded) of a new 9‑1‑1 logging/recording system, not to exceed $123,697, using VDEM grant funds.

Grants, appointments and other governance
• Opioid Abatement Authority cooperative grant: Board authorized the county administrator to execute an operational agreement so Prince George can accept $113,981 awarded for a regional mobile overdose response unit (in partnership with Dinwiddie, Surry and Hopewell). Agreement requires execution by all partners before AOA will release funds.
• HCA Virginia interfacility non‑emergency ambulance: Board approved HCA’s request to establish and operate a non‑emergency interfacility transport service (not 9‑1‑1 response) to serve the Prince George freestanding ER; ambulances will be housed under HCA’s hospital arrangements.
• Schools — styrofoam exemption: Board granted a one‑year exemption to allow school food service to continue using single‑use foam trays pending program changes; county staff estimated the alternative compostable trays would add about $50,000 annually.
• DCJS SRO grant: Board authorized the county to apply for Department of Criminal Justice Services School Resource Officer grant funding for three schools (South, Beasley and Middle Road); application requested $300,000 total with a required local match.
• Reappropriations and re‑appropriation of single‑year purchase orders and school operating fund items were approved to carry certain grant and committed funds from FY25 to FY26.
• Appointments: Vanessa Dennis appointed to Appomattox Regional Library Board (interim term); Ashley Bass appointed to Social Services Advisory Board; three citizen members appointed to the CIP Committee (one board member abstained because of service on the committee).

What to expect: For land‑use approvals, Planning Department staff will record conditions and monitor compliance. For the utilities and wastewater item, staff proceed to negotiate with both Sussex and Hopewell and to return with funding options and draft agreements for board approval. Contract awards and budget transfers are effective immediately and will be implemented by the relevant departments.

Provenance: Each item’s staff presentation and vote occurred in the public hearings and business session; key roll‑call times are recorded in the meeting transcript.","The Board approved multiple routine and substantive items Aug. 12: special exception SC25‑0001 (home professional jewelry studio) and SC25‑0002 (firearms retail, with conditions), rezoning RZ25‑0004, ordinance OA25‑solar, CIP and budget transfers, contract awards, grant acceptances, and a series of appointments. See key vote outcomes below.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Prince George board authorizes staff to negotiate wastewater options with Sussex, Hopewell and to develop funding plan

Board narrows solar siting: ordinance amended to require special exception in M‑3 zoning

Prince George approves special exception allowing retail firearm sales from residence with conditions; one abstention, one 'no'

Votes at a glance: Prince George Board approves special exceptions, rezoning, contracts, transfers and appointments