The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met on May 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, adoption of the FY2025 budget and tax rates, three homestay special exceptions, funding for affordable housing and a homeless services study, a public hearing for a climbing gym, and an easement conveyance. All items were approved with the exception of one homestay which passed 6-1.
Deputy Budget Director Ryan Davidson presented seven resolutions. The FY2025 all-funds budget totals $642.2 million with a real estate tax rate of 85.4 cents per $100 (unchanged), personal property tax rate increase from $3.42 to $3.96 per $100 (to generate $4.5 million), and transient occupancy tax increase from 8% to 9% (to generate $872,000). The Capital Improvement Plan (FY25-29) totals $335 million. Staff noted adjustments including a reduction from the regional jail and reallocations for a systems analyst and human services alternative response team. The school board's adopted budget added ~$7 million, partly from state funding and fund balance. Supervisor Pruitt expressed disappointment that eviction prevention was not funded. Supervisor Galloway raised concerns about personal property tax increases and potential revenue over-collections. All seven resolutions passed unanimously.
Request to allow a homestay with a resident agent (a renter) since the owner lives out of state and the property is held by an LLC. Staff noted the resident agent fulfills occupancy requirements for the short-term rental registry. Supervisor Pruitt voted no, arguing the arrangement effectively removes a five-bedroom home from the long-term rental market and the resident agent role is merely a paperwork requirement, not genuine owner-occupancy. Other supervisors noted prior approvals of similar LLC-owned properties with resident agents and stated the application met the four criteria. Motion passed 6-1 (Pruitt no).
Request to use an existing guest cottage as a two-bedroom homestay. The cottage had been illegally converted into a dwelling with a kitchen; the special exception requires removal of the kitchen (stove) to return the structure to an accessory use. The property owners live on-site. Staff confirmed the fix is simple and the violation is being resolved. Unhosted stays not permitted (parcel under 5 acres). Passed 7-0.
Request to build a new three-bedroom accessory structure for family use and as a homestay. The parcel is 5.35 acres, and the structure will be built where a shed previously stood. The owners reside on the property. By right, a homestay in the primary dwelling or in a structure existing before August 7, 2019 is permitted; the special exception is needed for a new structure. Supervisor Pruitt expressed concerns about the economic impact of enabling such uses on land values and housing stock. Passed 7-0.
Two requests funded from the housing fund reserve:
Board convened in closed session under VFOIA exemptions to discuss appointments, personnel, real property acquisition, and legal matters. Certified recorded vote 7-0.
Approved appointments: Andrew Bowers (Crozet CAC), Leonard Mulou, David Norford, David Mitchell (Board of Equalization), Carter Montague (Historic Preservation), Elizabeth Ingle (Piedmont Family YMCA), and Renee King (Village of Rivanna CAC). Passed 7-0.
Request to amend an existing permit to expand indoor athletic use from 2,000 to 6,125 sq ft in a building at 2200 Old Ivy Road. The building will be raised from 2 to 3 stories (32 ft 4 in). No site changes; 49 existing parking spaces are sufficient. ARB and Fire Rescue had no objections. The applicant (Eric Woolley and Mike Kinneck) emphasized community benefits and safety. Supervisor McKeel noted prior parking issues along Old Ivy Road; VDOT is studying corridor improvements. Passed 7-0 with condition that athletic use not exceed 6,125 sq ft.
Conveyance of a 20 ft wide, 4,649 sq ft easement on county-owned parcel 61A-03-0B1 (at Rio Road East and John Warner Parkway) to allow sewer connection for the Rio Point development. Fair market value compensation of $5,037.49. Staff confirmed the alignment minimizes environmental impact vs. crossing Meadow Creek. Passed 7-0.
Good afternoon. I am pleased to call to order this regular meeting of the Alpamaro County Board of Supervisors on the first day of May, 1 p.m. in Lane Auditorium. Like to note at the dais we have uh Supervisor Mike Crude of Scottsville District, Supervisor B. Lapisto Kirtley of the Ravana District, Supervisor Diantha McKeel of the Jack Jewett District, Supervisor Ned Galloway of the Rio District, Supervisor Ann Malik of the Whitehall District, and myself, Jim Andrews representing the Samuel Miller District. A quorum is present. We're also joined here by our county executive, Mr. Jeff Richardson, and our county attorney, Mr. Steve Rosenberg, our clerk, Miss Claudette Borgerson, and our senior deputy clerk, Mr. Travis Morris. Also, let me please welcome police officers present, senior police officer Ronnie Vanderveer and Lieutenant Angela Jamerson. Thank you for your service here today and your work for that you and your colleagues do every day on behalf of the citizens of Albemarle County for our safety and security. If all present could now stand as you are able and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Underground Thank you. Okay. I have not heard of any suggested amendments to the final agenda. In which case we're looking for a motion to adopt the final agenda. So moved. Second. We have a motion from Supervisor Malik, a second from Supervisor McKeel without objection if the clerk will call the roll. Ms. McKeel. Yes. Mr. Pruitt? Aye. Mr. Andrews? Yes. Mr. Galloway? Yes. Ms. Lapista Kirtley. Aye. Ms. Malik. Yes. Great. Thank you, board. Now it's time for us to do uh announcements and we'll go through our order for today. Um board member announcements starting with Supervisor Pruitt. I actually have nothing at this time. Thank you. Supervisor McKeel. Yes. I just have one. It's not an announcement. I just wanted to note that on April the 24th, the American Red Cross had a celebration of heroes. And I think some of us were at that meeting.