Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with Scottsville Town Council - October 28, 2026

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and the Scottsville Town Council held a joint meeting on October 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Room 241. The meeting included presentations on emergency management, water and sewer infrastructure, and transportation updates, followed by discussions on shared priorities and challenges. Supervisor Fred Missel (Samuel Miller District) was absent due to travel.

Discussion Items

• Office of Emergency Management Overview (Johnny Switzer, Emergency Management Coordinator): Switzer presented the reorganization of the Office of Emergency Management under the County Executive, the rewrite of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to a community lifelines framework, and efforts to formalize public alert and warning systems. He highlighted two intentional focus areas: public alert and warning and the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC). Switzer noted that FEMA grants of approximately $48,000 to $52,000 annually are used for equipment and supplies, including 50 cots and mattresses. He proposed integrating the former Scottsville CERT program into a broader community preparedness model. Council members expressed concerns about maintaining Scottville's specific needs, especially regarding flood preparedness and the transition away from the local CERT program. Supervisor Mike Pruitt (Scottsville District) emphasized the need for intentional, targeted planning for Scottsville rather than assuming countywide principles apply. Switzer confirmed that Scottsville could adopt the county's EOP or maintain its own, and that adoption is not required for resource access.
• Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) Update (David Tungate, Deputy Executive Director): Tungate reported on RWSA's investments in Scottsville, including a $1.36 million emergency generator replacement, $1.84 million wastewater treatment plant renovation, $800,000 for damages, and a $16.5 million water treatment plant renovation. Total investment from FY27 to FY35 is approximately $21 million. He noted that the Scottville water treatment plant produced 18 million gallons of water in 2025 and treated 20 million gallons of wastewater. The plant operates at 50,000 gallons per day against a capacity of 250,000 gallons. Tungate affirmed that RWSA tests Scottsville water at the same level as urban systems and has added UV treatment for Cryptosporidium. In response to a question about potential contamination from large-scale farming operations, he cited ongoing work on a resolution for animal feed operations. Supervisor Pruitt raised the issue of capacity and asked about painting water towers for placemaking. A council member requested that tag-a-bag stickers be sold in town, which Tungate said was open to discussion.
• Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) Update (Jeremy Lynn, Director of Engineering): Lynn presented the Scottsville Phase 4 water main replacement project, which replaced approximately three miles of aging pipes. The project was split into Phase 4A (5,600 feet) and Phase 4B (remainder). Phase 4A received a low bid of $5.3 million from Concrete Foundations Inc., with a construction start expected within two weeks and completion by June/July 2027, coordinated with VDOT to avoid the July 4th holiday. Phase 4B, estimated at $4.5 million, is still under design with some easement challenges. Lynn noted that water main breaks have been a recurring issue, including one that nearly drained the Route 795 tank. Council members thanked ACSA for the update and noted the project had been presented to the town council previously.
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Update (Matt Mashhadi, Assistant Resident Engineer): Mashhadi provided an overview of VDOT projects, including the Route 53/20 roundabout (construction began September 2026, completion November 2027), paving in Scottsville for 2027: Irish Road, Bird Street, Harrison Street, and West Main Street will receive full mill and repave; Bird, Warren, Page, Harrison, South, Jackson, and Ferry Streets will receive surface treatment. Mashhadi noted that the roundabout will convert an existing signalized intersection into a three-leg hybrid roundabout with a shared-use path. Council members raised concerns about poor paving quality on Harbor Street and other roads, dangerous intersections, and the difficulty of getting rural roads on VDOT's radar. Supervisor Pruitt and others discussed the lack of long-term state transportation funding and invited Scottsville to join regional advocacy efforts through TJPDC and VACO. County Executive Jeff Richardson emphasized the need for a collective push to address maintenance funding.
• Wrap-up/Next Steps: County Executive Richardson thanked presenters and partners. Interim Town Administrator Whitney Wade noted that towns work through the Virginia Municipal League (VML) and expressed interest in coordinating with VACO on funding issues. Mayor Ron Smith highlighted recent positive developments in Scottsville: new businesses, a planned redevelopment of the old tire factory, and upcoming events. Supervisor Pruitt made closing remarks about preserving Scottsville's community character and invited the town to participate in regional meetings.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken. The meeting was informational and collaborative.
• The Office of Emergency Management will schedule stakeholder sessions in early 2027 for the EOP rewrite and community preparedness training. Scottsville has the option to adopt the county's EOP or maintain its own.
• The ACSA Phase 4A water main replacement is under contract, with construction to begin shortly. Phase 4B design continues.
• VDOT will proceed with roundabout construction and 2027 paving in Scottsville. The town and county will continue to advocate for rural road funding at the state level.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05 PM to the next Board of Supervisors meeting on November 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium.