From the desk of Randy Keaton, County Administrator:
December 22, 2020
Dear Citizens,
2020 is finally coming to an end and I believe everyone agrees that we will be glad to see it go. We have all endured a lot this year and for those that have lost loved ones to COVID-19, it has been an especially hard year. We all mourn their passing. County citizens and businesses have suffered through layoffs and business closures. Our daily lives have been disrupted and holiday gatherings are not possible this year due to the surge in cases of the virus.
We have had some bright spots. The County and both Towns pooled their CARES Act money and provided grants to small businesses that were impacted by the shutdowns. The three governments also partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to offer an innovative gift card program for sale to the public that doubled the amount of money available to spend at local small businesses in Isle of Wight County. Some of our County revenues are up dramatically, such as sales tax, due to people shopping locally and online. The County was also able to take advantage of historically low interest rates and issue $34 million in new bonds to pay for a new Hardy Elementary School along with other much needed County projects. We were also able to re-finance older bonds and save $6.2 million in interest cost over the next 10 years.
As we close out 2020, let’s be reminded of what we have lost but hopeful for what is ahead. With COVID-19 vaccinations underway, we look forward to a brighter 2021.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Keaton
County Administrator
Dear Citizens,
2020 is finally coming to an end and I believe everyone agrees that we will be glad to see it go. We have all endured a lot this year and for those that have lost loved ones to COVID-19, it has been an especially hard year. We all mourn their passing. County citizens and businesses have suffered through layoffs and business closures. Our daily lives have been disrupted and holiday gatherings are not possible this year due to the surge in cases of the virus.
We have had some bright spots. The County and both Towns pooled their CARES Act money and provided grants to small businesses that were impacted by the shutdowns. The three governments also partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to offer an innovative gift card program for sale to the public that doubled the amount of money available to spend at local small businesses in Isle of Wight County. Some of our County revenues are up dramatically, such as sales tax, due to people shopping locally and online. The County was also able to take advantage of historically low interest rates and issue $34 million in new bonds to pay for a new Hardy Elementary School along with other much needed County projects. We were also able to re-finance older bonds and save $6.2 million in interest cost over the next 10 years.
As we close out 2020, let’s be reminded of what we have lost but hopeful for what is ahead. With COVID-19 vaccinations underway, we look forward to a brighter 2021.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Keaton
County Administrator
COUNTY OFFICES - REOPENING STATUS
On-line services still remain the safest option to do business, which you can access via the County website at; www.iwus.net. For added safety, you are also encouraged to use the drop-box located next to the sidewalk of the County Administration Buidling.
It is advised that if you have business with the County to check in advance with the department on their status of reopening and other procedure options that may be in place to replace in-person transactions. Click here for contact info for various County Officesor you can call 757-357-3191.
HOW TO VIEW BOARD MEETINGS & AGENDAS FOR MEETINGS:
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - June 18, 2020, 5:00 pm.
Citizens are encouraged to observe Board of Supervisors meeting via the County’s website (CLICK HERE) or view the LIVE via the County’s official Facebook page. The meetings will also be rebroadcast on the County’s public access television station (Charter Cable channel 190).
Click here to view the full archive of Board Meetings.
Agendas are available on the county website and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. Once on the webpage, look for the meeting you are interested in and click either on the on-line agenda or the PDF version, whichever you prefer. The On-Line version has live links to board reports that are highlighted in blue and underlined.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & PROCEDURES DUE TO CORNORAVIRUS:
Citizens wishing to attend and/or speak in person will be required to observe social distancing and face coverings are required.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:
For COVID-19 health questions contact VDH at 757-683-2745 or go to www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
STATE OF VIRGINIA:
For updates from the Governor & State of Virginia resources please go to: www.Virginia.gov
COVID19 UPDATES FOR ISLE OF WIGHT:
For the latest Isle of Wight County information regarding COVID19 please click here.
On-line services still remain the safest option to do business, which you can access via the County website at; www.iwus.net. For added safety, you are also encouraged to use the drop-box located next to the sidewalk of the County Administration Buidling.
It is advised that if you have business with the County to check in advance with the department on their status of reopening and other procedure options that may be in place to replace in-person transactions. Click here for contact info for various County Officesor you can call 757-357-3191.
HOW TO VIEW BOARD MEETINGS & AGENDAS FOR MEETINGS:
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - June 18, 2020, 5:00 pm.
Citizens are encouraged to observe Board of Supervisors meeting via the County’s website (CLICK HERE) or view the LIVE via the County’s official Facebook page. The meetings will also be rebroadcast on the County’s public access television station (Charter Cable channel 190).
Click here to view the full archive of Board Meetings.
Agendas are available on the county website and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. Once on the webpage, look for the meeting you are interested in and click either on the on-line agenda or the PDF version, whichever you prefer. The On-Line version has live links to board reports that are highlighted in blue and underlined.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & PROCEDURES DUE TO CORNORAVIRUS:
Citizens wishing to attend and/or speak in person will be required to observe social distancing and face coverings are required.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:
For COVID-19 health questions contact VDH at 757-683-2745 or go to www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
STATE OF VIRGINIA:
For updates from the Governor & State of Virginia resources please go to: www.Virginia.gov
COVID19 UPDATES FOR ISLE OF WIGHT:
For the latest Isle of Wight County information regarding COVID19 please click here.