A South Boston/Halifax County shotgun annexation wedding is headed to court.
South Boston council balked during a joint session Monday night at the
introduction of an unexpected county resolution seeking consolidation of
services, action exploding boundary adjustment agreements and ending in
a town council vote to institute annexation proceedings against the county.
The South Boston annexation map released yesterday essentially mirrors the town's larger first boundary adjustment proposal - including the Route 58 industrial park - with the additions of Berry Hill to the west and Five Forks to the east, territory ceded in early negotiations.
During the Monday night joint session, South Boston Councilman Buddy Wilborn consistently opposed annexation action. Councilman H.W. Starke was absent.
"Basically, I have disagreed on boundary adjustment," said Wilborn yesterday. "My biggest disagreement with council, I think the expense part is on the very low side. I have questioned them, asked them to think about it. I would not like to go into this and look in five or 10 years and say it did not work."
"The unraveling of the process this evening is the worst case lose-lose scenario," said South Boston Town Manager Ken McLawhon following the meeting.
"Nonetheless, during the ensuing annexation filing process the opportunity may yet exist to work out some form of agreement," added the manager.
Supervisors also moved to keep discussion doors open with Supervisor Garland Ricketts' motion that the board meet with the town to renegotiate boundary adjustment and consolidation of services. No date for the meeting was set.
That action followed a flurry of motions to rescind all previous action taken earlier in the evening by both governments, action that followed almost two and a half hours of public hearings on the boundary adjustment proposals.
Following the public hearing, supervisors had voted five to three to approve a boundary adjustment with the consolidation resolution offered in public hearing by Riverdale businessman John Cannon. Supervisors R.E. Abbott, Bill Abbott and Earl Watts voted no on that motion.
Public opinion during the hearings was laced with calls for consolidation of services and opposition to boundary adjustments. It was during hearings that Cannon introduced the following resolution:
"The Halifax County Board of Supervisors and the South Boston Town Council do hereby agree as of this date, Dec. 15, 1997, with the help of an outside facilitator, to enact the following agenda within (one) year:
"To study, plan, and agree to consolidate the following services:
---1. All water and sewer services into one regional authority.
---2. Combine the 911 services.
---3 Combine the South Boston and Halifax County Industrial Development Authorities.
"We agree to implement these programs within 2 years," closed the resolution.
In his prepared statement, Cannon also asked that the resolution be passed "and do not make the excuses that you have to bring it up in your own private sessions later."
"We all know that the concerns of the people will be forgotten after this meeting if you don't do it now. Show us that you are sincere. Show us that you are our elected officials representing what the people want," wrote Cannon.
Rejecting that resolution, South Boston council recessed and returned with the following resolution for joint consideration with this key reversion:
"Be it hereby resolved: that the Halifax County Board of Supervisors and the Town Council of the Town of South Boston, in a joint resolution, agree to study the possible consolidation of the following services:
---1. Water and sewer
---2. 911
---3 Industrial Development Authorities
---4. Animal Control
---5. Building Inspector
---6. Parks and Recreation.
"Be it further resolved: that the governing bodies of these two localities, by this joint resolution, agree to implement this study immediately to be completed within a two year period ..."
Immediately thereafter supervisors moved to rescind their previous boundary adjustment approval carrying the Cannon resolution, and the town followed suit, adding the vote for annexation proceedings.
Previously South Boston and county officials have estimated the costs involved in annexation proceedings could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
During the public hearing Monday night, Jeff Arnold, a member of the Association for Better Government, was among those who said he was not against boundary adjustments if areas wanted it. However, Arnold said he took exception to "government that governs by threat rather than consent of the people. Just because what happens is legal doesn't necessarily make it right," he added.
Mike Armstrong asked officials if consolidation could be a part of this agreement.
Halifax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Satterfield Jr. replied the board had gotten all the towns together to talk about consolidation, but that several were not interested. "I think this Board is interested in it," he added.
"I don't see what South Boston has to offer me except higher taxes," said Jean Daniel, who added she already pays for water and sewer.
"It is about power and money," said Nelson Wilson. "If South Boston cannot handle money before annexation, how will they handle it after annexation?" he asked.
Mac Ragans asked how the boundary lines had been decided, adding a lot of businesses were in the county because they could not afford South Boston. The businessman said the town had lost a lot of downtown business because of the tax burden.
Halifax resident Cleve Wilborn commended the Board of Supervisors, but said the towns of South Boston and Halifax would not listen.
Former supervisor John Tate asked if a study had been done on duplication of services to see how much could be saved. He asked about the consolidation of 911, recreation, building officials, animal control, administrative offices, sheriff's department. Tate also noted the "many retired people on fixed incomes" living in the county, adding there were few counties with lower per capita income. "Do make a sound judgement and decision," he urged.
One resident complained he had "never been gouged anywhere" like he has since South Boston.
R.O. Harrell, a South Boston resident and Riverdale businessman, said there are ways "we can combine costs." Urging governments to work together and go forward together, Harrell warned if there is a fight it will set the area back for a generation as far as industry.
Centerville businesswoman Pat Wingler asked, "What will we get for all the additional taxes? So you need money, who doesn't," she added, recommending downsizing.
Wingler urged officials to "get past egos" and work for all citizens of Halifax County. "Stop, rethink, go back to negotiations."
Ann Crabtree described the strength of the future as of "both of us working together". She asked for a solid plan for consolidation.
Riverdale businesswoman said when they are under water, no one seemed to want them. She said she did not wish to be in town limits.
Mike Armstrong, an Association for Better Government member, told officials people were frustrated. "They don't know what is going on here," he added. And he said he didn't understand why town officials could not answer a few questions.
Mayor Abernathy replied the process in progress had been going on 15 years. "You have had the opportunity to inform yourself," he answered to groans from the audience. The mayor then added it was a little late.
County resident James Edmunds told officials he has a cattle farm to be taken in by South Boston and that he was strongly opposed to paying taxes on the agricultural property.
"I see no benefit,"said Edmunds. If taken in by the town, Edmunds said he saw no way he could "produce enough revenue by agriculture" to pay taxes for the farm. "Am I supposed to stop farming and sell my property, something I don't want to do?" he asked officials.
J.R. Griffin of the Chamber of Commerce Senior Executive Roundtable asked that the regional picture be kept in mind, that officials take a serious approach to shared services and form a task force to report back within 90 days. "We must have a vision for the future," said Griffin, adding not the future of the town or the county,but the future of both were at stake.
"If you represent us, why haven't we had a voice? asked William Hicks.
County resident Bobby Conner called for a withdrawal of the demands on citizens of Halifax County, describing the proposed action as "a wrongful taking" that will cost $1 million, and describing citizens as being held hostage. Conner urged moving forward with consolidation of services.
Saying there was no choice, the South Boston Town Council has voted to go to court to annex part of Halifax County. Council is extremely disappointed over the actions of the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors last night broke a compromise agreement made over several months of negotiations with the Town Council, primarily on the issue of water and sewer facilities. Without any prior discussion with the Town, the County Board made an unconditional demand that South Boston give up its water and sewer systems.
Fearing that the resulting water and sewer authority would increase rates of its citizens and without having any financial information, the Council rejected the County's demand. The Town had offered a compromise resolution, calling for a study of consolidated services.
"We went the extra mile in trying to reach a compromise with the County, all to no avail," said Mayor Glen Abernathy. "It is regrettable that the County's rejection of the compromise agreement forces us to take the step of going to court.
"We have worked on this issue for more than eight years. Although we are tired, we still are willing to resume negotiations with the County to reach a reasonable settlement that could avoid significant expenditures of public funds in a court battle," said Abernathy.
"Our citizens need relief from government charges, not higher rates for services," echoed Councilwoman Josephine Marshall. "Taxes are high enough already."
If granted, the annexation will likely result in a lower tax rate for South Boston citizens. It also will mean more land that can be developed for business and industry, bringing in new tax money to strengthen the Town's financial condition. In 1995, Virginia classified South Boston as "fiscally stressed."
The additional revenue will enable the Town to pay for better water and sewer services and make major purchases, such as fire trucks.
"Our goal is to continue to provide the essential services our citizens need to maintain their quality of life," said Ken McLawhon, Town Manager. Additional land is necessary to accomplish this goal.
He added that since South Boston is part of the County, a strong Town is in the interest of the County. "What's good for South Boston is good for Halifax County," McLawhon said.
By Doug Loftis
"We're already making adjustments," said Carl Ward, owner and operator of Halifax County's only farm equipment store that is, as he puts it, "strictly devoted" to tobacco farming. Those adjustments will mean fewer new tractors, bulk curing barns, planters, sprayers and other tools in inventory that leaf growers must have to make a crop.
Next year's 17 percent quota reduction cuts two ways with Ward, an allotment holder who, with his son Chuck, grew 55 acres of flue-cured tobacco this season.
Ward wasn't surprised with the 17 percent reduction given reports leading up to Monday's announcement by the USDA and elements of the formula that are used in the decision process.
Apparently those tobacco farmers who shop with Ward's Equipment, weren't totally surprised either. Last year at this time, Ward had sold about 15 new curing barns, a dozen tobacco planters and five new tractors, all to be used in leaf production.
And this year? "None!" he responded.
The Ward family has been in Halifax County selling farm equipment for 20 years and it's only been during the past two years that they believe tobacco farmers have been in a position to make a decent living, pay the bills and replacement equipment. "And that's something they really need to do," Ward added somewhat defensively.
It's estimated that a pound of tobacco provides the producer with 80-90 cents profit and an acre of tobacco should yield about 2,000 pounds.
A similar reduction next year could be disastrous Ward feels. "Another cut of say, 20 percent, and you're going to see some bankruptcies and foreclosures.
Somewhat Relieved
Larry McPeters, Extension Agent for Halifax County, found Monday's quota announcement by the Secretary of Agriculture as somewhat of a relief. Secretary Dan Glickman had it within his power to increase the reduction by as much as three more percentage points, but chose not to.
"That sends a message to me," said McPeters who believes efforts by such groups as Concerned Friends For Tobacco are paying off. Concerned friends took the message to Washington that the tobacco program, by limiting production, insures higher prices and thus makes tobacco products unaffordable for many young people.
"The program is good," said McPeters who's honest enough to believe that it probably won't continue long in its present form. He sees it becoming managed privately soon and that "may not be all that bad either."
"If we can maintain the program, growers will be happy and health advocates...well, it will be a compromise."
What does concern McPeters even more are moves underway by US tobacco companies to broaden manufacturing interests off shore. Such activities means a loss of US jobs and taxes. For each one acre of tobacco, it is estimated that $45,000 in taxes revenues are generated he said.
The Real Numbers
Halifax County's effective quota for next year will be down almost million pounds from the 1997 quota of 17,338,737 sending it to near 1993 production levels. Making the numbers even worse will be about 1.6 million pounds of unmarketed or carryover tobacco.
Given the $1.86 per pound average that the South Boston tobacco market realized this year, the 1997 crop paid Halifax County growers over $32.3 million. South Boston warehouses sold 16,868,572 lbs. for a value of $28,899,145.
The Halifax County school system is among the Top Ten "Overachievers" in a report compiled from a study sponsored by The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
The county school system, which was ranked eighth in the report, was named among ten Virginia school systems whose overall standardized test scores were higher than predicted by social and economic factors.
"I think it speaks well for Halifax County," school superintendent Dennis Witt said yesterday.
"We're not trying to sugar coat anything. But, it indicates that a pretty good job is being done when you consider certain factors. It is indicative of the commitment, high expectations, and achievement of our students and teachers within the context of certain factors."
"You don't use those factors for making excuses for not doing your job," added Witt.
"We do not accept any factors as limiting our ability to increase the academic performance of students and we continue to be committed to high expectations and a quality educational environment for our students."
The list of Top Ten "Overachievers" contained in a report called "Understanding Virginia's Report Card: Why Standardized Test Scores Vary From One Community to Another" compiled by I. David Wheat, Jr. was based on an analysis of test scores of Virginia schools on the state assessment of grades four and eight on the ITBS standardized tests, the eleventh grade TAP tests, and sixth grade Literacy Passport Tests.
The study compares test results using an accepted statistical comparison of Socio-Economic Status Factors and test results.
On the list of "Overachievers," Halifax County was shown to have 52 percent of its adult population with high school diplomas, a minority population of 39 percent, and 42 percent of its students receiving free or reduced price lunches.
Halifax County's predicted test score, based on those socio-economic conditions, was 46. The county's actual test score was 55.
Neighboring Charlotte County topped the list of the Top Ten "Overachievers." Charlotte County, shown with 52 percent of its adults having a high school diploma, a minority population of 37 percent and 48 percent of its students receiving free or reduced price school lunches, had a predicted test score of 45. The actual score was 60.
Following Charlotte County on the Top Ten "Overachievers" list in order were West Point, Lexington, King and Queen, Radford, Surry, Highland, Halifax, Patrick County, and Winchester.
Test scores in these localities ranged between eight and 15 points higher than predicted by socio-economic factors which included the general education level of the community, the percentage of minority population in the community, and student poverty levels as designated by the percentage of students receiving free or reduced price school lunches.
By comparison, there was a compilation of Bottom Ten "Underachievers." That group included Warren, Fluvanna, Charles City, Charlottesville, Buena Vista, Manassas park, King George, Madison, Greene, and Cumberland.
Wheat's study revealed that after having isolated socio-economic factors, the school divisions with the higher test scores were those with:
---higher academic standards;
---higher student attendance rates;
---more teachers with Master's Degrees;
---lower first grade pupil-teacher ratios; and
---more eighth graders taking Algebra I.
In summarizing the report, Wheat stated that one third of the variation in test scores lies in factors that state and local officials can control.
"Two of the factors contained in the final model are obviously driven by spending policies: pupil-teacher ratios and salaries of teachers with Master's Degrees," Wheat wrote.
"Raising attendance, however, is as much a management issue as a resource issue. And, clearly, raising academic standards to a level where promotion implies performance does not cost money," added Wheat.
"Of course, some resources are required for attendance enforcement, special course offerings, and implementation of new learning standards." "Nevertheless," Wheat concluded,"it appears that a large portion-probably more than half-of the controllable factors are not driven by spending."
Halifax County High School principal Larry Clark, who has been recognized as the 1997 Virginia's Secondary Principal of the Year, received the award during the recent annual conference of the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Clark was one of eight individuals honored by the Association during the Associations annual conference which was held December 4 and 5 conference in Williamsburg.
The award was presented during the Association's luncheon at the Williamsburg Marriott which was followed by the VASCD's reception honoring Outstanding Virginia Educators and Legislators.
The seven other individuals that were honored by the Association included Richard T. LaPointe, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia; A. Philip Bigler of Fairfax Public Schools who was honored as Virginia Teacher of the Year; Appomattox Elementary School principal Janice M. Marston who was named Virginia Elementary Principal of the Year; and Surry Elementary School principal George L. Fauntleroy, who was named Virginia Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.
Also honored were Chuck Maranzano of Lafayette High School who was named Virginia Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, Jane Massey-Wilson of the West Point Schools who was named Virginia Superintendent of the Year; and VASCD Legislator of the Year, Sen. R. Edward Houck.
South Boston Town Council has approved the sale of a choice 1.614 -acre lot in the J. Aubrey Houghton Business and Industrial Park for $60,000.
But neither Council nor the town's Industrial Development Authority would disclose the identity of the prospective buyer nor what sort of development is expected there.
The IDA recommended the sale to Council.
The lot, identified on the plat of the park as D-4, is the one between the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security offices and, like those two, fronts on Hamilton Boulevard.
If the transaction goes through, it would mean that three of the five lots fronting on Hamilton will have been sold.
When the replatted park layout was approved for marketing a few months ago, the IDA let it be known that there were three businesses interested in locating there. None was identified.
Virginia (Poo) Roberts, chairman of the IDA, said the organization felt it appropriate for the developer, not the IDA, to make the announcement of any project there.
A 20-year-old Riverdale man who pulled a gun on a sheriff's deputy in the parking lot behind Hillcrest Restaurant on Route 58 early Monday morning was nabbed after a brief chase and charged with four charges.
Robert Henry Green of 1074 Riverdale Drive was arrested at approximately 2 a.m. Monday by Sgt. T.E. Logan and Deputy Q.E. Clark on charges of brandishing a firearm at Sgt. Logan, possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, being in possession of a stolen vehicle, and being a fugitive from justice in North Carolina.
Investigator C.A. Bates arrested Green on the fugitive charge and Deputy T.K. Redd arrested Green on the charge of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
Green is being held in the Halifax County Jail on $5,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing on the charges has been set for February 6 in Halifax County General District Court.
Chief Deputy Major R.L. Link reported that the incident began when Logan received a call about a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot behind the restaurant. Logan approached the vehicle and found a person lying on the back seat covered by a pair of coveralls. When the two deputies attempted to awaken Green, he pointed a pistol at Logan.
Link stated that Logan quickly took cover and attempted to talk Green into coming out of the vehicle. Green exited the car and Logan grabbed the gun. The suspect fled on foot and Clark chased him to the Days Inn where Green was finally apprehended.
A .45 caliber pistol was confiscated by the deputies. The car, a 1987 model Pontiac 6000 which was stolen from Caswell County, N.C. resident Brenda Richardson, is being held for processing by officers of the Caswell County, N.C. Sheriff's Department.
In another matter:
A January 6 preliminary hearing has been set for 59-year-old Junior Tucker of 208 Greenfield Road, South Boston who was arrested Saturday by Investigator J.R. Hicks on a misdemeanor petty larceny charge.
Tucker is accused of stealing a safety deposit box Saturday that belonged to the estate of Henry Tucker.
Two teenagers were injured late Monday afternoon in a two car crash that occurred on Route 129 in Centerville.
Trooper D.T. Conner identified the youths injured in the 4:05 p.m. mishap on Route 129, two tenths of a mile west of the intersection of Route 716 as 16-year-old Sandi Michelle Talley of Virgilina and a passenger in her car, 16-year-old Jennifer Ann Cole.
The driver of the other auto, 20-year-old Christie Seamster Carr, 20, of Nathalie, was not hurt.
Trooper Conner's report stated that Carr pulled out from a private drive into the path of the Talley vehicle.
Damage to the 1994 model car driven by Carr was estimated at $3,000 and an estimated $2,500 damage was done to the 1989 model car driven by Talley.
Carr was charged with failure to yield the right of way.
A 43-year-old Halifax resident, Glen Harris Cash, Jr. escaped injury when the 1987 model car he was driving struck and killed a deer yesterday at 4:47 a.m. on Route 650, a mile and a half west of the intersection of Route 603.
Damage to the car driven by Cash was estimated at $1,000.
No charges were filed by Trooper S.M. Krantz.
Trooper Krantz charged 44-year-old Jerold Wayne Foy of South Boston with failure to yield the right of way following a two vehicle accident that occurred Monday at 1:44 p.m. on Route 58, eight tenths of a mile west of the intersection of Route 501.
Neither Foy nor the driver of the other vehicle involved, Travis Carter Comer, 18, of South Boston, were injured.
According to a report filed by Trooper Krantz, Foy pulled into the path of the Comer vehicle. The Comer vehicle went off of the left shoulder of the highway and struck a shrub and a rock.
Damage to the 1990 model car driven by Comer was estimated at $800. No damage was done to the 1983 model pickup truck driven by Foy.
Louis Carr of Newport News died Wednesday, December 3 at his home at the age of 85.
Mr. Carr was born in Halifax County and was married to Gladys Carr.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Linda Carr-Richardson of Acworth, GA; three grandchildren; one sister, Susie Gage of Baltimore, MD; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Carr were held Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at Little Zion Baptist Church in Newport News with Rev. Linwood Gatling officiating and on Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Banister Hill Baptist Church in Halifax with Rev. William Carr officiating. Burial was in Banister Hill Baptist Church cemetery.
Gracie Rothel Brown West of Crystal Hill died December 15, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 98 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. West was born in Halifax County on May 19, 1899 the daughter of Charlie P. Brown and Mollie Crews Brown and was married to Aubin Gilbert West. She was a member of Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Lillie Brown Lewis of Crystal Hill; one brother, Henry Archer Brown of Bayonet Point, FL; three grandsons, Dwight Holt and Matt Lewis, both of Richmond, and Ranny Holt of Mechanicsville; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. West will be held today, December 17 at 3 p.m. at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist with Revs. Anthony Wilborn and Bernard Morris conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.