A $59.3 million dollar county budget reflecting a 5.42 percent increase over last year's budget will be recommended to supervisors for their consideration Monday night by their Finance Committee.
The fiscal 1999-2000 budget includes no projected tax rate increase but does include proposed water/sewer hikes in Riverdale and Clover due to upgrading of those systems.
Buoying this year's county budget planning was the school system's state funding windfall which was reflected in Halifax County Superintendent of Schools Dennis Witt's request for "no additional county funding" for the year.
The school system is slated to receive $935,000 by summer and $915,000 for fiscal 1999-2000, according to Bill Covington, school system financial director.
Since the school system seeks no additional county funding, the county budget profits.
"It will be extremely beneficial to the county. We can make adjustments for the losses from the City's reversion and the Town boundary adjustment, as well as the receipts of the burdens of Town Charter Annulment, observed Sleeper.
"But," he cautioned, "one-time or short-term money must not be used for general operation reoccurring cost because the gap widens dramatically each year."
As the full Board of Supervisors begins consideration of the proposed budget, the Finance Committee is also suggesting supervisors look at the county's Utility Tax Ordinance in an effort to stem the loss of revenue due to lack of information about projected utility use by business/industry, and failure to tax out-of-state gas providers to local industries.
The two utility taxing problems are blamed for a decrease in Utility Tax revenues from the previous year and a loss of approximately $500,000 in projected revenue, according to Sleeper.
In preparing the budget, the county administrator recalled it had been supervisors' intent to double the rate of the Utility Tax for business/industries since they were protected from the boundary adjustment.
However, half way through the year when revenues did not appear to be coming in as originally projected, Sleeper said a review determined there was insufficient data for the estimates. He also noted none of the gas utilized by at least four of the county's largest industries is taxable.
"The reason being these (gas) contracts negotiated for purchase of gas from out of state, contractors as far away as Texas and California, and that the industries pay a transportation fee. The contractors actually selling the gas have no knowledge of the County's ordinances or its Utility Tax requirements," advised Sleeper.
The county administrator called the loss "the most significant impact on the year 2000 budget."
The recommended 1999-2000 budget also proposes an increase in salaries for all Constitutional Officers and their employees at 6.24 percent December 1, 1999; in the Sheriff's Office for dispatchers and field deputies, there is a proposal for a 13.7 percent increase; for county personnel, a two-step increase, which is a 5 percent increase for employees working for the county; and Department of Social Services.
In addition, the proposed 1999-2000 fiscal budget reflects the following:

---The Virginia Retirement System contribution for the Board of Supervisors will be 6.64 percent this year, and in the next fiscal year, 7.09 percent - with one more year remaining of increases due to the phase-in period of the impacts of changes due to payment on Federal retirees in 1995.
---Hospitalization insurance for county employees will increase approximately 11 percent.
---Capital improvements include the General District Court cost renovation of $387,500 with $120,000 of those funds from the Courthouse Maintenance Fund; the Blue Ridge Regional Jail project; new vehicles and radios needed for a portion of the Sheriff's Department fleet; renovation and construction of addition to the county's dog pound.
A public hearing for the proposed school/county budget is anticipated April 26.

Halifax County Planning Commission members agreed to recommend to supervisors the rezoning of a parcel of land for business at the northwest corner of the intersection of Routes 360 and 501 at Town of Halifax corporate limits following a public hearing Tuesday evening.
Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the request by Seymour and Fannie Barnes at 8 p.m. Monday in the Conference Room at Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
Seymour Barnes told planning commissioners the 0.9 acre site may house a convenience store, gasoline sales and fast food operations but could ultimately include a site for additional facilities, including a doctor's office.
Seymour Barnes, Mildred Bostick, a resident of the area 45 years who thinks the project will help beautify and improve the area, and Robert Carr spoke in favor of the project. Carr said he thought the development would help improve the community.
Only one adjoining property owner objected. Bessie Coleman, who lives in Wisconsin, wrote that she would prefer no commercial enterprise or business be located on the property.
Barnes said he had talked with neighbors in the area about the project and said he thought the project would provide improved community appearance, fill a need and help with security in the neighborhood by utilizing the land. He estimated employment at the businesses of 12 and anticipated business hours as 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days per week.
Commissioners asked assistant county administrator Jerry Lovelace to provide additional information concerning an application for zoning ordinance amendment request to allow property in a B-2 Zone to be used for housing for elderly.
In other business, Lovelace reported support among towns and counties along the Route 501 corridor at the VDOT Primary Preallocation Hearing on Monday in Lynchburg for the four-laning of
501 from the North Carolina border to the Lexington area connection.
The John Randolph Bridge project and Route 58 Riverdale study were supported as was the upgrading of Route 603 from secondary to primary road between Volens and Cody.
Lovelace also advised commissioners that South Boston, Town of Halifax and county officials are meeting next week to explore working together toward a single urban planning area in comprehensive planning for the area from Halifax to Centerville to South Boston and spilling into the county. An urban planning area could help in forecasting and planning for citizen and business needs and act as a tool in development.
Commissioners also adopted a resolution honoring fellow commissioner Johnnie B. Elliott, who died last month, which read:
Whereas, Mr. Johnnie B. Elliott served as a member of the Halifax County Planning Commission as a representative of Election District #3 from February 1, 1990 through March 23, 1999, a period of over nine years of service to the citizens of Election District #3 and to the entire County; and,
Whereas, Mr. Elliott gave unselfishly in his efforts to further the goals and objectives of good land use planning in Halifax County through his diligence on Zoning and Subdivision regulation, Comprehensive Plan development and many other activities, all in furtherance of improving the quality of life of the citizens of Halifax County: and,
Whereas, Mr. Elliott gave freely of his time and knowledge with dedicated and conscientious service, and always cognizant of the spirit and intent of the law, yet tempering his judgment with care and concern for the individuals and issues which came before the Planning Commission; and,
Whereas, the Halifax County Planning Commission is saddened by the news of his passing;
Now, therefore, be it resolved: That the Halifax County Planning Commission expresses its deep regrets to the family of Mr. Johnnie B. Elliott, and its sincere appreciation for his services to all of the citizens of Halifax County.

MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) - Nothing like $160 million to ease a heartache, Billy Steele figured as he tallied how much he planned to gamble on Friday's record jackpot in the multi-state Big Game lottery - $10 for himself, $100 for his brother.
''He's 74 years old and his wife left him,'' explained Steele, a truck driver from Lenoir, N.C., who was passing through Georgia.
The big prize rolled over to a record high after nobody won the $103 million jackpot Tuesday. A flurry of sales across six states pushed the jackpot up from $150 million to $160 million Thursday and could push it to $200 million by Friday's 11 p.m. EST drawing, lottery officials say.
States participating in the Big Game are Virginia, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan.
The allure of big money - albeit at astronomical odds - drew big spenders and first-time players alike, who plopped down a buck-a-ticket Thursday in anticipation of the drawing.
''I don't play the lottery at all. But $150 million is a lot of money,'' said Teresa Kennedy of Greer, S.C., who bought a ticket at an Amoco convenience store in Marietta, north of Atlanta, before the jackpot was raised Thursday.
Odds against winning the big prize are more than 76 million to one.
Some lottery players hoped to boost their chances of winning by pooling their money with co-workers and buying tickets in bulk.
''There are about 13 of us who commute together on the train and we bought them together. We have about 40 tickets between us. Hopefully we'll all be able to split it,'' said Maria Geary of Framingham, Mass., who was buying lunch in downtown Boston Thursday.
Ernie Kong of Atlanta wouldn't say where he works, but his boss is in big trouble if Kong and 11 co-workers get to split the jackpot.
''We'll all have to quit at the same time,'' Kong said after buying 60 tickets. ''That's a great way to look at it - to say, 'We're all quitting today.'''
Some lottery retailers had to get in on the action themselves.
At Vasu Discount Beverage in Valdosta, Ga., near the Florida border, Hitesh Patel didn't hesitate to tell customers how much he'd blown on the Big Game as he urged them to buy tickets.
''You have to play the Big Game,'' Patel told one customer. ''I bought $200 to $300. You have to play heavy to win heavy.''
Big Game sales were heavy as well, Patel said by phone between sales as more than 15 people stood in line.
''It's going crazy now,'' he said. ''Morning to right now, that's all I'm selling is Big Game.''

Five new officers were added to the ranks of the South Boston Police Department this week through the Universal Hiring Grant.
"These officers will fill the five positions which were approved by Town Council. The Universal Hiring Grant is funded 75 percent by the Federal Government and 25 percent by the Town of South Boston," said South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall.
Hall said the grant made it possible to add additional police officers for deployment in community policing.
Joining the force will be Jennifer M. Baldwin, 21, of Amelia; Wanda M. Garner, 28, of South Boston; Michael T. Moreno, 23, of Danville; Devin H. Snead, 21, of South Boston; and Teddy L. Freeman, 21, of Clarksville.
Baldwin comes to the department with experience as a loss prevention officer. She graduated from Amelia High School and has attended John Tyler Community College and Old Dominion University toward studies in criminal justice.
Snead graduated from Halifax County High School in 1996 and comes to the department with experience as a loss prevention officer.
He has volunteered his services as a member of the Halifax County Rescue Squad, Scottsburg Fire Department, and as a former member of the South Boston Police Department Explorer Post 911.
Garner also graduated from Halifax County High School, but in 1988, and has recently worked as a factory worker in the local area.
Moreno, who graduated from Apollo High School, Simi, California in 1992, entered the U.S. Army in 1996 and received an honorable discharge in 1998.
While in the Army, he also graduated excellence in Armor/Combat life saver and received two army achievement medals.
Freeman graduated from McMichael High School in Mayorlan, N.C., in 1995. In September, 1998 he was accepted to attend the 9th Pre-employment Law Enforcement Basic School located at Southwest Law Enforcement Academy in Bristol. He graduated in December 1998.
While at the academy he was instructed in courses relating to the Virginia mandated requirements to become a Virginia State Certified Officer.
The addition of these five officers will increase South Boston's police force to 27 sworn officers. All but Freeman will start Virginia State Basic Law Enforcement Academy in June.
"We are delighted that Jennifer, Wanda, Mike, Devin and Teddy have joined the police department. We know they will work closely with the citizens of South Boston," Hall said.

WASHINGTON (AP) - For some farmers, the best crop is the one they don't harvest.
In West Texas last year, 200 farmers obtained federally subsidized insurance on a type of cotton that wasn't feasible to grow in their arid region. They paid $4.4 million in premiums and then claimed nearly $15 million in benefits when most of the crop failed.
Farm,ers in North Dakota and surrounding states recently rushed out and bought seed for durum wheat, even in areas not suited for the crop, to take advantage of a new insurance policy offering benefits far higher than they could earn if they grew and sold ordinary wheat.
Crop insurance provides a vital safety net for farmers, especially when prices are low and the government has been trying to phase out its role in agriculture. But government auditors say the insurance system is riddled with abuse, conflicts of interest and errors because taxpayers bear most of the risk for losses, not the private companies that sell and service the policies.
The companies ''have little reason to effectively monitor risky policy holders, little reason to deny claims of questionable losses, and no cause to find fault with their own practices,'' said an internal report by the Agriculture Department's inspector general.
The companies ''are supposed to ensure compliance, but they also have an aggressive sales function. ... The two don't mix well,'' said Scott Stofferahn, who oversees USDA's farm programs in North Dakota.
Stephen Frerichs, a spokesman for the companies, dismissed the inspector general's report this week, saying it was merely ''rehashing a bunch of old'' allegations.
Besides assuming most of the risk for losses, the government subsidizes the premiums farmers pay for the insurance and pays the companies a fee for handling the policies. The program has been costing the government more than $1.5 billion a year, and Congress is considering doubling that to improve the coverage and make it less costly to producers.
The insurance companies have to pay some of the losses, with their share varying according to their government contracts. Nevertheless, they have made $2.8 billion in fees and underwriting gains - their gross profits after losses - over the last four years. That's $400 million more than they made in the previous 14 years combined.
Acreage covered by the insurance has doubled to about 70 percent of all farmland since the program was last overhauled in 1994, while losses have been relatively low. The weather has been good through most of the country since 1993 except for droughts in the South and Southwest last year that prompted Congress to provide $1.7 billion in disaster relief for lost crops and livestock assistance.
''Naturally the underwriting gains are going to be larger and the indemnity payments are lower,'' said Frerichs, manager of the American Association of Crop Insurers.
USDA's Risk Management Agency, which oversees the program, has been shifting more of the risk to the companies in recent years and cutting their fees, officials say. In the case of the durum policies, USDA sharply reduced the potential benefits and is now being sued by farmers to have them reinstated.
''Farmers are honest folks. If they think someone is cheating, they'll report it,'' said John Zirschky, the agency's associate administrator. ''Farmers don't like to see people stealing taxpayer's money.''
Farmers currently pay $50 a crop for basic ''catastrophic'' coverage, regardless of acreage, and about 60 percent of the premium - which can run into thousands of dollars - for more extensive ''buyup'' insurance. Those policies cover losses from drought, floods, pests, and in some cases, drops in projected revenue.
The government pays the rest of the premium. In 1998, the government spent $946 million on premium subsidies and paid another $759 million to the companies.
Farmers complain that crop insurance is usually too stingy and they want coverage for more specialty crops and also for livestock, which can't be insured now.
Most of the time, the insurance ''doesn't provide adequate revenue to cover the expenses put into the ground every spring, with the amount of risk that you're subjected to,'' said wheat grower Tom DeKrey of Steele, N.D.

Comparing Habitat for Humanity's work to that of an old fashioned barn raising, Fifth Congressional District Representative Virgil Goode encouraged every one of the estimated 300 people who attended the Annual Habitat Meeting Tuesday to participate in the organization's efforts to make the dream of home ownership a reality for everyone.
"It's neighbor helping neighbor. It's a reflection of every individual's desire to own their own home," Goode said. "Habitat not only helps you get your foot in the door but to install the door itself.
"Habitat is strongly supported in the House and every representative is encouraged to help build at least one Habitat home," Goode explained, and then described his own experiences working on Habitat homes.
According to Goode, the family scheduled to move into the home he helped build was right in the middle helping to build their future home, as is often the case.
"Not only does the family help pay for the house, but helps build the home, as well. That way they not only have monetary equity in their home, but sweat equity, too," he said.Goode told the large crowd assembled for the annual meeting that Habitat for Humanity was declared the number one home builder in the United States this year and that it was nationwide.
"They're involved across the country, so something must be right," he said.
Goode was the keynote speaker for the evening, during which the plans for the next big Habitat project were unveiled.
As part of the evening's activities, each person was invited to sign a piece of 2X4 placed in the middle of the table. These pieces will be used as spacers in the walls of an actual Habitat home in the near future.
According to Dr. Russell Lee, President of the Tri-River Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, work will begin soon on the three acre site known as Ned Evans Park where the members of Habitat plan to construct six new homes by the year 2002.
The land, located off Berry Hill Road in South Boston, was donated by J. Henry Perry and was named for Ned Evans to honor his service, dedication, wisdom and vision for Tri-River Habitat for Humanity.
Covered as it is with small trees, the first order of business will be to organize a team to work at cutting and clearing the property.
"This is a front burner project," Lee said.
"I want to proclaim a new way of life for Habitat to 'build community day by day by day and building a house or two along the way," Lee continued.
Lee said the Habitat chapter also hopes to build a house in Scottsburg this year.
"We will be building while we are developing Ned Evans Park," Lee said.
But to continue as it has helping individuals realize the dream of owning their own home, Habitat needs the community's support.
"All the money for these houses comes from the community," Lee said.
Lee also issued a request for warehouse space to enable Habitat to stockpile and store building materials.
"I know we can accomplish these things. Tri-River Habitat has new energy, new vision and a growing membership, and with those nothing is impossible," he said.

Inez Petty Hogue of Halifax died Friday, March 26, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 77.
Mrs. Hogue was born in Halifax County on May 13, 1921.
Survivors include one son, Benjamin Hogue of Ashville, NC; three grandchildren; five brothers, Linwood Petty and Joe Petty, both of Halifax, Edward Petty of New York, NY, Harvey Petty and Cecil Petty of Philadelphia, PA.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hogue were held Thursday, April 1 at 1 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill with Rev. Otis Dillard officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Gladys Brandon Pointer of 1082 Jeffress Trail, Alton died Tuesday, March 30, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 77 years of age.
Mrs. Pointer was born in Halifax County on June 22, 1921 the daughter of Charlie E. Brandon and Sarah Jane Brandon and was married to John Jasper Pointer Sr. She was a member of Greater Brandon Chapel Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held today, April 2 at 2 p.m. at Greater Brandon Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. H.R. Surgeon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Survivors of Mrs. Pointer include her husband; four daughters, Deborah Logan and Evelyn Pointer, both of Atlanta, GA, Karetha Medley of South Boston and Dr. Mildred A. Rudd of Boston, MA; five sons, Carl Pointer, John Pointer, David Pointer and Stacey Pointer, all of Alton, and Antonio C. Pointer of Atlanta; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Eva Mae Jeffreys of Baltimore, MD; three brothers, Clifton Brandon, Edward Brandon and Charlie Brandon Jr., all of Newburgh, NY.

Herbert Coleman Blackstock of 1101 Noblin Avenue, South Boston died Thursday, April 1, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 82 years of age.
Mr. Blackstock was born in Lynchburg on November 25, 1916 the son of Edward Blackstock and Rebecca Spencer Blackstock and was married to Rebecca Clary Blackstock. He was an Army Veteran of WWII and was retired from Norfolk-Southern Railroad.
Survivors include his wife, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Blackstock will be held Saturday, April 3 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, April 2 from 7 until 8:00, and other times at the home.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Rescue Squad.

Mary Jennings of Nathalie died Monday, March 29, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 85.
Miss Jennings was born in Halifax County on November 1, 1913 the daughter of Willie T. Jennings and Mary Moorman Jennings. She was a member of New Shiloh Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sister-in-laws, Lou Ella Jennings of the home and Bettie Jennings of Long Island.
Funeral services for Miss Jennings will be held today, April 2 at 2 p.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie with Rev. L.D. Logan conducting the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Leslie Yeaman Fulcher of 365 Greendale Dr., Rustburg died Thursday, April 1, 1999 at her home. She was 41 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Fulcher was born in South Boston on April 18, 1957 the daughter of Harry L. Yeaman Sr. and Betty Lou Allen Yeaman. She was a Registered Nurse at Central VA Training Center.
Graveside services will be held Sunday, April 4 at 4 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Tony Brooks officiating.
Survivors of Mrs. Fulcher include her father; one daughter, Tara Burgess of Motley; three sons, Keith Burgess of Altavista, Troy Burgess and Stuart Fulcher, both of Rustburg; two brothers, Harry Yeaman Jr. of Hampton and Merritt Reagan of Rustburg; two sisters, Dottie Y. Mears of Melfa and Anita Vaughan of Greenbush.

The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home Saturday night from 7 until 8:30. They will be at the home of Cathy Cook, 5198 James D. Hagood Hwy., Scottsburg on Saturday afternoon from 2 until 6:00.

Ruth Hambrick Hughes of 204 Merritt Street, South Boston died Wednesday, March 31, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 81 years of age.
Mrs. Hughes was born November 18, 1917 in Roanoke the daughter of William Hambrick and Betty Hambrick and was married to Robert B. Hughes Jr. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was pianist for the Lacy Bible Class for a number of years and was active in the Tape Ministry.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Saturday, April 3 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert M. Fox Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Survivors of Mrs. Hughes include her husband; one son, Robert B. Hughes III of Lake Wylie, SC; one daughter, Anne Hughes Marshall of Williamsville, VT; one sister, Shirley Pulliam of Eden, NC; two grandsons, Robert B. Hughes IV and Mitchell C. Hughes, both of Greer, SC.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight, April 2 from 7 until 9:00 and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church Elevator Fund, 115 Main St., South Boston or the Halifax County Rescue Squad, PO Box 183, South Boston.