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October 11, 2022
A regular monthly meeting of the Russell County Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 11,
2022 at 6:00 pm at the Russell County Government Center in Lebanon, Virginia.
The Chair called the meeting to order.
Roll Call by the Clerk:
Present:
Tim Lovelace
Lou Wallace
Carl Rhea
David Eaton
Steve Breeding
Rebecca Dye
Oris Christian
Lonzo Lester, Clerk
Katie Patton, County Attorney
Loretta Vance, Secretary
Absent:
None
Invocation by Caleb Johnson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Oris Christian and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve the agenda as amended.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Presentations
Dr. Michelle Meister & Sheriff Steve Dye addressed the Board about the current situation at the Russell
County Animal Shelter.  They asked that the county move forward with building a new shelter to better
accommodate the animals and to make sure state regulations are followed.
April Morefield representing the Harper House Project explained the Care Center and how they support
children that are victims of abuse.  She also discussed the medical care that these children receive and
how this care helps to get convictions when these cases go to court.  She explained how the Harper
House in Tazewell County was being utilized by Russell County and the need for a local facility.
AP
October 11, 2022
‘Aregular monthly meeting of the Russell County Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 11,
2022 at 6:00 pm at the Russell County Government Center in Lebanon, Virginia
The Chair called the meeting to order.
Roll Call by the Clerk:
Present:
Tim Lovelace
Lou Wallace
Carl Rhea
David Eaton
Steve Breeding
Rebecca Dye
Oris Christian
Lonzo Lester, Clerk
Katie Patton, County Attorney
Loretta Vance, Secretary
Absent:
None
Invocation by Caleb Johnson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Oris Christian and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve the agenda as amended.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Presentation:
Dr. Michelle Meister & Sheriff Steve Dye addressed the Board about the current situation at the Russell
County Animal Shelter. They asked that the county move forward with building a new shelter to better
accommodate the animals and to make sure state regulations are followed.
April Morefield representing the Harper House Project explained the Care Center and how they support
children that are victims of abuse. She also discussed the medical care that these children receive and
how this care helps to get convictions when these cases go to court. She explained how the Harper
House in Tazewell County was being utilized by Russell County and the need for a local facility.
AP
PROVAL TO ACCEPT PROPERTY FROM THE REDBUD FESTIVAL
Moton made by David Eaton, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
accept a piece of property back from the Redbud Festival.
The vote was:
Aye:  David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Carl Rhea, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Tim Lovelace and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Lonzo Lester, County Administrator did a presentation on the Personal Property Tax Relief Credit
(PPTR).
New Business
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 26, 2022 TO AMEND THE COUNTY BUDGET AND TRANSFER
OF PROPERTY FROM THE REDBUD FESTIVAL
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
set a public hearing for Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm to amend the County Budget and to
advertise the proposed amendment to the budget and to hold a public hearing pertaining to the Redbud
property.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Steve Breeding, Tim Lovelace, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 MINUTES
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Oris Christian and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve the September 12, 2022 minutes and dispense with the reading thereof.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Steve Breeding, Tim Lovelace, David Eaton and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Abstain:  Carl Rhea
APPROVAL OF GENERAL COUNTY INVOICES
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve general county invoices in the amount of $1,695,945.88 including withholdings and reoccurring.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Abstain:  Carl Rhea
Board Appointments
PROVAL TO ACCEPT PROPERTY FROM THE REDBUD FESTIVAL
Moton made by David Eaton, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to.
accept a piece of property back from the Redbud Festival
The vote was:
‘Aye: David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Carl Rhea, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Tim Lovelace and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Lonzo Lester, County Administrator did a presentation on the Personal Property Tax Relief Credit
(PPTR).
New Business
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 26, 2022 TO AMEND THE COUNTY BUDGET AND TRANSFER
OF PROPERTY FROM THE REDBUD FESTIVAL
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
set a public hearing for Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm to amend the County Budget and to
advertise the proposed amendment to the budget and to hold a public hearing pertaining to the Redbud
property.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Rebecca Dye, Steve Breeding, Tim Lovelace, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 MINUTES
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Oris Christian and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve the September 12, 2022 minutes and dispense with the reading thereof.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian, Steve Breeding, Tim Lovelace, David Eaton and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Abstain: Carl Rhea
APPROVAL OF GENERAL COUNTY INVOICES
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve general county invoices in the amount of $1,695,945.88 including withholdings and reoccurring
The vote was:
‘Aye: Rebecca Dye, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Abstain: Carl Rhea
Board Appointments
ROGER SWORD RE-APPROINTED TO THE RUSSELL COUNTY IDA
Carl Rhea nominated Roger Sword
David Eaton nominated Nate Kiser
The vote was:
Nate Kiser- (3) three votes:  David Eaton, Steve Breeding and Tim Lovelace
Roger Sword – (4) four votes:  Carl Rhea, Rebecca Dye, Lou Wallace and Oris Christian
Roger Sword was re-appointed to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority for a (4) four-
year term, said term ending October 11. 2026.
FRANK HORTON, TONY LAMBERT, RON BLANKENSHIP AND JAMES EATON RE-APPOINTED TO THE
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Motion made by Carl Rhea, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to re-
appoint Frank Horton, Tony Lambert, Ron Blankenship and James Eaton to the Cumberland Plateau
Economic Development Commission for (1) one-year terms, said terms ending October 12, 2023.
The vote was:
Aye:  Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Abstain:  David Eaton
SHERRY LYTTLE RE-APPOINTED TO THE RUSSELL COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Motion made Tim Lovelace, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to re-
appoint Sherry Lyttle to the Russell County Library Board of Trustees for a (3) three- year term, said term
ending October 11, 2025.
The vote was:
Aye:  Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
Citizens’ Comment
The Chair opened citizens’ comment.
Michelle Vance, Lebanon requested that the money the county will be getting from the Opioid lawsuit

be allocated to Cumberland Mountain and The Laurels Recovery Center.  She stated that something
needs to be done for the kids, there is nothing here for them and they often turn to drugs.  Mental
health is the other problem, they also turn to drugs because they can’t get help.
ROGER SWORD RE-APPROINTED TO THE RUSSELL COUNTY IDA
Carl Rhea nominated Roger Sword
David Eaton nominated Nate Kiser
The vote was:
Nate Kiser- (3) three votes: David Eaton, Steve Breeding and Tim Lovelace
Roger Sword - (4) four votes: Carl Rhea, Rebecca Dye, Lou Wallace and Oris Christian
Roger Sword was re-appointed to the Russell County Industrial Development Authority for a (4) four-
year term, said term ending October 11. 2026.
FRANK HORTON, TONY LAMBERT, RON BLANKENSHIP AND JAMES EATON REAPPOINTED TO THE
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Motion made by Carl Rhea, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to re-
appoint Frank Horton, Tony Lambert, Ron Blankenship and James Eaton to the Cumberland Plateau
Economic Development Commission for (1) one-year terms, said terms ending October 12, 2023.
The vote was:
Aye: Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Abstain: David Eaton
SHERRY LYTTLE RE-APPOINTED TO THE RUSSELL COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Motion made Tim Lovelace, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to re-
appoint Sherry Lyttle to the Russell County Library Board of Trustees for a (3) three- year term, said term
ending October 11, 2026.
The vote was:
Aye: Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Citizans’¢
The Chair opened citizens’ comment.
Michelle Vance, Lebanon requested that the money the county will be getting from the Opioid lawsuit
be allocated to Cumberland Mountain and The Laurels Recovery Center. She stated that something
needs to be done for the kids, there is nothing here for them and they often turn to drugs. Mental
health is the other problem, they also turn to drugs because they can’t get help.
Wanda Burke, Lebanon stated that Mark Mero had a tremendous impact on the kids in Russell County
when he visited this past month.  He had over 500 messages before he left.   She asked that a portion of
the opioid lawsuit money be set aside for the children of the county.
Donnie Tackett commented that a small portion of the road he lives on is not paved and is almost
impassable and needs work.  He thought it was added to the Six-Year plan several years ago and asked
the status of this.
Cody Jackson, Cleveland thanked the Board for passing the Pro-Life Resolution and reminded them that
he had emailed them some information on a potential ordinance.  He invited the Board to the Christian
Coalition of Churches meetings.
Cameron Shelton, Swords Creek presented a Resolution passed by the Christian Coalition of Churches in
support of the Harper’s Home project in Russell County.  He stated that he and Cody Jackson are co-
coordinators of the Coalition and urged the board to support this project.
Sandy Hess, Swords Creek commented with a disclaimer that she is not representing the Department of
Social Services.  She commented on the status of the county bonus and the attorney general opinion.

She has not received a copy of the amended ordinance pertaining to the proposed bonus.  She also
stated that she had attended all the budget workshops and the letter from the Commissioner was not
mentioned. These higher county assessed values could impact potential Medicaid eligibility.
Nate Kiser, Lebanon stated that there is an apparent lack of leadership in this county.  The board should
have adjusted the assessed values earlier in the year.  It will cost the county more money to fix the issue
now.  He commented that this is a complete failure that should have been taken care of months ago.
Annie Stevens, New Garden Rescue Squad commented that the costs associated with running the squad
have doubled.  The fentanyl crisis is in the county, Narcan is needed but the cost is so high.  She stated
that they need more than $1000 extra per month.
Larry Hughes, Lebanon commented that tax relief should have been discussed during the budget
process.   Board members should honor their oath as elected officials.
Jennifer Chumbley, Cleveland stated that she is saddened that the county has become so divided.  She
thanked the Board for all the things that they have accomplished.  She stated that she hopes that the
county can get back to tourism after all the other issues have been settled.
Citizens’ Comment was closed.
County Attorney Reports and Requests
The Chair set the public hearing for the Honaker Redbud Festival property transfer for Wednesday,
October 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
The Chair set the public hearing for the Honaker pool property transfer to Russell County School Board
for Monday, November 07, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE FINNEY DISPOSAL SITE LEASES
Wanda Burke, Lebanon stated that Mark Mero had a tremendous impact on the kids in Russell County
when he visited this past month, He had over 500 messages before he left. She asked that a portion of
the opioid lawsuit money be set aside for the children of the county.
Donnie Tackett commented that a small portion of the road he lives on is not paved and is almost
impassable and needs work. He thought it was added to the Six-Year plan several years ago and asked
the status of this.
Cody Jackson, Cleveland thanked the Board for passing the Pro-Life Resolution and reminded them that
he had emailed them some information on a potential ordinance. He invited the Board to the Christian
Coalition of Churches meetings.
Cameron Shelton, Swords Creek presented a Resolution passed by the Christian Coalition of Churches in
support of the Harper’s Home project in Russell County. He stated that he and Cody Jackson are co-
coordinators of the Coalition and urged the board to support this project
Sandy Hess, Swords Creek commented with a disclaimer that she is not representing the Department of
Social Services. She commented on the status of the county bonus and the attorney general opinion.
She has not received a copy of the amended ordinance pertaining to the proposed bonus. She also
stated that she had attended all the budget workshops and the letter from the Commissioner was not
mentioned. These higher county assessed values could impact potential Medicaid eligibility.
Nate Kiser, Lebanon stated that there is an apparent lack of leadership in this county. The board should
have adjusted the assessed values earlier in the year. It will cost the county more money to fix the issue
now. He commented that this is a complete failure that should have been taken care of months ago.
Annie Stevens, New Garden Rescue Squad commented that the costs associated with running the squad
have doubled. The fentanyl crisis is in the county, Narcan is needed but the cost is so high. She stated
‘that they need more than $1000 extra per month.
Larry Hughes, Lebanon commented that tax relief should have been discussed during the budget
process. Board members should honor their oath as elected officials.
Jennifer Chumbley, Cleveland stated that she is saddened that the county has become so divided. She
thanked the Board for all the things that they have accomplished. She stated that she hopes that the
county can get back to tourism after all the other issues have been settled.
Citizens’ Comment was closed.
County Attorney Reports and Requests
The Chair set the public hearing for the Honaker Redbud Festival property transfer for Wednesday,
October 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
The Chair set the public hearing for the Honaker pool property transfer to Russell County School Board
for Monday, November 07, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE FINNEY DISPOSAL SITE LEASES
Motion made by Carl Rhea, second by David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve (2) two leases for the Finney Disposal Site.
The vote was:
Aye:  Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
TRANSFER OF THE RUSSELL COUNTY PSA CONTRACTS FOR SALE OF WATER
Motion made by David Eaton, second Carl Rhea and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
transfer Russell County Public Service Authority contracts for sale of water to Washington County,
Tazewell County, Scott County, Town of Honaker, Town of Lebanon and Town of Richlands.
The vote was:
Aye:  David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
ACCEPTANCE OF $218,683.28 IN OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to

accept Opioid Settlement funds in the amount of $218,683.28.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
APPROVAL OF A DANTE RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERSHIP VARIANCE RESOLUTION
Motion made by Oris Christian, second Carl Rhea and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve a Dante Rescue Squad Membership Variance Resolution.
The vote was:
Aye:  Oris Christian, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
APPROVAL OF A VDOT RESOLUTION FOR RURAL ADDITIONS TO THE SECONDARY SYSTEM OF STATE
HIGHWAYS -RTE. 1055
Motion made by Steve Breeding, second David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve a VDOT Resolution for Rural Additions to the Secondary System of State Highways:  Rte. 1055 –
Jim Kiser Road.
The vote was:
Aye:  Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
APPROVAL OF RUSSELL COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PLATS
Motion made by Carl Rhea, second by David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve (2) two leases for the Finney Disposal Site.
The vote was:
Aye: Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
TRANSFER OF THE RUSSELL COUNTY PSA CONTRACTS FOR SALE OF WATER
Motion made by David Eaton, second Carl Rhea and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
transfer Russell County Public Service Authority contracts for sale of water to Washington County,
Tazewell County, Scott County, Town of Honaker, Town of Lebanon and Town of Richlands.
The vote was:
Aye: David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
ACCEPTANCE OF $218,683.28 IN OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Steve Breeding and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
accept Opioid Settlement funds in the amount of $218,683.28
The vote was:
‘Aye: Rebecca Dye, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
APPROVAL OF A DANTE RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERSHIP VARIANCE RESOLUTION
Motion made by Oris Christian, second Carl Rhea and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve a Dante Rescue Squad Membership Variance Resolution.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Oris Christian, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Rebecca Dye and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
APPROVAL OF A VDOT RESOLUTION FOR RURAL ADDITIONS TO THE SECONDARY SYSTEM OF STATE
HIGHWAYS -RTE. 1055
Motion made by Steve Breeding, second David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to.
approve a VDOT Resolution for Rural Additions to the Secondary System of State Highways: Rte. 1055 —
dim Kiser Road.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
APPROVAL OF RUSSELL COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PLATS
Motion made by Steve Breeding, second David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
approve plats as requested by the Russell County Planning Commission.
The vote was:
Aye:  Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
APPROVAL TO ADJOURN TO RECONVENE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
adjourn to reconvene on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Russell County Government
Center.
The vote was:
Aye:  Rebecca Dye, Tim Lovelace, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay:  None
______________________                        ________________________
Clerk of the Board                                         Chairperson

Motion made by Steve Breeding, second David Eaton and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to.
approve plats as requested by the Russell County Planning Commission.
The vote was:
‘Aye: Steve Breeding, David Eaton, Carl Rhea, Tim Lovelace, Rebecca Dye, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
APPROVAL TO ADJOURN TO RECONVENE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tim Lovelace and duly approved by the Board of Supervisors to
adjourn to reconvene on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Russell County Government
Center.
The vote was:
Aye: Rebecca Dye, Tim Lovelace, Carl Rhea, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Oris Christian and Lou Wallace
Nay: None
Clerk of the Board Chairperson