I know many citizens can’t attend board of supervisors meetings. I thought I would give you a report on the Oct. 11 meeting.

The meeting began with the invocation, approval of agenda and last month’s minutes. Chairman Haywood Hamlet then called on each member for committee reports. There were none, although Garland Hamlett Jr. later gave a report concerning the war memorial. Think about that a minute: No supervisors had anything to report?

After a proclamation from Appomattox County thanking surrounding counties for assistance during February’s storm, it was time for public comment. I was the only one who spoke. I talked about how supervisors never comment or take action on citizens’ concerns; nor are those comments recorded in the minutes. I reminded them, again, how more than 800 citizens signed a petition and they still have not addressed these concerns. I said the little children of this county, who sit in outdated schools, will pay for the huge amounts of money they are spending. No reaction; they just moved on to the next item on the agenda: re-adoption of the building code.

Garland Hamlett Jr. asked what the changes were. The county administrator couldn’t answer. It was decided a hired attorney would prepare a list of changes. Adoption was passed unanimously.

Next was a resolution in support of Bees for the Future program, approved unanimously. 

Then there was an update from SKANSKA, which is managing the courthouse project. The $14 million project is due to be completed in November 2017. I wonder how many future generations will be saddled with paying for this?

Next, invoices were approved. No amounts were given in the open meeting; however, due to a Freedom of Information request, I have those figures. Supervisors approved bills in the amount of $509,720.64 to be paid this month (not including salaries or school budget). They then voted to pay for 18 killed coyotes and to refund $15.30 in building permit fees.

Lastly, they voted to go into a closed door session to discuss “legal issues.”  Administrator R.B. Clark and an attorney from the law office of Slayton & Clary also went in that meeting. 

Do you think all is well in Charlotte County? I do not. I will continue to do what I can to bring about transparency and accountability for actions. I will also do what I can to advocate for better schools. Goodness knows the children are going to need a good education. They sure are going to be saddled with tremendous taxes.

Kay Pierantoni is a Charlotte County resident. Her email address is kmpierantoni@gmail.com.