By Heather Michon, Editor
The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors spent much of its May 6 meeting wrestling with employee compensation questions, road safety concerns, and the aftermath of a massive transformer accident connected to the Tenaska power plant site.
One of the evening’s lengthiest discussions centered on a proposed 2% bonus for employees in constitutional offices such as the sheriff’s office, clerk’s office, and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
County Administrator Eric Dahl explained that the bonus was included in changes to the state budget and would be paid for by the state, but it still required county approval.
The discussion focused on the fact that not every employee in those offices is covered by the state funding program.
In the sheriff’s office, for example, 21 deputies are funded through the state Compensation Board and would receive the bonus, while 16 county-funded deputies would not.
Several supervisors said the situation created fairness concerns, especially because the issue surfaced after the county had already finalized its budget. Supervisors also noted that similar state-funded bonuses were approved last year.
Fork Union Supervisor Mike Goad suggested the county consider setting aside funds in future budgets in case the state continues to offer similar bonuses.
“If the state comes down and says, ‘We’re gonna give 2%,’ maybe we cap it at 2%,” Goad said. “And if the state doesn’t do something, then we don’t have to worry about it.”
Despite the concerns, the board ultimately voted unanimously to approve the bonuses.
Road safety
The board also discussed whether the county should pursue federal “Safe Streets and Roads for All” grants to accelerate traffic safety improvements at dangerous intersections around the county. The grants would require a 20% county match.
Dahl presented several intersections identified in the county’s “Move Safely Fluvanna” study, including the Dixie intersection at Route 15 and Thomas Jefferson Parkway.
Supervisors repeatedly cited fatal crashes and dangerous conditions on county roads while debating whether local tax dollars should be used to speed up projects that might eventually be funded by VDOT.
“VDOT reacts once somebody dies,” Columbia Supervisor Mike Sheridan said during the discussion about roadway fatalities at problem intersections.
No action was taken, but supervisors indicated interest in revisiting the issue with more detailed cost information and project priorities.
Tenaska transformer
Supervisors also received an update on the massive transformer that fell from a trailer onto a residential property near the Tenaska Virginia Generating Station last week.
Tenaska spokesperson Leighton Eusebio told the Fluvanna Review that the spare transformer was being transported to the site by Edwards Moving and Rigging, a Kentucky-based company that specializes in heavy industrial loads.
Rivanna Supervisor Tony O’Brien, who visited the site and spoke with the homeowners, said the transformer weighed nearly 600,000 pounds and that trucking officials had indicated the incident was caused by driver error.
According to O’Brien, representatives from Siemens traveled from Brazil to inspect the damaged equipment and determined that much of the transformer could not be salvaged. Crews now plan to dismantle it at the roadside rather than move it intact.
He said fencing and screening would be installed around the site while crews work to cut apart and remove the equipment.
Honors
Earlier in the meeting, supervisors recognized Parks and Recreation Service Specialist Melinda Payne on her retirement after more than 20 years with the county. Payne worked for Fluvanna County from July 2005 through April 2026. Supervisors and staff praised her long service and dedication to county parks and recreation programs.
The board also honored local realtor Peggy Shanklin with the county’s Community Service Award, recognizing her extensive volunteer work and civic involvement throughout Fluvanna County.
During the presentation, county officials highlighted Shanklin’s leadership with the Fluvanna Farmers Market, Fluvanna Women in Business, and Meals on Wheels. Supervisors also praised her support for veterans outreach efforts and programs assisting first responders.
Officials credited Shanklin with helping turn the farmers market into a major community gathering space and praised her broad involvement in civic and charitable causes across the county.
In other business, supervisors proclaimed May as Older Americans Month and approved an underground utility easement at Pleasant Grove Park to allow the relocation of electric lines near the concert stage.
