Madison meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Madison County EDC declines to reopen landfill, explores ATV park; budget deficits projected

The Madison County Economic Development Committee has decided not to pursue reopening the closed landfill on Shelby Road, instead exploring a public-private partnership for an ATV park on the 240-acre property. The decision came during a joint town hall with the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 11, where officials also reviewed a budget projecting growing deficits.

Economic Development Committee

At the joint town hall, the committee confirmed it will not reopen the landfill and will look at other revenue-generating uses, including a possible recreational lease for an ATV park. The meeting also covered the county budget: FY2027 spending is projected to rise 6.1% and revenue 6.0%, with deficits growing to $7.6 million by FY31. Tax rates discussed included a property tax rate of 53 cents per $100 assessed value, a personal property tax of $3.50, a transient occupancy tax of 5%, and a meals tax of 5%. The county has borrowed approximately $4 million for its Capital Asset Replacement Program.

Tourism initiatives were also on the agenda, including the Tourism Analytics Program, Possum Festival, Fab Lab, and MADVA Performing Arts. The committee reviewed materials for the town hall earlier that day, but no formal votes were scheduled.

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on Aug. 11 to discuss a bonus ordinance, a land lease for Hoover Ridge, and an update on the auditorium media system. The agenda also included a supplemental appropriation for FY26 donations and VDOT intersection updates. No decisions were reported from this meeting.

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board met three times in early August for procedural work: processing post-election paperwork on Aug. 4, canvassing the Aug. 4 primary vote on Aug. 5, and reviewing provisional ballots on Aug. 10. No substantive decisions were listed. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Coming up

• **Board of Zoning Appeals** (Aug. 18): Will rule on an appeal of a denied extension for a temporary housing permit for an RV on Tax Map 15-10 in Agricultural (A-1) zoning. The permit expired in June 2026 after the owner failed to submit building plans by the deadline.
• **Planning Commission** (Aug. 19): Will hold workshops on a sign ordinance rewrite, an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, and allowing cottage food sales from homes. Public hearings are planned for September on sign, site plan, and cottage food items.

Madison County roundup: School budget, election canvas, and RV permit appeal on agendas

Three Madison County boards met over the past two weeks, but none have published minutes yet, so no decisions are confirmed. The most substantive agenda came from the Board of Supervisors, which took up the School Board's revised budget and a federal grant. Two upcoming meetings include a procedural election review and a zoning appeal over an expired RV housing permit.

Board of Supervisors (July 28)

The Board of Supervisors met to discuss several items, according to the agenda. These included:

• **FY27 Supplemental Appropriation #1** – the School Board's revised budget
• **Federal Grant Acceptance**
• **Notice of Award and Draft Memorandum of Understanding** for a mobile command post
• **Board of Zoning Appeals Appointment Recommendation**
• **VDOT and Voter Referendum updates**

No minutes have been published, so the outcome of these items is not yet known.

Electoral Board (August 4 and August 5)

The Electoral Board held two meetings. The August 4 meeting was limited to convening, processing post-election paperwork, and adjourning, with no substantive decisions listed.

The August 5 meeting included:

• **Initial canvas of the August 4 primary vote**
• **Report on proposed sign ordinance revisions**
• **Completed registrar's annual performance evaluation**
• **Approval of minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting**

Again, minutes are not yet available, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

Electoral Board – August 10

The Electoral Board will convene to conduct a post-election review of provisional ballots. The meeting is described as procedural and focused on election integrity. The next meeting after this is scheduled for September 2, 2026.

Board of Zoning Appeals – August 18

The Board of Zoning Appeals will decide whether the Planning and Zoning Administrator correctly denied an additional extension of a Temporary Housing Permit for an RV on Tax Map 15-10 in Agricultural (A-1) zoning. According to the agenda, the permit was originally issued in November 2025 and expired in June 2026 after one extension. The denial was based on the owner's failure to submit building plans by the June 1, 2026 deadline. The case number is A-08-26-01.

Both meetings are open to the public. Check the county's official website for agendas and any changes.

Madison County boards set agenda items on school budget, zoning variances, and land-use ordinances

Madison County's recent public meetings were scheduled to take up a revised School Board budget, two residential setback variance requests, and workshops on accessory dwelling units and cottage food sales. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the three meetings, so no official decisions, votes, or dollar amounts can be reported from the record at this time.

Board of Supervisors — July 28

The Board of Supervisors was scheduled to discuss the School Board's revised budget under FY27 Supplemental Appropriation #1. The agenda also listed acceptance of a federal grant, though the amount and purpose were not specified in the available agenda summary.

Other items listed for the meeting:

• A Notice of Award and draft Memorandum of Understanding for a Mobile Command Post.
• A Board of Zoning Appeals appointment recommendation.
• Updates on VDOT matters and a voter referendum.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not known which items were acted on, deferred, or discussed only.

Board of Zoning Appeals — July 21

The Board of Zoning Appeals was set to hear two variance requests affecting residential setbacks:

• Case V-7-26-1: A request to reduce the front setback from 100 to 70 feet and the rear setback from 50 to 25 feet for a new home at tax map 55B-1 on Shelby Road.
• Case V-7-26-2: A request to reduce the side setback from 25 to 10 feet for a manufactured home at tax map 64-40C.

The agenda also included review and adoption of the BZA bylaws and a discussion of alternate member candidacy. No vote tallies or outcomes are available.

Planning Commission — July 22

The Planning Commission was scheduled to hold first workshops on two proposed ordinances:

• Case No. ZOA-07-26-01: An Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance.
• Case No. ZOA-07-26-02: A Cottage Food Sales ordinance, addressing sale of cottage food products from residential properties.

The commission was also set to continue a third workshop on Case No. ZOA-05-26-01, a Sign Ordinance Amendment.

Additional agenda items:

• A potential rezoning of 12.5 acres at tax map 50-55 from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1), filed for Karl Bracqbien. The case number was listed as TBD.
• Case No. ZOA-11-25-01: A Rural Services/Contractor Use ordinance amendment.

All Planning Commission items were listed as workshops or pending items; no final actions are confirmed in the available record.

Why this matters

Setback variances determine how close a home can be built to property lines, which affects landowners seeking to build on smaller or irregular lots. The accessory dwelling unit and cottage food sales ordinances, if eventually adopted, could expand housing options and allow home-based food sales from residential properties. The Board of Supervisors' review of the School Board's revised budget and the federal grant acceptance are the items with the clearest financial impact, but no figures are available in the current record.

Coming up

No public meetings are listed on the available schedule for the next 14 days. Residents should check the county's official meeting calendar for any newly posted or special-called sessions.

Madison County Board Approves Sales Tax Referendum for School Projects

The Madison County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to place a 1% local sales tax referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot, asking voters to approve funding for public school construction and renovation.

Sales Tax Referendum for Schools

On July 7, the Board of Supervisors voted to petition the circuit court for a special election concurrent with the general election. If voters approve the measure, revenue from the 1% sales tax would be used solely for capital projects for public schools in Madison County, including construction or renovation. The tax would expire upon repayment of associated bonds or loans, or by July 6, 2046, whichever comes first. Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published.

Land-Use Proposals Under Early Review

Also on July 7, the Preliminary Development Review Committee held exploratory discussions on two land-use requests:

• **Throttle Therapy:** A Special Use Permit request for a 453-acre off-road motorsports, camping, and river recreation destination on tax maps 65-31, 66-2, and 66-1.
• **Karl Bracqbien:** A rezoning request for 12.5 acres on John Tucker Road from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1) to allow 5–6 rental homes.

No decisions were recorded; both items were for discussion.

Board Reviews Emergency Staffing and Appropriations

On July 14, the Board of Supervisors met to discuss emergency communications staffing and the 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, including Resolution #2026-17 regarding RRRC's plan. The agenda also included three supplemental appropriations: FY26 #42 for CSA, FY26 #43 for the School Board (transfer of funds), and FY26 #44 for the School Board (School Improvement Grant). A firework permit application from Brandon Frazier for September 5, 2026 was also listed. Minutes are not yet available.

Economic Development Committee Discusses Projects and Events

The Economic Development Committee met July 14 to review new development proposals and opportunities presented by Tracey. The committee also planned presenters for an August 12 town hall meeting and a legislative roundtable on legislative proposals. Members noted the Madison Virginia Community Theater's inaugural production scheduled for September 12–13. No decisions were recorded.

Coming Up

July 21 — Board of Zoning Appeals: The board will consider two residential setback variance requests: Case V-7-26-1, reducing front setback from 100 to 70 feet and rear from 50 to 25 feet for a new home at tax map 55B-1 on Shelby Road, and Case V-7-26-2, reducing a side setback from 25 to 10 feet for a manufactured home at tax map 64-40C. The board will also review and adopt its bylaws and discuss alternate member candidacy.

July 22 — Planning Commission: Workshops are scheduled on a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Case No. ZOA-07-26-01) and a Cottage Food Sales ordinance (Case No. ZOA-07-26-02), both first workshops. The commission continues its third workshop on Sign Ordinance amendments (Case No. ZOA-05-26-01) and will review a Rural Services/Contractor Use ordinance amendment (Case No. ZOA-11-25-01). A potential rezoning of 12.5 acres (tax map 50-55) from A-1 to R-1 for Karl Bracqbien is also listed.

Madison County Board Approves November Referendum on 1% Sales Tax for Schools

The Madison County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on July 7 to ask voters this November whether to add a 1% local sales tax to fund school construction and renovation. The referendum, set for November 3, 2026, would run alongside the general election.

If voters approve the measure, revenue from the tax would be used solely for capital projects for public schools in Madison County. The tax would expire upon repayment of the associated bonds or loans, or by July 6, 2046, whichever comes first. The ballot question will ask voters directly whether to approve the 1% sales tax for school projects.

Sign Ordinance, Event Permits Reviewed at Joint Meeting

On July 1, the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting that included a public hearing on Sign Ordinance Amendment Case No. ZOA-05-26-01. The proposal would define and limit temporary signs on county-owned property, including polling places, with options that include repealing Section 12-6-15.

The same meeting included consideration of two event permit applications: Matthew Fant's Truck & Tractor Pull large-scale outdoor event permit and Chad Lohr's fireworks permit application.

The Planning Commission also held workshop discussions on several future ordinance changes, including a site plan ordinance amendment (Case No. ZOA-05-26-02) to establish a validity limit for approved site plans, an Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance in response to SB531, and a subcommittee review of a Rural Services/Contractor Use ordinance for small-scale rural businesses.

Electoral Board Prepares for August Primary

The Madison County Electoral Board met July 1 to conduct routine business and discuss election-related matters. Items on the agenda included determining the number of ballots needed for the upcoming August primary, a closed session for the registrar's annual performance evaluation, a review of duties and delegations forms, sign ordinance revisions, and discussion of the King v. O'Bannon case.

Development Committee Reviews Motorsports Park and Rezoning Request

On July 7, the Preliminary Development Review Committee held exploratory discussions on two land-use requests. The first was a Special Use Permit for "Throttle Therapy," a 453-acre off-road motorsports, camping, and river recreation destination on tax maps 65-31, 66-2, and 66-1. The second was a rezoning request from Karl Bracqbien for 12.5 acres on John Tucker Road, seeking a change from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1) to allow 5-6 rental homes.

Coming Up

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets July 21 to consider two residential setback variance requests. Case V-7-26-1 seeks to reduce the front setback from 100 to 70 feet and the rear setback from 50 to 25 feet for a new home at tax map 55B-1 on Shelby Road. Case V-7-26-2 asks to reduce a side setback from 25 to 10 feet for a manufactured home at tax map 64-40C. The board will also review and adopt its bylaws and discuss alternate member candidacy.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are reflected by agenda only; minutes have not yet been published. Actions described are based on agenda materials, and final outcomes may differ from what was scheduled for discussion.

Madison County boards tackle sign rules, event permits, and school tax referendum in busy stretch

Madison County's boards covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from Fourth of July permits to sign ordinance amendments, but residents should note: minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so only agenda items — not final decisions — can be confirmed at this time.

Board of Supervisors — June 23

The Board of Supervisors' June 23 agenda included a proposed Transient Occupancy Tax ordinance (Proposed Ordinance #2026-11), along with several Fourth of July-related items: a celebration memorandum of understanding, a large-scale outdoor event permit for Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, and firework permits for Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Bald Top Brewery, and Rapidan Baptist Camp.

The agenda also listed two supplemental appropriations for the Hoover Ridge Park Playground Project: Supplemental Appropriation #40 using PRA Funds and Supplemental Appropriation #41 using the Surplus Property Fund. Dollar amounts were not specified in the available agenda materials.

Because minutes are not yet published, it cannot be confirmed which items were approved or how supervisors voted.

Joint Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission — July 1

A joint meeting on July 1 featured a public hearing on Sign Ordinance Amendment Case No. ZOA-05-26-01, which would define and limit temporary signs on county-owned property, including polling places. One option under consideration was repeal of Section 12-6-15.

The agenda also included a large-scale outdoor event permit application from Matthew Fant for a truck and tractor pull, and a fireworks permit application from Chad Lohr.

Workshop items covered a site plan ordinance amendment (Case No. ZOA-05-26-02) to establish a validity limit for approved site plans, and a Planning Commission review of an Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance in response to SB531.

Planning Commission — July 1

The Planning Commission's July 1 agenda mirrored several joint-meeting items, including the sign ordinance public hearing and the site plan validity amendment. Commissioners were also scheduled to review a proposed ADU ordinance tied to SB531 and conduct a subcommittee review of a Rural Services/Contractor Use ordinance for small-scale rural businesses.

Electoral Board — July 1

The Madison County Electoral Board's July 1 agenda included determining the number of ballots needed for the August primary, a closed session for the registrar's annual performance evaluation, a review of duties and delegations forms, sign ordinance revisions, and discussion of the King v. O'Bannon case.

No minutes are available, so outcomes of these agenda items are not yet confirmed.

Coming up

Board of Supervisors — July 7: The agenda includes a resolution to petition the circuit court for a special election on November 3, 2026, asking voters to approve a 1% local sales tax for public school construction and renovation in Madison County. If approved by voters, the tax would expire upon repayment of bonds or loans, or by July 6, 2046, whichever comes first.

Preliminary Development Review Committee — July 7: Two land-use requests are on the agenda: a special use permit for "Throttle Therapy," a 453-acre off-road motorsports, camping, and river recreation destination (Tax maps 65-31, 66-2, 66-1), and a rezoning request from Karl Bracqbien to change 12.5 acres on John Tucker Road from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1) for 5–6 rental homes.

Madison County Board to consider 1% sales tax referendum for school construction

The Madison County Board of Supervisors is set to weigh a resolution that could ask voters to approve a 1% local sales tax for school capital projects. The proposed referendum, scheduled for a July 7 meeting, would fund construction or renovation of public schools and expire by July 6, 2046. Meanwhile, recent discussions covered sign ordinance changes, transient occupancy taxes, event permits, and park funding.

Board to consider referendum on 1% sales tax for schools

At a meeting on July 7, the Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a resolution to petition the circuit court for a special election on November 3, 2026. Voters would decide whether to impose a 1% local sales tax dedicated exclusively to capital projects for Madison County public schools. The tax would remain in effect until the repayment of associated bonds or loans, or until July 6, 2046, whichever comes first.

Sign ordinance amendments focus of joint public hearing

The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting July 1 to hear public comment on changes to temporary sign regulations (ZOA-05-26-01). Options discussed include the possible repeal of Section 12-6-15, which addresses signs on county-owned property, including polling places. The board also reviewed a site plan ordinance amendment (ZOA-05-26-02) that would establish a validity limit for approved site plans, and a proposed accessory dwelling unit ordinance in response to state law SB531. A workshop on rural contractor uses was also held.

Transient occupancy tax and event permits discussed

On June 23, the Board of Supervisors reviewed a proposed transient occupancy tax ordinance (#2026-11) and handled several event-related items. The board considered the Fourth of July Celebration memorandum of understanding, a large-scale outdoor event permit for Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, and fireworks permits for Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Bald Top Brewery, and Rapidan Baptist Camp. Two supplemental appropriations were also on the table: #40 from Parks and Recreation Area funds and #41 from the surplus property fund, both for the Hoover Ridge Park playground project.

Electoral Board sets primary ballot count

The Madison County Electoral Board met July 1 to determine the number of ballots for the August primary and to review duties and delegations forms. The board discussed the King v. O’Bannon case and held a closed session for the registrar’s annual performance evaluation.

Coming up

The Board of Supervisors will meet again on July 7 to take up the sales tax referendum resolution. Also on July 7, the Preliminary Development Review Committee will hold exploratory talks on two land-use proposals: a special use permit for Throttle Therapy, a 453-acre off-road motorsports, camping, and river recreation destination, and a rezoning request from Karl Bracqbien for 12.5 acres on John Tucker Road from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1) to allow five to six rental homes.