Contributing writer Bonnie Cranmer
The Craig County Board of Supervisors began their meeting this month with the resolution honoring Deputy Gregory May for his service during Hurricane Helene, read by board chair Jesse Spence. House of Representatives 9th District representative, Morgan Griffith attended the meeting to share a commendation for Deputy May. Griffith stated that the commendation would become part of the congressional record. Griffith was joined by Matt Hall, representing Attorney General Jason Miyares, who also brought commendations from his office.
VDOT’s Brian Blevins provided their monthly report, followed by Woody Lipps detailing the Craig Valley Railbed Trail activities. People will see an increase in maintenance work by VDOT, beginning in mid-November. The work will continue to stabilize the former railbed and prevent further deterioration. This continues the basic work that is required before further cleanups of tires and other debris can be completed. VDOT will host an informational public meeting in early 2024, date to be determined.
The Craig Valley Railbed Trail committee met in late October, including representatives from Craig and Botetourt Counties, Pathways for Greenways (volunteer organization) and VDOT. The committee is reviewing the management plan in development, as well as the anticipated public usage for the trail. The committee is tasked with providing factual information regarding the impact of the trail, which is underutilized public property. “We’ve been asked to bring balance to the conversation,” stated Lipps.
Craig County depends on several revenue sources, of which sales taxes, transient lodging taxes and food & beverage taxes are primary. The trail project is already impacting this revenue with increasing visitation promoted by the Tourism Commission’s efforts. The summer promotional program for Craig County included the mural at the farmers market on Main Street, along with participation with WSLS10 Blue Ridge Games in August and September. Raising awareness of the beauty of Craig County, and the resources available such as hiking, biking, fishing and trail riding, created new visitors and local opportunities.
The Commissioner of Revenue request for amending the Transient Occupancy Tax (Sections 38-305 and 38-307 of Chapter 38, Article IX) was approved, requiring “accommodations providers who offer or furnish accommodations facilitated by accommodations intermediaries to file informational returns.” Currently, intermediaries such as AirBnB and VRBO are only providing monthly payments with no details for which properties are being paid. This is a national problem facing all localities, not just Craig County or Virginia. The amendment to the Craig County ordinance will require property owners who use the intermediary’s services to provide the missing information to the Commissioner of Revenue.
In other business, the Board passed a motion to sponsor the annual Craig County Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. The Land Use issue has been tabled to the meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. The Board of Supervisors regular meeting will be on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
