Board transfers $36,000 to code enforcement; leaders discuss demolition, cost recovery

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted to transfer $36,000 from recovered code-enforcement funds into the department’s operating budget to support ongoing demolition and enforcement activities.

County code-enforcement staff and Sheriff Ayers told the board they have recently demolished several derelict structures in the Madison Heights area using county crews and inmates for hand cleanup. Officials said demolition and landfill tipping fees are costly; board members asked staff to ensure the county is recouping costs from property owners and to study whether private contractors would be better for large projects.

Mr. Martin said private demolition costs can be $20,000–$32,000 plus landfill fees of $5,000–$6,000, and warned the county should budget appropriately if it intends to rely on contractors. Sheriff Ayers and county staff recommended continuing the current process while developing better fiscal tracking. The board directed the county administrator to work with code enforcement, the sheriff and public-works staff to return with a financial analysis and recommended process improvements.

The motion to appropriate the $36,000 came from the board and carried by voice vote; the transcript shows the board approved the transfer and asked staff for follow-up fiscal recommendations.