Board honors Missus Knoll for 30 years and previews 2026 priorities including budget and SailFest

Board members used the Jan. 6 organizational meeting to thank Missus Knoll for 30 years of service to York County and to flag several priorities for 2026, including budget adoption, ongoing development projects and community events.

Why it matters: Long-serving officials shape institutional memory and continuity; remarks at organizational meetings also provide early signals about what the board expects to prioritize during the year, such as the budget timetable, facility planning and public events.

Recognition for Missus Knoll

Chair Douglas Holroyd introduced a brief ceremony recognizing Missus Knoll for three decades of service representing District 2, citing her prior roles with the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and a 2011 appointment to a state local-government advisory committee. The chair said Knoll "has been the driving force for progress" and thanked her for her leadership across the region.

Missus Knoll responded, thanking colleagues, reflecting on the oath of office and saying she still has "two years more to go" in her term. In her remarks she emphasized public service and offered a brief prayer and New Year’s wishes for the community.

Development updates and county priorities

Members provided brief updates on local commercial development and public-safety tools. Mr. Drury described ongoing construction at a project transcribed as "Qdaddies," noted that Cookout is progressing and that a Publix-related permitting step is underway. Mr. Roan flagged upcoming community events including SailFest in June and the county’s planned 250th Independence Day celebration, and referenced new sheriff's-office technology that will enhance life-safety services.

Vice Chairman Shepherd emphasized the approaching budget process, saying the board is expected to approve the 2026 budget by May, which will influence the tax rate, and noted an ongoing space study for county facilities and the importance of employee impacts.

What's next: The board adjourned and set its next regular meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the boardroom; the budget process and project permitting will proceed in the coming months.