Roanoke supervisors adopt Red Cross proclamation, approve consent agenda and vote to recess to work session and closed meeting

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 24 adopted a proclamation declaring March 2026 "American Red Cross Month," approved its consent agenda and recessed to a work session on the county's projected FY2026‑27 general government fund operating budget before voting to enter a closed session to discuss potential real‑property acquisition and prospective business expansions.

The clerk read the proclamation designating March as American Red Cross Month and invited Sandra Pratt, identified as "board vice chair for the local Red Cross chapter," to accept. Pratt thanked the board and volunteers, saying the Red Cross "goes out every day and help[s] with house fires, with blood shortages, and when our neighbors are in need." The board moved and seconded the proclamation and adopted it in a unanimous roll‑call vote.

The consent agenda, described by the chair as routine items to be enacted by a single resolution, was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous roll call. The board then recessed to a third‑floor work session to review budget projections with Steve Elliott, budget administrator, and Laurie Gearhart, chief financial officer.

Before adjourning the public meeting, the board approved a motion to enter a closed session pursuant to Code of Virginia provisions cited in the motion for: discussion of acquisition of real property for public purpose and discussions about prospective business location/expansion. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

Next steps: the public meeting record will show the proclamation and consent items as adopted; the scheduled work session will cover the FY2026‑27 operating forecasts and fee compendium updates and the closed session will address negotiation strategy and prospective business discussions.