Residents and board backkeeping Accomack translator TV; staff to add funding and explore upgrades

Supervisor Robert Crockett read a board statement saying the board "fully supports maintaining the translator television service, ensuring the four current available channels — WAVY, WTKR, WVEC and WHRO — remain available at no cost to all citizens of Accomack County." He added that the board has identified funding to pay for upgrades and continued service and directed staff to explore improvements.

During public comment, several residents urged the board to keep the translator in operation. Ron Wolf recalled prior discussion and said many residents still rely on the translator. Sue Mastel and Paul Brothers described elderly and low‑income households that cannot afford satellite or cable and asked the county to preserve or expand translator coverage, including subchannels.

Barney Russell, who runs a local electronics business, said his store has received numerous calls from residents and former cable customers who lose local over‑the‑air reception and need affordable antenna solutions. Commenters urged the board to consider funding options such as station assistance, leasing tower space or other revenue sources to sustain the service.

Mason said staff logged roughly 110 calls and two petitions totaling 274 signatures concerning the translator; those materials are in the online agenda packet and were provided to board members for budget deliberations.

Board direction to include funding for the translator has been reflected in the draft budget; any changes to the advertised tax rate or budget will require additional public notice and hearings under state law.