Powhatan board adopts resolution opposing pending collective‑bargaining bills

The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors on March 26 approved a late resolution expressing opposition to pending state collective‑bargaining legislation, staff said.

Presenter (S6) told the board the Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) had asked counties this week to consider resolutions opposing a pair of house and senate bills that would expand collective bargaining. "They have a deadline of April 13 to take resolutions from around the state," Presenter (S6) said, urging the board to act now because the regular April meeting would be too late.

A supervisor (Committee member (S5)) made a motion to approve the resolution and a colleague seconded it; the board approved the motion by voice vote after brief discussion about the intent and fiscal implications.

The resolution, as described in the workshop, objects to the bills on the grounds they would shift decisions over salaries and compensation away from local bodies and could create significant new fiscal responsibilities for localities. Presenter (S6) said the measure is intended as a statement of opposition and will be circulated to other counties and the association.

The board did not specify a formal ordinance number or record a roll‑call tally in the workshop transcript; staff said the resolution will be finalized and submitted to VACO by the April 13 deadline. Next steps include preparing the formal document for signature and submitting it to the association and relevant state contacts.