Botetourt economic reports success for new fiscal year
Fincastle, VA – The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors passed its fiscal year 2020 budget, continuing its recent efforts of enhancing and expanding services without a tax increase. Public safety, economic development, and education have all been the primary recipients of the recent growth. This has been coupled with continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and public facilities. “These last three years have seen tremendous economic growth in the County”, said Billy Martin, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “New businesses, new homes, and new partnerships have allowed us to provide more services and opportunities to our citizens without the burden of a tax increase.”
Since 2016, more than 1,200 new jobs and approaching $200 million of industrial and commercial investment have put Botetourt on the map. The majority of those new jobs pay above the County’s prevailing wage, allowing workers to seek a higher standard of living. Job growth in Botetourt has exceeded regional job growth for the last several years and is expected to continue. The regional economic impact of these announcements exceeds a quarter of a billion dollars annually. In addition, utility companies such as American Electric Power in Cloverdale have invested more than $250 million in Botetourt in the past few years.
The construction and expansion of new industries and businesses across all sectors also have made Botetourt a destination, not just during the workday but also during the weekend for leisure. “More people than ever are coming to Botetourt, whether to pursue employment opportunities as a commuter or simply as a visitor,” said Director of Economic Development Ken McFadyen. “We want them to enjoy what we have to offer and stay long term.” In fact, going hand-in-hand with the business growth has been growth in the housing market. The County hosted a Housing Summit in spring 2017 in order to gauge the market and see what opportunities would be available for workforce housing that could fill a niche for the coming new jobs. The result has been a boon of new single family residences, apartments, and townhomes aimed at all segments of the market. (continued)
“I had hoped the Housing Summit would yield 500 new housing units. 500 would have been viewed as a success. However, as a result of the focused efforts on housing, we have almost 950 new units in some phase of development and are thrilled,” said County Administrator Gary Larrowe. In response to this growth, the Board of Supervisors has been able to respond by providing more resources to the community. The biggest areas of emphasis have been public safety and education.
The Board has invested much in the recruitment and retention efforts of the Sheriff’s Office, making the salaries for deputies highly competitive in the region. The Department of Fire and EMS recently added another paid paramedic crew to its services while also adding two state-of-the-art ambulances to its fleet. Investment has also continued for the volunteer fire departments. Both Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and Eagle Rock Fire Department have received new fire engines, Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department welcomed a squad truck to the fleet, and Troutville Volunteer Fire Department inaugurated a full-service ladder truck.
Botetourt County Public Schools have also seen much investment in recent years. Increases in funding and enhanced efficiencies have given the School Board and administration added flexibility to meet the needs of a 21st century education. They have also been able to provide competitive salaries to teachers, encouraging the best educators to stay in Botetourt. Lastly, as a result of long-term efforts, the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and the Botetourt County Economic Development Authority have partnered to build new elementary school in Blue Ridge.
The first new school in the County in over decade, the new Colonial Elementary School is a direct result of the growth and partnerships that have characterized the past few years. “We are excited about what is happening in Botetourt, and we want Botetourt to be the place that people call home,” said Martin. “As our community continues to grow, our goal is to ensure that we are investing in the future of our citizens. Botetourt County is a special place, and we are working to make it even better.”
–submitted by Cody Sexton Bottourt County PR
