DOBSON — The new year will open with some good news for Surry County officials.
An accounting firm issued an “unmodified” opinion for the county’s fiscal year 2014-15 external audit, meaning there were no major inconsistencies or issues with the county’s books.
At its meeting Monday evening, the Surry County Board of Commissioners will hear the entirety of the audit findings.
A hot-ticket item for some will also be discussed at the meeting. Planning Director Kim Bates will provide commissioners with an update on the drafting of an ordinance pertaining to billboards.
In August the board rejected an ordinance that would have outright banned billboards in the county. The board also told Bates to bring back an ordinance with “more balance.”
Sheriff Graham Atkinson will also ask the board for permission to apply for a grant to fund the purchase of body cameras. In the past Atkinson has stated his department would not use the devices unless they were required by law.
Additionally, Public Works Director Dennis Bledsoe will ask the board to purchase additional property adjoining the former Elkin landfill.
According to Bledsoe, the former landfill must be monitored for methane and water quality. In a memorandum to commissioners Bledsoe states he is concerned about the proximity of waste to a property line.
“On the east side of this old landfill the edge of waste is very close to the property line,” wrote Bledsoe. “If we could acquire some additional property it would make this area have an easier and safer access for drilling of future wells that will be required.”
The meeting is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the government center in Dobson.