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"Bath County will work with all the residents to provide the necessary services and programs to diversify the local economy for the benefit of a vibrant community."
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HERE TO SEE THE ADOPTED
2010-2011 COUNTY BUDGET IN ADOBE .PDF FORMAT
CLICK
HERE TO SEE THE ADOPTED BATH COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ADOBE .PDF FORMAT
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ADOPTED
LAND USE REGULATIONS IN ADOBE .PDF FORMAT.
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TO SEE THE BATH COUNTY EMERGENCY PANDEMIC PROCEDURE IN ADOBE .PDF FORMAT
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TO SEE THE ADOPTED BATH COUNTY TOURISM PLAN IN ADOBE .PDF FORMAT
Bath County, Virginia is a gateway community to the George
Washington National Forests. Located in the west-central portion of Virginia,
Bath County has long been recognized as a major resort center in the scenic
Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.
Tourism has played a major role in the development of Bath County. Since the
first Homestead Resort was built in 1766, the community of Hot Springs has
become a nationally recognized resort center. Warm Springs, located five miles
north of Hot Springs, is the county seat. Bath County was originally formed in
1790 from parts of Augusta, Botetourt and Greenbrier Counties. Named for the
English resort city of Bath, the County quickly became a national resort
attraction. The soothing mineral waters that flow from our springs have
attracted visitors for over 200 years. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and
Robert E. Lee are among a few of the notable historical figures who have
"taken the waters" at our famous springs. Today, two commercial baths
are located at Hot Springs and Warm Springs.
Bath County encompasses 540 square miles of mostly mountainous terrain. There
are five election districts within the county: Cedar Creek, Millboro, Warm
Springs, Williamsville, and Valley Springs.
The County is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors, one from each of the five magisterial districts. Supervisors are elected for a four year term. The Board is the legislative body for the County. It considers and adopts policies regarding administration, budget, finance, community and economic development, health and emergency planning, public safety, recreation and solid waste. The Board appropriates funds for all functions, including schools, the courts, and constitutional officers. The Board holds 12 regular meetings annually on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Room 115 of the Courthouse located in Warm Springs.
The day-to-day management of county affairs is the responsibility of the County Administrator (540-839-7221), a position appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The County Administrator advises the Board, records its action, and executes county business in accord with Board policy. Duties include: general administration, personnel management, budget preparation, financing, project and program development and implementation, purchasing, property management, coordination with the community, regional agencies, and the state and federal government. The County Administrator represents the Board at meetings and functions, and fulfills other duties to facilitate the accomplishment of the work program of county government.
Bath County Animal Control (540-839-7210) is a state mandated department that employs a full-time animal control officer and assistant to operate and maintain the Animal Shelter located in Hot Springs and respond to animal control related issues and concerns.
Building Planning and Zoning (540-839-7236) administers building permits and inspections, the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), the Land Use Regulations, and the Subdivision Ordinance. The office works with the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the County Administrator to address land use and zoning issues. The office is staffed with a Building Code Official and Planner.
Solid Waste (540-839-7213) services are provided by a transfer station that handles all municipal solid waste. The solid waste is transported outside the County. All commercial and industrial waste cross the weigh scales and are charged a $60 per ton tipping fee. There is no fee for household solid waste or any recyclable materials. Recycling drop-off centers in Millboro on Route 42 and at the Transfer Station, as well as trailers at the Ashwood and West Warm Springs solid waste convenience sites, the Mountain Grove Community Center, the high school, and Williamsville area are offered. The following materials are collected: aluminum, tin cans, PET and HDPE plastics, cardboard, newspaper, and mixed paper. A greenbox system is maintained for the convenience of residents.
Bath County Department of Parks and Recreation (540-839-7211) plays a vital role in the quality of life enjoyed by everyone in Bath County. Their main objective is to provide recreational opportunities for the citizens to enjoy in their leisure hours. The department is involved in numerous activities and programs involving children, adult and senior citizens in the community.
Building and Grounds (540-839-7299) is responsible for
maintaining the internal and external physical appearance of the Courthouse,
public library, and other County-owned facilities.
Treasurer (540-839-7256) is an elected constitutional officer directly responsible to the citizens of the County for the collection of County revenue and the disbursement of funds. The office has full accreditation through the state. The Treasurer is responsible for the collection of State funds under the Code of Virginia. The Treasurer serves a four year term at the will of the voters. The Treasurer is required to deposit all funds received whether State or local in nature in a qualified depository "intact" on a daily basis, invest and account for these funds, provide local government with reports of collections and uncollected local taxes, determine what penalty and interest is due on delinquent taxes, prepare computer tax billings, send tax bills to taxpayers, receive local levies as soon as copies of the books of the Commissioner of Revenue are received, collect taxes, receive pre-paid taxes, maintain real estate tax liens, collect taxes out-of-state, perform bookkeeping duties, and maintain and provide accounting records for the County. As an additional service to the citizens of Bath County, the Treasurer maintains the Agency for the Division of Motor Vehicles including ordering, storing, selling and maintaining an inventory of all the various license plates.
Commissioner of Revenue (540-839-7231) The Commissioner of Revenue is a constitutional officer elected for a four-year term, serving at the pleasure of the voters. The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief assessing officer of the locality. The Office of the Commissioner of Revenue serves the County as well as the taxpayers and offers the taxpayer a multitude of public services. The Commissioner can be contacted via e-mail at norfleet@tds.net.
A Circuit Court (540-839-7226) judge presides over the Judicial Circuit which includes the counties of Bath, Highland, Alleghany, Augusta, Botetourt, Craig, and Rockbridge, and the cities of Buena Vista, Staunton and Waynesboro. The Circuit Court is on the second floor of the Courthouse and is in session for four terms each year in January, April, June and September. The Bath County Circuit Court Clerk's office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse is the depository of numerous documents, records, and statistics which date back to the year 1791. The Clerk's record room is utilized by attorneys, title searchers, genealogists, and the general public.
Bath County Combined Courts (540-839-7241) The Bath County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and the Bath County General District Court are combined and staffed by a clerk. Each court has its judge who is appointed by the General Assembly.
Cases involving civil matters, juvenile, and domestic problems, traffic, and criminal offenses are heard in these courts.
The Commonwealth Attorney (540-839-5969) is an elected constitutional officer serving a four year term, charged with the prosecution of criminal cases in both the Circuit and General District Courts.
The County Attorney is the legal advisor to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator on civil and legal matters of the County.
The Bath-Highland Williamsville, Burnsville, Hot Springs, Millboro, and Mountain Grove fire departments provide protection and quick response throughout Bath County.
The Hot Springs Rescue Squad, Millboro Area Rescue Squad, Burnsville Rescue Squad, and Mountain Grove First Responders provide prompt medical aid at accident, crash, and emergency scenes.
The Bath County Sheriff's Department (540-839-2375) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing emergency dispatch, 911 service, crime prevention and Class Action programs. The Sheriff's Department enforces traffic laws, answers complaint and emergency calls, and patrols 24 hours each day checking businesses and residences.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) This team of agency
representatives works together to plan the County's emergency response. The
County's Emergency Director is a member of the Board of Supervisors. For more
information call the Building Official and Emergency Coordinator at
540-839-7236. Bath County is preparing for emergencies by using the "all
hazards" approach to the planning, mitigation, response, and recovery of a
disaster.
CLICK HERE FOR LEPC EMERGENCY SPECIAL NEEDS
REGISTRATION FORM
The Bath County Public Schools (540-839-2722) serve approximately 635 students from kindergarten through grade 12 in two elementary schools, one high school, and one vocational center. Each school is fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education and is characterized by a low student to teacher ratio. More information on the school system may be accessed via the Bath County School web site. See the link page for its address.
The Bath County Public Library (540-839-7286) is an automated facility with over 30,000 volumes and access to many more via interlibrary loans from the regional system and from public or college libraries all over the United States. The library is located in Warm Springs across from the Courthouse and is open six days per week.
Bath County is served by three medical doctors, two nurse practitioners, and one dentist. Many other medical professionals and specialists are accessible in other nearby cities including Clifton Forge, Covington, Lexington, Staunton, Roanoke and Alleghany County. The Bath County Community Hospital (540-839-7000) located in Hot Springs provides medical services to the County, including around-the-clock emergency care. The medical staff consists of three active physicians, a radiologist and 15 to 20 consulting physicians.
The Bath County Health Department (540-839-7246) is located in Warm Springs, next to the Courthouse. Employed full time at the department are a Public Health Nurse, an Office Services Specialist, and an Environmental Health Specialist serving both Bath and Highland Counties. The office offers a wide range of public health services with eligibility based on income, and charges determined on a sliding scale.
The mission of the Bath County Department of Social Services (540-839-7271) is to promote citizen independence, self-reliance and protection; promote and support efforts to develop strong families and healthy communities; provide public assistance benefits, social services, emotional support and referral to eligible citizens according to requirements and mandates set forth by the Code of Virginia and State Department of Social Services policy and procedure.
More information, limited preliminary screening and some applications are available at www.dss.virginia.gov.
Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bath County Social Services (540)
839-7271 Phone
P. O. Box 7
(540) 839-7278 Fax
65 Courthouse Hill Rd.
888-823-1710 Toll Free (in
540 area code)
Warm Springs, Va. 24484
Click HERE
for a list of agency contacts.
The department administers federal and state benefit and service programs as
required by law and in accordance with specific program policy. Benefit programs
include Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF & TANF-UP),
Diversionary Assistance, Medicaid Energy Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and
Auxiliary Grants. Some of these programs are time-limited. Initial screening and
limited applications are also available on-line at www.dss.virginia.gov.
Service programs include preventive and supportive services for adults and families, child and adult Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, VIEW Employment and Day Care Services. Some services are available without regard to income, some require an income screening and some require parental co-pay. Some family services and Foster care/Adoption programs are also governed by the Comprehensive Services Act. Social Workers are on call 24 hours daily to screen and investigate complaints of child and adult abuse and neglect. Holiday, weekend and after hours please contact the Bath County Sheriff's Department (540-839-2375).
The agency also networks with numerous government, state and local agencies, community civic groups, churches and work groups to meet special needs that arise.
Bath County and SeniorNavigator--A Partnership for Healthy Aging
Bath County and Senior navigator have formed a partnership to provide web access to senior programs and services. Here you will find local resources and information on health and aging, everything from assisted living to exercise classes, from adult day care to Alzheimer's support groups, from flu shots to family education.
To access health and aging information, please visit SeniorNavigator.org
The Planning Commission (540-839-7236) is made up of five Bath County residents who are selected by the Board of Supervisors from each magisterial district. This group is responsible for formulating and making recommendations to the Board for adoption in the areas of Land Use Regulation, Comprehensive Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan. The Commission hears and recommends action on applications for rezoning, conditional use permits and variances.
The Board of Zoning and Appeals (BZA) (540-839-7236) consists of five circuit court appointed members who hear and decide appeals by the citizens of land use determinations. The BZA considers requests for conditional use permits; and reviews requests for variances.
The Bath County Service Authority (540-839-7251) provides water and wastewater to residents of Bath County. The Authority was created in 1975 by the Bath County Board of Supervisors. The Authority consists of one member from each county district appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
The Authority provides water service to residents of Millboro, Bacova, Chimney Run, West Warm Springs, Warm Springs to Mitchelltown along Route 220, Hot Springs, Thomastown, Pinehurst Heights, Crowdertown, Cedar Creek, and Carloover areas, through a series of gravity and force main distribution water lines. The Authority has two springs, four wells and water purchase agreements with Millboro and Hot Springs water companies.
Wastewater services are provided to the residents of Mitchelltown, Hot Springs, Ashwood, Thomastown, Pinehurst Heights, Crowdertown, Bacova Junction, and Millboro. The Authority operates two wastewater treatment plants and eight pump stations.
The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is comprised of
seven members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. It meets on a monthly basis
to consider economic development matters. The Authority is prepared to assist
financially stable and qualified businesses and industries to expand or locate
in the County. The County is interested in low-impact, environmentally sensitive
industries which want to relocate, or are seeking a new location in Virginia.
The County offers an environment friendly to families and industry and is a
unique locality with a great tax base and social amenities.
The Voter Registration Office (540-839-7266) located on the first floor, Room 103, of the Bath County Courthouse is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From January 1 through July, it is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; August through December, it is open Monday through Friday.
The five magisterial districts of Warm Springs, Cedar Creek, Williamsville, Millboro, and Valley Springs have 3,306 registered voters who vote in seven precincts: Warm Springs, Mountain Grove, Hot Springs, Fairview, Burnsville, Millboro, and Healing Springs.
The Bath County Electoral Board consists of three members.
The Bath-Highland Cooperative Extension Unit (540-839-7261) is an educational mission for family and home issues, youth development through 4H, agriculture, and community resource development. Offices are located on the second floor of the Courthouse in Warm Springs.
The Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District (540-839-4616) is composed of Alleghany, Bath and Highland Counties, and the City of Covington. The District provides local leadership through a board of publicly elected Directors on issues, concerns, and services related to the conservation of natural resources.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (540-839-6642) is a USDA agency that provides assistance to landowners on soil and water and other resource conservation planning and applications. It is located on the second floor of the Courthouse.
Click for a list of Job/Bid opportunities currently available in County Government.