The Bedford County Board of Supervisors will meet in a closed session today to discuss the position of County Administrator Kathleen Guzi.
Board members were tight-lipped about the purpose of the meeting when reached for comment recently, calling it a personnel matter. Supervisor Steve Arrington said, “We have some personnel issues to discuss” and would not elaborate further but did say he expects some sort of board action today.
The board can discuss any personnel issues in closed meetings away from public view in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. However, all actions and votes must be conducted in public.
A notice posted on the county website and in the administration building last week says two board members — who were not named — called for the special meeting. The notice contains the phrase “specifically related to the county administrator” after describing the nature of the closed session discussion as “performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation.”
Guzi has served in the top post in the county’s government since March 2005, taking over after former administrator Bill Rolfe resigned to assume the same role in Orange County. She has worked with the county since 1986 and her salary is more than $100,000.
Carl Boggess, the county’s attorney, declined comment on the matter, as did board Chairman Chuck Neudorfer. Guzi could not be reached for comment for this story.
Supervisor Roger Cheek, the current longest-serving supervisor, said the board rarely meets for the sole task of discussing personnel issues in closed session. He could recall that happening only one other time during his service on the board, in 1995.
The board does on occasion have closed sessions regarding personnel and other matters per the FOIA law at regular meetings.
The board is not discussing any other matters tonight, Boggess said.
Members were set to start discussing the next fiscal budget and conduct a regular meeting today but cancelled it before the notice was posted.
County administrators in Virginia work at the pleasure of boards of supervisors and are responsible for the overall administration of counties’ government.
The meeting today takes place at 6 p.m. on the top floor of the county administration building in Bedford, 122 East Main St.
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