Apply for a Board or Commission

A democracy relies on its citizens to share their time, energy and expertise with the rest of the community by serving on various civic boards, commissions and committees. There is no better way to become actively involved in government and to serve fellow citizens than by becoming a member of one of these important panels. The Board of Supervisors appoints members to more than a score of local and regional boards, most of which are listed below. You can download and print an application below, apply online, 0r contact us by mail, telephone, email or in person if you think you'd like to volunteer. We'll send an application immediately.

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Local Boards

Board of Building Appeals
The Bedford County Board of Building Appeals is a seven member board appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are held as needed (with 30 day notice) in response to the filing of an appeal of a decision of the Bedford County Building Official. The term of service is a 5 year appointment, and members are compensated for attendance at meetings. To the extent possible, persons on this Board should be experienced in one or more of the following disciplines: architecture or construction supervision with at least ten years experience, structural engineering, mechanical or plumbing experience with at least ten years experience, electrical engineering or contracting with at least ten years experience, fire protection engineering or contracting with at least ten years experience.

Electoral Board
The Electoral Board of Bedford County is a three member board appointed by the Circuit Court to oversee all aspects of the election process and to appoint the County Registrar who serves for a four year period. The political makeup of the Board is determined by the party affiliation of the sitting governor. Members serve for three year terms. Chairman and members are compensated. Normal procedure is for the major political parties to make recommendations to the Circuit Court.

Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority is a seven member Authority appointed by the Board of Supervisors by election district. The purpose of the Authority is to promote sustainable economic growth and development throughout the County by means of business assistance programs, site and land development, the issuance of industrial revenue bonds, and such other endeavors as may be assigned by the Board of Supervisors. Members are appointed for a four year term and are eligible for re-appointment. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, and members are compensated for each meeting attended.

Library Board
The Regional Library Board is structured under Virginia law as a governing and policy making board to oversee the operations of a Regional Library System. The local Board is made up of three representatives each from Bedford County and the City of Bedford. County appointments are made by the Board of Supervisors for 4 year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and members are not compensated for meetings attended.

Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is a seven member Commission appointed by the Board of Supervisors by election district. Members serve 4 year terms, subject to re-appointment. The Commission is responsible for zoning and subdivision matters and applicable zoning ordinances, review and amendments to the County's Comprehensive Plan, and the Capital Improvement Plan, as well as other matters that may be referred by the Board of Supervisors or Board of Zoning Appeals. Members are required to attend and successfully complete the Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program within 1 year of appointment. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday and the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Members are compensated for meetings attended.

Public Service Authority
The Public Service Authority is a seven member Authority appointed by the Board of Supervisors by election district. Members serve four year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. The Authority is responsible for policy decisions related to the operation and maintenance of public water and sewer systems, review and supervision of the installation of new public water and sewer facilities in the County, and planning for the long range public water and sewer infrastructure needs of the County. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Members are compensated for meetings attended.

Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission
TLAC for Smith Mountain Lake is made up of three representatives each from Bedford County, Franklin County, and Pittsylvania County. Bedford County representatives are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for one year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. The appointments must include one elected official in addition to two citizen appointees, with the County Administrator as an ex-officio member. TLAC makes policy decisions related to the Lake, and on occasion creates sub-committees for specific tasks such as lake clean-up. Members are not compensated for attendance at meetings.

Social Services Board
The Social Services Board is a five member Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors and made up of four citizen members and one elected official. Members are appointed to a four-year term and are limited to two terms. The purpose of the Board is to administer the local Social Services office and make policy decisions regarding the implementation of the County's public assistance programs. These include child welfare services, adult protective services, foster care, and a variety of other matters. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month, during the day, and members are compensated for meetings attended.

Transportation Safety Commission
The Transportation Safety Committee is a seven member committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors by election district with service at the pleasure of the Board, rather than by term. In addition to the appointed members there are representatives of the Sheriff's Office, State Police, Virginia Department of Transportation, and the County itself. Matters related to highway safety are addressed by the committee at the monthly meetings. Members are not compensated for attendance at meetings.

Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals is a seven member board appointed by the Circuit Court by election districts. Members serve for five year terms and are eligible for reappointment. The purpose of the Board is to act on variances to the County's zoning and subdivision regulations, appeals of the decision of the Zoning Administrator, and any special use applications delegated by the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are generally held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Members are compensated for meetings attended.

Regional Boards

Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
There is one county representative appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a 3 year term subject to re-appointment.

Community College Board
There is one county representative appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a 4 year term up to 2 consecutive terms.

Community Services Board
The Community Services Board is responsible for matters related to mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse, and prevention. Established under Virginia law these regional agencies have responsibility for the distribution of millions of dollars annually for emergency services, local inpatient services, outpatient and case management services, day support services, residential services and prevention and early intervention services. Directors, including one elected official, are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for 3 year terms (maximum 2 consecutive terms). Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and members are not compensated for attendance.

Regional Disability Services Board
Established under Virginia law, the Regional Disability Services Board was created to provide input to state agencies on service needs and priorities of persons with physical and sensory disabilities, to address matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to provide such other assistance and advice to local governments as may be required. There are two Bedford County representatives on the Regional Disability Services Board for three year terms - one is an elected official or staff person, and the other must be a handicapped individual.

Virginia's Region 2000 Board of Directors
There are two representatives appointed by each governing body to serve on the Region 2000 Board of Directors. One is a government representative and one a citizen representative from the business community. The Board makes policy decisions related to the administration of the regional economic development program. Terms are at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.