Pittsylvania County, VA

Pittsylvania County is governed by the 7-member Board of Supervisors, each of whom are elected for four-year terms and represent a certain district of the county. This board passes ordinances, determines policy, hires the county administrator, and approves the annual budget.

The County Administrator, who is appointed by the Board of Supervisors, oversees day-to-day operations and all county departments.

In addition to the Board of Supervisors, there are five other elected officials: the Treasurer, Clerk of Circuit Court, Commissioner of the Revenue, Sheriff, and the Commonwealth's Attorney. Each of these serve four-year terms except for the Clerk of Court, who is elected for eight years at a time. (The School Board members are also elected and provides policy for Pittsylvania County Schools.) 

Pittsylvania County has three separate courts: Juvenile & Domestic, General District, and Circuit Court.

A wide range of boards and commissions serve in different roles that range from providing recommendations to making decisions. Some of these board members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors while others are appointed by the local courts. Residents interested in serving on one of the boards can complete the Committee, Board, and Commission Interest Form.

Organizational Chart 07-14-2023

Pittsylvania County Community Development provides building inspections and building permits for all types of residential and commercial construction and renovation projects. 

Pittsylvania County Public Works maintains the County landfill and 21 convenience centers and additional "greenbox" sites where residents can easily dispose of their household garbage. Pittsylvania County Public Works also operates the water and sewer division, which provides service to several thousand County residences and businesses.

Pittsylvania County oversees operations of the Pittsylvania Pet Center, a pet shelter that works to get homeless animals adopted or transferred to partner agencies. In 2021, the Center adopted out 770 animals and transferred another 808 to partner shelters. 

Pittsylvania County Public Safety coordinates emergency management and public safety services for the more than 61,000 citizens that live in Pittsylvania County, Virginia's largest locality. The Public Safety Department includes full-time paramedics and EMTs, Animal Control services, and Commercial fire inspections. 

The Pittsylvania County Department of Social Services provides a wide range of resources, benefit programs, and family services to citizens and families in need with a focus on collaborative engagement and prevention strategies.

Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation provides several youth sports leagues, maintains six County parks, offers a variety of programs and activities, and provides affordable rentable facilities. 

Each of the five elected Constitutional Officers provide important services for County residents and businesses: 

• The Clerk of Court administers a variety of civil services, including marriage licenses and concealed handgun permits. 
• The Sheriff provides law enforcement and civil services in Pittsylvania County, including management of the local jail and criminal investigations. 
• The Treasurer manages the collection of all tax and fee payments and ensures the proper accounting for the receipt and disbursement of revenue. The Treasurer also manages the dog tag program. 
• The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief tax authority for Pittsylvania County, maintaining real estate assessments, administering a variety of tax relief programs, and assessing all personal and business property. 
• The Commonwealth's Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor for Pittsylvania County, trying a variety of criminal and civil cases. 

During the 2023 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30 2023, Pittsylvania County will operate with a general fund budget of $76.37 million. The total budget is approximately $218.8 million, with more than half of that reserved for Pittsylvania County Schools. 

Approximately 59% of the County's General Fund is allocated for two categories: justice and public safety (31%) and education (28%). The remaining categories are general government (14%), debt service (13%), human and health services (11%), and non-departmental (3%). With increases in education and public safety funding, this breakdown is mostly similar to the FY 2022 budget. 

In terms of Revenues for the General Fund, approximately 39% of the County's revenue comes from real estate tax, 29% comes from State funds, another 16% comes from personal property taxes, and 13% comes from other local taxes and fees. The remaining 4% of the County's General Fund revenues come from Merchant's Capital/Machinery and Tools (3%) and Federal Funds (1%). 

After receiving over $10.5 million in CARES Act funds in 2020, Pittsylvania County has received an additional $11.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund. These funds are being invested in internet expansion, water improvements, incentives for employees and volunteers, and to help our Fire and Rescue agencies.