ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors has postponed a vote on awarding a $90,000 grant to Briery Branch following a conflict between two members.

The board is working to renovate the unincorporated community of Briery Branch in hopes of boosting tourism and improving facilities. At Wednesday’s meeting, members focused on renovating the Briery Branch Community Club.

Patricia D. Davidson of the Finance and Operations Department said Briery Branch received a $90,000 grant and suggested the county allocate that grant to the Briery Branch Community Club. Conflicts arose between members Leila Longcor and Sallie Wolfe-Garrison.

Wolfe-Garrison said the board cannot make a decision yet because the funds still have to go through the county’s appropriations process and be approved by a select committee.

“Why are we hesitant? Why are we worried? Why are we afraid to allow someone else to evaluate something before we do it?” Wolfe-Garrison said. “I’m not a subject matter expert.”

In the meantime, Longcor wanted the board to decide on the allocation of funds.

“This is unnecessary. You wait six months for no reason,” said Longcor.

The heated debate between Wolfe-Garrison and Longcor continued. Due to time constraints, the board did not vote on the financing and continued its discussion in closed session at the end of the meeting.

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