July 4, 2009
From published reports
Orange County Administrator Bill Rolfe was let go by Orange County Supervisors in a closed session July 3. They voted to hire Assistant County Administrator Julie Jordan as acting county administrator. The vote to replace Rolfe was three to two.
At issue seems to be a contentious development of a Walmart on or near a famous Civil War battlefield (Wilderness Battlefield) site that preservationists have been trying to save. The three supervisors who voted to fire Rolfe are for the development of the Walmart within the congressionally approved boundary line of the Wilderness Battlefield, much to the chagrin of historians and preservationists. The two who opposed Rolfe's dismissal are apparently against the development in the historic area, but for it if it is located farther from the battlefield.
It was reported that Rolfe sent the supervisors an email suggesting they consider siting the Walmart outside the congressionally approved boundary.
Bill Rolfe is from Richmond and was raised in Portsmouth. He is a long time local government manager, and took the job in Orange in 2005. Previously he served as Bedford County Administrator for 16 years, and before that served as Lunenburg County Administrator, Narrows Town Manager, and a Suffolk Senior Analyst.
According a report in the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, Rolfe will receive three months severance pay and benefits.
