Frequently Asked Questions about Board Meetings

When are Board of Supervisors meetings held? 

The Board of Supervisors meets on the second Thursday of each month, except on legal holidays, in which case the Board will meet the previous business day.  Work sessions generally begin at 11:00 a.m.  The regular Board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by scheduled public hearings.  Special meetings may be called with proper public notice.  

Are Board of Supervisors meetings open to the public? 

All regularly scheduled Board meetings and work sessions are open to the public and the media. All action taken by the Board of Supervisors is taken at public meetings. The Board of Supervisors is authorized to hold closed meetings whenever necessary to discuss matters not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. 

How do I speak at a meeting? 

Citizens’ time is scheduled during the regularly scheduled Board meetings on the second Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  This portion of the agenda is set aside for citizens who wish to address the Board on any topic that is not scheduled for public hearing. Citizens need not give prior notice to speak.  Speakers are respectfully requested to state their full name and address for the record.  Citizens are encouraged to keep their comments to three minutes.   Written copies of statements made at public hearings are requested but not required.

Where can I view the Agenda Packet? 

The agenda packet is prepared and distributed by the Deputy Clerk’s Office. The agenda is posted online by close of business on the Friday prior to the regular meeting or public hearings. A copy of the agenda is also available from the lobby of the County Administrator’s office, which is located in the Warren Green Building at 10 Hotel Street, Warrenton, Virginia. 

General Terms & Definitions

Agenda ~ The agenda is a printed list of legislative issues that the Board of Supervisors considers at its regular meeting.  

Motion ~ A motion is the verbal means of a Board Member taking action on an issue. A motion must be seconded, voted upon, and approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors to accomplish the action desired. 

Quorum ~ Three members of the Board of Supervisors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 

Resolution ~ A resolution is a method of expressing the opinion or policy of the Board of Supervisors about matters of administration. Resolutions are less formal than ordinances. 

Ordinance ~ An ordinance becomes the local law of Fauquier County if adopted by the Board of Supervisors and is included in the Fauquier County Code.

Proclamation ~ A proclamation is a ceremonial decree to publicly honor noteworthy citizens and to recognize important events.

For additional information, please contact the Deputy Clerk’s Office at (540) 422-8020. 

Committees, Boards and Commissions 

The Deputy Clerk's Office is responsible for receiving applications for appointments to committees, boards and commissions to be considered by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors.   Additional information on committee vacancies and application details are available online or by calling the Deputy Clerk's Office at (540) 422-8020.