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The Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex continued to solidify its reputation as one of the premier multi-sport destinations on the East Coast in 2025, hosting a range of athletic competitions, community gatherings, and special events that brought an estimated 100,000 visitors to Henry County throughout the year.

During 2025, the complex accommodated 13 different sports, including soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, golf, lacrosse, cross-country, kayaking and canoeing, t-ball, running, flag football, whiffleball, cornhole, and cycling. In total, approximately 356 teams traveled to the facility to compete or participate in events.

The complex was active 281 days of the year, representing 77 percent annual utilization, and hosted events on 48 weekends, or 92 percent of all weekends. Notably, nearly 75 percent of off-days occurred during December and January, highlighting the facility’s near year-round impact during peak tourism seasons.

Visitors traveled an estimated 54,682 cumulative miles to attend events at the complex, with an average trip distance of 154 miles. Total travel time amounted to 931 hours and 49 minutes, with visitors spending an average of 2 hours and 37 minutes traveling to Henry County. Attendees represented 19 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 10 different countries, underscoring the complex’s growing national and international reach.

“This facility has truly become a gateway for people to experience Henry County,” said Roger Adams, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Every tournament, every event, and every visitor represents an opportunity to showcase our community, support local businesses, and demonstrate why Henry County is becoming a destination for recreation and outdoor experiences.”

The success of the sports complex aligns with broader tourism and economic development initiatives focused on outdoor recreation, active lifestyles, and place-based investment. Located along the Smith River and connected to a growing network of trails and park amenities, the complex serves as a cornerstone of Henry County’s strategy to attract visitors while enhancing quality of life for residents.

“As we continue to invest in trails, river access, and recreational infrastructure, the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex stands as a perfect example of how recreation drives tourism, economic activity, and community pride,” Adams added.

The success of the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex in 2025 highlights the role recreation plays in strengthening both the local economy and quality of life in Henry County. By attracting visitors while also serving as a gathering place for community events and everyday recreation, the complex continues to support a balanced approach to tourism that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Henry County’s financial standing remains stable and well-managed according to the results of an independent audit presented to the Board of Supervisors on December 16.

The audit was conducted by Creedle, Jones & Associates, a certified public accounting firm, and was presented by Certified Public Accountant Kim Jackson.

The fiscal year (FY) 2025 audit shows that Henry County ended the year with a total net position of $150.4 million, an increase of roughly $1 million from the previous year. This net position represents the County’s overall financial health. About one-third of that amount is tied up in long-term assets such as buildings, equipment, and land. These are items that are necessary for providing services but cannot be spent like cash. The remaining two-thirds is considered unrestricted and may be used to provide services or meet financial obligations.

“This audit shows that Henry County continues to manage taxpayer dollars in a careful and transparent way,” said Board Chairman Jim Adams. “We are proud of the financial practices we have in place, and we appreciate the work of our staff and our auditors in helping us maintain a strong and stable financial position for our citizens.”

Jackson reported that governmental activities, which include public safety, schools, administration, and other core services, increased the County’s net position by $1.04 million. Governmental revenues totaled $90.3 million, with property taxes contributing $34.5 million, the largest single revenue source. Total governmental expenses were $89.3 million, with public safety costing $30.1 million and education costing $28.5 million, making them the two largest categories.

Business-type activities, which operate more like self-supporting service programs, brought in $230,261 in revenue and posted $261,681 in expenses, resulting in a decrease of $31,420 in that area’s net position.

The County’s governmental funds, which focus on short-term spending and available resources, finished the year with a combined balance of $96.3 million, a decrease of about $1.09 million from last year. The General Fund, the County’s primary operating fund, closed the year with an unassigned fund balance of $40.36 million. After applying the County’s financial policies designed to preserve its strong borrowing position, only $13 million of that amount is considered available for spending. 

Budget adjustments during the year included increases of $6.76 million in final budgeted revenues, largely from new or ongoing grants. Final budgeted expenditures increased by $53.9 million, primarily related to projects carried over from the previous year. Actual revenues finished just 0.57% below the final budget, while actual expenditures were 34% lower because many large projects remained incomplete as of June 30.

Governmental capital assets totaled $128.7 million after accounting for school buildings with outstanding debt, a slight decrease of 0.68% from last year. Capital assets for business-type activities totaled $965,195, also representing a modest decrease.

In other matters, the Board: 

• Honored Jennifer Ashworth (36 years of service), Ran Cunningham (29 years of service), and Pam Mason (26 years of service) upon their retirements. 
• Approved an additional appropriation of $35,000 received from the American Electric Power Foundation for the purchase of a cleaning system for self-contained breathing apparatus. 
• Awarded a contract in the amount of $914,181 to Motorola Solutions to update the emergency services radio system. 
• Approved an additional appropriation of $66,968 received from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to fund school security officers for Bassett and Magna Vista High Schools. 
• Received an update from Cozen O’Conner Public Strategies on ongoing lobbying efforts in Richmond on behalf of the county. 
• Scheduled its 2026 Organizational Meeting for January 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. 
• Held a swearing-in ceremony for recently-elected representatives Jim Adams, Garrett Dillard, and Chris Lawless. 
• Conducted a public hearing and approved the abandonment of a discontinued section of Route 57 in the Iriswood District. 
• Conducted a public hearing and approved the rezoning of 0.6-acres of the Horsepasture District from Suburban Residential District to Professional District. The applicant wishes to have the option of using the property for either a hair salon, consulting office, or both.
• Conducted a public hearing and approved the rezoning of 1.3-acres of the Reed Creek District from Commercial District to Limited Industrial District. The applicant wishes to use the property for both limited manufacturing (coffee roasting) and a retail use. 
• Reappointed Daryl Emberson, Richard Hall, Tim Pace, Nubby Coleman, and Gary Gibson to the Patriot Centre/CCBC Advisory Board for 2-year terms scheduled to end on December 31, 2027.
• Appointed Michael Scales to the Patriot Centre/CCBC Advisory Board for a 2-year term scheduled to end on December 31, 2027.