Appomattox Co. passes resolution refusing to become refugee sanctuary

UPDATE: (WSET) -- Appomattox County voted in support of a resolution refusing to become a refugee sanctuary.

The Appomattox County Town Council voted to refuse to become a refugee sanctuary because they don't have the funds to provide services to refugees.

"We welcome any and everybody, but to have a large group of people come at one time, we just do not have the infrastructure to handle it," said Town Manager, Gary Shanaberger.

Chairman Samuel Carter said the county is economically depressed.

He says the county would have to provide safety, education and housing for refugees.

"Finding the appropriate property in all to house this," said Carter. "Is this going to interfere with future buildings or structures?"

Carter said there are a lot of unknowns in becoming a refugee sanctuary, which is why they support the town.

He said the county also doesn't have an influx of refugees re-settling to the area.

Residents said they are happy with the board's decision and they agree with the county.

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APPOMATTOX Co., Va. (WSET) -- More than 70 localities in Virginia have voted to become a 'Second Amendment Sanctuary' sending a message to state lawmakers they want to protect their right to bear arms, but a local county is trying to send another one.

Leaders in Appomattox County approved a resolution in November.

By becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary community, the Board of Supervisors says it will oppose, within the limits of the law, any efforts to unconstitutionally restrict gun rights and use legal means to keep it from happening.

The decision to start declaring localities a 'Second Amendment Sanctuary' comes after Virginia Democrats took control of the General Assembly in the latest election.

Governor Ralph Northam said he plans to pass stricter gun laws that include universal background checks.

Northam also announced in November that Virginia will continue to welcome refugees fleeing danger and persecution after President Donald Trump signed federal Executive Order 13888.

President Donald Trump signed the order in September explaining that the Federal Government will only resettle refugees in those jurisdictions in which both the state and local governments have consented to receive refugees under the Department of State's Reception and Placement Program.

Appomattox County leaders decided that want to pass a separate resolution indicating they refuse to become a refugee sanctuary.

The Town of Appomattox already unanimously passed that resolution. The resolution also indicates the town opposes any refugee resettlement.

They claim it could have a negative impact on the economy by creating a financial strain on taxpayers.

"We welcome any and everybody, but to have a large group of people come at one time, we just do not have the infrastructure to handle it," said Town Manager Gary Shanaberger.

Shanaberger said the Town Council is hoping the county will follow suit with this gesture.

The Board is set to vote on the refugee resolution Monday night.