Tina Rowe

The meeting included a public hearing concerning the 2025-2026 Budget, which concluded without public comment, followed by the approval of budget amendments. The Council received expressions of appreciation from the Pennington Gap Fire Department and EMS regarding town support, despite the EMS services being halted due to significant financial losses for the Town. New business addressed the Lee County EMS Request, where the Town indicated equipment might be available for lease or purchase following the cessation of local EMS operations. Administrative reports covered a request for a Cops Hiring Grant, approval for bond counsel engagements for ongoing projects, authorization for the Treasurer to accept the lowest bid for a new line of credit for the Water Plant Project, approval of the VACorp Insurance renewal, and acceptance of the bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project, which exceeded the original budget. Furthermore, updates were provided on construction changes for the Bailey-Robbins building, the cell tower lease completion, progress on housing and Brownfield grants, and coordination with UVA Wise for demolition assistance. Council also discussed ongoing cooperation issues with county animal control.