Zac Beares

The council held a continued meeting to discuss the fiscal year 2017 budget, which included electric and sewer rate increases. Key topics included the raw water line project and the associated request for grant funding from the General Assembly, an update on electric utility rates and energy charges, and the utilization of previous credit savings to balance the budget. Council members engaged in a debate regarding the rising cost of government, employee raises, and the impact of utility rate increases on the town's citizens. A vote was conducted to approve the budget.

The Council meeting involved public hearings on several key topics. A conditional use permit for a residential unit at 123 South Main Street was discussed and approved, with requirements for a portion of the floor space to remain commercial. A second public hearing addressed the CDBG Carver Street project, focusing on housing renovations, storm water improvements, and providing legal assistance for heir property issues. Additionally, the Council held a public hearing for the fiscal year 2027 budget, which covers water, sewer, electric, and general fund operations, and includes infrastructure projects such as the South Main Street widening and improvements to pump stations.

The council reconvened from a closed session to certify the discussion of public business matters. A motion was passed to authorize the mayor to sign a settlement agreement involving Christopher Paige, the Town of Blackstone, and several other named parties. The agreement includes a formal denial of liability and wrongdoing by all town-related parties. The meeting was then continued for the specific purpose of adopting and appropriating the budget.

The council discussed increasing the starting salary for police officers to $56,000, addressing budget implications and staffing levels at the police academy. Other topics included an update on the dilapidated building project at 819 Fall Street, delinquency issues regarding local meals and lodging taxes for a specific restaurant, and proposed street improvement projects on College Avenue and Amelia Avenue seeking grant funding. The council also reviewed the Planning Commission's upcoming consideration of a conditional use permit, workforce housing development plans, the approval of an annual waste services agreement with the State Police, and the renewal of insurance coverage with the Virginia Association of Counties.

The council discussed the town's relationship with DBI, clarifying that the council has fiscal oversight but no authority over personnel appointments. Public concerns were addressed regarding dog management and animal control ordinances, specifically regarding animals running loose in residential yards. Additionally, the council reviewed parking obstructions on Church Street that impact visibility, grass cutting on town-owned properties, and trash accumulation near the local ballpark. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter into a closed session for consultation with legal counsel regarding litigation matters.