Regular Meeting

Minutes

Attendance: Mayor: Paul Williams Town Council: Vice-Mayor Tom Camden, Brandall Branch, Kent Dunn, Natalie Harris, Marcie Hill, Lisa Rogers

Staff: Allyson Finchum, Town Manager/Town Clerk

Call to Order Town Council

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer offered by Brandall Branch. The regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Williams at 7:02 pm.

Presentations/Public Comment

None

Appointments

None

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of February 10, 2026

A motion was made by Ms. Lisa Rogers, seconded by Vice-Mayor Tom Camden to approve the minutes of February 10, 2026, Town Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

a. Public Safety Report

The January and February 2026 call report submitted by Rockbridge County will be included in the April 2026 Town Council packet. No significant issues in January 2026.

b. Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams stated there was no activity by the Parks and Recreation Committee this month. A Parks & Rec meeting to discuss upcoming events is scheduled for April.

Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was presented by Mayor Williams.

Monthly water meter report readings, manual readings, notices of delinquent bills, and water cut-offs complete.

Water and sewer line repairs throughout Town completed as necessary.

Repairs and maintenance at the sewer plant were performed and are occupying significant time for the department.

Seasonal Lawn Maintenance — N/A

Building maintenance — maintenance and upgrades continue on plumbing, heating/air, painting on the Town buildings.

Treasurer’s Report

A Budget Summary Report and information on expenses over $500 were provided in the packet.

Planning Commission

Vice-Mayor Tom Camden provided an update on the Planning Commission activities. The Planning Commission discussed the Animal Control draft ordinance which was indefinitely tabled by Town Council at a recent public hearing. The next scheduled meeting is March 17, 2026, at 4:30 pm.

Town Manager’s Report Ms. Finchum reported that the Town continues to address the condition of the plant, and the repairs are a priority project.

Improvements to the Town property and buildings continue.

Staff continue to address existing code violations and concerns. Violation notices will be sent to address issues following adoption of Town ordinances.

Town audits for the past five years are currently underway by the independent auditors, Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates.

Plans for 2026 events are underway including Music in the Gorge, Farmer/Flea Markets, etc.

Beautification and economic growth initiatives along Blue Ridge Road continue.

Old Business

None

New Business

a. FY26-27 Draft Budget

The Town Manager distributed the draft budget. Council agreed to hold a budget worksession on March 31st at 7 pm to discuss the draft budget.

b. Personnel Policy - Amendment to Sick Leave Benefit based on Tenure

The Town Manager distributed a proposal for sick leave that total provided incrementally increases as employees gain tenure in their job. The Town Council reviewed the leave benefits for full-time employees defined as employees working forty (40) hours per week.

A motion was made by Tom Camden, seconded by Brandall Branch to approve the sick leave as follows:

Years of Service Hours per Month 1-5 5 5-10 6 10-15 7 20+ 8

Motion passed unanimously. No further discussion.

Public Comment Period

None

Other Council Comments

Council asked when the Music in the Gorge events would occur. Mayor Williams stated that two events in 2026 were planned on July 25th and September 5th,

Lisa Rogers asked about the brush in the ditches. The Town Manager said Public Works will begin working on that as the vegetation begins to grow.

Natalie Harris also requested clearing the alleys of brush and fallen trees. She stated the alley near her house has a fallen tree and is not passable.

Lisa Rogers said a car show is planned for the second Saturday in May at Knick Ballfield.

Closed Session

Motion to go into closed session in accordance with section 2.2-3711.1(Personnel) related to the Town Manager and section 2.2-3711.3 Discussion of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose or the disposition of public property where the discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body relating to the lease terms of property at 1015 Blue Ridge Road.

Motion to come out of closed session made by Natalie Harris seconded Brandall Branch.

Motion to certify that only those matters listed in the motion to go into closed session were discussed. Council so certified individually.

Advertise Public Hearing to Rent Public Property

Town Council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing to rent a Town owned commercial building located at 1015 Blue Ridge Road for use as an antique/vintage/home decor store.

Approval of hiring Michael Finchum as the Interim Town Manager

A motion was made by Brandall Branch, seconded by Marcie Hill to approve hiring Mike Finchum as Interim Town Manager for the indefinite period of time that Allyson Finchum is reassigned to Assistant to the Mayor and Town Council to work on special projects, code enforcement, and other duties effective May 4, 2026.

Motion passed by a vote of 5-0-1 with Ms. Harris abstaining.

Adjournment

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:52 pm.