Blacksburg Town Council Meeting – March 10, 2026

The Blacksburg Town Council met on March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Mayor Michael Sutphin presided, and all seven councilmembers were present. The meeting opened with a Women’s History Month proclamation. Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, three public hearings, and an appointment, and received the introduction of the FY2027 Recommended Operating Budget.

Women’s History Month Proclamation

Mayor Sutphin read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women’s History Month in Blacksburg, encouraging residents to participate in programs and events recognizing women’s achievements.

Consent Calendar

• Town Council Minutes – Approved minutes from February 12, 17, and 24, 2026.
• Ordinance 2113 – Introduced an ordinance adopting the FY2027 budget, setting the real estate tax rate, and appropriating funds. A public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026.
• Ordinance 2114 – Introduced an ordinance to increase water/sewer and solid waste/recycling fees. A public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026.
• Town Council Strategic Goals – Approved the updated goals.

All consent items passed unanimously (7‑0).

Public Hearings & Testimony

1. Ordinance 2110 – Gigabeam Networks Fiber Optic Franchise Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented a ten‑year franchise (with two five‑year renewal options) allowing Gigabeam Networks LLC to construct, maintain, and operate a fiber‑optic network in town right‑of‑way. A short conduit run on Meadowbrook Drive requires the franchise. The company’s chief strategic officer, Eric Workman, expressed support, noting the project will expand internet access to underserved areas of Montgomery County. Council approved the ordinance unanimously (7‑0).

2. Ordinance 2112 – Lease of Bennett House to SEEDS, Inc. Town Manager Marc Verniel presented a five‑year, nominal‑rent lease for the Bennett House property at 303 Wilson Street (in Wong Park) to SEEDS, Inc. for a nature‑center operation. SEEDS will relocate from the Price House. Mike Rozenwig, SEEDS director, thanked council for 17 years of support and noted the organization’s 31st year. Council approved unanimously (7‑0).

3. Resolution 3‑B‑26 – Conditional Use Permit for VCOM at 1701 Kraft Drive Town Planner Nicholas Baker presented a request by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to convert an existing office building and add a 16,200‑square‑foot two‑story expansion for medical education, laboratories, and lecture halls. The project includes improved pedestrian and bike access, a 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use trail, a walking path to the VUE Apartments, and two monument signs. Staff recommended approval with two conditions (conformity with the concept plan and installation of the walking path). The Planning Commission had recommended approval 6‑0. No public comments were offered. The applicant, Steve Semones of Westwood Professional Services, expressed excitement. Council approved the resolution unanimously (7‑0).

Discussion Items

Introduction of FY2027 Recommended Operating Budget Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the FY2027 budget overview. The total budget is $125 million (a 16% increase inclusive of capital projects; a 5.8% increase for operations). Key points:

• General Fund: $58 million, 6% increase; real estate tax rate remains at $0.26 per $100 of assessed value.
• Revenue growth projected across all major categories.
• Notable capital expenditures: $5 million for bus replacement and charging infrastructure, new countywide digital radio system, $1.8 million for sidewalk construction, $900,000 for stormwater, $800,000 for pedestrian safety improvements, parking lot at Meadowbrook/Glade Road, and operating funds for the downtown retail incubator.
• Personnel: 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective July 1, plus a 2% step increase (based on performance) on January 1, 2027. Health insurance rates rising 7% (first increase in four years); VRS retirement contribution increasing 15%.
• New positions: four in Police Department (one sworn sergeant, one communications/FOIA officer, one public liaison supervisor, one parking enforcement officer); eight full‑time transit operators; two transit dispatchers.
• Utility rate increases: water 6%, sewer 6%, solid waste/recycling 7% (about $2.30/month), stormwater unchanged. Average customer monthly utility bill increase about $8.40. These fees help maintain financial policies and fund capital replacements.
• Budget documents available online and at town hall/library. Public hearing set for April 14, 2026, with adoption scheduled for April 28, 2026.

Council asked no questions; the budget introduction was received as information.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All five roll‑call votes were unanimous (7‑0).
• Appointment: Andrew Warren was appointed to the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board for a term ending December 31, 2026 (unanimous).
• Next Steps:
  • Public hearings on the FY2027 budget and utility fee ordinances on April 14, 2026.
  • Town Council work session on March 17, 2026, at Blacksburg Motor Company.
  • Next regular meeting March 24, 2026.
• Council Announcements: Mayor Sutphin encouraged citizens to apply for board and committee openings; Vice Mayor Anderson reminded of the Dialogue on Race event on March 14, 2026, at Christiansburg Middle School.

The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.