Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – February 17, 2026

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on February 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting covered a review of three public hearings scheduled for March 10, 2026, a preview of the FY26/27 operating budget, snow removal procedures, and a Blacksburg Transit update. No formal votes were taken; the session was informational and advisory. The meeting adjourned at 12:33 p.m.

Discussion Items

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for March 10, 2026

• Ordinance 2110 (Gigabeam Networks LLC fiber-optic franchise): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the ordinance would authorize Gigabeam to build, maintain, and operate a fiber-optic network in town right-of-way. The franchise term is ten years with two optional five-year renewals. Spencer described it as a "good-neighbor gesture" to provide fiber access to underserved areas of Montgomery and Bland Counties. The ordinance will be considered at the March 10 public hearing.
• Ordinance 2112 (Lease of Bennett House at 303 Wilson Avenue): Spencer stated the proposed ordinance authorizes a lease to SEEDS, Inc. for a nature center. The location offers more space and parking. Council will hold a public hearing on March 10.
• CUP-25-7 (VCOM expansion): Town Planner II Nicholas Baker presented a slideshow on the proposed expansion of the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). The proposal converts an existing office building for medical education and adds a 16,200-square-foot two-story expansion. It also includes improved pedestrian and bicycle connections, a walking path to the VUE Apartments, and two new signs. The conditional use permit will be considered at the March 10 public hearing.

Preview of FY26/27 Operating Budget

Town Manager Marc Verniel presented a summary of the recommended operating budget for fiscal year 2026/2027. He reviewed the anticipated timeline and highlighted key items: first-year Capital Improvement Program projects, proposed pay increases, modest insurance cost increases, potential changes in parking enforcement, operating costs for the retail incubator, a new Police Department staff member, and utility rate increases.

Snow Removal Procedures

Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty referenced the Town website’s outline of services provided by Public Works and reminded residents of their responsibility to clear sidewalks. He noted that if property owners fail to remove snow, the Town may use a local contractor to clear key pedestrian areas through the abatement process. Council encouraged stronger enforcement for commercial properties that do not properly maintain their sidewalks.

Blacksburg Transit Update

Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth reminded Council of a prior presentation on safety recalls affecting the electric bus fleet. He reviewed the recall details and outlined next steps. Booth requested a temporary pause on the purchase of additional electric buses to allow time to address recall issues. To avoid a lapse in state funding, Booth recommended that replacement buses funded in the FY25/26 operating budget be diesel, with funding in FY2027 reverting to electric buses.

Key Outcomes

• The Council will hold public hearings on March 10, 2026, for Ordinance 2110, Ordinance 2112, and CUP-25-7.
• Council expressed support for stronger enforcement of snow removal on commercial properties.
• Blacksburg Transit will temporarily pause electric bus purchases and use diesel buses for replacements in FY25/26, with plans to return to electric in FY2027.