Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - April 2, 2026

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as April 7, 2026, but the provided instruction specifies April 2, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date.

The Town Council held a work session on April 2, 2026, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Mayor Michael Sutphin, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers Darryl Campbell, Jerry Ford Jr., Joel Goodhart, and Andrew Kassoff were present. Councilmember Lauren Colliver was absent. The meeting included discussion of a letter to Virginia Tech, CDBG/HOME programs, Blacksburg Transit strategic plan, and the FY2027 operating budget. The meeting adjourned at 1:11 p.m.

Discussion Items

• Letter to Virginia Tech Board of Visitors: Mayor Sutphin initiated a discussion about drafting a letter regarding the Board's proposed resolution to eliminate Living-Learning Communities on campus. After thorough discussion, the Council agreed to send a letter requesting that the Board defer this action.
• CDBG & HOME Program Overview & Annual Action Plan: Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurow presented slides providing an overview of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Thurow shared updates on current and past projects, reviewed objectives and priorities, and answered Council questions.
• Blacksburg Transit Strategic Plan Service Improvements: Director Brian Booth presented the BT Strategic Plan as a long-term, flexible framework. He highlighted completed short-term successes including new facilities, route enhancements, and charging infrastructure. Community feedback informed plans for a limited North Main expansion that avoids the Woodbine neighborhood. Booth noted that a significant electric bus battery recall will delay any service expansion until at least late 2027, though future upgrades are expected to improve performance. Anticipated growth, including increased university enrollment, will require additional buses.
• FY2027 Operating Budget: Agency Funding Requests: Town Manager Marc Verniel initiated discussion of agency funding requests and reviewed the annual process. Council thoroughly reviewed the requests and made minor adjustments. Verniel added that Council will have an additional opportunity to review the recommended budget at the next work session on April 21st.
• Staff/Council Discussion on Salary Increase: Town Manager Marc Verniel followed up on the salary increase for Mayor and Council, discussed at the Council Retreat. Overall agreement was reached to increase the Mayor's salary to $16,200 per year and Council salaries to $13,200 per year. The increase will be part of the budget and take effect on January 1st.

Key Outcomes

• Council agreed to send a letter to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors urging deferral of the proposal to eliminate Living-Learning Communities.
• Council reviewed and made minor adjustments to FY2027 agency funding requests, with further review scheduled for April 21.
• Council agreed to salary increases: Mayor to $16,200 per year, Council members to $13,200 per year, effective January 1st, to be included in the budget.