Harrisonburg City Council Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Harrisonburg City Council met on March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting opened with roll call, moment of silence, and pledge. A proclamation recognizing Arbor Day was presented. The consent agenda (minutes, voting precincts ordinance, disposal of property at 301 S. Main Street) was approved unanimously. A public hearing on the 2026 CDBG Action Plan was held with no action taken. Regular items included revisions to the Financial Management Policies (approved 4-0) and an addendum to the Downtown Harrisonburg Park Donation Agreement (approved 5-0). Three supplemental appropriations and one reallocation were approved unanimously. Public comments addressed the Link development, a justice march, and pollinator policies. Council members reported on the National League of Cities conference. Ryan Silver was appointed to the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Enacted an ordinance temporarily changing certain voting precincts (second reading).
• Approved the disposal of public property at 301 S. Main Street (second reading). All passed unanimously on a single motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on CDBG Action Plan: Joyce Nussbaum, Associate Director for VPAS, expressed appreciation for city support. She noted the Meals on Wheels program served over 45,000 meals in the past fiscal year with nearly 200 volunteers.
• Other Matters (public comments):
  • Wayne Wenger (641 Broadview Drive) spoke against the Link development, criticizing its size and impact on the neighborhood.
  • Dibora Mekonnen (senior at EMU) reported on a collaboration with JMU students that resulted in a march for Justice, Dignity and Fairness with over 60 participants. She urged council to listen to marginalized communities.
  • Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros spoke about the Pollinator in Your Yard event, argued that the problem is not lack of education but bullying and policy enforcement. He called for No Mow May and redirecting resources to neighborhoods impacted by urban renewal.

Discussion Items

Financial Management Policies (Item 7.a)

• Larry Propst, Director of Finance, presented the proposed revisions to the city’s financial management policies, last revised in 2014. Key changes included: updating asset maintenance language to focus on condition rather than fixed cycles; adding a 10-year payout ratio of at least 50% for tax-supported debt; and adding debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 for water and sewer enterprise funds. Council members commended the policies, with Vice Mayor Fleming stressing the importance of public transparency and noting that strong policies contribute to the city’s strong credit rating. Council Member Alsaadun asked about adding policies on decreasing expenses or increasing revenue, but no changes were made.
• Vote: Motion carried 4-0 (Council Member Alsaadun absent) – approved revisions.

Addendum to Downtown Harrisonburg Park Donation Agreement (Item 7.b)

• City Attorney Chris Brown presented an addendum allowing Build Our Park to optionally pursue a public-private partnership under the Virginia Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA). This would not obligate the city, and any proposal would require staff review and Council approval at least twice. Bonding would protect the city if the contractor fails. Council members supported providing the option without obligation.
• Vote: Motion carried 5-0 – approved addendum.

Supplemental Appropriations

• Item 8.a (General Fund & Water Capital Projects Fund): $255,000 for land purchase next to HFD Station Four and $174,403 in bond interest earnings for Eastern Source project.
  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0)
• Item 8.b (General Fund, Water Fund, Stormwater Fund): Saufley Farm related appropriations: $980,000 for stormwater tree planting and $476,000 for general fund purchase of house/land. Staff noted the investment will generate nutrient credits and savings.
  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0)
• Item 8.c (Harrisonburg City School Board): $1,398,507.29 to School Fund and $56,369.17 to School Capital Projects from additional state/federal funding.
  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0)

Reallocation

• Item 9.a (HCPS): Reallocation of $1,481,630.83 from completed Rocktown High School capital project to Facilities project for boiler replacements and air handler replacements at multiple schools.
  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0)

Appointments

• Economic Development Advisory Committee: Ryan Silver appointed to a first term expiring March 24, 2030. Motion carried 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Arbor Day recognized; proclamation read.
• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• CDBG Action Plan public hearing held; no action taken.
• Financial Management Policies revisions approved (4-0).
• Park donation agreement addendum approved (5-0).
• Three supplemental appropriations and one reallocation approved unanimously.
• Public comments received on development, justice, and environmental policies.
• Council reported on NLC conference, immigration roundtable, and other activities.
• Ryan Silver appointed to EDAC.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.