HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/7/2026 - Work Session
1
MINUTES OF A TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 4:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY,
APRIL 7, 2026, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING
LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Laurie J. Mullins, Vice Mayor
Michael W. Stovall
Keith N. Liles
Sabrina M. McCarty
STAFF PRESENT: Richard Peters, Town Manager
Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager
Megan Lawless, Town Clerk
Jill Loope, Special Project Assistant to the Town Manager
Donna Collins, Director of Human Resources and Risk
Management
Tiffany Stewart, Interim Director of Finance
Fabricio Drumond, Chief of Police
Tim Lawless, Deputy Chief of Police
Anita McMillan, Director of Planning and Zoning
Nathan McClung, Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning
Mandy Adkins, Director of Cultural Placemaking and Events
William Herndon, Director of Public Works
Jill Acker, Assistant Director of Public Works
Jamie Hurt, Director of Capital Projects
Mayor Grose called the work session to order at 4:02 p.m.
Mr. Peters opened the work session by discussing the collaborative process with
departments in preparing the proposed budget for adoption in June 2026.
Mrs. Adkins presented a PowerPoint, which is available at the Town Clerk’s office, as part of
the permanent record.
The presentation outlined a proposed rental fee structure for the Vinton War Memorial venue,
including hourly rates, weekend packages, bundles event packages, and add-ons.
Hourly rental rates apply to Monday-Sunday with a 4-hour minimum booking. Pricing will vary
by the type of room that is rented (Library, South Ballroom, North Ballroom , and Dogwood
Ballroom).
Weekend event requirements include all weekend, Friday through Sunday, and require a
two-day package.
There are two main package options: the Signature Experience and the Grand Affair.
Add-ons for packages include a coordinator the day of the event and ceremony coordination.
Single weekday event options will be available for a flat rate Monday-Thursday only. This
option is designed for smaller or corporate events. Add-ons will be available for this option
as well.
2
The new structure emphasizes premium weekend experiences with bundled packages, offers
flexibility through weekday discounts and add-ons.
Council Member McCarty asked about discount rates for residents of which Mrs. Adkins said
there will be discounts for residents and veterans.
There was a brief discussion on the rental of the lawn versus weddings.
Council Member McCarty recommended a new sign for the Vinton War Memorial of which
Mr. Peters said the sign will be updated as part of the renovation.
Next, Mr. Sexton presented a PowerPoint on the draft FY2027 Budget, which is available at
the Town Clerk’s office, as part of the permanent record.
The FY2027 Budget Work Session provided an update on the Town’s current financial
position, including revenue trends, expenditures, fund balances, and the overall outlook as
we move toward budget adoption. The Town remains in a stable financial position; however,
signs indicate a tightening revenue environment that will require careful planning and
strategic decision-making.
Operational revenues are currently stable but are expected to level off in the near term. While
the Town has experienced several years of strong growth, that growth is beginning to slow,
particularly in areas tied to consumer activity, such as sales tax.
The Town maintains healthy fund balances:
General Fund: Approximately $1.0 million in cash and $2.5 million in investments
Capital Fund: Approximately $976,000 in cash and $4.9 million in investments
These reserves are primarily used to manage cash flow, support one-time expenditures, and
provide a cushion for unexpected costs. Interest earnings have been favorable and provide
additional flexibility. However, fund balance is a one-time resource and should be used
strategically.
The primary long-term concern is that expenditure growth is expected to outpace revenue
growth. Potential risks include an economic downturn impacting consumer spending,
changes in property values, legislative impacts, and depletion of one-time reserves.
Opportunities for revenue growth include strategic tax rate adjustments, continued
development at the Vinton Business Center, growth in pari-mutuel revenues, and expansion
of local business activity, including restaurants, hotels, and housing.
Overall, departmental expenditures remain relatively flat.
Personnel expenses account for the largest share of the budget at 55.4%.There is a proposed
2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees, and the Town will absorb the
increased health insurance costs (approximately $70K).
Other major costs include ongoing paving, maintenance, equipment replacement, economic
development commitments, and upcoming capital and infrastructure projects.
Overall draft budget analysis shows revenues at $15,424,943.00 and expenditures at
$15,420,226.00 with a surplus of $4,717.00.
The remaining budget schedule is as follows:
• May 5 – Town Manager’s Recommended FY27 Budget Briefing
3
• May 19 – FY27 Budget Public Hearing
• June 2 – FY27 Budget Adoption
After a brief discussion on capital improvement projects, Mayor Grose recommended we
move up the renovations of the community center and Farmers’ Market without removing
other projects if possible. Vice Mayor Mullins agreed with this recommendation.
Before dinner was served, Mayor Grose shared that Council wants to support the community
and give citizens what they want. He then complimented staff and the job well done on the
draft budget presentation.
Following dinner, there were no other comments offered.
The meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m. with a motion by Council Member Liles and seconded
by Council Member McCarty.
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Megan K. Lawless, Town Clerk