By Matt de Simone
Buchanan Town Council held the monthly meeting Monday night and welcomed its newest members.
Newly elected Buchanan Mayor Sue Way and Town Council members Edith “Sissy” Austin and James Manspile were officially sworn in by Botetourt Clerk of the Court Tommy Moore at Monday’s meeting. The ceremony took place prior to the council meeting.
Council unanimously approved two action items. The first was a unanimous approval of authorizing the town treasurer to write-off taxes due that are billed at less than $1 for an individual property. According to the meeting’s agenda packet, Personal and Real Property Tax bills were sent to all taxpayers in November. Many individual properties have a bill of less than $1. Staff were informed that in the past, the town didn’t collect taxes for those who owed less than $1. The fiscal impact shows that $205.40 if individual properties billed at less than $1 for past and current bills are written-off. If this is the desired action of council, future payments for postage would off-set that amount.
Council also unanimously approved an electronic meeting policy in line with the state code which allows for electronic participation in public meetings via phone or streaming. The town regularly approved this policy during the pandemic, but each current governing body has to approve an updated policy the town included in the meeting’s agenda packet. The policy also outlines the requirements for any council member who may have to attend meetings virtually.
Council will hold a special called meeting for a public hearing about the town’s charter amendments that takes place at Buchanan Town Hall on Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting of Buchanan Town Council will take place Monday, January 13 at 7 p.m.
