Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
Fincastle Town Council opened a public hearing Thursday on a proposed balanced $613,000 budget for fiscal year 2027, with town officials outlining revenue projections, infrastructure needs, and ongoing efforts to address aging sidewalks and water infrastructure.
During the meeting, Mayor Mary Bess Smith presented the proposed spending plan, which includes $237,000 in the town’s general fund and $376,000 in the water and sewer fund. The proposed budget balances projected revenues and expenditures in both funds and is expected to come back before council for adoption in June.
Smith said the town remains cautious about several revenue sources, including the bank franchise tax and meals tax collections. She noted the closure of the Kyle House and fluctuations among local eateries could affect meals tax revenue, while strong retail activity at local businesses has helped boost state sales tax revenue by roughly $12,000 this year.
Among proposed expenditures, Smith highlighted a placeholder allocation of $25,000 for sidewalk repairs as town officials continue discussions with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) over responsibility for deteriorating sidewalks in town.
“If we do take this on, they are going to be expensive repairs,” Smith said during the meeting, adding that town officials remain hopeful VDOT will assist with the work.
The proposed water and sewer budget also includes $10,000 for repairs at the town’s treatment plant and $25,000 to begin preparing sites for future emergency generators. Smith also stressed the importance of ensuring the county is billed for water use tied to the ongoing courthouse construction project.
Council members also heard an update on construction of the new Botetourt County Circuit Courthouse from County Capital Projects Manager Rich Evans.
Evans said the project remains on schedule for completion in September 2027 and announced a ceremonial “topping off” event is planned for June 26. Structural steel and concrete work on the building have been completed, while crews are continuing exterior framing and work on retaining walls along Back Street.
Evans said the project’s next major milestone will be getting the building under roof within the next several months, allowing interior work to accelerate.
“The overall schedule, we’re still looking for September next year to have that building complete,” Evans told council.
He also said work is expected to begin on the courthouse green space later this summer and noted replacement utility poles along Back Street have improved the appearance of the area surrounding the project. Evans added that Hill Studio is continuing planning work on restoration of the former law office and hotel building adjacent to the courthouse site, with construction expected to begin after courthouse work concludes.
In other business, Town Manager Melanie McFadyen reported that approximately $173,505 remains available from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds dedicated to water and sewer improvements. Several projects have already been completed, while installation of new digital water meters is currently underway.
Council also discussed ongoing maintenance and community projects, including a request from the Big Spring Garden Club for a $100 donation to support flower boxes around town. McFadyen also praised the town’s recent Earth Day event, while council members thanked VDOT for recent pothole repairs and discussed reports that additional paving work could occur in downtown Fincastle later this summer.
Additional discussion included preparations for the return of Paint Fincastle in June and plans for a youth art show during this year’s Fincastle Festival in September featuring artwork from local students.
The next meeting of the Fincastle Town Council is scheduled for June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department.
