Buchanan Town Manager Timothy Mack reported steady progress across several departments, along with ongoing financial and infrastructure challenges, in his January update included in the Town Council’s January agenda packet.
On the financial side, Town Treasurer Claudine Stump continues to manage multiple responsibilities while working to resolve accounting alignment issues stemming from the town’s transition between financial systems. In addition to handling payroll, accounts payable and Freedom of Information Act requests, Stump is preparing for tax season and training newly hired Town Clerk Hannah Crawford, who began work in late November and will also serve as the town’s FOIA officer.
Because the December Town Council meeting was canceled, staff provided two months of budget summaries. The General Fund is trending upward and remains on pace to meet budgeted goals. Local tax revenues have remained strong, with several large payments expected later in the fiscal year, including bank stock and business license taxes. Personal property tax revenues are below projections due to billing errors affecting several businesses, which staff are working to correct and collect.
The Water Fund remains stable, although costs for repairs, maintenance services and supplies continue to rise. The Sewer Fund remains the town’s most pressing financial concern, as maintenance expenses, contractor services, sludge removal and equipment rentals have exceeded budgeted levels despite relatively steady revenues.
Public Works staff members Scott Knick and Wally Muterspaugh addressed several significant issues during the month, including overseeing repairs to a water leak on Water Street and assisting with leaks on Main Street and in the Carson Hill area. They also responded to multiple sewer backups, including persistent issues near 13th Street and Culpepper, and spent time winterizing town equipment and vulnerable water meters. Mack personally commended both employees for their efforts.
Problems at the town’s digester continue, with sludge pumping ongoing as contractors work to reach the bottom of the unit to identify the source of the malfunction. Staff estimate another seven to eight feet remain and may need to increase pumping frequency. In the interim, coordination is underway with Lynchburg Crane to remove the digester so motor issues can be addressed. Separately, Lloyd Electric is evaluating a pump at the Southview Pump Station, with staff exploring replacement options.
Special Projects Coordinator Jon Ellestad, a temporary part-time employee, continues to assist with a range of initiatives, including development of a special events playbook, records management in accordance with state law, utilities research, interviews with volunteer event planners and assistance with recommended budget amendments.
Among other town updates, Mack reported discussions about displaying a Virginia 250 flag near the LOVE sign to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, with maintenance to be handled privately through 2026. He also met with representatives from the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, which is interested in hosting its annual National Night Out event at the Buchanan carnival grounds on Oct. 9. The event would be organized, funded and managed entirely by the Sheriff’s Office and would be open to the public with free concessions.
In administrative matters, town staff welcomed Shean Bowers as a new council member, filling the remainder of an unexpired term. Mack also introduced Hannah Crawford as the town’s new clerk during the meeting. The town is interviewing candidates for a new dual-role position combining special events coordination with administrative support.
Work continues on the town’s Comprehensive Plan update, which incorporates findings from the Rural Economies for Rural Communities study. Once adopted, likely in summer 2026, the plan will be followed by a comprehensive update to the zoning ordinance.
Mack also recommended several policy updates for council consideration, including clarifying FOIA procedures, revising purchasing policies to reduce the number of required quotes, adding an emergency purchasing clause and amending language to better align with state procurement law. He further suggested developing a Capital Improvements Plan ahead of the FY 2027 budget cycle to help prioritize projects—particularly water and sewer infrastructure—and to strengthen the town’s eligibility for state and federal grants.
To view the January agenda packet, please visit: www.buchanan-va.gov/meetings/recent.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
