By Matt de Simone
The Fincastle Town Council heard a largely steady-status update on the Botetourt County Circuit Courthouse renovation and an end-of-year report from Town Manager Melanie McFadyen during its regular meeting last Thursday evening.
County Capital Projects Manager Rich Evans told council and residents that the courthouse project remains on schedule for completion in September 2027 and that there has been no major change in the overall timeline.
“There isn’t really any significant news,” Evans said, noting that construction continues to progress despite the complexity of the site.
Evans said about 95% of rock hammering has been completed and that crews are nearing the point of setting structural steel, a milestone expected to begin once backfilling is finished. He said the installation of steel should take roughly six weeks and will mark a visible shift in the project’s progress.
Work also continues on the retaining wall along US 220. Evans explained that block is being added to the inside of the wall first to confirm the appearance before the exterior is completed. He presented landscaping plans showing that the wall will be softened with noninvasive trees and plantings and that a “green space” will replace the former parking area in front of the old courthouse site.
The Civil War monument will remain in its current location, Evans said, with surrounding grades raised to meet it. Other monuments previously located on the site, including the Union cannons, will be placed nearby to form a consolidated monument park.
Photos by Matt de Simone
Council members raised questions about maintenance and design details. Evans confirmed there is water access to maintain the landscaping, though it has not yet been determined whether a sprinkler system will be installed. He also said the green space will include electrical outlets and that he will check with the project architect to ensure the courthouse signage and lighting are consistent with the town’s existing signage at Main Street and US 220.
Additionally, Mayor Mary Bess Smith and Evans discussed tentative plans to hold the traditional Dec. 31, 2026, bell ringing at the new courthouse.
Evans said the Virginia Department of Transportation has approved the closure of a portion of Back Street, which could occur in two to three weeks and remain closed for much of the remainder of the project to accommodate construction and accessibility requirements.
Town Manager Melanie McFadyen reminded residents that the town’s water and sewer rate increase, which took effect Jan. 1, will first be reflected on February billing statements.
She said the town is completing multiple end-of-year reporting requirements and recently received a clean, unqualified audit opinion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The town’s auditor is expected to attend a future council meeting to present the financial statements.
McFadyen also said a presentation on the updated hazard mitigation plan has been pushed back to February at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which asked for additional changes before approval.
There is still no decision on the town’s application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) façade improvement program, McFadyen said. She added that the process may be delayed further or pushed into the next grant cycle.
Council and residents closed the meeting with positive comments about the town’s holiday decorations, particularly the Christmas lights and the Tinsel Trail. Several members discussed working with the Chamber of Commerce and First Bank to explore ways to improve the layout and accessibility of the display in future years.
The next meeting of Fincastle Town Council is Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Training Room.
