By Matt de Simone
Fincastle Town Council voted unanimously last Thursday to approve a 5% increase to water and sewer rates, set to take effect January 1, 2026. The decision followed a public hearing and a detailed presentation by Town Manager Melanie McFadyen during the council’s December meeting, held in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Training Room.
Mayor Mary Bess Smith said the increase is both necessary and reasonable. She described the adjustment as “a smart move and a good move for the town,” adding that she does not believe the added cost will be “burdensome” for residents.
McFadyen’s presentation provided a multi-year breakdown of rising operating expenses for the town’s water and wastewater systems, including increased costs for chemicals, electricity, plant operations, and maintenance. The town last increased water and sewer rates in 2020, and connection fees have not changed since 2019.
One reason the town initiated this year’s study was the discovery that it had fallen five years behind on regular rate reviews— a delay council members agreed must not happen again. As part of Thursday’s action, the council reaffirmed a commitment to conducting annual rate reviews moving forward.
Comparisons with neighboring localities were also included in McFadyen’s analysis. While Fincastle’s costs differ from other systems due to varying technology and plant demands, McFadyen noted that the town’s rates remain generally in line with those of nearby communities.
Under the approved increase, most residential customers— who fall within the town’s first usage tier— will see modest changes in their bills. For some average households, the adjustment amounts to roughly $3 more per month, or around $36 annually.
Smith emphasized that regular small adjustments are healthier than infrequent large increases, particularly as the town prepares for eventual major upgrades at its now 20-plus-year-old wastewater treatment plant. “Something big will hit eventually,” Smith said, noting that past equipment failures have cost tens of thousands of dollars.
No members of the public spoke in opposition to the proposal during the hearing. Town Planner Scott Critzer, however, voiced support— encouraging the town to stay on schedule with rate reviews. Council then voted 7-0 to adopt the increase and the necessary ordinance.
In her monthly report, McFadyen announced that a well pump replacement was completed at a lower-than-expected cost. The pump and installation totaled about $8,900. A planned hazard mitigation presentation, originally scheduled for December, has been postponed to January due to questions still being addressed by the Roanoke Valley–Alleghany Regional Commission.
McFadyen also highlighted recent holiday events. She praised the town’s Christmas parade, calling it “excellent,” and commended volunteers and local partners for help with the seasonal Tinsel Trail decorations, which she said looked “beautiful” throughout town, especially after the recent snowfall.
Graphic courtesy of Botetourt Co.
Residents are encouraged to attend the January 8 council meeting, where County Capital Projects Manager Rich Evans is scheduled to provide a public update on courthouse construction, including renderings of the new retaining wall designs and signage.
A rumor has recently circulated in Fincastle claiming that a parking garage is being built at the renovated Circuit Courthouse site. When asked about it, Evans stated that the claim is “absolutely false,” explaining, “There is going to be a large parking lot along 220 and a small one on Back Street.”
For updates on the courthouse project— including design images and answers to frequently asked questions— visit the county website at www.botetourtva.gov/707/Circuit-Courthouse-in-Fincastle.
