By Matt de Simone
Fincastle Town Council unanimously approved the town’s fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget Thursday evening, authorizing $613,000 in projected revenues and expenditures while also advancing several community improvement projects and summer events.
The budget includes a General Fund of $237,000 and a Water and Sewer Fund of $376,000. Council approved the spending plan following a public hearing held during its May meeting.
Council also approved the town’s monthly financial reports. Among the expenditures discussed were a down payment for new town entrance signs and work associated with improvements at the town gazebo through a recreation grant project.
Town Manager Melanie McFadyen reported that Fincastle recently received a recreation grant from Botetourt County to help fund repairs and upgrades to the gazebo. Blue Mountain Construction has begun work on the project, including cleaning the structure, replacing deteriorated boards and railings, repairing steps and repainting the facility.
“The whole building looks practically new already,” McFadyen said of the initial cleaning work.
McFadyen also announced progress on another improvement project at Big Spring Park. A stone mason has been secured to restore the park’s monument, with work expected to begin later this month.
Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the town’s reapplication for a Virginia Community Development Block Grant. The proposed project focuses on downtown revitalization and facade enhancements intended to complement ongoing investment in the historic district and the courthouse project.
McFadyen said the application is substantially the same as the one submitted last year and therefore does not require an additional public hearing.
Council members also received an update on ongoing discussions with the Virginia Department of Transportation regarding responsibility for repairs to deteriorating sidewalks along West Main Street. Town officials believe documentation supports their position that the right-of-way and repairs fall under VDOT’s jurisdiction.
Resident Scott Critzer urged council to continue pressing the issue but asked that the town consider moving forward with repairs if no resolution is reached with the state by the end of the year.
“If, by the end of this year, they don’t pony up at least a cooperative effort gesture, I’d like to ask council to move ahead with the project,” Critzer told council during the public comment period.
Preparations are also underway for the town’s annual fireworks celebration, scheduled for July 5 at dusk. The VFW will return with its hot dog fundraiser, joined this year by additional food vendors, including a kettle corn vendor and Grandpa Ike’s Donuts. A rain date has been set for July 11.
McFadyen reported that the town’s annual Consumer Confidence Report has been mailed to water customers and confirmed that Fincastle’s drinking water continues to meet all quality standards.
“Our water quality is excellent again this year,” she noted.
In other business, council approved a proclamation supporting “Liberty on the Lawn,” an America 250-themed celebration planned for July 11 at the Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture. Organized by the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the event will feature historical demonstrations, Colonial-era games and activities commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Council also heard that the Planning Commission has begun work on updating the town’s comprehensive plan. Public surveys are expected to be distributed this summer as part of the update process.
The next regular meeting of the Fincastle Town Council will be held in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Community Room July 9.
