Fincastle’s holiday decorations were installed Tuesday morning. | Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
The Fincastle Town Council convened Nov. 13 in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department training room, completing a full agenda that centered on an upcoming public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate increases. Mayor Mary Bess Smith presided, and Town Manager Melanie McFadyen delivered a detailed report outlining the town’s ongoing utility needs, current projects, and seasonal preparations.
The council confirmed that a public hearing on the proposed rate increases will be held during the next regular meeting on Dec. 11. McFadyen explained that the town has discussed the issue throughout the year as water and sewer expenses have continued to rise. Rates were last increased in 2021, and adjustments from the Western Virginia Water Authority have compounded the pressure to bring local charges in line with operational costs. Notices regarding the hearing will be published in advance, and residents will have an opportunity to comment before any action is taken.
McFadyen also updated the council on well pump No. 1, which has been out of service for roughly six weeks due to a back-ordered replacement. The pump, which serves as a supplemental unit rather than the primary source of water (well No. 2), is now expected to ship around Nov. 17. The pump itself is estimated to cost about $1,000, though the total replacement cost— including wiring and other components— may reach approximately $15,000 pending installation.
The town’s Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit remains on track for reissuance. The permit, which must be renewed every five years, is managed with assistance from consultant CHA at a cost of roughly $7,000. Public notices have already run locally, and the permit should be finalized by the end of November, just ahead of its Dec. 1 expiration. The annual permit fee this year is $3,523. The town manager said that this fee tends to be somewhere between $3,300 and $3,700.
In her review of recent town activities, McFadyen reported strong turnout for Halloween, estimating attendance at around 400 participants. She noted generous candy donations, volunteer support, and assistance from local partners that helped the event run smoothly. The annual Open Studios Tour also drew significant crowds, with artists reporting successful weekends.
Preparations are now underway for the Christmas season. Comcast was scheduled to install holiday lights on Nov. 18, with a volunteer work day set for Nov. 16 at the Fincastle United Methodist Church Family Life Center to assemble and prepare decorations. The Tinsel Tree Trail will open Dec. 5, followed by the Fincastle Christmas Parade on Dec. 6. This year’s grand marshal will be Scott Critzer. Parade planning is moving forward, including coordination on vehicles, floats, and student participation.
The meeting concluded with no additional business brought forward by council members or attendees, and preparations continued for the December session, where the public will address the proposed utility rate changes.
The citizen comment period featured a discussion regarding county development outside of town limits, concerns about the speed limit through Fincastle and if a permanent digital sign alerting vehicles of their speed would be necessary.
The next meeting of Fincastle Town Council will be on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department training room.
