By Matt de Simone
Fincastle’s Town Council met Thursday night in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, where Mayor Mary Bess Smith and council discussed a wide-ranging and at times humorous session that touched on everything from water rate adjustments to Christmas decorations. Town Manager Melanie McFadyen provided a detailed update on town projects and shared experiences from her recent leadership training with the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute.
The meeting began with routine approvals. Council approved the previous meeting’s minutes and current agenda without changes. Financial activity included pond maintenance, an annual DEQ permit, and new holiday decorations funded in part by a donation honoring the late Willie Simmons. One sticking point remained unresolved: an outstanding bill for last year’s Christmas lights. McFadyen noted that she was still awaiting a response from the utility company.
McFadyen discussed an anticipated water and sewer rate adjustment. Rates have not increased since January 2021, despite Western Virginia Water Authority’s yearly hike. A new increase is being considered, with plans to catch up and then implement smaller annual cost-of-living adjustments. A public hearing will be scheduled, likely in November or December. McFadyen reassured council members the proposed increase would be minimal, estimating a personal household rise of under $3.
Supplementing this discussion was news that a 10-horsepower well pump on Blacksburg Road recently failed. The town is working with the Water Authority to replace it, with early cost estimates ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Sidewalk concerns were also addressed. Complaints have been received regarding the condition of sidewalks along the west side of Main Street and on Blacksburg Road. The town is exploring options to repair or replace them, potentially in coordination with VDOT.
In terms of emergency preparedness, McFadyen announced that the town’s grant application for a portable backup generator is still under review. The equipment would primarily serve well number two but could be moved as needed. Despite delays at the federal level, the generator qualifies as emergency infrastructure, which keeps it in funding contention.
Turning to planning updates, McFadyen clarified the status of the Old Jail property. Owned by the county but subject to town zoning, the property is in the final stages of transferring a lease from the Naysmith family to the Lambeth family. Once environmental work tied to a Brownfield grant is completed, the Lambeths plan to open a coffee shop on the premises. Council members confirmed that minimal renovations are expected, with no exterior changes.
A new Law Office Hotel (LOH) Committee has been established to help guide reconstruction of county-owned historic buildings. The group includes town and county representatives, Historic Society members, and local volunteers. Smith encouraged the committee to consult town experts for help identifying materials and historical accuracy in the restoration process.
McFadyen reviewed planned road closures for the Fincastle Fall Run on October 18, which will affect several streets from 9 to 10 a.m. Concerns were raised about parking availability, especially near the courthouse. Council discussed possible overflow areas, such as the Presbyterian Church or grassy areas near the highway.
Halloween festivities will take place on October 31, with road closures from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office is coordinating public safety and asking for candy donations to ensure trick-or-treaters have plenty of sweets. A costume contest is also being considered, and volunteers will be stationed along Main Street porches to hand out treats.
The Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 6, and the Tinsel Trail will open December 5. Council members discussed logistics, including setting a workday to prepare decorations and coordinate with local cable providers for access to utility poles. Decorations will expand this year to include not just Wysong Park but areas along Main Street and near the town office. Big Spring Park will also feature new lights and a decorated gazebo.
Council affirmed that the town would continue its New Year’s Eve tradition of bell ringing, a cherished event that draws visitors from across the region.
For more information regarding town council and town updates, visit townoffincastle.org.
