As the Purcellville Town Council prepares for tonight’s meeting, Purcellville News has obtained an email from Town Manager Fraser regarding significant proposed staff reductions.
The revised budget recommends eliminating 7.6 employee positions, resulting in a total decrease of $1,036,441.39. The details of these proposed changes are as follows:
Police Department: The recommendation includes the elimination of four full-time police positions, including ranking officers. These positions were initially suggested in a previous police operational audit but were never filled.
Budget Reduction: $537,157.95
Water Fund: Following the resignation of the current Senior Hydrogeologist, this position will be eliminated. It is proposed that these duties be handled through contracted services instead.
Budget Reduction: $153,730.03 (not including contracted services).
Planning and Economic Development: A total of 2.6 full-time positions are slated for elimination. This decision follows the retirement of the Permit and Code Enforcement Coordinator and the resignation of the Planning Manager. It is also recommended that the part-time Economic Development Advisor position be cut. Town Manager Fraser noted that the organization will be “strategically realigned to integrate these core responsibilities” into the Town Manager’s Office and Planning Department.
Budget Reduction: $345,553.41
Council Member Erin Rayner expressed her concerns regarding these proposed cuts, stating, “Reducing our planning staff will have detrimental consequences for the operational efficiency of our department and the future planning of our town. How do we expect to be a thriving economic hub if we do not invest in our own people, efficiency, and business community? This will not save us money; it will hurt our town and overburden our remaining staff.”
Over the years, Purcellville has aimed to transition to contracted positions and public/private partnerships to achieve financial benefits. However, these efforts have often fallen short, with revenue projections not meeting expectations or the Town struggling to find qualified individuals familiar with Purcellville’s operations.
The Purcellville Water Department is essential in ensuring that our water meets and exceeds all state and federal guidelines. The staff not only maintains daily operations but also plans for future needs and explores cost reduction alternatives. Historically, contracted positions have not provided the same level of dedication and commitment.
Recent articles in Purcellville News have highlighted the economic development potential within our local business community. Currently, Purcellville generates $6 million in revenue from its businesses, making the elimination of the Economic Advisor position seem unwise as the Town seeks to expand its economic base.
While tonight’s agenda does not include any budget votes, previous meetings have seen unannounced motions. Future budget votes may face complications, as Commonwealth Attorney Robert Anderson has stated that Vice Mayor Nett is prohibited from participating in any discussions or votes regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 budget deliberations. A tie vote could prevent the budget from advancing.
Mayor Bertaut has expressed intent to seek “additional legal clarity” regarding the Commonwealth Attorney’s opinion. A recent FOIA request for emails from the Mayor about reconsidering Vice Mayor Nett’s participation was denied due to attorney-client privilege, suggesting that taxpayers might be covering legal fees for a council member who violated the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act, as indicated in the Commonwealth Attorney’s opinion. To date, there has been no reversal of this ruling.
In light of these proposed reductions, Town Manager Fraser aims to facilitate the transfer of funds from the Meals Tax to the Utility Fund while maintaining adequate funding for the Police Department. Previously, Utility Funds and General Funds were entirely separate; however, the current budget structure has caused all funds to co-mingle, complicating the separation of the police budget from that of other departments.
As the Town Council heads into tonight’s budget meeting, many uncertainties remain. Purcellville News will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.