In a recent court decision, the Loudoun County Circuit Court has ruled on the ongoing legal dispute involving Purcellville Council Members Erin Rayner, Kevin Wright, and Caleb Stought against the Town of Purcellville regarding the adoption of tax rates without a required two-thirds majority vote.
Judge Stephan Sincavage sustained the Town’s demurrer, determining that the petitioners failed to demonstrate standing and did not adequately identify issues affecting taxpayers. Importantly, the ruling allows the plaintiffs to amend their petition to address elements highlighted by the court. The amended petition is expected to be filed next week, aimed at clarifying the legal questions raised during the hearings.
Town council member Kevin Wright stated, “I, along with Council members Rayner, Stought appreciate the judge’s ruling today in the ongoing matter. The Court’s decision does not dismiss the case or address the merits but rather allows us to amend the petition to address elements identified in the Court’s decision. The amendment is anticipated to be filed with the court during the week of January 26–30, 2026, and we will continue to pursue this matter to ensure full compliance with the statutory requirements contained in the Code of Virginia.”
The upcoming filing will emphasize that the three council members are seeking statutory interpretation for future votes, rather than attempting to reverse previous outcomes. The amendment intends to resolve any confusion regarding the nature of the lawsuit, which was submitted by the council members in their official capacities, not as private citizens. Additionally, the amended petition will clarify any misunderstandings related to the signatures and whether they represented individual citizens or the council members themselves.
The Town of Purcellville’s defense is represented by Town Attorney Robert Sproul, who argued that the matter was speculative and asserted that the tax rate had already been established, with no preventative relief warranted at this stage.
However, Wright and his colleagues maintain that clarity is necessary to prevent future disputes regarding tax rate votes. They suggest that ambiguities surrounding the adoption process must be addressed for the benefit of both the council and the taxpayers.
Looking ahead, the council members are focused on amending their petition with clarified language and will file it next week.