As we move through 2025, the Purcellville Town Council has experienced significant changes and events that have shaped its governance. Below is a timeline capturing key decisions and occurrences from January 1 to March 25, 2025.
January 1, 2025
The new year starts with the Purcellville Town Council holding a majority, led by Mayor Chris Bertuat, Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett, and Council Members Carol Luke and Susan Khalil, setting the stage for forthcoming decisions and policies. This majority was campaigned for and promoted by former Mayor and now Interim Town Manager Kwasi Fraser.
January 8, 2025
The Town Council votes to terminate Rick Bremseth as Town Manager, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership. Kwasi Fraser is appointed as the Interim Town Manager. Mayor Bertaut acknowledges that discussions were held in previous months leading to this decision, though Council Members Erin Rayner, Caleb Stought, and Kevin Wright were not included in these discussions and were unaware of the vote.
January 14, 2025
During a meeting focused on committee assignments, the four majority Council Members retain their current positions or are assigned to their requested committees. However, Council Members Erin Rayner and Caleb Stought are required to change their committee assignments. An action item regarding the Interim Town Manager’s contract is noted, but the contract is not included in the agenda, leading to delays as some Council Members have not seen the document.
January 16, 2025
Chief Barry Dufek announces his retirement effective February 3. In his statement, he emphasizes the need for integrity and transparency in leadership, expressing concerns that these values are not universally upheld within the Council.
January 28, 2025
The Mayor unilaterally changes the salary of the Interim Town Manager’s contract without prior notice to the Council. The Council votes to move forward with a Public Hearing on a zoning ordinance without the necessary review from staff, raising concerns among Council Members and citizens.
February 6, 2025
During a Planning Commission meeting, town staff attempt to correct an improperly made motion. Despite their respectful efforts, the Chair dismisses their attempts, insisting that any corrections should be addressed after the meeting, which raises questions about procedural adherence.
February 24, 2025
Carl “Ben” Nett is placed on the Brady-Giglio list due to doubts regarding his credibility as a law enforcement officer. This decision sparks discussions concerning its impact on the town’s police department.
February 25, 2025
Former Mayor Stan Milan expressed concerns about the current majority Council’s use of the app Signal for conducting town business communications. Meanwhile, Council Member “Ben” Nett requests that the bid posting for the Town Manager position be amended to include anyone who has served as Town Manager as presumptively qualified, expressing concerns that Kwasi Fraser may not meet minimum qualifications.
The Mayor publicly apologizes to Commissioner Rise following citizen outrage over the treatment of a staff member at the February 6 Planning Commission meeting.
March 6, 2025
A special closed meeting is held to discuss the discipline of a member of the Police Department and potential litigation related to this matter.
March 11, 2025
Citizens express their opposition to a Draft Zoning Ordinance that has been hastily moved to Public Hearing. Additionally, Council Member Susan Khalil announces the cancellation of the town’s participation in the Main Street Program, stating that resources would be better allocated to other priorities.
March 19, 2025
Interim Town Manager Kwasi Fraser presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the Town Council. The budget, totaling $35.9 million, includes fund transfers aimed at delaying increases in water and sewer rates.
This timeline reflects a period of significant transition and decision-making within the Purcellville Town Council, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by local governance as it navigates issues of leadership, budgetary concerns, and community engagement. With this majority Town Council continuing into 2025, ongoing developments will undoubtedly influence the future of Purcellville.