Marion Town Council Reviews Legislative Concerns, Planning Updates, and Local Business Support
The Marion Town Council met Tuesday evening with all members present except Councilwoman Debra Hayes. After approving the agenda and minutes, the meeting moved quickly through the early portion, with no public comments offered.
During council reports, Councilman Carter thanked fellow members for supporting attendance at the recent Virginia Municipal League conference, describing it as highly informative. Holding up a stack of bills currently before the General Assembly, Carter warned that proposed changes to sovereign immunity could place a heavy financial burden on towns like Marion by increasing insurance exposure. He urged residents to pray the measure fails and noted that VML is actively opposing several bills. Carter also said the proposed one percent sales tax increase is expected to pass, with all revenue earmarked for school construction and maintenance. He pointed out that many schools in the area were built in the 1950s and 60s and are long overdue for upgrades. Attendance at the conference was lower than usual, he said, but the seminars were strong and VML staff continue to impress him with their professionalism.
Council members May, Atwell, and Spencer had no reports. Councilwoman Jennings shared that she had spoken with the sister of Debra, who recently underwent surgery. Jennings said the procedure went well and Debra is now doing physical therapy as they wait for further updates.
Vice Mayor Gates also attended the VML conference and described it as eye opening, noting that with Democrats in control of the legislature, significant policy and law changes are expected over the next two years. He thanked the council for the opportunity to attend.
Mayor Cornett reported attending a meeting at the American Legion the previous night and said he was proud to join the organization as a Son of the American Legion, made possible through his father’s military service. He reminded the public of the Legion’s monthly breakfast on March 7, held the first Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 a.m., with donations supporting local needs. He also noted that the Health Trust Gala, postponed in January, is approaching and remains an important community event.
Town attorney Mark Fenyk thanked the council for allowing him to attend the VML conference and echoed Carter’s concerns about proposed legislation affecting sovereign immunity. He said the General Assembly is facing an estimated $800 million deficit and that unfunded mandates are becoming more common. According to Fenyk, the proposed changes would remove qualified immunity protections for localities that carry liability insurance, exposing towns to greater financial risk. He warned that funding will likely tighten across Virginia despite the surplus left by the previous administration.
The mayor added that attending VML alongside county officials, including members of the Board of Supervisors, provides valuable opportunities for communication and cooperation. Carter noted that Smyth County had a strong turnout at the conference.
Staff reports were approved without questions.
Planning and Community Development Director Todd Long reported that the town experienced a brief Wi Fi outage at the start of the meeting but the livestream resumed during the Pledge of Allegiance. Long said the Planning Commission has begun its required review of the town’s comprehensive plan. The commission voted unanimously to retain the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission for the review, as has been customary. After consulting the town attorney, Long requested a council vote to affirm the decision, which passed unanimously. He also reported that Cameron Wolfe and Bob Ramsey were re elected as commission officers.
Two new skill game requests were submitted due to ownership changes: one for the Exxon at 234 East Main Street and another for the Pit Stop at 611 South Main Street. Council set a public hearing for March 16. Long added that he and town attorney Mark Fenyk have been working through a full update of the town code, which has not undergone a comprehensive revision in 23 years. They are two thirds of the way through the process, with many sections requiring modernization.
Economic Development Director Ken Heath presented a small business loan request for Black Match, a new social club for young adults located in the former Zarati space. Heath said the business grew out of the town’s pop up program and offers an opportunity for local youth engagement. Council approved the loan unanimously.
Architect Bill Huber entered the meeting at 5:51 p.m. with a guest, appearing to be present for the closed session scheduled later in the evening.
With the town manager absent, the council bypassed his report unless needed.
After returning from closed session, Larry Carter made a motion allowing Samantha White to share information from the closed session with Town Manager Andrew Keen, who was attending to other town related matters and was absent from the meeting. The motion was approved.
The meeting concluded with no additional business.
In addition, Andrew Keen took time to explain to Three County News via email that the VML event council members attended was the annual “Local Government Day,” a gathering designed to brief local governments on newly proposed state legislation that could affect their daily operations. He emphasized that the event is also an important opportunity for local government staff to meet directly with the state senators and delegates who represent their municipalities, allowing them to express concerns, priorities, and hopes related to both legislation and the state budget.
Keen noted that this year’s event was especially significant because it followed a change in gubernatorial administration, which often brings shifts in policy direction—particularly when there is also a change in the governing party.
The program included featured speakers such as David Bulova, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources; Mark Sickles, Secretary of Finance; and Jesseca Hoff, Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Commission. Attendees received a legislative briefing, visited the General Assembly, met with their delegations, and concluded the day with a reception featuring Senator Mark Warner.
