Marion Town Council Hears Updates on Library Programs, Delinquent Tax Collections, and Budget Planning
The Marion Town Council met Monday evening with a full agenda that ranged from community events to long‑term budget planning and a new effort to recover delinquent taxes.
After approving the minutes and agenda, the council welcomed Mark Cheney, Commander of the American Legion. Cheney reminded residents that the Legion will host its monthly community breakfast on Saturday, March 7, operated by donation. He also announced an Easter egg hunt scheduled for March 22. Cheney presented Mayor Avery Cornett with recognition for joining the Sons of the American Legion, along with a commemorative pin and shirt.
Rose Likins, representing the Smyth County Public Library Board of Trustees, reported that the board will meet March 19 at 5:30 p.m., with the Friends of the Library meeting March 17 at 6 p.m. Likins highlighted the growing number of programs across the library system, noting that Mah Jong has become so popular that an additional evening group has formed. She also promoted the cookbook club, Lego night, and a sourdough bread workshop at the Chilhowie branch on March 31. The seed library is now open in Marion, with the remainder of the collection available in Chilhowie or by request. The Maker Space in Chilhowie continues to expand, with an acrylic bookmark workshop on March 13 and open lab time on March 31. Likins also announced that the Library of Virginia has added a new statewide platform for independent authors to publish and for readers to discover their work. “This is a great new resource and asset for authors in our community,” she said. The library will be closed for Easter.
Everyone is encouraged to visit the Smyth County Public Library’s events page and check out scheduled activities at:
Councilwoman Susie Jennings praised the library’s work, saying, “We are so lucky to have Rose and her staff. We would put it up against any big city library.”
During council reports, Vice Mayor Jim Gates shared that several members had visited Councilwoman Hayes, who is recovering from a fall and surgery, and said she is improving. Gates also asked Police Chief Kevin Testerman to increase patrols on Water Mill Road following reports that a driver was nearly forced off the roadway and speeding.
Jennings distributed the March newsletter for the Lincoln Theatre and noted that author Christy Landers- Tallamy will hold a book signing there from 1 to 4 p.m. She also plans to attend the first Mount Rogers Planning District Commission meeting on April 2.
Councilman Todd May reported ongoing work with Assistant Town Manager Tony Muncy on improvements at the recreation center, including carpet replacement and refinishing the concrete floor. He said the work can be completed in‑house, saving the town money.
Mayor Cornett reported attending the recent Health Trust Gala, describing it as well attended with excellent food. He said the Health Trust is close to reaching its goal of fully sustainable scholarship programs and hopes to invite a representative to speak to council in the future.
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk had no report.
Town Manager Andrew Keen provided an update on the FY2027 budget process, noting that departments are actively preparing submissions. Staff will continue refining the budget through March, with the budget committee expected to begin its review in late April. A balanced budget should be ready for council consideration by mid‑May, followed by a public hearing and adoption in June. Keen emphasized that the schedule remains flexible.
Keen said work on Callan Drive has been delayed because the contractor is currently working with the Food City construction site. He also reported that the town received nine submissions in response to a recent RFP and will soon meet with the review committee to determine which engineering firms to advance for further consideration.
Keen shared highlights from the recent VLGMA meeting in Staunton, where discussions focused on leadership ethics, demographic changes in small towns, workforce and housing challenges, private development, and creative employee benefits. He noted that many localities are struggling to retain staff as private‑sector opportunities draw workers away. Keen also announced that the Town of Marion’s Water Treatment Plant received the VDH Excellence in Waterworks Award and thanked staff for their work.
Keen then requested council approval for a resolution allowing the town to apply a 20 percent fee to seriously delinquent tax bills and refer them to Taxing Authority Consulting Services (TACS), a law firm specializing in collections for localities. He said preliminary review suggests as much as $200,000 in personal property and real estate taxes from 2022 forward may be collectible. “This is the last step in collection efforts,” Keen said. “Beyond this, there is not a whole lot of room to go any further.”
Councilman Larry Carter strongly supported the measure, citing his decades of experience in tax work. “They are robbing us—let’s go for it,” he said. “It boils down that they are robbing from all of us.” Jennings also voiced support, calling it “a great opportunity to try and get our money back or at least a portion of it.”
To read more about TACS visit their website at:
Gates asked whether a public hearing was required and it was confirmed it was not. The resolution passed unanimously.
Carter then asked Attorney Fenyk how far back the town can pursue collections. Fenyk said seven years, noting that abatement cleanup costs are filed as tax liens for five years before they can be turned over to collections.
Following a closed session, Carter made a motion to appoint Town Manager Andrew Keen as Town Treasurer, effective immediately. The motion passed.
The resolution reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion is charged with collecting taxes and other charges duly levied in
order to carry out the proper operation of the Town; and,
WHEREAS, the Town Manager and Finance Department staff are responsible for causing all
accounts to be paid timely or to initiate delinquent billings and collection efforts to aid in
compliance with those items duly payable to the Town; and,
WHEREAS, the Town Manager and Finance Department staff may engage collection agencies or
collection attorneys to assist in this regard and that certain costs are associated with the efforts to
collect delinquent billings may be incurred by the Town, due to no fault of those citizens who
have paid their accounts timely; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion wishes to ensure that those costs are borne by the citizens
responsible for the delinquent account.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Town Council of The Town of Marion that the provisions
of Virginia Code §58.1-3958 are hereby directed to be implemented and the Town Manager
along with Finance Department staff is authorized to bill and collect administrative fees and
attorney or collection agency fees as provided by and to the limits authorized under Virginia
Code §58.1-3958.
