MARION, Va. — The Marion Town Council met Monday night for a full agenda that included a public hearing, adoption of new electronic‑participation rules, a year‑end financial report, updates on town projects, and several committee and departmental reports.
The agenda was approved without additions.
Public Hearing: Electronic Participation in Meetings
The council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance allowing members to participate in meetings electronically under circumstances other than a declared state of emergency. Todd Long reviewed the proposal, noting it has been posted for public review since April 7 and received no public feedback.
Long explained that the project budget was originally set at $2,000, but by using existing cameras and switcher software, the town has spent only about $500. If the ordinance is approved, Long will meet with Councilwoman Debra Hayes to walk through the technical requirements. Hayes’ remote participation would count toward quorum, and she would be visible to the public as required by state law.
A brief exchange occurred regarding how closed sessions would be handled. Long referenced prior discussions with Town Attorney Mark Fenyk. The mayor mentioned earbuds for use during closed session for Hayes. Fenyk attempted to provide input on earbuds; however, his microphone was muted and he could not be heard audibly either in person or on the live stream replay.
Charles Wassum asked where remote participants would appear on the chamber screens and whether the ordinance applied to physical or mental incapacity. Fenyk clarified that the provision is intended for medical disability preventing in‑person attendance, and that separate state code allows up to six electronic participations per year for travel or other non‑medical reasons with prior notice which applies to our council meetings at 25% of the time.
David Fulton questioned the cost of the project and asked whether any previous system components had been replaced. Long said no prior equipment was redone. Fulton also asked about the cost of the public notice, estimated at around $400. Combined equipment and advertising costs totaled under $1,000.
Councilman Larry Carter moved to adopt the ordinance allowing electronic participation during declared states of emergency. The motion passed unanimously.
Carter then moved to adopt the ordinance allowing electronic participation for medical conditions or other permitted circumstances, consistent with state code allowing up to 25% of meetings (six per year) for non‑emergency reasons. That motion also passed unanimously.
Mayor Avery Cornett directed Long to contact Hayes and begin reintegrating her into council meetings.
Auditor Tucker-Brandenburg presented the town’s year‑end financial report, noting no negative findings.
Key figures included:
- The general fund had sufficient current assets to cover liabilities 17.03 times, compared to the prior year.
- The governmental fund reported a net loss of $13.2 million, slightly higher than last year’s $12.6 million.
- The town had 4.45 months of cash on hand, down from 5.35 months.
- Water and sewer revenues decreased by approximately $10,000 over the past year.
Council members Susie Jennings, Hunter Atwell, and Debra Hayes were absent.
During public comment, David Fulton addressed concerns about drivers cutting into funeral processions at traffic lights. He asked about enforcement options. MPD explained that while citations are possible, the department does not currently have the manpower to consistently enforce procession violations.
Council and Committee Reports
Budget Committee
The committee met last week but did not finalize all items. Cornett noted that a representative from public television may attend a future meeting to discuss community programming. Town Manager Andrew Keen will present the full town budget at the next council meeting. The public hearing on the budget will be held at the first meeting in June, with adoption scheduled for the second June meeting.
Council Member Reports
- Todd May reported attending the April 24 walking quilt tour event, calling it an enjoyable downtown activity.
- Larry Carter announced that Emory & Henry College will host an event Wednesday at 6 p.m. celebrating its largest Physician Assistant class to date.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Cornett shared that he participated in the walking quilt tour, attended the kids’ fishing tournament, and had breakfast at the American Legion’s first‑Saturday event. He encouraged everyone to support the Legion’s monthly breakfasts.
Attorney’s Report
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk reported receiving notice from the Appalachian Natural Gas Distribution Company, which is seeking a rate reduction for a greenhouse facility in Carroll County. Council members questioned whether the matter affected Marion. Fenyk explained that the company does not serve Smyth County but that the State Corporation Commission requires municipalities to be notified.
The town manager recommended taking no action. Council agreed.
Economic Development and Loan Pool Updates
Economic Development Director Ken Heath announced:
- National Day of Prayer: Thursday at noon at the Town Hall flagpole.
- May 15: Hurricane Alley and Iron Street Mall children’s program.
- May 16: Fundraiser for Councilwoman Debra Hayes.
Heath also reported on the town’s USDA revolving loan fund, which has turned over 64 times since 2011. To strengthen the program, he recommended several policy updates:
- Minimum credit score raised to 675
- Borrowers must maintain a current Town of Marion business license
- Loans must support businesses operating within town limits
- Loans must be repaid if a business closes or relocates outside town
- Delinquent loans may enter collections after 60 days
Council approved a small business loan application from Obscure Fabric, a Main Street business near McNeil Furniture.
Heath also provided an update on Marion Downtown Revitalization activities. The report included Economic impact, local budget, Promo and special events, Housing units and volunteer hours in its data.
Town Manager Andrew Keen presented updates:
- Callan Drive Master Plan: A $47,000 proposal from CHA includes grant‑support staff and project assistance. Council agreed to move forward.
Marion Fire EMS shared photos from a recent fire at the former Bob Evans building in Wytheville, where Marion firefighters assisted and were asked to bring equipment needed. The building was vacant, and the fire was attributed to homeless individuals occupying the structure. Keen commended the department for its service to neighboring communities.
Keen reported that Steele Park Playground renderings and sensory‑friendly designs have been completed, crediting Beth Farris for her work.
He also highlighted new mosaics created at the Henderson School using broken glass and pottery. The pieces now wrap the concrete barriers at the town pool, adding color and community art to the space.
Fenyk thanked the town for allowing Recovery Court participants to assist with the mosaic project. Keen added that Tony Muncy has resumed supervising the offender work crew, which is assisting with projects around town, including at the recreation department.
The council meeting recessed prior to closed session so that everyone would have an opportunity to see the new fire truck that was parked across the street and a new piece of machinery also recently purchased.
