The Marion Town Council met Monday evening, November 3, 2025, with a packed agenda that included library programming updates, ordinance review, parade route planning, and department reports. The meeting began with roll call and a reminder from the mayor to council members about their microphones. Minutes from the October 20 meeting were approved, and the agenda was amended to add a closed session item regarding publicly held real property and the hiring process for the Town Manager by current manager Billy Hamm.
Smyth County Public Library Director Rose Likins updated the council on programs at the Smyth County library system, including Teen Tuesdays, Lego Night, adult coloring sessions and a Writers Group. She noted that the Maker Space in Chilhowie will soon be available to all county patrons and reminded residents of the Friends of the Library book sale on December 5. For specific information on these programs and more, please visit
Dr. Charles Wassum addressed errors in last meeting’s minutes, pointing out incorrect dates and missing details about a 911 incident he referenced at the October meeting. He delivered printed corrections and asked if the current meeting minutes more accurately reflect events and discussions. The council acknowledged the concern and agreed.
● Councilman Larry Carter reported that District 3’s upcoming meeting is scheduled later this month and that operations are proceeding smoothly.
● Councilwoman Jennings said the Personnel Committee has rescinded its recommendation to hire a town animal control officer and will instead invite county and rescue organization representatives for a briefing.
● Vide Mayor, Dr. Gates, thanked the community for their support during his recent medical leave, and reported that the playground improvements at Steele Park are progressing nicely.
The mayor announced that the public hearing for the loitering ordinance has been reset citing an “improper vote” at the previous meeting. The ordinance has been the subject of repeated discussion and scrutiny.
Chief Kevin Testerman of the Marion Police Department said that the recent homeless encampment on Mr. Earp’s property has been cleared, with assistance provided to individuals being relocated into hotel and residential settings. Some belongings are still on the property in case anyone returns needing those items. He also noted strong community participation in the recent Main Street Halloween event, with over 900 children attending.
Chief Rusty Hamm of Marion Fire/EMS highlighted outreach work including installing more than 40 smoke detectors in homes, career-day presentations at local schools, and participation in the state hospital chili championship.
Economic Development Director Ken Heath requested closure of Main Street on December 5 for the town’s Christmas parade and proposed shortening the route to avoid the railroad crossing. Police Chief Hamm suggested rerouting the parade toward the town pool instead. The mayor opposed shortening the route on such short notice, and the council voted to retain the traditional route and length.
Todd Long addressed questions about the leaf-pickup schedule, noting that information is posted under the “Residents” section of the town website. The trash ordinance resurfaced: questions were raised over earlier consideration of changing the curbside placement time from 6 p.m. to 4 p.m. by Councilwoman Jennings. No ordinance change has been adopted; enforcement has been lax in part because the council has not given clear direction and there are still ongoing issues with this ordinance.
While the agenda listed the hiring process for the Town Manager, the council entered closed session without discussion in the open portion of the meeting. This was a more direct explanation of the regular closed sessions that happen in Marion compared to previous agendas which simply list “personnel” or “Real Estate” as the reason. Prior to the meeting, The Watchdog Group of Marion Virginia published their findings which included data on the closed session meetings of surrounding localities and found that there were fewer closed sessions and that they were better outlined on agendas.
The town manager reported on road-patching activities, water-plant intake maintenance and debris removal. The picnic shelter at Steele Park is complete, with fencing, landscaping, and groundwork nearing completion. Councilman Carter inquired about the schedule for work, and staff indicated that if materials arrive this fall, landscaping may begin by Thanksgiving and paving can continue if temperatures are above 40 degrees.
The council concluded the regular meeting and moved into closed session for discussions on publicly held real property and the Town Manager hiring process.
When the town council returned from their closed session meeting, a vote was taken to allow town manager Billy Hamm to engage with interested parties concerning town real estate.
