The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Covington City Manager Allen Dressler presented a proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 balanced budget in the amount of $21,687,771 to the Covington City Council at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening.
The proposed budget includes a 2 ½% cost of living increase for all city employees, effective July 1. There will be no tax or utility bill increases in this proposed budget, but Dressler warned that due to increases in fuel and electricity costs, the utilities will need to be addressed in the next budget.
After the Rev. Dan Gillette, pastor of Grace Brethren Church, gave the invocation, Council held two public hearings.
Ben Crewe, an agent on behalf of Five Stars LLC addressed Council to update them on the business’ request to consider rezoning a lot directly behind 229 E. Madison St.
“The owner is excited to make an investment in the city of Covington,” said Crewe, further explaining the owner’s plans for a small neighborhood retail facility.
Tommy Garten was present to answer any questions of Council as they considered rezoning lots described as 263 W. Main Street, lots 86 and 87, at the request of Garten Development LLC.
After a couple of questions from Council on both requests and hearing no comments from the citizens, Council approved these requests in agreement with the planning committee’s recommendations.
In other action, Council unanimously reappointed Vice Mayor David Crosier to the Mountain Gateway Community College Board of Directors and to the Economic Development Corporation and Allen Dressler to the Roanoke Valley/Alleghany Regional Commission. They tabled the reappointment of David Oliver to the Economic Development Corporation at the request of Mayor Tom Sibold. Sibold requested that the position be reposted to give a citizen the opportunity rather than a businessperson.
Council also approved resolutions and approved a proclamation declaring May as “Better Hearing and Speech Month.”
