The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 10, marked by both reflection on the past and anticipation for the city’s future.
The city recognized the 12 years of dedicated service by its Vice Mayor David Crosier and Mayor Tom Sibold at a special gathering before the city council meeting. City Manager Allen Dressler praised the two leaders for their instrumental role in the city’s financial stability and infrastructure improvements over the past decade. Dressler highlighted how Crosier and Sibold’s leadership helped Covington navigate state meetings and collaborate on regional initiatives, like the new pad site and education programs for local schools. He acknowledged the challenges of being a public servant but commended the pair’s unwavering commitment to representing the city. Dressler presented the two public servants with plaques commemorating their service to the city. The event also honored the officials’ spouses, who were given flower arrangements.
Dressler closed the ceremony with a prayer, thanking the community and the catering crew from the Friendly Fork which provided the meal, before allowing everyone to fix a plate.
The official meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with an invocation by Pastor Steve Noel, who prayed for blessings on the city’s leaders and employees, asking for wisdom, guidance and unity in the community. This set the tone for a session that would see both heartfelt goodbyes and a renewed commitment to Covington’s progress.
City Manager Allen Dressler delivered his report, highlighting the city’s many accomplishments over the past year. He praised the hard work of city staff, noting the improvements to the paving and sidewalk infrastructure, as well as the significant investments made at the wastewater treatment plant. Dressler also celebrated the water treatment plant’s near-nomination as the top water facility in the state of Virginia, crediting the dedicated team for their excellent work. “When you drive around Covington, you can see where our taxpayer dollars are going,” Dressler said. “We’re making huge strides, and it’s all thanks to the incredible city staff we have.”
The council then turned its attention to several resolutions, including the acceptance of opioid recovery settlement funds and approval of the police department’s “Shop with a Cop” program. These measures were approved unanimously, underscoring the council’s commitment to supporting public safety and community initiatives. However, the most poignant moment of the evening came during the council members’ departing words.
Vice Mayor David Crosier, who has served on the council for 12 years, reflected on his time in office, offering heartfelt thanks to the city staff and residents. “If there was ever anything to celebrate, it was because of city staff,” Crosier said. “There weren’t many times when you all weren’t successful, where we had to take criticism. So, I do appreciate that.”
Crosier’s sentiments were echoed by fellow outgoing council member Tom Sibold, who expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Debbie, and addressed the criticism he had faced during his tenure. “I go by the idea that honesty is the absence of the intent to deceive, and I saw some very deceptive things going on in the last 12 months,” Sibold said. “If there was any deception anywhere, it was them. And that tells me they are dishonest.”
Despite the challenges, both Crosier and Sibold emphasized the many positive changes they had witnessed in Covington over the years, crediting the hard work and dedication of the city’s employees. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a resolution honoring the late James Robert “Cheez” Smith, a beloved community member known for his charitable work and annual role as Cheez Claus in the local Christmas parade. The council recognized Smith’s lasting impact on the Allegheny Highlands, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated himself to making a difference.
As the Covington City Council prepares to welcome new members, the outgoing leaders expressed confidence in the city’s future. Crosier and Sibold both expressed their belief that incoming council members Susan Crowder and Susan Wolfe would continue to build on the progress made in recent years. “I’m glad we’ve got both of them replacing us, because I think they’ll be okay,” Sibold said, “and I think they’ll do a great job.”
With a mix of nostalgia and optimism, the Covington City Council closed the chapter on 2024, setting the stage for an exciting new era in the city’s history.
