The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Clifton Forge Town Council convened after a snow event delayed the original meeting scheduled for Feb. 11. During the meeting, several area organizations provided presentations and important updates, while residents voiced concerns over taxes.
Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley/Alleghany Regional Commission, presented a brief overview of the commission’s projects. Holmes highlighted several projects, including the planning process for the Regional Pre-Disaster Hazard Plan, which will help secure FEMA funds should a disaster occur, a project to install two electric vehicle charging stations in the Town of Clifton Forge, and a free grant writing service called Ready Appalachia offered by the commission, which is helping Clifton Forge secure funding for major bridge repairs.
Clifton Forge Main Street then presented awards to three area businesses for their work in establishing new retail and dining opportunities recently. C&Ohhh Ice Cream Depot, owned by Keith and Celeste Bagley; The Depot on Main, owned by Betsy Rogers; and Oh So Foxy! owned by Jennifer Peters were the celebrated recipients.
Next, the council heard several requests for event permits and road closures, including one by Clifton Forge Main Street to hold the Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday, March 17. Two proclamations were then introduced for Town Council support, including March 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Month and April 2025 as Clean-up Month, where organizations and area residents can offer their time to clean up trash. Both proclamations were passed by the council.
Mike Lockaby, a skilled town attorney, offered council members formal training on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), where council members and town residents were able to ask questions, present scenarios for clarification, and meet required training mandates.
Chuck Unroe, Town Manager, then offered his update, which included important delays on water line projects, traffic light concerns, the EV charging station installation, and the efforts to secure funding for Ridgeway Street Bridge repairs. Unroe also offered gratitude and praise for the Public Works department, which handled several big snow events and waterline breaks simultaneously over the last few weeks. Before moving to public comment, Unroe announced the hiring of Maria Saxton as Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Clifton Forge.
During public comment, Pamela Lightfoot introduced the council members to a program called “GO Virginia” that focuses on growth and development opportunities for localities by offering funding and planning support. John Moser spoke about his concerns regarding increased taxes and suggested the town council hold workers accountable for the time they are being paid. Lastly, Teresa McCallister, resident, approached the council about the large increase in property assessment values. She stated that according to the new assessment, her property increased 65% and she defended many of her neighbors who have also had similar increases. McCallister also stated that minimal improvements had been done to the property, even at that assessed value. Council members tried to explain that the council had no control over the agency or the timing of the reassessment. Jeff Irvine, Mayor of Clifton Forge, tried to offer explanation and reassurance, “Taxes can only go up 1% from what was collected last year. We can’t control the tax assessment, but the council will do everything we can to be fair and limit the burden on our residents.” Irvine also took the opportunity to explain his initiative to reconvene the Intergovernmental Committee, where each locale within the Alleghany Highlands would have two representatives, and the committee could work together, discuss upcoming projects, offer collaborations, and share resources.
Members of the council then moved to a closed session in order to discuss real estate owned by the town. The Town Council will meet again on March 11 at 7 p.m. A public hearing is scheduled to be held at that time regarding vacant property adjacent to 600 Main Street, Clifton Forge. Any person wishing to express his/her views regarding the property may appear before the council on that date.
