The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA. (VR) The Covington City Council held its monthly work session Tuesday evening, addressing a range of important local matters from infrastructure improvements to upcoming community events. City Manager Allen Dressler delivered an impressive and extensive report highlighting Covington’s recent activities and its future plans. The Recreation department’s efforts were particularly praised, reporting over thirty baseball teams being part of the action playing around the city over the past weekend, and an anticipated 50-60 teams expected for an upcoming girls’ softball tournament welcoming teams from neighboring Greenbrier, West Virginia.
Mayor Carson allowed time for public comments during an open hearing on an ordinance providing tax exemptions for spouses of fallen first responders. No public comments were received, and the hearing was quickly closed.
Upcoming community events took center stage, including the third annual tea party hosted by Old Town Covington and Good News Church. Organizers reported over 80 registrants and anticipate a festive event complete with the Easter Bunny. The annual Covington Easter Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. next weekend.
Infrastructure improvements were a key discussion point. The city is preparing for significant projects, including the mid-city mall parking lot renovation. Public Works staff are proactively replacing sewer infrastructure and correcting drainage issues before installing new concrete sidewalks.
The city is also preparing for the closure of the Peters Mountain landfill, with an engineering firm recommending the facility cease accepting waste by August 1, 2025. City officials are collaborating with Alleghany and Bath Counties to develop alternative waste management solutions. A utility rate study is forthcoming, addressing water, wastewater, and solid waste collection services. City manager Dressler emphasized the rising costs of operating municipal utilities, noting the water treatment plant alone requires $200,000 annually for electricity. Economic development efforts were highlighted by a recent Virginia tourism tour, which brought over thirty visitors to the Alleghany Highlands. Local officials reported the tour’s stop in Covington was considered the most impressive by participants.
In a legal update, the city’s attorney reported $5 million lawsuit by Ms. Ratliff against the Department of Social Services was dismissed, with a jury verdict in favor of the department.
The council also discussed several upcoming appointments to various municipal boards, including the Industrial Development Authority, Allegheny Highlands Economic Development Corporation, Planning Commission, and Housing Authority. Citizens interested in serving were encouraged to submit written applications.
Paving projects are set to begin next week, targeting Royal Avenue and other key city streets. The city plans to address main streets and side streets, including areas near Casey Field, Food Lion, and Walmart. In a collaborative effort with local businesses, Westrock recently donated $2,500 to the local Humane Society to support animal control and spay/neuter programs.
The meeting concluded with routine administrative actions, including approving the agenda and scheduling future discussions on various resolutions related to municipal operations.
The next Covington City Council meeting is a regular monthly meeting and is scheduled for April 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Covington City Manager Allen Dressler (Christopher Mentz photo)
Mayor Lance Carson – District 1 (Christopher Mentz photo)
Vice Mayor Fred Forbes District 2 (Christopher Mentz photo)
Raymond C. Hunter – District 3 (Christopher Mentz photo
Susan S. Wolfe – District 4 (Christopher Mentz photo)
Susan S. Crowder – District 5 (Christopher Mentz photo)
