The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va, (VR) The Covington City Council convened Tuesday evening for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
Marked by heartfelt tributes, significant community updates, and a series of important resolutions, city leaders and residents gathered to address the needs and future of the Alleghany Highlands.
The meeting opened with an invocation, as local leader of faith Stephanie Clark offered prayers for the council, city staff, first responders, and the broader community. The prayer emphasized gratitude for the city’s leadership, the healing of community members, and the ongoing protection and prosperity of Covington.
“We thank you for the city manager, for our first responders, for our school board, and for the small businesses who stay open even when they struggle,” Clark said, invoking blessings for all who serve the city.
Council members and attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of William E. “Lance” Carson Jr., Covington’s late mayor, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. Council members and friends recalled Carson’s decades of service to Covington, both as a city employee and as an elected official.
“He cared about Covington, Virginia. He cared about our kids,” City Manager Dressler said, recounting Carson’s dedication to youth sports, his support for local projects, and his enduring impact on the community.
A formal resolution honoring Mayor Carson’s life and legacy was read aloud and unanimously approved by the council.
The resolution highlighted Carson’s service as a social worker, his leadership on the city council, and his commitment to the Alleghany Highlands.
“The Council of the City of Covington expresses its sympathy to the Carson family and honors Lance for his long service to the city,” the resolution stated.
The council heard a presentation from the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board regarding the 2026 performance contract. The contract, which governs the provision of mental health, developmental disability, and substance use disorder services, was outlined in detail.
The board reported anticipated revenues of over $14 million for the fiscal year, with expenditures projected at $15.7 million. Much of the funding is earmarked for permanent supportive housing and other targeted programs.
The board also noted that local contributions from Covington and Alleghany County fall short of the 10% match required by state law, but that a waiver process is in place. Council members were provided with a financial summary and were asked to approve the contract, which they did without objection.
Corey Bowles, local teacher and former foster parent, addressed the council regarding the leadership of the Department of Social Services (DSS). Bowles emphasized the importance of strong, accountable leadership for the DSS, noting that while the council does not manage day-to-day operations, it appoints members to the DSS board and thus holds ultimate responsibility for oversight.
“The choice of the next director for Social Services is critical,” Bowles said, urging the council to ensure that appointees are held to high standards of professionalism and transparency.
The council moved swiftly through a series of agenda items, approving the meeting agenda and voting on several resolutions. These included:
Approval of an opioid settlement plan and related resolutions.
Re-appropriation of funds from the previous fiscal year for city departments.
Environmental and budgetary resolutions related to opioid recovery and city operations.
The council also reappointed a member to the Board of Zoning Appeals and discussed the need to appoint a new vice mayor to fill a vacant seat.
City staff provided updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, including renovations to the city’s stadium field house, water line replacements, and various paving projects.
The city’s investment in downtown improvements and recreation facilities was highlighted, with staff expressing pride in the progress made and the positive impact on the community.
The recreation department was recognized for organizing recent sporting events that brought hundreds of visitors to Covington, boosting local businesses and showcasing the city’s amenities.
The council was reminded that two members are needed to attend an upcoming meeting with the school board to discuss capital improvements and revisit previous agreements. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at Jeter Watson Elementary School.
The evening concluded with the council entering a closed session to discuss real estate and litigation matters, as required by Virginia law.
As the meeting adjourned, council members expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to serving Covington and the Alleghany Highlands.
