The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – On June 9, 2026, Covington City Council on Tuesday approved its fiscal 2026–27 budget, accepted grant funding tied to the city’s upcoming VA 250 celebration, and elevated Councilwoman Susan Wolf to serve as the city’s new vice mayor.
Wolfe was unanimously chosen by her colleagues during a roll call conducted by the city clerk. Each council member cast a vote for Wolf, giving her five votes and the role of vice mayor, serving in her first term as councilwoman for the City of Covington.
The council meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before quickly adopting its agenda. Council members added consideration of an Alleghany Foundation grant in support of the city’s VA 250 celebration.
During the citizen comment period, Marie Fitzpatrick spoke on behalf of Juneteenth Legacy United, a nonprofit that received its tax-exempt status in January 2025.
Fitzpatrick said the organization has hosted three successful Juneteenth celebrations and will hold its 2026 event on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The group’s efforts include a youth mentoring program, a first scholarship awarded at the 2026 Alleghany High School graduation, and outreach promoting healthy living for indigent and elderly residents. The nonprofit has also provided back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving meals to twenty-five families and holiday gift bags for local seniors.
Greg Rice spoke in support and outlined plans to assist veterans and elderly residents with home repairs such as ramps, pursue grants for clothing and food assistance, partner with Habitat for Humanity, and explore renovating vacant properties for people experiencing homelessness.
Council adopted Resolution R-26-17, amending the fiscal 2025–26 budget, along with a series of appropriations, including Elk Road performance funding, youth funding, and Maple Trail funding.
Members then approved Resolution R-26-21, accepting an Alleghany County grant of $22,000 to support the City of Covington’s 250th anniversary celebration.
On the ordinance side, the council passed Ordinance 26-02, formally approving and appropriating the fiscal 2026–27 city budget. It also adopted Ordinance 26-03 (personal property and machinery and tools tax) and Ordinance 26-04 (real estate and public service tax). The city manager noted there are no tax rate increases in those measures; council is required to re-enact the rates to keep them in place.
Council also approved minutes from three May meetings as part of a consent agenda.
In his report, city manager Allen Dressler thanked the Alleghany Foundation and council for supporting the VA 250 Carnival at the Jackson River Sports Complex, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday. The event will feature Coles Amusement rides, food vendors, a Friday night performance by Gasoline Alley, a Saturday “REO Speedwagon/Survivor” tribute concert, and a fireworks show.
The celebration will continue on Flag Day at the Historic Masonic Theatre with a performance by the Roanoke Symphony. Dressler also highlighted a busy weekend at the sports complex, which will host 31 girls’ fast-pitch softball teams, and ongoing Lumberjacks baseball games, including a “bark in the park” promotion.
He recognized Susan Walton, who is leaving her position in the city’s accounting department to be closer to family, noting her long service and the close-knit nature of city staff.
On infrastructure, Manager Dressler reported that paving at Cedar Hill Cemetery is complete and work is progressing in the Idlewilde neighborhood, with plans to move next to the Gilliam area. He praised contractors and staff for coordination on drainage and related issues.
He also provided an update on Columbia Gas’ work and road conditions on Carpenter Drive, explaining that the city is coordinating with the utility as it replaces main and lateral gas lines. The city has received $1.3 million in Virginia Department of Transportation “State of Good Repair” funding to repave Route 18 and other affected streets once utility work is complete. Columbia Gas is expected to finish in Covington around Labor Day, including work on Maple Avenue and Main Street.
Separately, the city is investing $7 million in sewer line rehabilitation using cured-in-place pipe. The manager said a state consent order related to wastewater has been lifted following completion of that work and an earlier $8 million equalization basin project. City crews are also assisting the school division with sewer issues at Alleghany High School, with a goal of resolving problems before students return in September.
During questions, a council member relayed a resident’s concern about paving the 1100 block of Beverly and asked about rough conditions at certain city crosswalks. Dressler said he would follow up with the public works director and contractor and noted that alley and crosswalk work will resume after July 1 with new fiscal year funding.
With no further old or new business, council moved to adjourn.
