Sept. 24, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council

The Staunton City Council work session and regular meeting on September 24, 2026, included updates on parks projects, city finances, downtown construction, and local business support. In its FY26 financial update, staff reported that the city had issued an RFP for banking services and moved from Truist to First Bank and Trust, which offered the strongest interest rate; the city also opened an insured cash sweep account. Council approved an amendment to the downtown tunnel and street-repair marketing support program, removing the requirement that eligible businesses have operated before January 2024. The program had approved six grants of $5,000 each ($30,000 total), with one application pending and additional businesses potentially eligible. Staff discussed retaining remaining program funds for businesses affected by ongoing construction. Parks staff described completed and planned facility work, including court resurfacing, restroom renovations, and pond dredging, but no related contract awards or spending votes were reported.

Council also unanimously authorized the mayor to sign a letter supporting Augusta Health’s certificate-of-public-need application for an additional fixed CT scanner (COPN VA8921). The hospital estimated the scanner would cost about $1 million, plus approximately $1.5 million for renovation and preparation of space; this was a support letter, not a city purchase. A $621,957 FY2027 school-budget amendment funded by additional state revenue was presented at a public hearing and scheduled for consideration at a later meeting; no vote was taken on it during this meeting. Downtown tunnel and street repairs will continue, with traffic changes planned for Johnson Street. No city contract award for that construction was discussed.