Below is a summary of the Martinsville City Council meeting held on Tuesday, June 13th. To watch a video of the entire meeting click here.
FY 2024 Budget Approved on Second Reading
After conducting a public hearing, Martinsville City Council voted to adopt the FY 2024 budget on first reading.
City manager Leon Towarnicki presented the original proposed budget during the April 25th City Council meeting which was followed by budget work sessions on May 10th, May 16th, May 17th, and May 22nd. During the May 22nd work session, budget recommendations were made to staff by council to develop an alternate budget that reduced the real estate tax rate to $0.99/$100 and eliminated the use of ARPA funding. At the following meeting, the May 23rd, the city manager presented changes made to the budget, which were highlighted by the elimination of use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and a real estate tax reduction. While adopting the FY 24 budget on first reading, council requested that staff add around $280,000 in funding for two police officers and two teachers.
The final proposed budget with the requested changes was presented during Tuesday's meeting, followed by City Council voting to adopt it in a 5 to 0 vote. Click here to download or print the adopted budget.
Martinsville's Public Parks Improvements Plan Presentation
In early 2022, City Council earmarked $500,000 of ARPA for upgrades to City parks. Later that year, partnering with the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, the City was awarded a $40,000 grant, which included a $10,000 local match, to conduct a park study.
A representative from Site Collaborative provided an overview of their firm and plans for moving forward with community outreach and data collection to conduct a park study.
To view the PowerPoint presentation given by Site Collaborative, click here.
Martinsville City School Board Nominations
City Council conducted a hearing to receive nominations for two 3-year terms ending June 30, 2026, and one unexpired 3-year term ending on June 30, 2024, on the Martinsville City School Board. Those nominated were:
- Tony Jones
- Stephanie Morris Mills
- Nakia Blackwell
- Emily Parker
- Cody Williams
- Heather Blankenbaker
Interviews are set to take place prior to the June 26th council meeting.
Support for 'One Ellsworth' Grant Application Approved
Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting an Industrial Revitalization Fund application to Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development for the development project at One Ellsworth. The resolution is available on here on page 9.
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