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Council debate centers on correcting disputed Liberty University enrollment figure and disclosure policies
Summary
Councilmembers debated a resolution calling for staff recommendations on disclosure policies after a student‑population figure tied to Liberty University was publicly reported and then disputed. The discussion focused on whether the number was inaccurate, staff responsibility, and whether the city should self‑disclose to municipal market authorities.
A lengthy council discussion addressed a resolution introduced by Councilmember Timmer asking staff to review and recommend procedures to correct or self‑disclose an allegedly inaccurate student‑enrollment figure that had been used in public materials tied to credit‑reporting communications.
Councilmember Timmer described the resolution as corrective and protective, not punitive, and said it seeks staff recommendations on policies and procedures to prevent future misstatements and to make appropriate corrective disclosures when necessary. The disputed figure — a projection of roughly 30,000 students by 2031 that some participants said had been reported in credit‑related materials — prompted council questions about source documentation and whether the city or external parties should correct the public record.
Finance director Donna Wit said the number she reported came from a conversation and that she took responsibility for publishing it; other council members said they had asked Liberty University officials and were told no immediate plan existed to reach that enrollment. Councilmembers debated whether to pursue self‑disclosure with EMMA (the municipal market disclosure portal) and whether outside legal review was necessary. Staff and the city’s financial advisor said S&P analysts indicated the matter would not affect the city’s current bond rating.
Why it matters: Public statements used in municipal finance communications can have legal and disclosure implications; councilmembers said clarifying policy and ensuring accurate sourcing is important both to protect staff and to preserve the city’s credibility.
What’s next: Council discussion continued without final action in the work session; councilmembers signaled interest in staff recommendations on disclosure practices and a plan to correct the record where necessary.
