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Council adopts resolution to correct Liberty University enrollment information, requests policy review and disclosure steps
Summary
Following disagreements about enrollment figures shared with bond rating agencies, Lynchburg City Council adopted a substitute resolution combining multiple council proposals to correct the record, consider voluntary disclosure, and direct a review of disclosure procedures; the city attorney was asked to report back in 30 days.
Lynchburg City Council on May 26 adopted a substitute resolution asking staff to correct and clarify information previously circulated about Liberty University enrollment projections and to strengthen city procedures for information provided to rating agencies and the public.
The debate began after staff disclosures and public reactions to an enrollment figure cited in an external report. Several council members and public speakers said some of the data shared with rating agencies needed verification; others defended staff and emphasized there was no evidence of ill intent. Members flagged potential Freedom of Information Act concerns about documentation produced for closed‑session discussions.
The substitute resolution — passed after members combined language from three proposed resolutions — called for corrective public disclosure (including consideration of a voluntary event notice on EMMA), a review and update of internal verification and disclosure procedures, and for the city attorney to report back within 30 days on implementation steps. Supporters framed the measure as preventive and protective of the city’s credibility and investors; opponents cautioned against implying wrongdoing by staff.
Council adopted the substitute (transcript: "Motion passes 43"). The matter concluded with directions for staff to prepare corrected public materials as needed and to propose policy updates.
Next steps: city attorney and city manager to prepare the corrective filings and updated disclosure procedures, and to brief council on status within 30 days as requested by the adopted resolution.
