Vienna council sets Feb. 24 public hearing on up to $1.675 million vehicle replacement debt

The Vienna Town Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 24, 2025, on a proposed ordinance to issue debt of up to $1,675,000 to finance the town's 2025 vehicle replacement program.

Stephen Barlow, the town's director of finance, told the council the borrowing request corresponds to vehicles approved in the FY2025 operating budget and that the proposed financing would cover an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,675,000. Barlow said the amount to be financed is expected to be $1,300,000 from the general fund and $260,000 from the water and sewer fund, with repayment terms estimated at five to seven years depending on vehicle useful life.

During the brief council exchange, members emphasized that the agenda item before them was only to set the public hearing date, not to debate vehicle storage or garage construction. Council member Springsteen moved to set the public hearing; the motion was seconded and the clerk polled the council, with all members voting 'Aye.' Mayor Colbert declared the motion passed.

Council members asked staff to provide full information at the hearing because the financing involves a substantial sum and varying fund sources. The council did not adopt the ordinance at the Feb. 3 meeting; the vote scheduled a public forum and the clerk was authorized to post notice of the council's intent to adopt an ordinance at that later meeting.

Next steps: staff will publish the public-hearing notice and present the vehicle-replacement financing plan and supporting materials at the Feb. 24, 2025 meeting for public comment and a council decision.