Elkton committee reviews new finance reports, paving and sidewalk plans and asks Planning Commission to review permit fees

Town Manager Greg Lunsford and Treasurer Donna Curry presented new financial snapshot forms to Elkton’s Council Committees on Dec. 2 and told council additional, more detailed reports will follow to help track the town’s financial health.

Community Development Director Delores Hammer reported that the Elkton Planning Commission requested council approval to begin a full review of the town’s permit fees for fiscal year 2026; the commission was asked to compare fee schedules to other nearby localities and Rockingham County during that review. Council expressed support for the review but did not vote on fee changes at the committee meeting.

Public Works Director Gaither Hurt updated council on large capital projects and the FY26 paving schedule. He said the town plans to finish paving Newtown Road, repair a section of Blue & Gold Drive, address a problem corner near the Dry Cleaners and investigate several storm drains. Hurt also referenced the town’s 2019 comprehensive sidewalk plan, noting many projects from that plan have been completed and that a broader sidewalk discussion will resume once new council committees are appointed in 2025.

Mr. Lunsford and Mr. Hurt also discussed the town's obligation to send a required water service line inventory letter to residents; the town will draft and mail its own letter. Council briefly discussed installing walking‑path lighting at Stonewall Park but raised questions about cost and need, noting the park is closed at night.

Council took no binding policy actions on these items at the committee meeting; staff were directed to prepare materials and additional reports for upcoming council meetings.