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Fincastle council approves routine bills, appoints officials and sets July 5 fireworks date
Summary
At the Feb. 12 meeting the Town Council approved February bills and the January Treasurer's Report, recommended Scott Critzer for the BZA, elected Jim Reynolds vice mayor and Pam Binns treasurer, and set the annual fireworks for July 5 (rain date July 11).
The Town of Fincastle Town Council approved routine financial items, made appointments and set a date for the town’s annual fireworks show during its Feb. 12, 2026 meeting.
Council approved the monthly bills for February 2026 after a motion by Jim Reynolds and a second from Paige Ware. The minutes record a unanimous vote in favor: Mayor Mary Bess Smith, Paige Ware, Ed Bordett, Barry Rakes, Pam Binns, Clay Fitzgerald and Jim Reynolds.
The Treasurer’s Report for January 2026 was also approved following a motion from Ed Bordett and a second from Jim Reynolds; that vote was recorded as unanimous.
In management reports, council considered personnel and program updates. Councilmember Paige Ware moved to recommend that Scott Critzer continue as the town’s representative to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA); Pam Binns seconded the motion. The minutes record the recommendation but do not provide a roll-call tally for the BZA recommendation.
Council also heard that the Planning Commission has begun updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan for 2026 and will circulate surveys to gather input. The minutes note that Bess Madonna is organizing an Earth Day event on April 25.
Town staff reported on grants: a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application was not approved, but the town retains the opportunity to reapply; Town Manager Melanie McFadyen said she will continue work on grant applications.
The council set the annual fireworks show for July 5 with a rain date of July 11, noting that holding the display on July 4 would be more costly.
Council appointed Jim Reynolds as vice mayor and Pam Binns as treasurer for the calendar year; Clay Fitzgerald made the motion to approve and Barry Rakes seconded. The minutes record a unanimous vote in favor.
Other items: Councilmember Barry Rakes raised a concern about the Golden Rain tree specified for landscaping around the new courthouse, calling it an invasive species; Manager Melanie McFadyen said she would follow up with Rich Evans about the tree selection. No citizen comments were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department meeting room.
