Rural Retreat schedules June 30 special meeting to adopt budget after clerk warns of payroll timing

Rural Retreat’s town council voted to hold a special meeting on June 30 at 7:00 p.m. to adopt the fiscal year budget, after the town clerk told the council that state timing rules and payroll deadlines require the earlier action.

Clerk (S2) told the council that “the Code of Virginia requires the public hearing held 7 days prior to the adoption of the budget,” and said a special meeting would allow staff to process July payrolls on time. The clerk recommended opening, adopting and closing the budget at the special session so payroll could be completed before the regular July meeting.

Council members moved, seconded and approved scheduling the special meeting by voice vote; the transcript records the motion and that the vote carried, but it does not include a roll‑call tally. The clerk said she would advertise the meeting as required.

Why it matters: the town must meet statutory timing for a public hearing and adoption to ensure payroll can be processed. Without the special meeting the clerk warned payroll processing could be delayed. The council’s action is a procedural step to keep municipal operations on schedule.

The council was also informed that auctions of tax‑delinquent properties are pending but no auction date was set. The clerk said she had contacted the auction service (TACS) and will report back when a date is available.

The council ended the discussion by confirming the special meeting date and time and instructing staff to post the required public notices.