Residents assail council majority over staffing and transparency; council approves 90-day interim town manager contract

A large, often emotional public-comment period dominated Purcellville's Dec. 9 council meeting, with dozens of residents and county officials expressing concerns about transparency, hiring processes and alleged misconduct by members of the council majority.

Sen. Russ Perry told the council he and the General Assembly are watching the situation and urged greater transparency. "The public demands and deserves much more than that," he said. Phyllis Randall, chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, offered the county's assistance: "If you call us, we will help you," she said.

Multiple residents referenced a petition to recall four council members and alleged indictments affecting a council member; commenters urged resignations, defended public-comment rights and criticized the council's hiring of an interim town manager, Tony Sabio. Several speakers praised local volunteers and Main Street events while asking the council to focus on services such as water, streets and public safety.

After public comment, the council debated and approved a budget amendment to appropriate $49,789 to compensate an interim town manager for a 90-day assignment. Several council members opposed the amendment on principle, citing lack of process and fiscal concern. One council member said the interim hire was "secretive" and that some council colleagues were not contacted before the appointment; another questioned whether the town could realize promised savings.

Supporters argued the town needed managerial capacity to move forward. The motion, which included tying the compensation to a 90-day period, passed on a roll-call vote with four votes in favor and three opposed. Council directed the town attorney to prepare an appropriate temporary employment contract and noted the matter will be revisited for formal contract approval.