Urbanna council approves $15,000 payment to lawyer for failed 390 Virginia Street purchase

The Town of Urbanna voted July 9 to pay $15,000 to attorney William Marr for legal services related to an unsuccessful attempt to buy 390 Virginia Street.

The payment decision followed a staff report that the town first retained Marr in July 2024 for the potential purchase and later received a bill in February 2026. According to the report, the bill was negotiated down by $5,000 in June 2026, leaving a $15,000 balance after a $5,000 retainer had been paid earlier.

Clerk (speaker 2) moved “to a prepayment of $15,000 to William Amar Junior Esquire for the legal services retained for the purchase of 390 Virginia Street,” and a roll-call vote was taken. The clerk recorded members as present, absent, or voting; the motion carried with the members recorded in favor during the roll call.

Council members acknowledged they were not aware of the bill until after a transition and discussed the background: multiple attempts had been made to negotiate the purchase and the engagement of counsel when the homeowner‑association element complicated the transaction. One member expressed reluctance but supported paying the reduced bill so the town would settle the outstanding charge.

The council directed payment from the contingency fund amended to the 2025 budget, consistent with the posted fiscal-impact note that the funds were budgeted. No additional follow-up or conditions were stated on the record.

Next steps: the clerk will process the payment per the motion; no additional hearings or committee referrals were scheduled in the meeting minutes.