Purcellville council removes town manager, appoints interim after closed‑session debate

The Purcellville Town Council voted 4–3 on Jan. 8 to remove Town Manager Rick Brimseth effective immediately and appoint Quazy Frazier as interim town manager.

The motion was made after the council convened a closed session under the Virginia Code to discuss the employment of an existing employee and an interim appointment. After certifying the closed session, Mayor (S1) called for a public vote. The mayor announced the outcome: "What measure passes 4 to 3." Council members who spoke during the debate expressed sharply different views about how the interim candidate was selected. One council member (S7) asked, "How was the nominee for interim town manager selected? Were interviews held?" and said four council members had arrived at the meeting with a "pre decided appointment." Supporters of the appointment argued the change was consistent with campaign promises and election outcomes: as one proponent put it, "Elections have consequences" (S2).

Several council members said they were not informed in advance about interviews or the selection process; others said the council had conducted individual discussions over months. The town attorney, John Cafferkey (S4), had advised the council that personnel discussions often involve attorney‑client privileged legal advice and are typically held in closed session. After the votes were tallied, the mayor directed moving on to other agenda items.

The council did not take additional personnel actions at the meeting beyond the interim appointment. The council also invited the audience to remain after a brief technical pause for cameras; no public comment was taken during the special meeting. The council indicated some agenda items would be moved to the Jan. 14 regular meeting for further review.