Purcellville manager proposes $20.5 million in water and wastewater projects in FY 2027 budget

At a special meeting March 25, the Purcellville Town Council heard Interim Town Manager Tony Sabio outline a proposed FY 2027 budget focused on restoring the town’s aging water and wastewater systems. "The FY 27 budget will advance 7 critical water and wastewater capital projects totaling 20,500,000," Sabio said during the presentation.

Sabio told council that many core components of the system were built 40 to 60 years ago and that maintenance has extended their life but that failures are now occurring. He said the FY 2027 package is the first step in a structured, multi‑year plan designed to address the most urgent needs without pursuing unchecked expansion. Sabio said additional phases of work over the next several years would total about $50,000,000.

The manager recommended adopting a multi‑year rate plan based on a Stantec model to support operations, fund capital improvements and align rate changes with the capital improvement schedule. "But through our 2 by 2 conversations with council and the rate model suggested by Stantec, we are recommending Stantec's version," Sabio said, arguing codifying a plan would improve predictability and the town’s ability to secure county assistance or favorable borrowing terms.

Sabio also said the budget maintains core operational services and funds equipment replacement and workforce retention to ensure the town can operate and maintain the rebuilt systems. He asked council to review the budget materials ahead of a planned series of workshops designed to guide final decisions.

The presentation referenced regional comparators including Leesburg and Loudoun Water to show the town’s proposed adjustments would bring rates closer into alignment with neighboring localities without exceeding them. Sabio confirmed the proposed budget materials were posted to the town’s budget web page for public review.