Lynchburg City Council returns from its summer break to discuss the budget and meeting rules

Lynchburg City Council is returning from a seven-week break Tuesday with a work session on the fiscal 2026 budget and meeting rules, followed by a hearing on the $104 million Blackwater CSO Tunnel Project.

At 4 p.m., Chief Financial Officer Donna Witt will explain how the city plans to raise $538,118 to keep the downtown branch library, Templeton Senior Center and Jackson Heights Art Studio open after those services were restored at the June 30 budget reading. The plan relies on savings other departments achieve during the year.

The work session also revisits long-delayed rules of procedure after meetings marked by disagreements and audience interruptions. City Attorney Matthew Freedman, Clerk of Council Alicia Finney and Councilmember Jacqueline Timmer will present proposals covering public comment, voting thresholds, censure and resignations.

The changes would bar attendees from approaching the dais, give residents priority over non-residents in public comment, and alter three decisions that currently require two-thirds approval. Timmer also proposes rules on microphone use, a right of reply to accusations of impropriety and removal of the ban on electronic communication about a motion on the floor.

At 7 p.m., council will hear about the Blackwater tunnel, a roughly mile-long, 12-foot-wide underground storage vessel designed to hold 4 million gallons during heavy rain and reduce combined sewer overflows. Construction began in July 2024 and is expected to finish in summer 2027.

After the hearing, council is expected to consider financing steps involving the Virginia Resources Authority and revenue bonds. The Finance Committee meets at 3 p.m. to review the funding details.

Email the Lynchburg City Council:
Larry Taylor: larry.taylor@lynchburgva.gov,
Curt Diemer: curt.diemer@lynchburgva.gov,
Sterling Wilder: sterling.wilder@lynchburgva.gov,
Chris Faraldi: chris.faraldi@lynchburgva.gov,
Stephanie Reed: stephanie.reed@lynchburgva.gov,
Marty Misjuns: martin.misjuns@lynchburgva.gov,
Jacqueline Timmer: jacqueline.timmer@lynchburgva.gov,