Bedford, Virginia

Town Council

The Town of Bedford's regular Town Council meeting scheduled for July 7, 2026, has been cancelled because there is no new business to address. The next regular meeting will be held on July 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Redevelopment & Housing Authority

The Bedford Redevelopment & Housing Authority will review action on the FY27 Budget and discuss a donation of funds to Mission Serve. The meeting includes approval of June 2026 minutes and consent agenda items such as financial reports.

• Review action on the FY27 Budget
• Discussion of donation of funds to Mission Serve
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2026
• Consent agenda includes financial reports

Planning Commission

The Bedford Planning Commission will hold public hearings and consider two requests for conditional use permits: one for a "Homestay" at 725 Longwood Avenue and one for a "Bed and breakfast lodging" at 517 Longwood Avenue. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from May 7, 2026, and standard procedural items. No other substantive business is listed.

• Public hearing for conditional use permit by Tracy B. Travis for Homestay at 725 Longwood Avenue (Tax Parcel 175-A-44-T)
• Public hearing for conditional use permit by Rebecca V. Arline and J. Matthew Davidson for Bed and breakfast lodging at 517 Longwood Avenue (Tax Parcel 194-12-1T)
• Approval of minutes from May 7, 2026 meeting

Town Council

The Town Council will vote on a mid-fiscal-year budget amendment transferring $590,779 across departments to cover projected shortfalls, and decide between two cooling system options for the 215 East Main Street Municipal Building. A $10,000 HEAT grant for police department flock equipment will also be accepted. The council will also consider resolutions for federal transit and AARP grants and may enter closed sessions to discuss land acquisition and personnel.

• Budget amendment transferring $590,779 from various accounts to cover deficits in police, streets, municipal building, and other departments
• Selection of a DX split cooling system (estimated $300,000 over 20 years) over a chilled water system ($376,000) for the Municipal Building HVAC renovation
• Acceptance of a $10,000 HEAT grant for police flock equipment
• Resolution to accept FTA Section 5311 program funding for the Bedford Otter Bus
• Resolution to accept the AARP Community Challenge Grant 2026

Redevelopment & Housing Authority

The Bedford Redevelopment & Housing Authority will hold a public hearing to receive citizen views on its proposed FY27 budget, then consider final approval. The budget totals $28,000, with $27,000 allocated to grants and $1,000 to legal costs. Other items include approval of March 12 meeting minutes and consent agenda financial reports.

• Public hearing on proposed FY27 budget ($28,000 total, $27,000 for grants)
• Final approval of FY27 budget

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting an ordinance to amend the BPOL tax rate for retailers, adding a $0.20 per $100 rate on gross receipts over $10 million. They will also vote on the FY 2026-2027 budget totaling $44,813,561, covering all town funds. Other business includes approving an RFP for conservation easement advisory services.

• Public hearing and ordinance on BPOL tax rate change: new $0.20 per $100 rate for retailers with over $10M in gross receipts
• Ordinance to adopt FY 2026-2027 budget: $44.8M total (General Fund $11.3M, Electric Fund $30.3M, others)
• Proposal to issue RFP for Conservation Easement Advisory Services
• Approval of minutes, committee reports, and other routine items

The council approved the minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting. Motions to allow Councilmen Darryl Updike and Dwight Evans to participate via Zoom were each carried with five ayes. The council adopted Ordinance No. 26-6, amending the Business, Professional & Occupational Licensing tax rates for retailers, with seven ayes.

• Approved May 19, 2026 council minutes (as submitted) – unanimous approval
• Approved motion to allow Councilman Darryl Updike to join via Zoom – 5 ayes
• Approved motion to allow Councilman Dwight Evans to join via Zoom – 5 ayes
• Adopted Ordinance No. 26‑6 amending retailer BPOL tax rates – 7 ayes

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The general fund budget totals $11,323,498 in revenue and expenditures. The Council may also enter a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding potential litigation involving real property. Other routine administrative items, including approval of minutes and reports, are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on proposed budget for FY 2026-2027 (General Fund $11,323,498, Electric Fund $30,252,607)
• General Fund expenditures: Public Safety $4,364,008, Public Works $4,539,836
• Electric Fund capital projects: $2,155,000
• General Fund capital projects: $260,960
• Closed session pursuant to Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(7) for legal consultation on real property litigation

The Town Council held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and discussed the electric department's declining reserves and financial challenges. The council agreed to review a multi-year projection and explore strategic options, including the potential sale of the department.

• Approved May 5 and May 2 council minutes
• Opened public hearing for FY 2026-27 budget
• Requested staff provide 5-to-6-year electric fund projection
• Requested staff compile legal/financial information library
• Urged hard budget review within six months

Economic Development Authority

The Bedford Economic Development Authority will consider and vote on its FY2 02 7 budget. It will also review the final draft of the Business Development Center study prepared by Cambrian Development. Additional agenda items include incentive applications and requests, and reports from town staff and the attorney.

• FY2 02 7 EDA Budget Discussion and Adoption (Action)
• Business Development Center Study – Final Draft discussion – Cambrian Development
• Incentive Applications and Requests
• Financial Reports and Joint EDA Meeting Recap (Town Staff Reports)

Planning Commission

The Bedford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request by Piedmont Developments, LLC to rezone a parcel (214-A-132T) from R-1, Low Density Residential District to R-3, High Density Residential District with conditional proffers to reduce lot size for two single-family dwellings at the corner of South Street, Ridge Street, and Otey Street. The Commission will also vote on approving the minutes from April 2, 2026.

• Request to rezone tax parcel 214-A-132T from R-1 to R-3 with conditional proffers for reduced lot size
• Two single-family dwellings proposed at corner of South, Ridge, and Otey Streets
• Petitioner: Piedmont Developments, LLC
• Public hearing scheduled for this item
• Approval of minutes from April 2, 2026 meeting

Town Council

The Bedford Town Council will hold a public hearing on a request by the Bedford Community Christmas Station to exempt its property at 510 Blue Ridge Avenue from real estate taxation, saving $1,304.52 annually. The Council will also vote on an ordinance establishing a vacant building registry for the downtown district, with registration fees starting at $100 and penalties for non-compliance. Other actions include appointments, budget amendments for a law enforcement grant and fuel equipment, and a presentation on Public Services Department operations.

• Public hearing on tax exemption for Bedford Community Christmas Station property at 510 Blue Ridge Avenue (annual taxes $1,304.52)
• Ordinance creating vacant building registry with fees: $100 initial registration, $200 failure to register, $400 for properties in conservation/rehabilitation districts
• Appointment of Ann DeLong to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority (term to October 13, 2028)
• Budget amendment for Local Law Enforcement (LOLE) grant award from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
• Budget amendment for fuel dispensing equipment purchase

The Town Council approved an ordinance to track vacant structures and identify absentee landlords. The council also appointed Ann DeLong to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

• Adopted Vacant Building Registry Ordinance (4-2)
• Appointed Ann DeLong to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority (5-1)

Town Council

The Town Council held a work session covering the proposed FY27 budget, including a BPOL tax increase from 15 to 20 cents per $100 for large businesses and a potential $24/month electric rate hike. Staff discussed the town's long-term electric utility strategy, capital funding gaps, and operational updates from police, fire, public works, and planning departments. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion and staff presentations.

• BPOL tax increase: from 15 to 20 cents per $100 of gross sales for businesses with receipts over $10M (expected $40,000 in revenue)
• Proposed Power Cost Adjustment increase of ~$24/month per 1,000 kWh; Council noted many residents use 1,200–1,300 kWh
• Police request $100,000 for Liberty Lake Park facility upgrades (office, locker room, decontamination areas)
• Electric department discussion on whether town should remain in electric business long-term; eliminating electric fund transfer to general fund
• Public Works reports employee theft at transfer station, urges moving fee collection to Finance Department

The Town Council held a work session to discuss upcoming budget adjustments, electric utility restructuring, and departmental operational shifts. Discussions included potential BPOL tax increases, police staffing models, and changes to the planning approval process due to state law.

• Proposed BPOL tax increase of 5 cents for businesses with gross receipts over $10 million
• Proposed electric budget restructuring to use a payment in lieu of taxes calculation
• Proposed Power Cost Adjustment could increase average bills by $24 per 1,000 kilowatts
• Police Department moving to yearly SMART goals instead of three-year plans
• Woody Watts to transition to full-time town employee effective July 1st

Town Council

The Town Council reviewed the third-quarter financial report showing a $16.4 million cash position across all funds, with the Electric Fund down year-over-year due to higher purchase power costs. Staff requested deferring the May 1 power cost adjustment by one month to explore cost reductions. Council discussed the proposed FY2026-2027 budget including a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, continued funding of employee-only health insurance at the $1,000 deductible level, and elimination of the traditional electric-to-general fund transfer replaced by a $589,000 payment in lieu of taxes.

• Third Quarter Financial Review: $16.4M cash position; General Fund $5M, Electric Fund $6.9M, Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund $1M
• Electric Fund deficit: $20.7M revenue vs $20.8M expenses; purchase power costs rose from $12M to nearly $15M
• Proposed FY2026-2027 budget includes 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees and continued $1,000 deductible health insurance
• Staff requests deferring the May 1 power cost adjustment for electric utility bills by one month to find ways to reduce costs
• Elimination of traditional electric-to-general fund transfer replaced with a $589,000 payment in lieu of taxes

The Town Council held a work session to review the Third Quarter Financial Report. Staff presented data on cash positions, investment strategies, and revenue trends for the General, Electric, and Cemetery Perpetual Care funds. No formal decisions were made.

• Presented Third Quarter Financial Review
• Reviewed General Fund cash position of $16.4 million
• Reviewed Electric Fund cash position of $6.9 million
• Reviewed Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund strategy
• Discussed grant allocation to Capital Project Fund
• Discussed Electric Fund revenue model and rate changes
• Discussed FY 2026-2027 budget proposals
• Discussed deferring May 1st power cost adjustment

Town Council

The Town Council meeting on April 21, 2026 will consider adoption of the Bedford 2045 Comprehensive Plan, a proposed Vacant Building Registry ordinance requiring a $100 annual fee, a speed limit change on Longwood Avenue, a formal banner policy, and an invitation for bids for a franchise lease of the town Transfer Station. The council will also vote on a resolution approving the Bedford Town Carnival to be held August 21‑23, 2026 at Liberty Lake Park. Additionally, a resolution to approve the Central Virginia Safety Action Plan will be considered.

• Adoption of the Bedford 2045 Comprehensive Plan (Resolution 6-PICD-4-3-4-4-21)
• Ordinance establishing a Vacant Building Registry with a $100 annual fee (Resolution 7-PICD-1-1-4-21)
• Speed limit change on Longwood Avenue (Item 9-CC-15-1-4-21)
• Consideration of a formal Banner Policy (Item 8-CC-15-1-4-21)
• Invitation for bids for a franchise lease of the Transfer Station (Item 4-CC-15-1-4-21)

The Town Council formally approved the minutes from the April 7, 2026 regular meeting as submitted. No other motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the session. The agenda consisted of a manager’s budget report, public comments on banner displays, speed limits, and tax‑collection staffing, but none resulted in a council decision.

• Approved April 7, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)