Purcellville delays budget work session pending legal clarification

On April 29, Purcellville Mayor Chris Bertaut announced the postponement of that evening’s budget work session. The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 6, and will continue discussions on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget.

Bertaut sent out the following statement: 

“I am writing you today to inform you of a “Whole County Movement” to prevent your Town Council majority from delivering on our campaign promises of slow growth, low taxes, and doing what is best to protect our small town that all of us cherish.

“The Commonwealth Attorney’s office has involved itself in the mix due to requests for advisory opinions from a Council Member, which appear to be intended to overturn our recent town election and eliminate our council majority.

“At 5:00 a.m. today, the Council received a clarification of the April 21st opinion issued by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Although the April 21st opinion conflicts with those previously provided by the Town Attorney and the Virginia Conflict of Interests and Ethics Advisory Council, it expressly prohibits the Vice Mayor from participating in any votes, or discussion concerning the Town of Purcellville’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget deliberations.

“Therefore, I am postponing any further budget discussions until this issue is resolved.

“Contrary to a statement by one Council Member, tonight’s meeting does not constitute an emergency. Purcellville’s Town Council has until the end of June to pass a budget.

“In the meantime, it is essential that we gain additional legal advice on the Commonwealth Attorney’s efforts to prevent a member of the Town Council from participating in budget discussions.

“When we ran for office, we knew the job of fighting mass urbanization in Purcellville would not be easy. The challenge of dealing with development interests has never been easy and has been going on in Purcellville for decades.

“I am committed along with the council majority to serve you according to our promises.”

The rescheduled budget work session on May 6 will give the Town Council time to seek further legal clarification before moving forward with FY26 budget decisions. The situation continues to evolve as legal interpretations and governance questions remain under review.