City of Fredericksburg Finance Director Amanda Six acknowledged to city council on Tuesday night that what they were about to consider was “a bit of an unusual financial transaction.”
When city council approved its budget earlier this year, it held back $6 million in funding, citing uncertain economic conditions. Staff, it was decided, would then evaluate those conditions midway through the fiscal year and report back.
“We are slightly above collections, even with the government shutdown,” Six said Tuesday, showing graphs that included sales and meals tax revenue compared to previous years. “We felt that the economy looked very resilient… All in all, I think we’re in a positive position.”
With little discussion, city council approved a resolution to release the $6 million in appropriated funds that were held back as a precautionary measure. The public hearing for the budget amendment will remain open until January, at which time council will vote on the resolution a second time.
City council also approved separately on second read both an ordinance and budget amendment paving the way for a “traffic signal enforcement program,” or red-light cameras, at two intersections identified by the Fredericksburg Police Department. Both votes passed 6-1, with Ward 3 councilor Susanna Finn voting in opposition.
Joshua Starkston, a patrol sergeant with the police department, told councilors that since 2020, the department has responded to hundreds of accidents and that “140 were directly related to red-light violations.” The General Assembly passed legislation allowing for such programs back in 2007, Starkston said.
Earlier Tuesday, the council issued proclamations to Ward 1 Councilor Jason Graham and Ward 2 Councilor Jon Gerlach, both of whom were serving in their final meeting before their terms expire Dec. 31.
A representative for Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-7th) presented congressional records to Sheriff Scott Foster and retiring Police Chief Brian Layton, as well as letters of recognition for Graham and Gerlach.
“This has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this city,” Graham said. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
Surveying the council chambers, Gerlach said he was heartened to see so many familiar faces in the pews.
“I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you, hearing your stories,” said Gerlach, “and discovering that I lived in a bubble before I ran for council.”
