Strasburg council discusses economic development efforts with Shenandoah County
Below is an article that appeared in the Northern Virginia Daily on June 3rd, 2021.
STRASBURG — The Strasburg Town Council received a presentation on Shenandoah County’s economic development efforts Tuesday night.
Jenna French, Shenandoah County director of tourism and economic development, told the council of the county’s plans to work collaboratively with the town and regional entities, such as the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.
“It’s critical that we be partners,” French said.
During her presentation, French stated that part of her job is to match new business leads with appropriate towns. For example, Strasburg has water and sewer capacity allowances, and may have business needs that are different from Woodstock or Mount Jackson.
Councilwoman Taralyn Nicholson asked if information on why a business doesn’t choose Strasburg could be relayed to them so they can attempt to address those issues. But French said businesses don’t always report back to her as to why they chose one locality over the other.
Among factors that a business does look for are “pad ready” sites that can easily be moved onto, versus properties that require improvements, French explained. Discussions with property owners then sometimes include the decision to demolish old buildings to become more attractive to prospective businesses, French explained.
Another struggle for business growth in the area are the challenges many businesses are having in hiring workers. It’s a problem that was happening before the pandemic, said French and she is working to correct it, in part, by making the area more attractive for young people to return to after they finish their education.
Having students understand that a college degree may not be necessary and that they could instead pursue trade certification, was one thing French suggested as a way to reverse the departure of young people. Vice Mayor Ken Cherrix suggested having more vocational tech schools in the area, beyond just Triplett Tech, to provide options for students. Cherrix also suggested businesses avoid having lengthy hiring processes, which could be turning away employees.
“That could be hurting our development as well…” Cherrix said.
Mayor Brandy Boise said economic development is going in the right direction, while noting that changes don’t happen overnight. She also touted the county’s tourism efforts through video and social media, which may not be seen locally but are being shared in other places, like Northern Virginia.
In other action Tuesday, the council heard from Interim Town Manager and Public Works Director Jay McKinley on a reimbursement resolution that would allow the town to purchase right of ways at the business park, as part of the Borden Mowery Drive extension project.
Grant funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation aren’t yet available, McKinley told the council, and the resolution would create a mechanism for reimbursement of the funds spent once the VDOT grant money comes in.
No other projects or priorities will be affected with the resolution and action, McKinley told The Northern Virginia Daily by email Wednesday.
The council also heard tax revenue is coming in higher than projections, which were cut at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year as a precautionary measure.
With that, McKinley stated it would cost about $40,000 to provide all town staff — about 60 to 70 employees — with a one-time 1% cost of living adjustment salary increase. The increase was previously withheld as a precaution in case not enough tax revenue was brought in.
The council previously withheld a full 3% COLA increase at the start of the budget year, and then granted two-thirds of that after tax revenue was better than expected. The final 1% was withheld until later in this budget year to see if tax revenues continued to come in better than expected.
Councilman John Massourd proposed giving the 1% only to first responders, having previously said they interact with the public differently than other town staff. No other councilmembers voiced support for that proposal.
The council lastly agreed to have staff enter into a memo of understanding with the Strasburg Rotary Club after club President Mary Ruth Follet stated her organization can apply for a $4,000 matching grant.
Follet, in discussions with Cherrix, proposed adding sensory playground instruments behind its shelter at the town park, next to the playground, which is currently being upgraded to be more compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
One instrument can cost about $2,500, Follet explained. The instruments would be similar to those at Rockland Park in Warren County.
The application must be submitted in July, and the project must be completed by May of 2022, Follet said. The memo of understanding, would therefore commit the town to having the project completed as required, McKinley explained. Follet requested town staff help with installation of the instrument, which McKinley said should not be a problem.
The VDOT resolution, the COLA adjustment and the memo of understanding with the Rotary Club are expected to be voted on at Tuesday’s council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m at Town Hall, 174 E. King St.
Contact Charles Paullin at cpaullin@nvdaily.com
