By Dakota Baker
The Ronceverte City Council met on Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m. With Mayor Deena Pack absent, the meeting was chaired by Leah Smith. Council members opened the meeting by reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous month’s meeting.
Council then addressed old business concerning revisions to the Police Department’s existing Use of Force Policy. Discussion of the policy had been tabled at previous meetings while updated versions were being developed. Two revised versions have now been completed by the Mayor; however, council members have not yet had an opportunity to review them. As a result, further discussion was postponed and the matter was once again tabled.
Next, council members reviewed and approved Resolution 10, authorizing payment of invoices associated with Phase 4 of the water project, including costs related to environmental study publications.
Under new business, Council reviewed and approved the reappointment of Pam Arnold to the Library Board of Trustees for an additional five years. Additionally, council members reviewed and approved two budget resolutions.
Budget Resolution 2026-01 addressed the Coal Severance Fund. Following the receipt of additional revenue, council approved reallocating those funds to support street and highway projects, resulting in a total budget increase of $6,271.
Budget Resolution 2026-02 concerned the General Fund. Council approved the reallocation of a portion of unassigned funds to departments and programs with greater funding needs, including the City Manager’s Office, Elections, City Hall, municipal buildings, contingencies, the Fire Department, and Parks and Recreation. The resolution resulted in a net budget increase of $107,390.
Lastly, council reviewed and approved a request from the Ronceverte Food Pantry to hold a bucket drive on Main Street on Thursday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Upcoming events:
• Ronceverte River Festival – June 12 and 13
• The Skyline Bluegrass Festival on the River – July 18
The next city council meeting will be held on July 6 at 7 p.m., and City Hall will be closed on July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
