Podcast

In early May, the VML Voice spoke with Terry Tilley, town manager of Stuart, and Keith Barker, city manager of Galax. Both these managers are set to retire this year after many years of service to their communities.

On March 18, host of the VML Voice, Rob Bullington, chatted with a couple staff members from the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Health Services. He was joined by Director Julie Henderson and Legal Affairs and Environmental Health Coordinator Karri Atwood.

In part 1, we explored how Petersburg nearly went off the rails when it faced financial ruin just a few short years ago. In part 2 we spend some more time with Mayor Samuel Parham, City Manager Aretha Ferrell Benavides, Deputy City Manager Lionel Lyons and Economic Development Manager Clay Hamner as they discuss some recent good news and their hopes for the future of the city that is now back on track.

In the fall of 2016, the City of Petersburg was on the precipice of a major financial crisis. Two weeks ahead of a million-dollar payroll, the City held only $75,000 in funds. Tax collections were below 60%, water utility rates were below competitive market rates, and the Treasurer’s office was under scrutiny by the FBI. The city had a six-million dollar deficit and a Standard and Poor’s bond rating of BBB.