EDA – Do we want something different? Now is the time to say

Councilman Jacob Meza updates Council on the latest from the EDA Reform Committee meeting. Photo and video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

“Do we want something different? Now is the time to say, ” said Councilman Jacob Meza.

At the Front Royal Town Council work session on September 16, 2019, Councilman Meza gave an update from the recent EDA Reform Committee meeting. During this discussion, Mayor Matt Tederick brought up the probability of the Town to create its own Economic Development Authority. He said that it would not be uncommon as other communities in Virginia have established such entities.

EDA Reform Committee receives audit update; reviews properties

The discussion continued concerning the “double” draws from the Towns line of credit. Mayor Tederick said, “As soon as the Town was aware of the transaction, Town officials reported to the proper authorities of what gave the appearance of something inappropriate.” He went on and said, “We’re not paying for it. Town citizens are not paying for that money.”

Mayor Tederick makes it clear – “We’re not paying for it. Town citizens are not paying for that money.”

Councilman Chris Holloway ask Town Attorney Doug Napier, “If the bank mistakenly puts a million dollars in my bank account and I spend it, is it criminal?”

Vice-Mayor Sealock informed Councilman Meza to watch his words concerning the Police Department project, “The Police Department is not finished. There is a major punch list.” Councilman Meza clarified his words.

Town Council members went into a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel and staff regarding “probable litigation,” as well as to discuss and consider “performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of Town Council,” according to the agenda.

Watch the discussion on this Royal Examiner video: