The town of Purcellville, located in Loudoun County, Virginia, recently faced controversy when the town council proposed eliminating the local police force in an effort to save over $3 million. This decision came as the town found itself in significant debt following the construction of a major wastewater treatment facility. The initial proposal to disband the police department led to backlash from residents, with recall petitions being initiated against several council members and the Vice Mayor. Residents were upset that the decision was made without public input and were concerned about the impact it would have on public safety.
In response to the outrage from residents and other officials, the Purcellville town council ultimately reversed its decision and voted to continue funding the police force at $3.2 million for 2026. The announcement was met with cheers from residents who had been vocal in their opposition to the initial proposal. Residents expressed their concerns during public comments, stating that they did not want to sacrifice the police department in order to save money on water bills. The council members who proposed eliminating the force indicated that they wanted to reduce water bills for the town’s 9,000 residents, but ultimately decided to continue funding the police department.
Sheriff Mike Chapman of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office released a statement before the meeting, expressing concerns about the potential transition of law enforcement duties from the local police department to his office. He stated that discussions about such a transition had not taken place and that it would not be feasible to happen within a two-month timeframe. Additionally, Vice Mayor Ben Nett, who was at the center of the decision to disband the police force, was under investigation for potential violations of conflict of interest laws. Nett’s firing from the Purcellville Police Department and subsequent vote to eliminate the force raised questions about his involvement in the decision-making process.
The Purcellville town council has faced criticism on multiple fronts, with concerns being raised about the appointment of former Mayor Kwasi Fraser as town manager without thorough review of other candidates. Council member Erin Rayner expressed doubts about the behavior of the council since new members took office earlier in the year. Rayner stated that she was relieved to see that others were also questioning the decisions being made by the council and investigating the situation further. The controversies surrounding the council’s decisions and actions have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in local government.
The vote to retain the Purcellville police force comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing investigations, public backlash, and calls for accountability from residents. The decision to reverse the proposal to disband the department highlights the power of public opinion and the importance of community input in local government decisions. Moving forward, the town council will need to address the concerns raised by residents and officials, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and with the best interests of the community in mind. The events surrounding the Purcellville police force serve as a reminder of the impact that local government decisions can have on residents’ lives and the importance of accountability and responsiveness from elected officials.
