Middleburg is in search of a new Town Administrator and candidates for two of the seven voting seats on its Town Council.

On March 11, Council met in closed session to discuss plans to manage the resignation of Town Administrator Jerry Schiro, effective May 1.

Town Council members Judith Pryor Plescow and Lisa Patterson's long-rumored decisions not to seek reelection became official on March 1. Both have long been active in civic affairs.

ISO: Town Manager

Having spent nearly forty years in local government service, Schiro had long been eligible for Virginia Retirement System benefits. His May 1, 2010, retirement target was driven, he said, by "... recent initiatives from the General Assembly to amend the retirement system."

Schiro noted that it has been "an honor and a pleasure" to serve as Town Administrator. "The community pride and willingness of [Middleburg's] citizens to be involved, volunteer and participate is truly exceptional." The term, "Unmistakably Middleburg," he remarked, "came out of a visioning retreat the Council held a while back to describe the Town's unique quality. I think that sums it up. The future for Middleburg is bright."

Middleburg Mayor Betsy Davis noted that the town had known that "... we only had Jerry for a limited time, when he first applied. He had committed to at least 3 years and he certainly has honored that ... and has far exceeded any expectations we had. During that time," she continued, "he has been a faithful and dedicated town administrator ... his excellent skills and knowledge have put our town back on track and we will be forever grateful."

Council Member Bundles Murdock said that, in her memory, he was "... the best town manager we have ever had ... able to right a ship running off course, and set her in the right direction. I will never forget his contribution and dedication and will miss him terribly!"

Judith Pryor Plescow noted "... his tireless service to Middleburg through a difficult period. He leaves big shoes to fill."

Schiro has indicated that he will do everything in his power to smooth the transition to a new chief administrator.

ISO: Town Council Candidates

The March 1 deadline for registration as a candidate for Town Council passed with so little notice that at least one member of Town Council was surprised to discover that both Judith Pryor Plescow and Lisa Patterson would not run for reelection.

Only seven of the eight members of Town Council generally vote on taxes, fees, zoning restrictions, and a host of other measures affecting life in Middleburg and much of the larger community it serves. The Mayor votes only to break ties.

With no candidates officially registered for the May election, Patterson and Plescow's empty seats will thus be filled by any candidate who can mount an effective write-in campaign.

In recent memory, seats on the Town Council have been filled by candidates who received a single vote.

"I am saddened by the lack of candidates," Council Member Bundles Murdock told the Eccentric. "Maybe we have not reached out to people enough.... Families are stretched thin... nobody has the time to devote to so much extra work outside the home. I hope we will have some interested people before election day."

Mayor Davis has indicated that she is certain that "... there are several people who are considering running for council as write-ins," noting that "Some of the names I have heard would be good council members."

Council member Patterson told the Eccentric that the demands of family and a growing business made it difficult, if not impossible for her to contribute the time and focus required not only for the work of the Council, but for its associated committees. She did not rule out running again for office at a later date.

Judith Pryor Plescow said she found herself in a similar situation. "It was a difficult decision as I have enjoyed working for the town," she said, "however, I feel the need to concentrate on my real estate business. I will continue to be involved with activities that benefit the town and specifically hope to continue to be involved with the Farmer's Market and other organizations that encourage and promote Middleburg's economic success."

ISO: $$$$$

In the two weeks between February 25 and March 11, Council made up for the snow days it took in February, holding two full council meetings and a work session.

One of the most critical issues facing Council and the departing Town Administrator remains Schiro's working draft of an operating budget for fiscal year 2011. Despite the comparative prosperity of both Loudoun County and the Middleburg area, the effects of the ongoing recession continue to hurt restaurant and retail revenues.

The Town continues to wait for decisions to be made at the state and county levels about emergency funding to cover the unexpectedly high costs of snow removal.

ISO: Salamander

The delayed opening of the Salamander Inn and Spa has both hurt and helped the town financially.

Once open, the Inn and Spa are expected to contribute significantly to the town's coffers, directly and indirectly.

In the meantime, construction delays have postponed delivery of new state-of-the-art water and waste treatment facilities made possible by Salamander proffers. While the delayed opening of the Inn and Spa has spared the Town's existing systems from radically increased demand, it has also delayed Salamander's use of, and payment for, Town water services.

Negotiations continue on what revenues, if any, Salamander will contribute to the operation of the town's new water systems during the period between the handover of those facilities to the town and the opening of the Inn and Spa.

While construction continues, Salamander continues to use a private well for things like air conditioning. That well will, in time, be turned over to the town, and the water from it treated and paid for by Salamander.

According to Town Administrator Schiro, the new waste water treatment plant may well be ready for transfer to Middleburg in May.

ISO: Water for Fire Drills

The sad state of the Town's existing water systems was illustrated on March 11 when a member of Council called the Town offices to report that the water coming from her taps was running brown.

A series of calls between the Town offices, the fire and police chiefs soon revealed that well-meaning members of the Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department had caused the problem by filling their pumping engine with treated water from a fire hydrant near the fire station rather than a designated, off-system tap.

Such "brown water" incidents, though unpleasant, apparently pose no danger to health. They occur most often when the Town's old pipes are being flushed, and residents are warned in advance of the procedures.

FOUND: Help for Haiti

Mayor Betsy Davis expressed thanks to all those who had contributed to the success of the February 26th Project Helping Hands event, chaired by Eccentric editor in chief DeeDee Hubbard. More than $12,000 was raised to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Davis noted that while it was unfair to single out any one contributor, it would be remiss of her not to mention Council member Lisa Patterson for her "amazing work" behind the scenes; and Patterson, Economic Development Coordinator Cindy Peason, Town Clerk Rhonda North and Police Chief Steve Webber and his daughter for the wonderful tablecloths they made for auction on behalf of the earthquake victims.

"This just proves again how special our town is and how we all came together (again) to help others in need," she said. "Thank you very much!"