In a dramatic reversal, the Purcellville Town Council voted Tuesday to retain its local police force, just one week after proposing its elimination to save over $3 million. The decision came amid intense backlash from residents and a growing financial crisis in the Loudoun County, Virginia, town.
Purcellville, grappling with a $50 million deficit following the construction of a major wastewater treatment facility, had initially sought to disband its police department and rely on the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. The move was intended to alleviate the town’s financial burden and reduce water bills for its 9,000 residents. However, the proposal sparked widespread outrage, leading to recall petitions against several council members, including Vice Mayor BEN NETT.
At a packed town council meeting Tuesday, residents and officials voiced their concerns, ultimately prompting the council to reverse its decision. The council voted to allocate $3.2 million to fund the police force through 2026, a decision met with cheers from the audience.
Residents criticized the council’s initial vote, which was made without public comment. “The four of you snuck agenda items in at the end of the meeting and took away my lawful right to comment on them,” one resident said, as reported by ABC7.
Loudoun County Sheriff MIKE CHAPMAN also weighed in, stating that the town council and manager had not discussed transition plans with his office, making a two-month transition impossible.
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of a criminal investigation into Vice Mayor BEN NETT for potential violations of Virginia conflict of interest laws. Nett, who was fired from the Purcellville Police Department on April 8, voted to disband the department just days later without recusing himself, according to a letter from the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney, as reported by Fox 5 DC.
The council has faced additional scrutiny for appointing former Mayor KWASI FRASER as town manager without interviewing any of the 82 candidates who applied. Council member ERIN RAYNER expressed concerns about the council’s conduct since taking office earlier this year. “I am happy that it’s not just me and my fellow colleagues that are seeing this behavior and are seeing what’s going on and looking into it,” Rayner said.
The decision to retain the police force marks a significant victory for Purcellville residents, who rallied to protect their local law enforcement agency.
**Sources:**
[Fox 5 DC](https://www.fox5dc.com)
[ABC7](https://www.abc7.com)