Lynchburg finance committee chair’s proposal stirs controversy

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The Lynchburg City Council’s new finance committee chair, Councilman Martin Misjuns, is proposing changes to the committee’s guidelines that have sparked controversy among city officials.

Mayor Larry Taylor expressed concern during a recent finance committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of supporting downtown.

“We need to support downtown,” Taylor said. He then said if there is going to be “a whole bunch of shenanigans on this committee” he would close the committee down.

Taylor also said that the City of Lynchburg staff, including the chief finance officer, have done a great job working for the city for years and that there needs to be respect.

Councilman Sterling Wilder criticized Misjuns’ proposals Friday, which include reviewing personnel shortages, the city budget process, and funds allocated to nonprofits.

“He’s doing things that the city manager normally would do,” Wilder said. “He’s trying to take over the city manager’s job, trying to take over the finance of our city, try to do things that no city has ever done in the state of Virginia.”

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Misjuns was unavailable for an interview but sent a statement that said:

The finance committee’s discussion on non-profit funding was focused on ensuring transparency, accountability, and a clear return on investment for taxpayer dollars. No organization was targeted, but it was noted that the Downtown Lynchburg Association is the only non-profit in the city that receives a taxpayer-funded municipal salary and benefits for its executive director—despite reporting to City Council that downtown commercial vacancies are extremely high. Taxpayers deserve to know whether their money is being spent effectively.

Wilder noted that Misjuns is particularly focused on two nonprofits: the Downtown Business Association and the Regional Business Alliance.

Megan Lucas, CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, responded to concerns about potential funding cuts: “I think that I understand everybody wanting to get a return on their investment,” Lucas said, adding that the city is one of their many partners and that their focus is on regional economic development.

When asked if she was worried about potential funding cuts, Lucas said, “Sure, and every year we worry about that.” However, she expressed confidence in the alliance’s ability to deliver growth to Lynchburg.

The finance committee passed the proposal with a two-to-one vote, and it now moves to the city council for approval.