Purcellville, Virginia reverses decision to dissolve police department

Amid the uproar from residents, leaders in Purcellville, Virginia have ultimately decided to retain the town’s police force after initially attempting to disband it in order to save over $3 million. The town of Purcellville, situated in Loudoun County, Virginia, has faced financial challenges, finding itself in a deficit of around $50 million due to the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. In an effort to balance the town’s budget, the council had proposed eliminating the local police department and relying on the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement.

The proposal to dismantle the police force sparked outrage among residents, leading to recall petitions against several council members and Vice Mayor Ben Nett. The council members who supported the defunding of the police force claimed that it would help reduce water bills for the town’s 9,000 residents. However, the decision was met with backlash, prompting a reversal in the council’s stance.

During a packed town council meeting, where emotions ran high, the council voted to allocate $3.2 million for the police force in 2026. The decision was met with cheers from the residents in attendance, who had vehemently opposed the initial proposal. Residents voiced their concerns about the lack of public input on the matter and expressed their support for retaining the police department.

Sheriff Mike Chapman of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office raised concerns about the feasibility of transitioning law enforcement responsibilities to his department in such a short timeframe. Additionally, Vice Mayor Ben Nett, who was under investigation for potential violations of conflict of interest laws, was absent from the meeting.

The council’s decision to retain the police force comes amidst criticism for other actions, including the appointment of former Mayor Kwasi Fraser as town manager without interviewing other candidates. Council member Erin Rayner highlighted questionable behavior since the council took office earlier in the year and expressed relief that others were also scrutinizing the situation.

The tumultuous situation in Purcellville serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and transparency in decision-making processes. As the town grapples with financial challenges and internal strife, residents and officials alike are hopeful that the council will prioritize the best interests of the community moving forward.