Town Government

The Town of Glasgow was established by a Charter granted by the General Assembly on February 29, 1892. The Town is operated under the council-manager system of government. Legislative power is vested in the Town Council and the responsibility for the administrative and executive functions are delegated to the Town Manager, who is appointed by the Council.

Under direction from the Council, the Town Manager’s duties include responsibilities which, in a larger locality, would be assigned to specific personnel. These duties include treasurer, zoning administrator, director of public works, and others.

The Town provides services such as water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, refuse collection, maintenance of certain streets, police protection, and park and recreation facilities. Cooperation with Rockbridge County is essential to ensure services are provided efficiently and economically. State law mandates that the County provide certain services, and through other formal and informal agreements the two governments provide other services. Rockbridge County provides public schools, library facilities, health services, commissioner of the revenue, district and circuit courts, sheriff’s office, regional jail, GIS office, and financial support for fire and rescue services. Cooperatively the governments have worked to improve stormwater management practices, flood mitigation, recreational facilities, and water/ sewer service.

The Town Council consists of six members elected by written ballot. A Mayor is also elected, at-large, by written ballot. In 2004 the General Assembly granted a change in the Town’s charter to allow election schedules to be set by ordinance. In that year the Council adopted an ordinance which staggers the terms of the Council members, while leaving the term of office at two years. Minutes of Town Council meeting are available on the Glasgow Documents page of this site.
 

Commissions & Committees

Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is appointed by the Town Council to serve staggered terms. The Commission is responsible for the development of the Comprehensive Plan and to make recommendations to Council regarding proposed subdivisions, ordinance amendments and other planning related issues.

 Zoning Board
The Zoning Board is recommended for appointment by the Town Council, and also serves staggered terms and must include a member of the Planning Commission. This board hears matters relating to the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and hears requests for variances from the ordinance.