The Purcellville Town Council voted yesterday to fully fund its police department through FY2026. This is a change of course from the vote earlier this month that would have completely dissolved the department.
The council voted on April 8 to get rid of the town’s police department, saying that the change would save the town about $3 million. Instead of the Purcellville Police Department (PPD), the council said that the Loudoun County Police would take over.
The town council prepared a packet outlining “transition success factors” for this change. It said that there would be a minimum of eight Loudoun County deputies working in Purcellville and that a police station office would open in the town hall.
But the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) issued a statement on April 21. It said that the sheriff was not consulted and did not agree with the statements in the document.
“While the LCSO is willing to provide law enforcement support and services to the Town of Purcellville, the town council has no jurisdiction to place conditions or requirements on the LCSO should its police department be dissolved,” LCSO’s statement said.
On Tuesday, five Purcellville councilmembers voted to fully fund the department, with the mayor abstaining from a vote.
Vice Mayor Under Investigation
The Virginia State Police has also begun a criminal investigation into vice mayor Carl “Ben” Nett, WUSA9 reported.
Nett, who worked for the police force, was accused of contacting an independent contractor who was evaluating the PPD. He allegedly told the consultant what to include in the report — including that he should be named chief of police.
Nett was fired from the PPD in early April because of accusations that he misused sick leave. He was terminated the same week the council voted to dissolve the police department.
An advisory opinion from Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County Bob Anderson states that the communication with the consultant was inappropriate and alleges that the vote to disband PPD was “retaliation” for Nett’s firing.
Officials have removed Nett’s access to police department records. He is no longer permitted to vote or attend meetings related to PPD.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
