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The Greater Lynchburg Transit Co. is suing the city for at least $1.3 million, alleging breach of contract and fiduciary duty over a drawdown from its reserve fund. Lynchburgโ€™s current budget moved $1.3 million out of the fund, leaving about $100,000 โ€” though an agreement says it should hold at least $500,000 to cover unplanned cash shortfalls. The transit company says it did not request the money, its board was not formally notified before the proposed budget was presented, and the transfer was not prompted by an unexpected cash shortage. The city says it is willing to discuss the dispute. Pittsylvania Countyโ€™s Berry Hill megasite is planned to host 21 data center buildings, built in phases over 15 years. Stack Infrastructureโ€™s Project Crossroads would cover 1,715 developable acres, with construction disturbing 1,733 acres. At full build-out, it would need about 3,000 megawatts of power, mostly generated on-site, and could use up to 7 million gallons of water a day. Permits also project up to $48 million in annual property tax revenue for the county. The project is expected to bring more than 2,500 jobs, with salaries above $80,000, over 20 years. Opponents of data centers are planning eight marches across Virginia, including one Monday in Danville, where a data center complex at the Southern Virginia Megasite is slated to bring at least 2,050 permanent jobs. That would top Southsideโ€™s largest jobs announcement since at least 1990. But the energy demands are already part of the debate: neighboring Pittsylvania County has approved more solar projects than any other Virginia county, and officials have talked about โ€œsolar fatigue.โ€ Jobs and tax revenue on one side; power needs on the other. A proposed statewide moratorium puts that tension in sharper focus. Washington County could face a $1.7 million deficit in its next budget, even as it confronts emergency repairs to its moldy justice center. The shortfall is projected for fiscal 2027-28, and the county is starting its review early because rising costs are outpacing expected revenue growth. School funding needs account for much of the pressure; employee cost-of-living raises and a new Glade Spring EMS station add $400,000 each. Keeping four school resource officers would require another $356,000. The countyโ€™s three options: find more revenue, cut spending or use reserves. Blacksburg has lowered the penalty for operating an unregistered short-term rental from $1,000 to $500. Town Council unanimously approved civil fines for homestays that lack registration or fail to meet other requirements, replacing a criminal penalty under an ordinance last updated nearly a decade ago. The change brings the town in line with state code, which caps the penalty at $500. Blacksburg has issued 75 homestay licenses for 2026, but itโ€™s unclear how many rentals are operating without one.

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