Iron Gate Continues to Face Challenges with 17% Utility Bill Hike and Potential 8th Street Closure
Monthly Utility Bill To Rise From $115 to $135 | By Jennifer Bailey
Staff Writer |
Iron Gate, VA (May 28, 2026)— Residents of Iron Gate should prepare for a 17% increase in their upcoming utility bills, as recently announced by council members following a public hearing discussing the matter. Starting soon, the monthly bill will rise from $115 a month to $135. The Journal learned of this decision shortly after May's regular monthly meeting, held at 7:00 p.m. on May 28 in Iron Gate Town Hall.
Shortly before Thursday night's session, council members conducted yet another public hearing to address the potential closure of 8th Street, prompted by a resident's request by letter.
During the hearing, the Journal didn't notice any attendees expressing support for closing the street. "I think it's a bad move to ever start closing streets for one person," said resident Earl Anderson. Included in those opposing the closure of 8th Street was Pastor David Hanks, who represented his congregation. "A lot of them (congregants) use 8th Street to exit on Sunday morning because it is too hard to see traffic coming northbound to be able to pull out and go towards Clifton Forge safely because, they say, a lot of the times when somebody is parked beside the road and traffic is coming northbound, it creates a blind spot, so they come out 8th Street."
Iron Gate Baptist Church is located at 702 Market Avenue, which is directly designated as U.S. 220. Hanks is also a resident of Market Avenue, though, he admitted, he doesn't use 8th Street himself.
As of now, no decision has been reached regarding the closure of 8th Street. Council is likely to continue deliberations, considering the opinions and needs of the community before making a final decision on the closure of 8th Street. |  | Iron Gate resident Earl Anderson also expressed his opposition, saying he thought it was a "bad move to ever start closing streets for one person."
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|  | (L to R) Councilwoman Jennifer Tyree, Vice Mayor Chris Mayo, Mayor Kawahna Persinger, Councilwoman Norvella Burrell, and Councilwoman Pat Shiflett.
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