(L to R) Councilwoman Jennifer Tyree, Councilman Chris Mayo, Mayor Kawahna Persinger, Councilwoman Norvella Burrell, and Councilwoman Pat Shiflett.

Iron Gate Council Holds Special Meeting to Discuss Reducing Council Seats From Six to Four By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Iron Gate, VA (Aug. 13, 2026)— The Iron Gate Town Council convened for a special meeting on Thursday evening, August 13, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a significant resolution: reducing the number of council chairs from six to four, excluding the mayor's position. The council was considering the resolution due to several factors: population decline, lack of public interest in serving on council, and several upcoming vacancies, including the mayor's seat. Councilwoman Pat Shiflett, Councilwoman Norvella Burrell, and Mayor Kawahna Persinger have all elected not to seek re-election. During the meeting, and after comments from the public, all council members reached a consensus that the best course of action would be to reduce the council size and have all signed the resolution. The next course of action will be for town attorney, Jim Guynn Jr., to take the signed resolution to the circuit court, thus presenting the matter to Iron Gate residents on November's ballot. The resolution reads as follows: WHEREAS, the charter of the Town of Iron Gate establishes a town council which shall consist of seven (7) members, six (6) of whom shall be known as councilman, and one (1) to be known as mayor; and WHEREAS, in recent years the population of the Town of Iron Gate has reduced; and WHEREAS, the reduction of population has made it difficult to fill seven (7) council seats; and WHEREAS, no citizens submitted petitions to qualify as candidates for Town Council in the upcoming 2026 election; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Iron Gate as follows: 1. The Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Attorney to file a petition with the Circuit Court of Alleghany County seeking a referendum to amend the Town charter and reduce the number of council to one (1) Mayor's seat and Four (4) Council seats.

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