Mayor Jeff Irvine paid tribute to late Covington Mayor, William Lance Carson, during tonight's Clifton Forge Town Council Meeting.

Clifton Forge Town Council Honors Late Covington Mayor During August Meeting By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer Clifton Forge, VA (Aug. 12, 2025)— It was a long night for the town of Clifton Forge during their regularly scheduled August meeting, held at Town Hall on Tuesday night. The hour-and-a-half long meeting included regular business, a first reading of an ordinance providing for the registration of vacant buildings, and a moment of silence for late Covington Mayor, Lance Carson, following a resolution read by Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine. William Lance Carson served as Covington Mayor for a very brief time, but was a dedicated member of his community for many years. "William Lance Carson served as the Mayor of the city of Covington from January 2025 until his passing on July 19, 2025. And whereas, Mr. Carson's lifelong, dedicated commitment to his community and the entire Alleghany Highlands, exemplifying his unselfish and giving nature..." Irvine read. This brief section in the resolution serves as the ongoing theme throughout, highlighting how Carson was viewed by his community and fellow public government figures. Following the resolution, Councilman Benjamin W. Nicely requested a moment of silence in honor of the late Mayor, which was promptly agreed upon by Mayor Irvine. Other business included a first, quite lengthy reading of an ordinance providing for the registration of vacant buildings which was read by Town Attorney Mike Lockaby. Lockaby felt it appropriate to read the ordinance, as he was the one who drafted it. The full reading can be viewed and heard now on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page. In short, the purpose of the aforementioned ordinance is to enact a system that would allow the town to follow up with the owners of vacant houses and/or buildings to ensure they are well-maintained and getting use. This would both fill the houses and buildings, as well as aid in the safety of the town. By law, two readings must be done prior to voting and so, the first reading was conducted this evening. Similarly, a resolution was read to consider approval to amend the Town of Clifton Forge budget for fiscal year 2026 to appropriate $50,000 to the Economic Development Authority of the Town for acquisition of certain real estate. "What this is," said Town Manager Chuck Unroe, "really is a resolution authorizing the town to advance funds to the EDA [Economic Development Authority] for a potential real estate purchase that they're in negotiations with. All of this money will be reimbursed to the town once the funding package is in place and solidified on that property." Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution. The entirety of tonight's Clifton Forge Town Council meeting was Livestreamed on Facebook and is available for viewing here: https://www.facebook.com/alleghanyjournal

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