Council OKs textbook debt obligation

10:56 p.m. Nov. 17, 2025

Council OKs textbook debt obligation

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

On Monday, Nov. 17, the Moore County Council approved a debt obligation for school textbooks, moved forward with several rezoning requests, and agreed to street closures for this year’s Christmas in Lynchburg celebration.

Three council members were absent: Douglas Carson, Sunny Rae Moorehead, and John Taylor.

School Textbook Debt Obligation Approved

The Council voted 10-2 to approve an $85,500 debt obligation for science textbooks for Moore County Schools.

Voting yes were Arvis Bobo, Gerald Burnett, Amy Cashion, Marty Cashion, Bradley Dye, Dexter Golden, Greg Guinn, Jimmy Hammond, Houston Lindsey, and Shane Taylor.

Voting no were Robert Bracewell and Peggy Sue Blackburn.

Rezoning Requests Move Forward

Council members moved two new rezoning requests forward on their first reading:

  • A-1 to R-2 rezoning of 2 acres on Chapel Road owned by Jeff Gattis.
  • A-1 to R-2 rezoning of 1.68 acres on Bagley Hollow Road owned by Rhonda Groce.

Both measures passed without opposition. A public hearing on the rezonings is set for 6:20 p.m. on Dec. 15, before next month’s meeting and the second reading.

The Council also gave final approval to two rezoning measures:

  • 2.95 acres on Preston Ridge Road owned by Ryan and Leah Dickert.
  • A minor division of property on Bull Run Road owned by Barbara and Johnny Holt.

Both measures passed with no opposition.

2025 Christmas Parade Route

Click to enlarge

Christmas Parade Street Closures Approved

The Council approved street closures for Christmas in Lynchburg, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. The closures include:

  • Closing Short Street to improve pedestrian flow.
  • Traffic will still be able to enter Hiles Street at the post office, but access at the red light on Mechanic Street will be limited to exiting only.

Sheriff Tyler Hatfield updated the Council on changes to the parade route. This year, the parade will start at the Metro Ballpark (960 Main St.) and proceed past Duck River Electric and the Sheriff's Department. At the Health Department, the parade will turn right onto Majors Boulevard, then turn right again at the crosswalk near the Jack Daniel Distillery.

From there, the parade will turn right onto Main Street. When it reaches the Square, it will turn right onto Mechanic Street, then left onto Short Street, left onto Hiles Street, and finally right onto Main Street and ending in Wiseman Park.

Food Drive Results, Zoning Updates Discussed

• During council comments, it was announced that the Moore County Resource Center distributed 140 food boxes – more than 8,000 pounds – during its Nov. 11 distribution. Since Jan. 1, the center has provided over 45,000 pounds of food to Moore County residents.

• Dexter Golden provided a planning and zoning update, noting that the commission is working on new zoning categories: R-3, R-4, and R-5. These will help clearly separate duplexes, townhomes, condos, and apartments from the current R-1 classification. He said there will be no changes to existing setbacks. The goal is to give both the Metro Council and residents more clarity when reviewing rezoning requests. Drafts should be ready for review next month.