The Town of Grottoes is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Town Manager, the chief administrative officer responsible for directing programs and operations of the Town government.

The Town of Grottoes is located in the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grottoes is an incorporated town encompassing parts of Augusta and Rockingham Counties. Called by its residents, “the best kept secret in the Shenandoah Valley,” Grottoes is a quiet community of friendly and supportive citizens. The Rockingham County portion of Grottoes is part of the Harrisonburg Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the small portion extending into Augusta County is part of the Staunton-Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area. Only a small number of the Town’s approximately 3,000 residents reside in Augusta County. Grottoes is easily accessible from Interstate 81, seven miles to the west, on Virginia State Route 256. Washington, DC and Roanoke, Virginia are within 150 miles, north and south respectively. The Town is on U.S. Route 340, fourteen miles north of Waynesboro. Interstate 64 at Waynesboro provides connection to Charlottesville, Richmond and Hampton Roads within three hours to the east.

The Town of Grottoes provides municipal services that complement the more broadly delivered services, such as public education and social services, provided by Rockingham County. The annual budget of approximately $4.4 million, includes a General Fund budget of approximately $2 million, and a Water Fund ($392,000), Sewer Fund ($711,000), Parks and Facility Fund ($954,000) and Refuse Fund ($308,000). Audits have been completed through 2021, and work is underway to complete audits through the most current fiscal year. The Town has adequate reserves and good cash flow. The tax base includes real estate, personal property, machinery and tools, meals, lodging and cigarette taxes.

Grottoes follows the Council-Manager form of government, with the Town Council being the legislative policy-making body. The Council is composed of six members and a mayor. Council members are elected at-large to four-year staggered terms. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term and presides over Council meeting but casts a vote only in the event of a tie, and does not have veto power over Council actions. In addition, the Mayor is recognized as head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes, for purposes of military law, and for the service of civil processes but has no administrative duties. A Vice Mayor is elected annually by the Council to preside in the absence of the Mayor. Town Council appoints the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Town Clerk. Each Council member serves on three Council committees, which meet as needed. In November 2024, the town will hold elections for Mayor and three available Council seats.

Serving as the chief administrative officer of the Town, the Town Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the town government, appoints and supervises employees, implements policies, and addresses priorities adopted by the Council. The Manager is also responsible for ensuring that all laws, ordinances, resolutions, and bylaws of the Council are faithfully enforced. In addition, the Town Manager represents Grottoes to federal and state agencies and in other matters as required.

The Town has 27 full-time employees providing Town services that include a 24-7 Police Department, water and wastewater operations, streets and street light maintenance, refuse collection, planning and zoning, and parks and tourism. Emergency response is provided by the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department, organized in 1948; the Grottoes Rescue Squad, established in 1967; both active, vibrant volunteer agencies of 80+ members that are supported by the Rockingham County Department of Fire and Rescue.

The Town Council is very eager to work with the new Town Manager to address a number of opportunities to improve Town operations, service delivery, infrastructure, and the quality of life in the community.

• The Town’s Comprehensive Plan, last adopted in 2017, is currently under review. Areas under consideration in the new plan include improved pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and connectivity, and actions to improve the Town’s visual appeal. Updating the comprehensive plan is a necessary first step toward revising the zoning ordinance to enhance and protect housing and provide encouragement for appropriate business development.
• The Comprehensive Plan review should include a Capital Improvements Plan to address improvements to the water and sewer infrastructure, sidewalks, parks, a possible indoor recreation facility, and other public amenities. The review and amendment process will require continued close coordination with Rockingham County’s planning efforts.
• Timely attention to the highest priority water and sewer infrastructure needs will be essential.
• In addition to a new Comprehensive Plan and a revised Zoning Ordinance, there is interest in taking other appropriate steps to attract and retain business to provide jobs and retail opportunities in the Town.
• The Town Council also desires to create opportunities for professional growth and development of the existing staff, and to offer training for its own members.
• The Town Council seeks to assure long-term financial stability as well as near-term funding capacity for top priority capital improvements. In conjunction, the Council is eager to obtain grant funding to help offset the local cost of implementing priority projects.
• There is interest in developing and comprehensive workplace safety program for Town operations and facilities.

For the full recruitment profile, visit www.bgllc.net.