Tangier Town Council Minutes
The minutes below are APPROVED, as voted on at the meeting, on May 11th, 2026
Meeting Date: February 27th, 2026
Meeting Location: Tangier Town Office
Council Members Present:
- Beth Thomas, Vice Mayor
- Anna Parks
- Tracy Pruitt
- Normand St. Pierre
- Mayor James Ooker Eskridge
Council Members Absent:
- Tommy Eskridge
- Kelly Wheatley
Approximately twenty adult members of the community were in attendance.
Call To Order
Vice Mayor Beth Thomas called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm. She encouraged anyone interested in addressing the council to sign up. She stated the meeting would be recorded.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The opening invocation was given by Denny Crockett, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tracy Pruitt.
Opening Statement:
Mayor James Eskridge welcomed everyone. He acknowledged that it had been a long, cold winter and that everyone was looking forward to spring. He thanked everyone for participating in the meeting.
Motion: To adopt the agenda of February 27rd, 2026, was made by Beth Thomas and seconded by Normand St. Pierre. Unanimous Aye. Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the public meeting minutes of January 23rd, 2026, was made by Normand St. Pierre and Seconded by Anna Parks. Unanimous Aye. Motion Carried
Normand St. Pierre’
Norm explained that the motion previously brought before council to abolish the town meal tax was necessary, because the tax had been haphazardly enforced, since 1991.
He explained that it is the council’s fiduciary responsibility to collect any taxes required in the town ordinance, and that failure to do so could result in legal consequences, both to the town and to affected businesses.
Whereas this particular tax has been collected in some years, and not collected in others, or collected from some businesses and not others, it could cause large fines or even incarceration for businesses who have not complied, that it is better to abolish the previous ordinance, and re-visit revenue options when the fiscal audit is finished and paths forward are presented.
Motion: Normand St. Pierre moved to take from the table a motion to resolve to abolish the town meal tax. Motion was made to abolish the town meal tax by Beth Thomas, Seconded by Anna Parks. Unanimous Aye. Motion Carried
Norm explained that a $681,000.00 loan (24% forgiven) from the Virginia Resources Authority, taken in June 2010 for water infrastructure repairs, meters and water tower repairs is being renegotiated to be offset for a period of 3 years at a cost of $100 per
year. This will save the Town substantial money in the short term, but will result in a slightly higher payment in 3 years. The slightly higher payment will be offset by a second loan from VRA that will mature next year.
Motion: Whereas the Town of Tangier has experienced a significant cashflow issue, and has requested financial help from the Virginia Resources Authority regarding the repayment of a $517,732.00 loan issued on June 1st 2010, and whereas the Virginia
Resources Authority has submitted to the Town a modification agreement regarding the terms of that loan, now let it be resolved that the Town Council approves the modification agreement proposed by the Virginia Resources Authority, and therefore authorizes it’s Mayor, James Eskridge, to sign and complete the modification agreement with the Virginia Resources Authority, made by Normand St. Pierre and seconded by Tracy Pruitt. Unanimous Aye. Motion Carried
Norm went on to talk about a possible property donation at the waterside, that is being proposed to be turned into a public park, by Irene Lewis. Although it is a nice idea, there are many obstacles (property ownership, cleanup, etc…) that may preclude this proposal from going forward. A spirited conversation ensued, including the family members of the property owners. No motion or decision was made.
Financial Reports:
General Fund:
Tracy Pruitt discussed the state of the Town’s General Fund. She said that the General Fund balance, as of the last meeting on January 23rd, 2026, was $53,793.54. As of February 27th, 2026, the balance is $43,234.89.
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP):
Tracy Pruitt went on by stating that the WTP fund balance, as of the last meeting on January 23rd, 2026 was $8,493.62. As of February 27th, 2026, the balance is $15,196.26
Tangier Gas:
Fuel Dock and DEQ Update:
Beth Thomas stated that the Tangier Gas Fund had a balance of $6,633.16, but pointed out that a Pep-Up payment of $22,261.59 had just been made. On the Gas Dock renovation, Beth went on to say that all the necessary permits have been retained, except for one that has been applied for. Tanks are being built right now, in Florida, and should be delivered by the end of April. The project is moving along but has been delayed by ice. Permits are available for review on the bulletin board at the Town Office.
Public Comments:
There were no public comments.
Grants Report:
Anna Parks reports that Negotiations are continuing with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District on the proposed plan to have them take over the responsibility of the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Four people are expected on Monday to hook up
flow meters to work out solutions.
The application for Distressed Locality is also moving along. The Berkley Group will give a report to the town, in person, in March, which will shed light on the entire financial situation, and ideas for a path forward.
Regarding the NFWF grant, Anna had a meeting with Bayland and CFF this week. There is an ongoing project study, that is scheduled to be done by the end of the year – but preliminary projects will be proposed by March 31st. The meeting discussed the most critical areas that needed to be addressed. They want to have a meeting with the citizens of Tangier to further flesh out the proposal. As the Army Corps of Engineers is in the middle of a $15 million project on the Uppards, they will steer clear of that area
and will likely focus on Canton. They will be working on the engineering design for some level of breakwater from the southern end of Canton, up to Port Isobel. The upcoming projects are looking very promising. Anna gave a heartfelt thank you to CBF for taking
over administration of this grant, pointing out that it was a huge relief for them to assign a team to take over the enormous amount of work it takes to get it done.
She commended Addison Crockett, on establishing the Tangier Island Community Foundation, and for all the hard work she has put in, meeting with government representatives, and working on projects from tourism, to infrastructure, to coastal protection projects.
Board of Directors: Director: Addison Crockett, President: Cameron Evans, Vice President: Nina Pruitt, Treasurer: Mariah Hawk, Secretary: Anna Burt, Members: Peyton Pruitt [Olivia], Carol Moore, Mary Stewart Parks, Carrie Brown
New Business:
Beth Thomas pointed out that the group handling the project to replace the bulbs on the water tower and the 911 tower are coming to take care of that on Monday, March 2nd. It’s been delayed by the ice.
Mayor Eskridge wanted everyone to know that the council is aware of the raw sewage spill that is affecting the Wheatley and Lieder homes. They are working to get a contractor out to fix the issue.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Beth Thomas at 6:37 p.m.
The next public meeting will be held on March 11th, 2026.
Tangier Island, Virginia 