The Front Royal Town Council voted Monday to renew a contract with an economic development consultant.

Council members Melissa A. DeDomenico-Payne, Joshua L. Ingram, H. Bruce Rappaport, R. Wayne Sealock and Glenn E. Wood voted in favor of renewing a contract with Retail Strategies in the amount of $55,000. Vice Mayor Amber F. Veitenthal voted against the motion and expressed concerns that the town would be better off spending the money on a locally based economic development professional.

The council approved a one-year contract in October 2024 with Retail Strategies in the amount of $55,000, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. The total contract including optional renewals equals $165,000 for three years. The contract was signed and executed on Dec. 14, 2024.

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