MARTINSVILLE, Va. – After discussing the possibility for years, the city council in Martinsville voted unanimously Tuesday to revert to town status.

Faced with an aging population, fewer federal dollars and declining tax revenues, the move to have the municipality absorbed into Henry County could cut costs by as much as $30 million.

As a town, Martinsville would continue to provide emergency services and other essentials, while Henry County would take over public schools and social services.

Council members voted Tuesday night to prepare a petition for the Commission on Local Government, stating Martinsville’s desire to begin the process of reverting to a town. That process could take two years to complete.