May board highlights

 

Goochland’s Board of Supervisors usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month. In the afternoon, the board deals with housekeeping matters and holds public hearings in the evening.

On May 5, in addition to approving the county budget for FY27, which begins on July 1, the Board adopted proclamations proclaiming May as Older Americans Month; May as business appreciation month; and May 3 to 9 as public service recognition month.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 said that the public service proclamation honors the dedication of workers at every level of government and celebrated the talent, commitment, and service that they bring to Goochland government, “we have the best team,” he said.

Following that note, County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley celebrated the accomplishments of professionals in attendance by recognizing their achievements. Joe Rozzano recently earned the certified parks and recreation professional designation, and certified playground inspector credential, which qualifies him to conduct playground safety inspections, to ensure that recreational facilities are free from hazards. He completed these credentials at night and on weekends.

Angelia Miller, Assistant Director of Recreation, recently completed the certified farmers market manager program, which equips her with skills to ensure the success of the Goochland Farmers Market.

In April, Chance Robinson, Assistant Director of Economic Development, earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council. He is one of 1,100 people worldwide to have earned this. Robinson, who has been with Goochland County since 2022, manages business expansion, retention programs, marketing, tourism, and attracting new business.

Raley pointed out that these team members who earned professional credentials outside of business hours, “did not have to do this.”

Kudos to Raley for public appreciation of the accomplishments of members of “team Goochland" who work hard every day to serve county citizens.

Fulfilling his pledge to engage with residents, Raley reported that a citizen advisory committee and round table discussions with residents and business owners have been established. The next community roundtable discussion will be held on May 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. Attendance is limited and registration is required. Please register for the May 20th Community Roundtable Discussion using the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/MF8V6dFp6D

A presentation was made by John Riley, President of the Freedom Flag Foundation about the Freedom Flag, which was created by area restaurant owner Richard Melito as a meaningful reminder of the horrors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania that took the lives of 2,977 people. As we approach the 25th anniversary of this awful day, Riley said that nearly a quarter of our population was born after 9/11 and the mission of the Freedom Flag Foundation is to ensure that horrific day is never forgotten. Go to https://www.freedomflagfoundation.org/  for details.

The supervisors approved the sale canine Deputy Achilles to Deputy Shawn Whitlock for one dollar. Achilles served Goochland well during his six-year career and will now retire.

A public hearing was set for June 2 concerning donation of approximately two acres of county owned land between Sandy Hook Road and the high school to VDOT to facilitate the extension of Fairground Road to Rt. 6.

Tom Cocke, Director of Parks and Recreation presented the updated master plan for his department. This plan is the product of extensive community input over several years, including results of a countywide survey. In addition to details presented last month, Cocke’s presentation included cost estimates broken down into three funding “buckets” that could be used in the county’s capital improvement plan, which is supported by long term financial strategies.

The bucket for sustainable projects like life cycle replacements, upgrades, and additions at existing facilities was estimated at $3.6 million.

A $455 k bucket for expanded projects such as outdoor investments at Central High Sholl Educational and Cultural Center and Leakes Mill Park.

Visionary projects including a new 60-acre park on the county owned parcel on Hockett Road, a major renovation of the sports complex relocating the skate park and farmers market, major renovations to existing parks, and creating a Courthouse linear park to connect the fire training center and Reynolds Community College, are estimated at $23.7 million.

Cocke pointed out that the plan does not commit the county to any project or funding but provides a framework for decisions going forward. Items in the plan include recreational opportunities for children, older adults and accessible amenities.

The need for county recreation facilities in the east end of the county, where there are none, has a high priority. Jonathan Lyle, District 5 said he would prefer that those get high priority.

Charie Vaughters, District 4 lauded the plan adding a budget to the visionary piece to frame it as a long-term capital improvement project that benefits the health and wellbeing of the citizens as preventative infrastructure. He said the plan is very thoughtful to Goochland showing what we can provide that is different from neighboring jurisdictions.

 The plan is a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities and needs for the next ten years. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1390/Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan for details.

 

 

The FY27 budget and other items of note

 

Goochland Day 2026 will be held on Saturday May 16. The event kicks off with a wonderful hometown parade beginning at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse and concludes at the old GES, just north of the administration building. The free festival runs from 11-3 around the Goochland Sports Complex, near the administration building. Go to https://goochlandday.com/ for details.

The Goochland Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 28 beginning at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium about the proposed Valley Link transmission line. Representatives from Valley Link will attend to hear concerns and answer questions.

At the Goochland Board of Supervisors’ regular monthly meeting on May 5, Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 said that Goochland has, along with Louisa, Orange, Culpeper, and Fluvanna counties, submitted a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission giving Goochland a seat at the table and right to be heard on the issue. The board continues to actively and deliberately oppose the Valley Link project to protect the well-being of our residents and rural character of the county.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, was absent.

The supervisors adopted the Goochland County budget for FY27, which begins on July 1.  Tax rates for calendar year 2026 were set in April. Tax bills computed using those rates have been mailed out. They are due on June 5.

The FY26 budget was amended by transferring and appropriating $491,741.74 from unassigned fund balance to cover unanticipated expenditures resulting from the aftermath of winter storm Fern on January 24. Another amendment to the FY26 budget transferred and appropriated $235k to the Department of Public Utilities operating revenues to be used for projected chemical needs at the eastern wastewater pump station.

County administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley Ed. D. said that the $170,997,815 FY27 budget is the result of an excellent team effort that began last September working through complications caused by personnel transitions in the finance department. “We remain steadfast in our approach to making sure that we’re strong stewards of the taxpayer dollars entrusted to us.” He gave special recognition to Kathleen Smith, Assistant Director of Finance, for her work on the nearly 300-page budget document. (Go to https://goochlandva.us/1165/Budget-Transparency )

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 also commended “team Goochland” for its work on the budget. He urged everyone to read Raley’s letter of transmission, which begins on page 15.  “It provides great context and demonstrates how this budget is the result of a thorough and detailed process,” he said.

Director of Financial Services Denise Sandlin presented the FY27 budget for adoption by the supervisors. She explained that the final budget, thanks to strategic review and detailed ‘scrubbing” identified cost savings of $3.4 million, adds items not included in the February version.  These include a three percent raise for school and county employees; enabling the county to absorb a 9.1 percent increase in health insurance costs rather than passing it on to participants; two dispatchers and a full-time information technology director for the Sheriff; and five fire-rescue employees. Schools received an additional $1.5 million. Modernizing human resources software and internal alignment of employees as they earn professional credentials are also funded.

Capital projects for both county and school were funded at $4,400,510. Among the FY27 CIP items are an ambulance replacement for $501,769; $250k for roof replacement at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center; $1,760,000 for various school projects; and $500k for upgrades and replacements for information technology.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, moved to amend the FY27 budget by moving $37k allocated to Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) to the instructional category in the schools’ budget for agricultural education. He contended that MCSWD is well funded but is not reimbursed by the schools for its “meaningful watershed” presentations to students. The proposed transfer would provide funds for this. The other supervisors declined to support this motion and approved the FY27 budget as presented.

Since late last year, workshops chaired by Raley explored county finances in depth to give the supervisors and public a greater understanding of the budget process. (These are archived on the county website.)

The “books close” on FY26 in the summer. It will be interesting to see how the actual revenues collected on June 5 compare with the budget estimates based on January 1, 2026 valuations and how the supervisors might allocate surplus revenue, if any. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

Preparing for a world of unknowns

 

Lt. Col. Williams (l) and GHS MCJROTC leaders (GCPS image.) 

Our world is changing at breakneck speed. Technology has made things like smart phones, that not so long ago would have been considered science fiction, indispensable tools for daily life.

The mission of Goochland County public schools (GCPS) is to maximize the potential of every learner and inspire the next generation. Equipping students with tools to navigate, function, and flourish in a rapidly evolving world is a complex task.

Attendees at the spring Business Roundtable, a periodic gathering of local businesspeople and community leaders, organized by the GCPS Career and Technical Education Department under the Direction of Bruce Watson, held on April 30 in the exquisite headquarters of Luck Stone (https://www.luckstone.com/) in Manakin were treated to a trio of perspectives by dynamic speakers. Go to https://ghs.goochlandschools.org/o/ghs for a glimpse of our high school.

“The question what do you want to be when you grow up is dead, because you’re going to have to constantly reinvent yourself,” Scott Luberto of Luck Stone told the group. “The world will keep changing and jobs will evolve.”

First up was Lt. Col. Kevin Williams, USMC, retired. who leads the GHS Marine Corps Jr. ROTC program, which, with 147 cadets, is the largest in the region. He explained that the program does not prepare students for miliary service—high school students with no ROTC experience enlist at the same rate as those who take part the program. While on active duty, Williams was involved with JROTC programs before being deployed and knew that after his days of leading Marines ended, he wanted to lead cadets.

“Through the Grace of God, I had the opportunity to come to Goochland high school to partner with amazing civilian leaders and fantastic young people that have restored my faith in the future of our nation.”

“Our purpose is not to make Marines,” explained Williams, “It is first and foremost a citizenship program. Many of our cadets have no business in the service and that’s okay with me. I want to develop informed and responsible citizens. The name of our class is leadership education.”

Williams was joined by current leaders of the four-year MCJROTC attired in “the cloth of our nation” Marine uniforms, a privilege earned in their second year of participation. Three of them expect to serve in the military. Two seniors will attend college, Penn State and Virginia Tech, on Marine option NROTC scholarships. One will go to Marine boot camp next summer, and another will also attend Penn State with no military service in her future. The cadets were poised and articulate as they shared career plans and answered questions.

Cadets study history; how our country is organized; about the military chain of command from private to general all of whom report to a civilian. They learn the role of uniforms in life whether it be military or mechanic coveralls to fulfill a role on whatever team they may be a part of. They study and practice good leadership skills, develop personal accountability and responsibility to inspire their peers, and have fun along the way. Williams contended that skills taught at the master’s level are the same given to tenth graders, “better than I got in in college, free at Goochland High School.”

Using Marine models, MCJROTC teaches students how organizations function, including respect for the boss, regardless of who it may be, and the value of citizenship so they can be responsible and informed participants in our republic. The Corps’ motto of strength, honor, courage, and commitment helps young people realize that not everything is about them and where they fit into the scheme of things.

Community service is also a part of the program. Cadet participation includes providing a color guard at local events and doing the heavy lifting at the county’s annual fall tire amnesty collection. They visit military bases, the Marine Corps Museum, and participate in national competitions with other JRROTC cadets.

Skills, hard and soft, obtained in the MCJROTC program will stand our kids in good stead no matter where life’s journey takes them.

Local businessman Stan Corn reflected on his own military service and observed that the most valuable part of the MCJROTC program is the opportunity to mature while still in high school, to better enable them to deal with the challenges they meet in the next place.

(See https://www.goochlandschools.org/o/ghs/article/673462  and https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochlandhighschoolmcjrotc/home for details of the program.)

Luberto of Luck Stone (https://www.luckstone.com/) said that the skills described by Williams are the exact ones that Luck seeks in new employees, not necessarily quantitative mastery. “I need somebody who’s a good values fit, a good leader, and does care.”

In a world constantly changing, Luberto contended,  skills most needed are: learning agility—people comfortable being beginners over and over; curiosity—the ability to use AI to answer questions; collaboration—people who can work alongside AI as a teammate as well as every iteration of human difference; and figure-it-outiveness—persistence, grit, the drive to problem solve when the path is unclear, and AI is confidently wrong. The last, he said, is the human muscle that saves the day.

Luberto said that he is excited that in a few years his infant son will attend Goochland Schools, where he will learn skills necessary to survive and thrive in a future rife with unknowns.

He explained that Luck has replaced people with AI to autonomously operate the huge vehicles that transport rock up the side of quarries. This did not result in any job loss but allowed employees “displaced” by that technology to fill other jobs in the company to learn new skills.

Erin Yearout-Patton, affectionately known as Mrs. EYP, a teacher in the CTE program and coordinator of its work-based learning (WBL) program, said that the title of which she is most proud is “Bulldog Momma.”

WBL gives students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career opportunities to enable them to plot satisfying and productive career paths and reject those in which they have no interest. Mrs. EYP alluded to a comment made by a META executive that 250k electricians will be needed by 2030. WBL can help fill that void.

WBL helps students build real world skills through immersion; test drive various occupations; connect classroom theory to real world experience; and prepare them for the diverse challenges of life beyond graduation. This helps students to make smarter professional and educational choices for their futures. Families are involved in every step of the program.

To meet its goals, WBL “building tomorrow’s workforce today”, uses flexible integration that seamlessly melds a student’s goals with workforce opportunities so they can simultaneously complete academic requirements while developing real world skills and relationships. It is a solutions-based program to bridge the skills gap in today’s workforce. Business partners can choose the participation model that works for their industry.

Mrs. EYP explained that WBL interactions with business partners range from guest speakers describing their company to full blown internships to shape curriculum and mentorships to prepare tomorrow’s workforce.   A recent tour of the Amazon facility sparked an interest in two CTE students who will spend next summer there with an internship and have enrolled in the CTE electricity class next fall well on their way to becoming badly needed electricians.

Business partners are asked to provide a safe environment for students; give constructive feedback on the program and participants; offer meaningful exposure to the company; and model the standards of a professional workplace.

To learn more about WBL contact Bruce Watson, Director of CTE & STEM bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us (804) 556-5613 or Erin Yearout-Patton, Work-Based Learning Coordinator eyearoutpatton@glnd.k12.va.us (804) 556-5322.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Threads of War

 

James Richmond discusses Threads of War exhibit

As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country on July 4 approaches, the latest exhibit at the Goochland Historical Society looks back at the uniforms worn by those defending our freedoms. Even before the Declaration was signed, colonists were at war with the British.

Society Executive Director James Richmond explained that uniforms and other military memorabilia donated to the Society led to creation of the exhibit.

“This captivating exhibit promises to be a remarkable journey through time, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our nation's history through an extraordinary array of uniforms that highlight pivotal moments. With pieces sourced not only from the Society's collection but also from private collections on loan for this special event. Imagine standing before a Revolutionary War uniform, feeling the weight of its historical significance, or admiring the intricate details of a hand-painted World War II bomber jacket that embodies the spirit of bravery and sacrifice. This exhibit serves as an invitation to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served, honoring their legacy while inspiring future generations. Join us in celebrating these remarkable pieces of history that forge a vital connection to our past and ignite a sense of hope for the future.”

Thanks to a generous grant from the Roller-Bottomore Foundation, (https://www.rollerbottimorefoundation.org/) the Society was able to obtain a reproduction Revolutionary War era Continental Line uniform and repair other items in the Society collection. There are a few reproductions, but most artifacts on display are original. These include a uniform from the Spanish American War worn by a very diminutive soldier; World War I uniforms; and several from World War II, including the hand-painted flight jacket of a son of Goochland who will be forever young.

Uniforms of our British Allies in Twentieth Century wars; a Viet Nam era Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniform, donated by Sue Weeks, from the time before women were integrated into the Army; and Scott Johnson’s Navy Dress Whites are showcased.

Insignia, several types of headgear, photos of the men who wore the uniforms, and a selection of wartime memorabilia complete the glimpse into past wars.

Colleen Callahan, of The Costume & Textile Specialist, and former curator of costumes and textiles at the Valentine Museum in Richmond, explained techniques she used to restore the items to pristine condition. Pieces of socks were used to bring the knitted cuffs and waistband of the leather flight jacket back to almost original condition. Callahan explained that she uses “hair silk” thread, so named because it is thin as a human hair, to make moth holes and other fabric damage disappear. Her repair to one of the WWI uniforms was so exquisite that she was unable to find it.

Textile restorer Colleen Callahan explains how she uses socks to repair the knitted waistband on a WWII bomber jacket

Thread of War runs from March 31 to August 31. The Goochland Historical Society is located at 2924 River Road West adjoining the Courthouse Green. Hours are 10-3 Wednesday to Friday and 10-3 on the second Saturday of the month.

A new school

 

At its Tuesday, April 14 meeting the Goochland Board of Supervisors held public hearings on land use matters after setting tax rates and fees for calendar year 2026.

Attendance was unusually robust requiring overflow spaces to accommodate the crowd. The most contentious hearing concerned an application filed by Michael and Katelyn Alsop for a conditional use permit to allow a school to operate on a 7.09-acre parcel on the northwest corner of Three Chopt and Board Street Roads in District 4.  The planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the CUP increasing landscaping and lighting control requirements.

Proposed new building for Acton Academy West End (Goochland County image)

The CUP was approved 3-1, Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 was absent, with Jonathan Lyle, District 5 voting in dissent citing traffic safety issues. Lyle echoed remarks made by District 5 Planning Commissioner Martin Dean, who cast the sole planning commission dissent on the application. “My heart says yes, but my head says no.”

The application does not change the existing A-2 zoning. The CUP allows the Acton Academy West End, (https://actonacademywestend.com/),which currently operates in the Oilville Village’s “Plum Tree Corner” at Shallow Well and Broad Street Roads, to move the  school to a larger site. The Alsops contend that the reason for the move is that the drainfield there is at capacity.

The property in question has a small barn and silos left over from its farming days that is a local landmark. These structures are to “remain aesthetically unaltered, preserving the historic appearance of a farm in its overall form. Minor repairs and subtle changes to the exterior are permitted to protect structural and visual integrity.”

Conceptual plans included in the application retrofit the existing home and barn for school use. Phase II will add an 11,500 square foot building for more instructional space and another 5,000 square foot space.  Enrolment will be limited to 85 in Phase I and 125 in Phase II.

The fiscal impact statement only indicated the number of employees. It included no mention if the school pays property or other taxes and operates as a business or is organized as a non-profit organization.  Charlie Vaughters, District 4, reported that Goochland Superintendent of Schools Dr. Andrew Armstrong indicated that the county spends $16,595 per student. The current Acton enrollment of 31, assuming all students are Goochland residents, saves the county a half million dollars a year while providing an alternative innovative learning option. Children have different learning XX. Vaughters applauded the Alsops for their commitment to preserve the existing buildings in a world where all too often old structures are razed and their legacies lost.

Existing homes on adjacent properties are less than 100 feet from the property line. A six-foot privacy fence and landscaping will be built to screen the school property from adjacent homes. Lights must adhere to the county dark sky policy and be turned off no later than 9 p.m. or two hours after sunset.

Opponents of the CUP—the virtues of the Acton Academy approach to education were never questioned, just not there—were adjacent and nearby property owners who raised concerns about traffic issues, noise, ground water and septic systems.  The conceptual plan shows access for student drop off and pick up via two entrances on Three Chopt Road. A transportation management plan with stringent controls to ensure that local traffic takes precedence over school traffic at peak hours was part of the application and met with great skepticism by neighbors. A traffic impact analysis and VDOT report were used to support the application’s contention that traffic will not be an issue at the subject parcel, and no turn lanes were required.

Opponents pointed out that the intersection is near 825 acres actively farmed and heavily used to transport large machinery and hundreds of tractor trailer trips hauling grain, beans, corn, silage, and “everyone’s favorite, cow manure," past the school site, exacerbating the public safety threat.

Concerns expressed by nearby property owners about the impact of the school on wells was dealt with by saying that the Virginia Department of Health sanitation regulations—read septic systems—must be met. Curiously, the only mention of well capacity in the application is that the applicant must “confirm well capacity” with VDH.

All supervisors live in homes dependent on private wells, so they should understand these worries. Given the recent difficulty drilling a well on the station 8 site in Sandy Hook—where a dry hole required a second drilling—and the possibility of drought, this needs more attention. There was no discussion of recourse for nearby property owners if their wells fail after the school is in operation. What happens if the school’s well goes dry? There was no discussion about water usage at the current site to gauge, even broadly, how much water will be needed at the new site. No mention was made of the impact of the Grace Chinese Baptist Church, west of the subject parcel, on ground water either.

The county has long needed an independent hydrological analysis of its groundwater to understand the possible negative impact of new wells on existing wells nearby. Before the great recession, most residential rezonings were for land using wells. Developers often used reports from hydrologists they hired to indicate that there would be plenty of water where they wanted to build houses. A recent rezoning application for land on Maidens Road, which the supervisors denied, contended that the developer would drill wells deeper than surrounding wells to ensure enough water without any supporting data.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said that the Acton School is an active community partner with an operational history in the county. He contended that Acton has worked with the county to mitigate concerns and that the “horsepower in its community give it a chance to thrive.”

Lyle said that Acton is a great school, but the proposed site is the wrong location for it.

After the decision was rendered, there was grumbling that remarks made by some supervisors indicated that the approval was a done deal. Perhaps they prepared notes both in support and against the application, depending on how the hearing went. Most people who speak during public hearings use written comments or notes to make their point. It is unreasonable to expect supervisors not to do the same.

We wish the Acton School all the best, and hope that it works hard to mitigate negative impacts on its neighbors.

Of tax rates and other things

 

The Goochland Board of Supervisors met on the evening of April 14 to set county tax rates and fee schedules for calendar year 2026 and hold public hearings. Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, was absent. Vice Chair Neil Spoonhower, District 2 conducted the meeting.

Attendance was robust, requiring overflow rooms.

Residents concerned about the proposed Valley Link electric transmission line made their objections known in citizen comment. Go thttps://goochlandva.us/1454/Valley-Link-Transmission-Project for details.

Under new business, the board unanimously approved a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, allocating $250,000 from the County’s Unassigned Fund Balance to support advocacy efforts opposing the proposed Valley Link Transmission Project. 

“The approved funding will support a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening the County’s opposition, including collaboration with community members who have offered to assist the Board and the engagement of professional and technical experts to advise the Board. These efforts are intended to ensure that Goochland County’s interests are clearly represented and that potential impacts to the community are thoroughly evaluated”, from this site.

Spoonhower explained that staff is exploring ways for the county to participate in State Corporation Commission—the agency that has the final say on the project—proceedings to ensure that Goochland’s interests in the matter are fully represented.

A citizen pointed out that the next phase of the Valley Link approval process will take place at the SCC whose decisions are based on formal evidence, expert analysis, and legal arguments. Experienced legal teams, engineers, and consultants will represent Vally Link proponents.

Funds allocated will enable opponents of the project to retain the same sort of talent to evaluate the proposal and present viable alternatives. She contended that this is a technical regulatory process where well-supported evidence-based arguments carry significant weight. The fund allocation will allow Goochland and regional partners to present coordinated, well-documented, and credible opposition.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 supported the measure but urged that the county be very judicious with this expenditure to ensure that the funds are used where they can make a difference.  He also contended that the proposed project is the result of failed policies at the state level in the Virginia Clean Energy Act, which took away power generation capacity at the state level making Virginia a net importer of power. He urged citizens to tell their state representatives that this is a “complete abomination”, the result of a failure in Richmond and not something that can be fixed tomorrow.

Calendar year 2026 tax rates

The board approved most of the tax rates and fees that were approved for advertising on February 17. (Please go to the county website goochlandva.us, click on watch county meetings and select BoS February 17 to view the entire session.) At that time County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley explained that the proposed budget was balanced with expenditures equaling expected revenue, determined by applying prosed tax rates to assessed valuation of property.  This did not include any revenue from projects under construction, like the Ashland Road Amazon facility, which has not yet been granted certificates of occupancy.

During several sessions, all recorded and archived on the county website, beginning in late 2025, Raley took a very deep dive into revenue sources and the budget process. A public hearing on the proposed budget, tax rates, and fees for calendar 2026 was held on April 7. Goochland sets tax rates for the calendar year, but budgets for a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, which tends to result in a best guess for actual revenue.

While most tax rates remain unchanged from last year, they represent an increase because the same rates generate more than one percent more than in the previous year due to an increase in assessed valuation, which results in higher tax bills.

The only change from those advertised—the board may adopt rates lower but not raise them—was the rate for data centers. The advertised rate was $3 per $100 of valuation, up from the previous 40 cents. A motion made to approve the tax rates as advertised by Jonathan Lyle, District 5, failed for lack of a second. Tom Winfree, District 3, moved to include a data center tax rate of 44 cents, a ten percent increase, which was unanimously approved.

Lyle contended that the $3 rate would give the county more negotiating room with potential investors.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said that the Lilly project is a once in a lifetime investment on the last large parcel in West Creek with ready to develop infrastructure. He pointed out that near term capital needs will require at least $17 million in annual debt service. Imposing high data center rates would effectively lock this kind of investment out of Goochland. He opined that while Henrico is "virtue signaling” by raising its rates, its arrangement with Meta locked in a much lower rate for 20 years. Imposing a higher data center rate in Goochland would send prospects to New Kent and Powhatan who will welcome the investment.

Vaughters said that the standards included in the TOD will make Goochland’s economic development strategy a model for other localities. He refuted the notion that the county could have further refined the standards with negotiations.

“This will allow us to lock in transformational tax revenue streams that will allow funding of our entire CIP and maintain balanced operating revenue streams for years to come. When this comes together, we will be shifting the tax burden from real estate and personal property taxes to our business partners, in line with our stated goal of 70 percent residential taxes and 30 percent business. (It is currently about 82/18 residential business.)

Spoonhower said that Goochland needs to be competitive while having the leverage provided by the TOD, which was not in place a year ago. He contended that the 44-cent rate, a ten percent increase, is significant for large scale projects.

Lyle said that life science companies including Lilly in Goochland and Astra Zeneca in Albemarle tend to occur in clusters and discussions to use the vacant Reynolds campus in Courthouse Village for life science education and development could attract more to Goochland.

During the April budget and tax rate public hearing, Deputy County Administrator Sara Worley contended that a drastic increase in the data center rate would put the county at a severe competitive disadvantage with neighboring jurisdictions for commercial development. Henrico, which recently adopted a higher rate, used its many existing data centers to accomplish its strategic economic development goals. Its rate was 40 cents per $100, but since the increase, Henrico has offered to lock in a lowered rate as an incentive.

Worley said that equipment inside data centers, including servers, HVAC equipment, and so forth is all taxable and replaced often so it cannot take advantage of tax breaks associated with full depreciation. A data center is the highest revenue generating use by square foot. Those supporting AI generate twice the amount of revenue.

She said that a higher rate would discourage data center developers from looking at Goochland. The cost of a high tax rate in addition to required infrastructure improvements would make prospects walk away. The Lilly project considered advanced manufacturing, due to the nature of its equipment, will generate lower tax revenues per square foot.

Worley reminded the supervisors that since taking office in 2024, they have been committed to robust expansion of the commercial tax base. The concept of the TOD was first envisioned at an August 2024 workshop with the EDA.

Goochland said Worley has about $233 million unfunded capital improvement projects needed in the next five years.

She confirmed that there is no relation between the TOD and the proposed Valley Link transmission project.

During citizen comment period on April 14, Ben Slone of Maidens reported that he recently attended an event in Silicon Valley and heard a multi-degreed Harvard educated doctor who contended that in a few years, AI will be able to diagnose, treat, and cure a wide range of diseases. Slone opined that the world is in the midst of a revolution seen only a few times in human history like the industrial revolution, electrification, or the Manhattan and Apollo projects.

“AI is completely changing our knowledge systems, and it will be further enhancing our lives. I will argue that the reason for AI data centers is altruistic; to benefit all humanity and from a county standpoint, it will enhance our revenues.”

Slone said that the discussion about a $3 rate is being noted among those looking to invest here. Without investment in data centers for the past three years, Virginia would currently be in recession, he contended. If Goochland does not have data center development going forward it will not be part of the altruistic and major knowledge revolution taking place in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BoS April 7 meeting afternoon highlights

 

Goochland Board of Supervisors’ Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 began a new tradition at the Board’s April 7 meeting by adding a moment of silence for our troops in harm’s way after the Pledge of Allegiance.

He announced that representatives from Goochland attended a meeting held in Louisa County f localities impacted by the proposed Valley Link electric transmission line. Christy characterized the meeting, where discussions about how best to oppose the project resulted in a willingness to cooperate regionally and pursue potentially viable options, as “a pretty productive meeting”.

Later in the meeting, the supervisors unanimously endorsed a resolution formally opposing the proposed Valley Link project, which has no benefit to Goochland County.

The April 14 board 6 p.m. meeting agenda includes an item appropriating $250,000 “for advocacy efforts against the Valley Link transmission line project.”

Proclamations to recognize April as Hunger Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month were unanimously approved. A proclamation recognizing April 19-26, 2026, as Crime Victims’ Right Week was also unanimously approved.

Community food drives to support the Goochland Cares food pantry will be held this month. Please contribute as you are able.

During afternoon citizen comment period, several residents spoke in opposition to the Valley Link project and urged the county to oppose it.

Board Vice Chair Neil Spoonhower, District 2, thanked everyone who made the groundbreaking for Fire-Rescue Station 8, which occurred earlier in the day, possible. “It has been the honor of my life to do this. I doubt I will never do anything as impactful as this,” he said of the station, whose need was identified more than 60 years ago.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremey Raley continued his practice of highlighting the accomplishments of various staff members and departments. He congratulated Director of Public Utilities, Elizabeth McDonald for being recognized as one of 250 nationwide “public service champions” by the Local 250 gov and National Academy of Public Administration. Since coming to Goochland staff last fall,  McDonald has updated the utility master plan, which was presented to the supervisors on April 7, and worked with fire-rescue to ensure that all county fire hydrants are in working order.

Raley presented McDonald and D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr, Chief of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services who was named Virginia Fire Chief of the year for 2025, with Goochland Challenge Coins “to acknowledge employees who gained recognition on the state and national stage.”

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Cayla Walker, unit coordinator and 4-H youth development https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/  gave a thumbnail update on activities.
She reported that in 2025, 2,500 Goochlanders were reached through extension, “a best kept secret.”

Our extension office collaborates with those in neighboring counties on programs including agriculture and natural resources; 4-H and youth development; and community visibility and Goochland Leadership Enterprise.

The Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardner program is also under its umbrella. (Go to https://www.gpmga.org/2026-spring-garden-fest for more information about the April 25, 2026 spring garden fest.)

Goochland Education Foundation

Executive Director of the Goochland Education Foundation (https://goochlandedu.org/) Cyndy Brown gave the supervisors an update on the EdVentures after school enrichment program, for which the supervisors provided $300k last year. The all-inclusive $98/week fee includes academic support, enrichment activities, and snacks.

Available at all three elementary schools, EdVentures opetes from school dismissal until 6 pm during the school year. Brown reported that EdVentures, which is an academic enrichment, not a childcare, program, has a structured, playful curriculum that the kids really enjoy.

In its first year, EdVentures had a consistent enrollment of 55, including some subsidized. There are extra funds for students whose families do not qualify for the subsidy but cannot quite afford the $98 per week. “We will never turn a child away because they cannot afford it,” Brown said.

She explained that “the strong threads we weave through the curriculum are literacy and math.” Students in the program demonstrated improvement in their grades and better attitudes about coming to school.

Enrollment for the next school year has begun with many EdVenture participants planning to return.

Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District

Keith Burgess, District Manager of the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District  (http://www.monacanswcd.org/) explained that his organization was created in 1970 to protect food and fiber production in both Goochland and Powhatan Counties through efforts to educate and help farmers implement best practices improve water and soil quality.

The MSWCD, whose board has collectively more than a century of local farming experience, administers a state cost share program to help livestock producers fence their animals out of streams and install alternate water sources. They work alongside the extension office with a demonstration vegetable garden outside the office at the Central High School Educational andCulteruao Center on Dogtown Road. MSCWD is also involved with the well water testing program.

Educating our kids about the importance of soil and water conservation is also a function of MSWCD. “If we can get the message to them early, they understand the importance of preserving those resources. Once it’s destroyed, we won’t remake it in our lifetimes. It takes hundreds of years to build n inch of soil,” Burgess said.

VDOT

Phillip Frazier, Resident Engineer of the Ashland Residency reported that bid advertisement for the badly needed roundabout on the Oilville westbound I64 exit ramp has been pushed back to June due to drainage design issues.

Consent Agenda

The board voted to amend the FY 26 budget by appropriating up to $110k to the utilities department for an upgrade to the Courthouse Village water tank to improve water quality.

The FY 26 budget was amended to transfer and appropriate up to $150k in the Sheriff’s budget due to an unexpected increase in the use of adult jail space.

An amendment to the FY26 school budget in the amount of $53,659 for grant funds.

Authorization for the county administration to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Goochland Chamber Community Foundation for Goochland Day to be held on May 16.

Station 7

The supervisors authorized Raley to execute a contract with HBA Architecture & Interior Design for architecture and engineering services for West Creek Station 7 to transfer and appropriate $816,901.70 from the future capital projects assigned fund to the capital improvement fund to pay the contract. The board also declared the county’s official intent to reimburse the county for these, and associated qualifying expenditures, from the proceeds of future bonds.

The meeting can be viewed at the “watch county meetings” tab at https://www.goochlandva.us/.