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/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station 8 groundbreaking

Moving dirt to start Station 8

 

On a perfect spring day in a picturesque setting, ceremonial ground was broken for Goochland Fire-Rescue Station 8 on April 7 in Sandy Hook.

The event began with an invocation by Pastor Adlai Allen of Chief Cornerstone Baptist Church who thanked the Lord for the first new emergency response district in the county in over 60 years. Since an ambulance was deployed at the site during the 2023 construction of the Courthouse Village roundabout, it has responded to 1,065 calls, becoming the third busiest ambulance in the department.

“We gather today with grateful hearts to break ground on this new fire station. May this station serve as a beacon of hope and stronghold of safety for our community,” prayed Pastor Allen. He asked for blessings on the firefighters and EMS providers who will serve at Station 8 and the construction workers who will build it. “God grant them courage, wisdom, and protection as they serve others. May this be a place of strength, unity, and dedicated service.” He asked for continued blessings on District 2, the supervisors, and those who work together striving for the advancement of all people in Goochland.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. introduced supervisors Neil Spoonhower, District 2; Tom Winfree District 3; Charlie Vaughters, District 4; and Jonathan Lyle, District 5. Also in attendance were Congressman John McGuire; Sheriff Steven Creasey; Commonwealth’s Attorney John Lumpkins; and former District 2 Supervisor Manny Alvarez.

The groundbreaking represents an important milestone in county history, the county’s ongoing commitment to public safety. Expansion to Sandy Hook dates back to the 1970’s, when the growing need for a fire-rescue there station was first identified. Over the years, many people, especially former supervisors, the late Dr. James Bowles, Sr.; the late William Quarles, Jr.; and Alvarez who played important roles in sustaining that vision that finally resulted in Station 8.

Station 8 coming soon (Goochland County image)

Raley said that the “temporary” deployment of an ambulance to Sandy Hook, on property purchased by the county for a future Station 8, proved, what the community already knew, that there was a need for fire-rescue service there. When station 8 is done it will be staffed 24/7 with an ambulance and fire engine by both career and volunteer providers. He thanked all who collaborated on the project and welcomed all to the groundbreaking and hoped they would return for the grand opening of Station 8 in about a year.

Spoonhower, proudly wearing a ball cap emblazoned with “Station 8”, said that years from now people may not remember what he said, but they will remember what was begun.  He recalled the difficulty he had obtaining homeowner’s insurance when he moved “over the hill” 25 years ago because there was no fire station nearby.

 “Today, we start to fix that. I want to thank all the people past and present, past supervisors, Manny Alvarez and Corey Bowls, who worked on this. Most of all, I want to thank the citizens, especially Pastor Allen, who supported this and reminded me often of the importance of Station 8 and to make sure this was on task.”

Over the years there have been many studies about the need for Station 8, but when that ambulance deployed to county-owned property began to respond to calls, it became clear. “When you can hear my neighbor’s house is being responded to in four rather than 14 minutes, the difference is huge,” said Spoonhower.

“Buildings don’t serve communities, the people in them do. That includes incredible leadership like that of our own Chief Ferguson who was named Virginia Fire Chief of the year. Spoonhower thanked those, especially his fellow supervisors whose support made Station 8—which was not scheduled to be built until 2031—possible, and the incredible mix of paid and volunteer providers.

Fire-rescue volunteers said Spoonhower, “Are your friends and neighbors who have jobs, families’ responsibilities, and they still step up when the calls come in. Staffing this station with career providers will cost about $1.5 million per year.” He urged others to volunteer to ensure that when people have the worst day of their lives someone is there to help. Leading by example, Spoonhower handed Ferguson his application to be the first volunteer at Station 8.

Ferguson said that 2026 is the 75^th anniversary of the fire service in Goochland. EMS was added in 1966. People have advocated for a station Sandy Hook for many years. He reported that efforts to create a rescue squad around Gum Spring, halfway between Company’s 3 and 6, began in the 1970’s but never came to fruition. “It’s our honor to be able to place this project on the tracks and see it to completion on this beautiful piece of property that meets all of our requirements.”

The eight-acre site, comprised of three parcels, has frontage on Dogtown, Whitehall, and Sandy Hook Roads enabling multidirectional response from the station.

Ferguson thanked the station design team under the leadership of Battalion Chief Blake Markey and HBA Architecture & Interior Design and General Services Director Scott Forster for their collaboration on Station 8 for almost two years of design and planning. Station 8 will be a state-of-the-art facility with three drive through bays, a full complement of apparatus, and everything needed to support providers.

He concluded with a memory of William Quarles, Jr., a distinguished public servant who was both a supervisor and school board member, embodying the spirit of a true gentleman who was always smiling. “On several occasions, Mr. Quarles shared words of encouragement. Chief, we’re going to shoot for the moon and maybe land on a star. We landed on that star when we started operations here in 2023 and now, we’re aiming for the moon.”

 

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDnZoSZCts to view the event.
 

 

 

 

VA 250 mobile museum coming to Goochland

 

va250 Mobile Museum

Step back in time and experience Virginia’s central role in the American Revolution when the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, “Out of Many, One,” visits Goochland County. This innovative traveling exhibit will bring the story of the nation’s founding directly to the Goochland High School located at 3250 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. This experience is free and will be open to the public during the following times:

• April 10 - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• April 11 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
• April 12 - Noon to 4:00 PM

The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
More than just a static display, “Out of Many, One” is a cutting-edge, immersive, and hands-on exhibition housed within a custom-built 53-foot expandable tractor-trailer. Utilizing high-tech displays, interactive exhibits, and compelling artifacts, the museum offers visitors of all ages an engaging journey through the pivotal events, groundbreaking ideas, and diverse individuals who shaped America in its earliest days. It highlights Virginia’s essential contributions as the birthplace of the nation and its ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.

For more information on the Goochland VA250 Committee, please visit www.exploregoochland.com/gva250.

Parks and Rec Master Plan update

 

Beautiful James River Valley

On April 2, the Goochland Department of Parks and Recreation presented a finalish look at its updated master plan. Department Director Tom Cocke discussed the process at the session which was held at the beautiful Manakin headquarters of Luck Stone, which has been a dedicated supporter of county parks and rec for a long time. Tucked into the hillside overlooking the James River Valley, the care taken to preserve the site is typical of Luck’s high regard for Goochland.

The site is exquisite. There has been speculation among historians that, had the rebellion by pesky colonists about 250 years ago been put down by the British, a certain Lord Cornwallis was so taken by the place that he considered retiring there. But that was before the unfortunate events at Yorktown.

(Speaking of the Revolution, the VA 250 mobile museum will be at Goochland High School, 3250 River Road West in Goochland Courthouse on Friday, April 10 from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday April 11 from 9 to 4 p.m.; and Sunday April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Go to https://www.exploregoochland.com/187/VA-250-American-Revolution for details.)

Described as “a roadmap to shape the future of our parks, facilities, and programs,” the P&R  master plan revision process began in January 2025 to gather citizen input about the state of existing facilities and recreational needs and wants going forward.

The results of a countywide survey conducted in the summer of 2025, which returned 329 valid responses above the goal of 300, are included in the “slides” from the April 2 meeting, available at https://www.goochlandva.us/1390/Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan.

Cocke shared the 10-site inventory that includes 347 acres of public parkland, mostly from the center west in the county that contain 2 recreation centers, more than 13 miles of trails, 8 ball fields, 4 rectangular fields, 4 playgrounds and 3 dog parks.

Our parks are well used. A park amenity priority list by district—there are none in the east end of the county—indicates support for both paved and unpaved trails; natural areas; farmers market; and river access across the board.

Funding priority by district—no cost estimates were included in the presentation—included countywide support for permanent farmers market location; development of new parks; a new area for community wide events; and new sports facilities. District support for funding included adding splashpads to existing parks in Districts 1 and 2; and off leash dog park in District 4.

Based on county population growth, Cocke said the county could use at least another 58 acres dedicated to P&R to meet recommended levels of service.

Suggestions for Matthews Park near Hadensville-Fife Road include better ADA access, an archery range, and a nature playground.

Tucker Park, which is considered a signature destination would benefit from moving the exiting archery range out of the flood prone areas; enhancing the playground; building ADA trails and a fishing pier on the remnants of the ramp to the old Maidens bridge; improving the canoe launch; upgrading restrooms and relocating parking.

The old Goochland Elementary School, which includes the sports complex behind the administration building would benefit from relocating parking and the skate park when the road connecting the roundabout the Rt. 6 is completed. This would be an ideal site for a permanent farmer market pavilion, high demand pickleball courts, and a plaza area.

Perhaps of most interest, was a conceptual plan to use the 80 or so acre parcel of county owned land on the east side of Hockett Road opposite Greenswell Growers for the badly needed east end park. This site has topographical and wetland challenges that could make it unsuitable for a school but adaptable for a varied use park. Cocke said that no decision has been made about the ultimate use of this parcel, which is up to the board of supervisors.

As depicted, this park could include an indoor sports facility large enough to accommodate 10 to 12 basketball courts, which could be used for events like graduation or rented out as a revenue stream. Cocke suggested that this could be funded by a public-private partnership. There would be space for outdoor fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds, dog park, picnic shelter, and opportunities for different kind of trails. Cocke contended that building this park would use a phased approach. Its location, near I64 and Rt 288, closer to population center will draw more participants to events like mountain bike races.

Concept for Hockett Road property. Brown rectangle in lower right is proposed indoor sports facility

An attendee pointed out that there could be an opportunity to create another Leake’s Mill Park there with the help of the passionate volunteers who built and maintain an extensive network of mountain bike trails without a great deal of funding.  Matt Brewer of the Goochland Mountain Bike Team contended that the capex for building trails is far lower than that for building rectangular fields.

“We have kids that do service projects on the trails as a way to connect with nature. We currently maintain single track trails at Leake’s Mill and the private venue of Westview on James. If we had a county owned venue or an MOU with Reynolds Community College we could pull in a state championship bike race,” he said.

Cocke said that creating a venue for niche sports, like mountain biking, for which Leake’s Mill Park is renowned, is a way to encourage tourism with relatively little capital investment.

Denis Dempsey of RVA Racing, https://rvaracingevents.com/ which organizes mountain bike races, said that Goochland Parks and Rec “is a pleasure to work with”. He said that respondents to a survey of participants in events indicated that Leake’s Mill is their favorite venue because of its variety of trails. “You’ve made it very easy to do this,” he said thanking Cocke and his staff.

Responding to question about funding, Cocke explained that there are a “wheel of options” for funding after decisions are made about moving forward. The master plan is the first step. Cash proffers, collected from residential rezonings, is one potential funding source but implementation is a long way from creation of a master plan.

Cocke commended the many “awesome” people who collaborated on the master plan including his staff, other county departments and citizens who took the time to share their views on the topic and contribute to the process.

The plan is expected to be presented to the Board of Supervisors at its May meeting.

Lots of good information about District 5 and beyond

Goochland Sheriff Steven Creasey (l) and County Administrator Dr. Jeremy  Raley chat in the great hall of St. Gertrude's School

On March 25, District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle held a district 5 town hall meeting in the great hall of St. Gertrude’s School on the campus of Benedictine Schools of Richmond on River Road just east of Rt. 288. The setting was an exquisite building whose tower stands sentry over the entrance to Goochland County by the James River bridge.

About 15 years ago, the relocation of Benedictine College Preparatory School from Richmond’s museum district to River Road generated a firestorm of opposition from neighbors who contended among other things, that locating the school in their midst would degrade the value of their homes and that a school had no place in a residential area.

When St. Gertrude’s school for girls moved to the campus a few years ago, there was little comment.

During a recent conditional use permit hearing concerning expansion of campus athletic fields for girls’ sports, Jesse Grapes, President of Benedictine Schools of Richmond, (https://www.benedictineschools.org/)  presented data showing that assessed valuation of homes closest to his campus, increased more than those in other parts of the River Road corridor. In his remarks of welcome Grapes said that Benedictine works to be a good neighbor and “make it look good as you’re coming across the (288) bridge.”

District 5 School Board member Ellen Robinson introduced dignitaries in attendance. “The strength of our community lies in our ability to communicate openly and work collaboratively,” she said.

The session covered a wide range of topics. This post touches on a few highlights. (Go to https://goochlandva.new.swagit.com/videos/379370 to https: It’s well worth your time. Kudos to Director of Information Technology Dan Stowers and System Support Analyst Elliot Waugh for making this possible.)

 

Schools

Superintendent of Goochland Schools Dr. Andy Armstrong gave a brief overview (Lyle limited him to 10 minutes) of the exceptional work being done every day in Goochland Schools. These include robotics, most students in the region earning an associate degree from Reynolds Community College before high school graduation saving their families on the cost of a four year degree or giving them a clear pathway to a sustainable career; fine and performing arts—be sure to see the production of Oklahoma in April—lots of sports; and a robust career and technical department whose curriculum is expanding with offerings to prepare students for emerging technology jobs at new businesses opening in the county. Please listen to Armstrong’s presentation. Our schools are funded mainly by local tax dollars and deliver an excellent return on investment for the community.

Taxes

Lyle said that while tax rates have remained unchanged for almost two decades, tax bills have increased due to rising property assessments. Lowering the real estate tax rate by a penny, which generates about $1 million in revenue, would reduce the tax bill on a $750k house by about $75, said Lyle. He urged everyone to look at the proposed budget for FY 27, which begins on July 1, and let him know how they want their tax dollars spent. Tax rates for calendar year 2026 will be set on April 14, and the budget approved on May 5. Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under government click on the financial services tab and select the proposed FY27 budget for details.

Roads

Roads in Goochland are built and maintained by VDOT, explained Lyle. He discussed the snowplow dashboard, which was of great interest during the recent snowcrete adventure. The county is aware of trouble spots, including the Hockett Rd/ Rt.6 interchange; the “Spaghetti junction” at Rt. 6 and River Road and the right turn only from Tuckahoe Pines onto Rt. 6. VDOT thresholds for changing speed limits and installing traffic control measures determine changes.

Deed fraud

The Hon. Amanda Adams, Clerk of Goochland Circuit Court, said that in response to concerns about deed fraud, which she cannot prevent, to be proactive she is participating in the Virginia Deed Fraud system to alert property owners to suspicious activity. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/979/Land-Recordings for details about how to sign up.

On April 24 Adams will present a free seminar entitled “Probate, the good, the bad, and the ugly” at 1 p.m. in the board room of the county administration building at 1800 Sandy Hook Road. Adams said that everyone needs a will.

A celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the Goochland County House will be held on September 19 that will include a time capsule, tours of the building (to see why we need a new one), games for kids and more.

Public safety

District 5 Planning Commissioner Martin Dean, who is also a volunteer fire captain at Manakin Fire-Rescue Company 1, spoke briefly about public safety, which includes the Sheriff’s Office, fire-rescue, and animal protection.

In 1951, a group of courageous concerned citizens created the county’s first volunteer fire department after Dover Church on Manakin Road burned to the ground. Over the ensuing three quarters of a century, the organization has evolved into an all-hazards department where well-trained and equipped volunteers work side by side with paid providers. Last year, said Dean, Goochland fire-rescue volunteer recruitment attracted more new members than it has in several years.

During the past five years, all public safety calls for service have increased significantly. Higher density development, like apartments, can generate more complicated law enforcement and fire-rescue response. Technology, including body cameras, and related training adds to the cost of these departments.

Last November, a Goochland fire engine serving as blocking safety equipment to protect responders dealing with a crash on the 288 bridge was struck by a drunk illegal alien and totaled. Replacing the engine will cost north of $1 million, not fully covered by insurance, and take several years for delivery. A similar crash on Rt. 6 near the Henrico border resulted in expensive but reparable to another fire truck.

Dean said that, thanks to our excellent Sheriff’s Office and Fire-Rescue Department, Goochland is a very safe place to live. (Go to https://goochlandfire-rescue.org/ and https://www.goochlandsheriff.com/ to learn more about the exceptional people who make our community a wonderful place to live.) Also, download the Sheriff’s app that provides real time notification about road closures due to wrecks and weather-related issues.

Each county school is served by a resource officer deputy from the Sheriff’s Office works to instill a culture of safety in our young people. Dean also congratulated Goochland Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services Chief D. E. “Eddie” Feguson, Jr. for being named Virginia Fire Chief of the Year 2025.

 

About fire-rescue station 7

Among the items discussed was the groundbreaking for Fire-Rescue station 8 in Sandy Hook next month, and questions about why it was built before station 7.

In late 2019, the location for the long-needed fire-rescue station 7, on the east side of Hockett Road, just north of its intersection with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, was identified. At that time Ferguson explained that the site was ideal because it provided multidirectional access for emergency response.

The 2021 referendum to allow the county to issue general obligation bonds to build schools, a new courthouse, and station 7, whose location was clearly stated, passed overwhelmingly. A portion of the approved bonds were issued in early 2022.

When the site for station 7, donated by West Creek, was rezoned to remove it from West Creek, owners of nearby homes, mostly built after the site was identified, who failed to perform adequate due diligence before buying, were furious to learn that there would be a fire-recue station in their backyards. They contended that building another fire-rescue station to serve a county population of about 28,000 was a waste of taxpayer money and took legal action to prevent Sation 7 from moving forward. In the interim the county searched for another site including the now defunct site of West Creek Emergency center, for which the county was outbid. As it is a dead end, that location was less than optimal.

Several years ago, when the county purchased property at the corner of Whitehall and Dogtown Roads in Sandy Hook for a future station 8. When construction on the Courthouse Village roundabout caused delays in Company 5 response, an ambulance was deployed to the station 8 site on weekdays. This significantly reduced response times, which led to moving up station 8 while station 7 was paused. Ferguson said that the temporary Station 8 responds to the third most calls in the county.

Ferguson also contended that Hockett Road, which has been traveled by emergency vehicles for decades, is a main road and one of the best in the county. He also reiterated that the Hockett Road site will provide multidirectional access for emergency response and have appropriate signalization and road improvements or safety. The county is fully committed to building station 7. As funds generated by general obligation bonds have a sunset date, using money for station 8 before station 7, while frustrating, is appropriate.

Fire-Rescue Station 7 will be built on the original location. Ferguson said that the supervisors are expected to approve execution of a contract for architecture and design services at their April 7 meeting with the same firm that designed Station 8. The floor plan of station 7 will be very similar to station 8, but because Station 7 will be on public utilities rather than well and septic for station 8, there will be site specific variations. The exterior will also be different.

Other stuff

·         A conceptual plan to build a park on the 87-acre county owner parcel on the west side of Hockett Road opposite the Greenswell Growers facility has been created, but not funded, yet.

·         The Pamunkey Regional Library is investigating deployment of an intelligent library locker system in the Broadview Shopping Center in Centerville to allow patrons to check out materials online and pick them up there. Library cards are free, please get one! https://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/client/en_US/default

·         An exploratory conversation about using the Reynolds Community College campus in Courthouse Village for the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing is ongoing. This would align with the Lilly plant in West Creek and similar regional entities.

·         A utility line is planned to run along Rt. 288 to the Lilly site in West Creek.

·         Visit the county’s new GIS system under the “parcel viewer” tab on the county website. It has a wealth of easily accessible information.

·         Economic development, to move the tax base ratio to 70 percent residential/ 30 percent commercial from its current 82/18, is well underway. In addition to the Lilly and Amazon projects, the new Honda Dealer—yes, it is in Goochland—for tax purposes, projects in the I64 industrial park on Oilville and the Ashland Road corridor are coming online soon.

·         Lyle supported a no vote on the redistricting referendum to preserve non-partisan redistricting in Virginia.

A pdf file of the slides for the meeting was included for those on the blog notification list.

Lyle will be happy to field all inquiries at Jonathan Lyle, 804-584-7524, jlyle@goochlandva.us

Stay engaged!

Valley Link push back

 

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley shares updates

The March 24 Goochland countywide spring town hall, which was intended to share a wide range of information, began with discussion of the proposed  765 kv Valley Link electric transmission line https://vltransmission.com/joshua-falls-to-yeat/.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley reported that at least 360 people attended an information session at Central High School Educational and Cultural Center on March 23. He said that he and the board of supervisors have received many communications from citizens concerned about the impact of this project, whose route could cross parts of western Goochland, will have on their legacy landholdings, view shed, property values, and health, while providing no benefit to the county. Power transmitted on the proposed line is believed to be used for data centers in northern Virginia.

On April 7, the next time that the Goochland Board of Supervisors will meet to conduct county business, they will vote on a resolution in opposition to the Valley Link project. Raley said that the message sent by residents opposing Valley Link has been heard loud and clear by the supervisors. The resolution is being written and will be part of the board packet for the April 7 meeting, which will be available next week.

The informational meetings taking place in all counties along the proposed Valley Link route are part of a multi-month process that is just getting started. Raley said that it is vital for citizens to stay engaged by attending meetings and providing feedback to Valley Link via its website.

Raley said that if the county can find Valley Link maps showing all possible routes, they will be posted on the website https://www.goochlandva.us/

Goochland County intends to stay heavily engaged in the regional conversation about Valley Link to make sure that we have a seat at the table. Raley will meet with representatives from other counties in the path of the proposed route in the next few days to collaborate on opposition strategies.

Raley said that he expects that the county will receive a “heads up” about the final route because the of the positive relationship between Goochland and Dominion power. This will be shared with citizens as soon as it is revealed.

People who attended the March 23 meeting expressed frustration with the lack of maps that clearly illustrate several possible routes the transmission line could take. Some reported being told by one Valley Link representative that their land was nowhere near one route and by another that an alternate route was next door to her property.

One gentleman said that Valley Link classified his family property, a timber farm in active operation for 80 years, as unused and undeveloped. He said that his family chose to keep the land rural, but Valley Link would ruin it instead of using existing rights of way, going underground, or building modular power sources near where they are needed. “My children cannot move their land; Valley Link has choices.”

Others who attended the March 23 Valley Link meeting contended that it was hard to hear answers to their questions. Concerns were raised about possible interference with cell service, which is already somewhat spotty, caused by the powerlines. This could negatively interfere with 911 and other important calls. “That’s a big issue that impacts the county, not just people who live within 100 feet of the lines.”

It was unclear if the county, and regional partners in opposition to Valley Link, could take legal action to prevent its construction.

Ultimately, Valley Link will submit an application to the State Corporation Commission, which will make the final decision on where, or if, the line can be built.

Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that localities like Goochland have only those powers given to them by the General Assembly. Stay tuned.

A District 5 town hall will be held March 25 at 6 p.m. at St. Gertrude's Great Hall at Benedictine - 12829 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238.  The meeting will be livestreamed on the county website.