Solving for the unknown

On Tuesday, April 21, Goochland supervisors adopted a budget for fiscal year 2021, which begins on July 1, and kept tax rates unchanged for calendar year 2020. The final spending plan for fiscal 2021 is far different from that proposed on February 18, which now seems eons ago. As on April 7, they assembled in the board meeting room and held the session electronically via Zoom and livestream.

At the start of the meeting Board Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, thanked everyone for their patience and support as the county works through the current crisis.

County Administrator John Budesky said that he is proud of the heart-warming way that staff and the community have stepped up to support the residents in need. He said that the survival and success of local businesses is dependent on continued community support. “They were vital to us before the pandemic and will continue to do so as we come out.”  Budesky said that the county is proud that it has been able to keep parks open and maintain full capacity at the convenience centers. Patience and cooperation of our residents has enabled this.

There was no electronic citizen comment.

The consent agenda included approval of a transfer to the board budget of up to $30,000 from the contingency reserve to retain an executive search firm to find a new county chief executive officer.

Budesky submitted his resignation on March 25, effective June 30, when he will leave to assume the same job in Hanover County.

The last two times the county changed chief executive officers; an interim county administrator was appointed to allow time for a thorough search. In 2009, following the abrupt retirement of the incumbent, an interim county administrator was hired to fill the post. In 2016, following the retirement of the incumbent, the county attorney took the helm for several months. The supervisors have given no indication how they will proceed this time around.

County Director of Finance Barbara Horlacher presented proposed budget amendments that balance expenditures and revenues using a conservative best guess analysis of past fiscal downturns. She and her staff are to be commended for crafting these changes on short notice.

The amended proposed budget reduced spending by  approximately $4.1 million to balance with expected reduced revenue of the same amount. The lower number was arrived at by removing all new positions except for some in public safety—3 deputies, 3 fire-rescue providers—and vehicles except one for the sheriff. General Services had five percent removed, consistent with other non-public safety departments and elimination of new positions. (see the April 21 board packet at http://goochlandcountyva.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1257&Inline=True for complete details)

Horlacher admitted that she “took a hatchet, not a scalpel” to some categories, which will be revisited going forward as actual results become available. Merit raises and salary benchmarking were also eliminated. Contingencies were increased from $200 k to$491K to deal with unplanned situations as real world conditions dictate.

The local transfer to schools was reduced by $950,000, keeping the amount for schools level with the current fiscal year. The health department and community service board (CSB) will be funded as originally presented in February because their functions will be needed during and after the current crisis, said Horlacher.

The Capital improvement budget eliminated all items except the $1.4 million ladder truck, which takes 18 months to arrive after ordering; one sheriff vehicle; computer refreshes; and upgrades  for Randolph Elementary school, which are partially funded by  soon to  “expire” proffer money, which must be used in the near future.

Ken Peterson, District 5 thanked Horlacher, Budesky and the entire county staff for their work on the budget. Expenditures were reduced by about eight percent to deal with a similar expected reduction in revenues to arrive at a balanced budget.

“We did this without raising taxes. We balanced the budget without firing or furloughing anyone or cutting anyone’s pay, or raiding the rainy-day fund, without issuing new debt. This is a decisive and fiscally responsible budget in the uncertain times we live in. We put into place a work team to manage this situation monthly and come back to this board with revisions. This is our best guess to deal with where things are heading,” Peterson said.

School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley, by phone, thanked the board for its “consideration and making tough decisions during these difficult times as we work through this crisis together.” He too was grateful for   a thoughtful budget that maintains salaries and benefits for valued and dedicated employees. Raley thanked the supervisors for their continued support of our school division and its objectives.

Lascolette said that Raley is a valued partner and she looks forward to work together through this difficult time “This was tough. We’re not used to going backwards in Goochland, but we will go forward again,” Lascolette said before the board voted to go into closed session to discuss recruitment of a new county administrator.

Mushroom Food

              

            Sequestered here in the bunker at world headquarters, GOMM follows the Covid 19 statistics released daily by various entities around the Commonwealth and tries to make sense of them. The task is like divining the future from tea leaves or chicken bones.

Many of us are staying home. When we do venture out, often wearing masks of our own creation, observe social distancing. We wash our hands a lot, many of us badly need haircuts, and believe that there is a special place in heaven for parents juggling home schooling with their other daily responsibilities.  

Rumors are rife. Theories, conspiracy and otherwise, are plentiful. The one thing in short supply, is accurate information about what is really going on.  Is this quarantine a shiny object to distract us from a greater threat? Is it a way for the government to get everyone’s DNA?  Have too few people spit into a cup to find out where their ancestors came from?  At some point in the future, will the government require everyone be tested to see who has antibodies to Covid 19 for the public good?  If you decline to participate, will there be penalties? No jail time, but maybe you won’t be able to fly, or go to a sporting event, or even eat in restaurants lest infect others.

               We don’t know what to believe. Governor Northam, who was a doctor before he became political, tells us Virginia needs to stay locked down until at least May 8 to be safe. His stay at home order is still in force until June 10. How was that date determined?

               The Virginia Department of Health releases Covid 19 statistics daily. These include the total number of tests administered, the positive results, those hospitalized and the cumulative number of fatalities. The website http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ also includes statistics by health district and county. Goochland is part of the Chickahominy Health District (CHD), comprised of Goochland, Hanover, Charles City, and New Kent Counties. Numbers for tests conducted, hospitalizations, and deaths, are listed by health district. Today, April 21, more details by locality were included.

               However, these numbers may not be all that timely. The CHD, for instance, receives reports of testing, vets them to ensure that the cases are for people who live in the CHD, then sends the information to VDH. For instance, if you live in Goochland and you are tested in Henrico, ideally, you will be identified as a Goochland resident and your results sent to the CHD, which will forward them to VDH for inclusion in a daily report. Reporting organizations, VDH, CHD, and others are struggling to report data that they receive in a variety of forms—apparently there is no uniform reporting system—including electronically and by hard to read fax.

               We know that there have been many cases, and deaths, in health care settings where people with other health issues live in close quarters. We don’t know how many of the currently 324 deaths statewide, except for the approximately 50 at the Canterbury Rehab Center in Henrico, are included in that total.  The VDH website indicates that 79 deaths have occurred in long term or congregate care settings.

               The Department of Correction publishes its own daily numbers at https://vadoc.virginia.gov/news-press-releases/2020/covid-19-updates/ . The Virginia Correctional Center for Women and another DOC facility are in Goochland. The DOC website reports the number of offenders at VCCW that tested positive and are hospitalized. One reportedly passed away last week at the VCU medical center in Richmond. This fatality shows up on the DOC website, but the VDH website does not list any fatalities at a correctional facility. DOC also lists the number of staff and contractors associated with units in Goochland who tested positive. These numbers rise and fall, with no indication if the lower numbers mean recovery. The latter datum does not indicate how many in that group live in the county.

               So, when you go back to the VDH statistics, which seem to include CHD numbers, things get a little foggy. The VDH numbers indicate that there have been no Covid 19 related deaths in correctional facilities.  We do not know how many cases not associated with DOC facilities there are in Goochland. For instance, on April 21, VDH indicates 62 cases in Goochland while DOC indicates that 13 offenders and 35 staff and contractors tested positive.  There is no way to tell how many of the staff and contractors live in Goochland. If you subtract the 48 DOC cases from the VDH reported cases, there are 12 cases in the county. However, it is unclear if any of the DOC cases are included in the VDH report. Is the actual number of cases in Goochland 62, or as many as 110 if all the DOC numbers are included?

               There is no reporting on recovery.  The Johns Hopkins Covid 19 website reported local recoveries but now does it by country. A CHD representative said that there are no clear criteria for recovery, it’s done on a case by case basis as determined by healthcare professionals.

The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association: https://www.vhha.com/communications/virginia-hospital-covid-19-data-dashboard/ reports on the number of people who tested positive that were released from hospitals every day. The VHHA does not include a fatality count.

               Then there is the question of how deaths are being attributed to Covid 19. Is it assumed if someone has symptoms or extreme respiratory distress that there is a Covid related death?

     Clear data demonstrating the need to shut down the world would make it much easier to accept. We want to believe that what we’re doing is necessary. At the least it can’t hurt and better safe than sorry. As the justification for all of this becomes murkier, we feel like mushrooms—kept in the dark and fed manure.

       Stay healthy my friends, wash your hands and keep you distance. Just in case they’re right.

A shot in the dark

               The fiftieth anniversary of the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission reminds us of the power of American ingenuity in times of crisis. When on board systems failed Apollo 13, engineers on the ground worked with the astronauts to craft a life saving solution using only what was on the spacecraft to bring the crew safely back to earth.That seems a lot like the way that Goochland County and schools are reworking their operations and budgets to stay afloat during the current pandemic fiscal crisis. 

               The Goochland School Board held its regular monthly meeting on April 14 in the administration building board room. Social distancing and a limit of 10 people in the room was observed. The meeting was made available in its entirety on Facebook live.

   

               “So much has changed since we last met on March 10,” Dr. Jeremy Raley, Goochland Superintendent of Schools said at the start of the meeting. “Everything changed overnight; no one saw this coming. Although our classrooms are empty work and school continues.”

               Raley reported that 2,297 meals have been served to children and 51 to adults since March 13.  The GCPS food service team is on the front lines during this closure providing warm healthy meals day in day out. He thanked the fire-rescue department for its support of food by hosting the Sunshine bus at three stations.

“We did not run the Sunshine Bus yesterday due to bad weather,” said Raley. “Thanks to Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson, who volunteered the stations as a substitute, 31 meals were served to kids. This is another way that our community comes together for the good of all.”

“The custodial team has sanitized each facility and is hard at work on low and no cost tasks. Our instructional team has done a great job preparing materials in electronic and hard copy.  One second grade teacher said she would have been unable to do this without support from teammates across the entire school division,” said Raley.

 He said that the goal is for students to continue to learn with an eye to the challenges families face as they juggle multiple disruptions to daily life.  Administration and support staff continue to perform their functions. The technical team has deployed three new external Wi-Fi hotspots with stronger signals at all elementary schools and at the front and back of secondary complex to supplement other hotspots in the community. Transportation has installed extra lights on all buses for additional safety next year.

“A huge shout out to all of our employees and thank you for what you are doing to continue the excellence of our school division,” said Raley.

“It’s phenomenal what you can pull together in a short time with few resources,” said School Board Chairperson John Wright, District 5.

Graduation will be held, Raley declared, and prom has not been cancelled.

Raley urged all to complete the 2020 census whose results are important for planning and obtaining funding for community service. All those dollars have an impact.

Debbie White, Finance Director for Goochland Schools, presented amended budget proposals reflecting a best guess expected revenue shortfalls in the current and next fiscal year.  She reviewed the budget for the current and upcoming fiscal year line by line for the proposals. “This is a shot in the dark, we won’t know the full impact of the economic situation for a while,” she said

The critical unknown in fiscal planning is sales tax revenue, White explained. (go to https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vzX7qqkT46GZOT6XBe7V5k3NSp8fI8arL7DPvP_JVH8/edit?ts=5e8e0810#slide=id.g721411f394_0_268 to view the “slides” of her presentation.) The unprecedented halt to economic activity has made modeling for its impact very difficult. Although the Commonwealth has predicted a $1 billion decline in revenue over the next two fiscal years, its first projections using real data will not be available until mid-May. The General Assembly will address the budget on April 22.

No significant decrease in Lottery Revenue is expected. Sales tax revenues, reported two months after the fact, could be far less than projected for FY 2020 and be about equal to the 2015 receipts, about nine percent less than actual FY2019 numbers. “This is just a shot in dark, we really have no idea what sales tax receipts will be,” White said.

Expected revenues for FY2020 are $138k less due to lower enrolment; $416 K less due to decline in sales tax revenue; $20 k more due to unchanged state “caboose” budget”; $150k less due to reduction in local transfer; and $30k less due to decrease in local charge for service for a total reduction  of $714K.

To offset the revue decline, cancellation of a three bus order at $285K;  $93k less in utility costs; $262.5K savings in fuel and transportation stipends; and $247.5 K reductions in other expenditures result in a savings of $888K if all but payroll for FY2020 is cut.

For FY2021, White estimated an approximately $1.488 million net revenue loss, which is all subject to change depending on what the state and Goochland supervisors do. To meet income shortfall, White proposed removing all or part of the proposed goal initiatives (see slides for details); and ordering only one new bus at $190K.

White said that, under expanded unemployment insurance rules, it is slightly less expensive to retain, rather than furlough, employees. Open jobs should be carefully evaluated.

Capital improvement priorities include delaying the new Goochland Elementary School by at least one year; but completing the Randolph Parking improvement project, which is partially funded with proffer money. Smaller projects could be completed with CIP money from FY2020.

White cautioned about Corona virus impact on students such as real or perceived family health/death concerns; socio emotional needs caused by job loss, homelessness, etc.; and the potential for an influx of students from families who can no longer afford private schools.

The approved budget will likely be revised during the coming months as the actual financial data is received.

No one knows if this financial disruption is a bump in the road or a bottomless sink hole. 

White was recognized for her contribution to the School Business Official Starter kit publication produced by the Association of School Business Officials International. “She is an amazingly hard worker dedicated to our school division we are blessed to have her on team,” said Raley.

              

Charting a course through unknown waters

When Goochland County Administrator John Budesky presented his recommended county budget for FY 2021 on February 18, we lived in a different world.  Projected revenues for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, were trending toward a healthy surplus, and forecasts for FY2021 were rosy. The budget proposed at that time included raises for all employees, new positions especially more deputies and fire-rescue providers, an increase in the local transfer to schools, and some capital improvement projects.

Then Covid 19 upset the global apple cart and we moved into the twilight zone. The calendar, however, did not stop. Goochland supervisors need to approve a budget for FY 2021 and set tax rates by the end of April so tax bills may be prepared and mailed by Mother’s Day to keep some revenues flowing to the county.

On April 7, before the public hearing on the FY 2021 budget, Barbara Horlacher, the county’s director of finance, presented a fiscal picture for Goochland very different from that of February. Horlacher shared a slew of dramatic revisions to forecasts for the current year and a decreased budget for FY 2021.

These were based on extreme conservative assumptions, a “base case” scenario, “because we don’t know how bad it will get,” she said.  The Finance Department will provide monthly year-end projections until the end of calendar 2020 to see how actual conditions compare to projections because no one really knows what the world will look like in the coming months.

(To see the summary of FY 2020 year end projections presented at the April 7 meeting go to: https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/6782/Goochland-County-FY-2020-Year-End-Projections-FY-2021-Budget-Amendments.)

Horlacher explained that these projections are based on the most conservative assumptions for revenue, to be adjusted as actual results come in. Real estate tax revenues collected in FY2019 were $26.5 million, the number used in the original proposed FY2021 budget. Real estate tax revenues collected year to date (tax rates are set for the calendar year, collections in December and June are for the fiscal year) are $13.4 million. Year to date personal property tax collected is $7.5 million of the $11.3 million forecast. These projections assume collection percentages lower than past years, which have been in the mid to upper ninety percent range.

As the supervisors waived penalties and interest for real estate taxes paid after their June 5 due until July 5, the amount of taxes that will actually be paid remains an unknown, Horlacher said.

Sales tax revenues, which Horlacher explained have about a two-month lag, YTD are $2.3 million of the $3.1 million forecast. So far, the county has collected $882k in building permit fees, the revised projection assumed no further collections.

The overall change to the revenue projections for the forecast budget shows a decline of $1,181,752.

To achieve a balanced budget for FY 2020, Horlacher proposed a series of belt tightening actions. They include:  all departments, except general services and public safety must  turn back a minimum of five percent of their operating budgets and hold all non-essential spending; no travel without county administrator approval;  freeze all non-essential non- public safety vacancies; and require a $150 K turnback from schools. In past years, the county’ practice has been to allow schools to use end of year surplus funds for items that could not be funded in that year’s budget. Horlacher recommended allowing the schools to retain any surplus amount over $150 k.

These steps, Horlacher contended, would result in a break even result for FY 2020. She also said that the situation will be carefully monitored on a month-by-month basis to allow adjustments, if necessary, to be made. More frequent meetings of the audit committee will take place to afford a “deeper dive” into actual conditions.

Capital improvement projects slated to begin in FY 2020 that have not been started will not be funded. These include: $449 K for a VOIP system; fuel and documents management systems; and sports field relocation that could be returned to the general fund. Money, $350 k, set aside to purchase land to relocate the Company 2 fire-rescue station, currently located on Rt. 6 in Crozier, is requested to be used instead for renovations to the treasurer/commissioner of revenue space on the Sandy Hook Road side of the administration building ($300k); $25 K toward the pedestrian bridge at Tucker Park; and the remaining $25 k to facilities improvement.  

During the pandemic, facilities improvements completed unexpected tasks, such as installing exterior drop boxes at the administration building. Ongoing projects may continue and all purchase orders must be approved by the county administrator and all expenditures must be approved by the finance director.

Board chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, thanked Horlacher and staff for hard work on this difficult and unpleasant task.

John Lumpkins, District 3, asked how the $150 k turnback for schools was arrived at. He wondered what sort of savings the schools realized due to closing.

School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley, who attended the meeting online, said that the schools are working through this trying fiscal time and looking carefully at revenue streams.  The schools expect a negative financial impact due to a significant decrease in sales tax revenue.  State fund reductions are still unknown. Raley will brief the school board at its meeting on April 14. ( watch online at (https://www.facebook.com/GoochlandCountySchools/) or via their app, @GoochlandCountySchools.)

Not operating buses and lower energy usage in empty buildings results in some savings. However, the impact of lower sales tax revenue is of greatest concern. As the picture becomes clearer, firmer numbers will be available. Raley said that he and his staff have had great conversations on the topic with Budesky and Horlacher.

FY 2021

Normally the proposed budget is tweaked before approval. Horlacher said that the amended proposed budget is totally changed from that presented in February.

The February proposed FY 2021 budget, which Horlacher said now seems like a fairy tale, was based on an expectation of a four percent increase in assessed valuation, going forward no increase in values for the 2021 assessment was used in revenue calculations.   

The “new improved “proposed budget assume $4.5 million less than previously expected. Reductions in expenditure include: reductions of all department budgets, except public safety, by five percent; freeze all new positions and associated costs; maintain contracted support services at FY 2020 levels; and maintain school funding at the FY 2020 level; remove all merit and benchmarking salary increases; reduce contribution to debt service reserve from $2 million to $900k; reduce pay go contribution to capital improvement projects from  $840 k to zero; and increase reserve for contingencies from $200 to $300k to deal with unknowns.

Horlacher said that if revenues improve, the supervisors can approve budget supplements in the future.

The $8 million CIP was suggested to be amended downward. The $1.4 million ladder truck, which has an 18-month delivery time; the Randolph Elementary Parking project, which will be partially funded with proffer money; and facilities site improvements were unchanged. Information technology replacement was earmarked for $100k; $50 k for one sheriff’s vehicle and one county vehicle. These will be funded with money set aside and proffer dollars.

Lumpkins raised concerns that real estate values might decline as they did in the previous recession. Horlacher said that a one percent decrease in the total valuation of real estate would be about $260K. If they dropped four percent observed Lumpkins, there is a bit of room in the proposed budget.

Ken Peterson, District 5 observed that the last recession was real estate centric and this one is caused by a virus, so the results may be different. He asked why all new positions, including those in public safety were removed. Horlacher said she did not believe that if things continue the way they are on July 1, recruiting and interviewing for those jobs will be difficult. That can be revisited if conditions improve.

Peterson asked if there were any force reductions in county staff. Horlacher said there no reductions were included, but vacant positions will stay that way. “We have a fantastic staff second to none and we want them to know that we’re not going there (to layoffs),”  said Peterson.He thanked all involved for being proactive to work through this problem and make tough decisions to balance budget and provide services to county residents.

The amendments result in a FY 2021 proposed budget of approximatly $86 million versus the $92. 5 million proposed in February. There will be no changes in tax rates. Most fees and utility rates remain the same as last year.

Public hearings

Jonathan Lyle expressed skepticism that there will be no growth in values the coming year. He urged rethinking raises for our outstanding county staff; finding ways to support the schools in their excellent work; and asking outside agencies like Monacan Soil and Water District to also participate in the five percent budget reduction. He also advocated support for the sheriff’s department, in funding at  least one new deputy.

Comments on all hearings will be open until Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m. Comments may be made by phone, email, or letter. On April 21, the supervisors will vote on the FY 2021 budget and adopt tax rates for calendar year 2020. If you have comments on these Public Hearing Items, please send comments to boscomment@goochlandva.us or by Regular Mail to: Goochland County Administrator, P.O. 10, Goochland, VA 23063 or contact 804-556-5811.

         

Virtual reality

For those of us staying home, the world seems to have stopped. The calendar, however, marches on. Goochland’s Board of Supervisors held its regular monthly meeting on April 7 reimagined for life in the age of Covid 19. No more than 10 people were allowed in the board room. The supervisors sat well apart from each other, with County Administrator John Budesky and County Attorney Tara McGee, who usually sit among the supervisors, stationed at tables on either side of the dais. Deputy Clerk Lisa Beczkiewicz, whose normal meeting station is at the end of the dais, controlled the live stream in front of the room.

Social distancing in the board room. No more than 10 people were allowed in at any one time.

The board convened at 3:15 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss recruitment for a replacement for Budesky, who submitted his resignation effective June 30 after having been appointed Hanover County Administrator on March 25. There was no further mention of this topic during the regular meeting.

After opening the “regular” afternoon meeting with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, Board Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1 reported that the board is observing the governor’s rules about social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing, and wearing masks in public. She marveled at the community spirit of Goochlanders and the many acts of kindness as we take care of each other. Students, teachers and parents navigate a “new paradigm of online learning” and other facets of this strange life in quarantine. “We are Goochland strong,” Lascolette declared. She thanked county staff for continuing to work through their own challenges and continue to serve the citizens during trying times.

Lascolette commended the Fire-Rescue and Emergency management department under the direction of Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. for its hard work during these difficult times citing the following passage from the board packet, available county website:

The Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services is working in concert with the County Government and Schools to respond to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Emergency. We are currently participating with the Central VA All Hazards Incident Management Team (CVAHIMT), along with City of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover Counties.

This collaborative effort has allowed us, and the region, access to best practices in unified command, operations, planning, finance, and logistics. The CVAHIMT is coordinating with the regional VDH health districts, public safety agencies, emergency services, the healthcare coalition, hospitals, and several other organizations.

 The Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Management is also focused on supporting and meeting the needs of our citizens in Goochland County in the days and weeks ahead. We have formed a community citizen task force group, composed of most County Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, Goochland County Public Schools, VA Dept. of Health, Social Services, Goochland CARES, Animal Protection, Goochland Pet Lovers, the YMCA, Powhatan Goochland Community Services Board, Senior Connections, and our Agriculture Extension Office. In addition, we continue to carry out the daily business of the Fire-Rescue Department, responding to 911 calls and meeting the needs of our citizens during times of emergencies. We stand ready to assist our citizens and community as needs arise. Citizens with needs may contact Fire-Rescue or any of the aforementioned partners for assistance. The phone number is 804.556.5304.

Budesky reported that, on April 7 (the numbers change every day) there were 22 confirmed cases of Covid 19 in Goochland, several at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Courthouse Village, and five recoveries. The county continues to monitor the number of local cases but cannot share detailed patient information due to privacy concerns. Patience of the citizens is greatly appreciated, said Budesky.

He thanked county staff for the adjustments it has made to keep Goochland operating during the current emergency. Some departments, including building inspection, which is working seven days a week, are quite busy, said Budesky. They continue to meet public service demands.

The West Creek Emergency Center closed as of April 8 so that its parent organization, Hospital Corporation of American, can consolidate resources to deal with the demands of the pandemic. Budesky said that the facility is expected to reopen when the emergency has passed.

While April 1 was the target date for the 2020 US Census, Budesky urged everyone to respond online, by mail, or by phone as soon as possible until August 14. Those who have not responded by May will be visited by a census taker. Call the county at 556-5800 with questions. Goochland’s self- response date is already 53.5 percent. It is important for everyone to participate. Census data, which is very general in nature, is used for a myriad of purposes.

During citizen comment, made by phone or email, Monacan Soil and Water Director Jonathan Lyle, who often comments at board meetings, expressed appreciation for the county’s efforts to make meeting accessible to citizens and continue government’s business. He asked if there is a way that agricultural tires could be recycled at the convenience centers even though they are larger than vehicle tires.  

The supervisors ratified temporary actions taken by Budesky serving as county director of emergency management. These were: cancellation of an April 4 rabies clinic  to avoid gatherings in excess of 10; suspension of public utility shut offs to ensure that customers have access to water and sewer; waived adoption fees at the animal shelter, which has helped to clear the shelter of adoptable animals; suspended sign regulations to help local businesses that remain open attract customers; and to allow ambulances from services outside the county to operate in Goochland for routine patient transfer without going through a cumbersome permitting process. This reduces the burden on Goochland ambulances so they can concentrate on transporting citizens.

The supervisors unanimously authorized a 30-day suspension of the existing10 percent penalty and 10 percent interest for late payment of real estate and personal property taxes due on June 5. A public hearing on this matter will be held on May 5.

Ken Peterson, District 5, asked how the suspension would funds received in the 2021 fiscal year be accrued for the 2020 fiscal year. Budesky said, based on consultation with outside auditors, that accruals up to mid-August could be “booked” back to fiscal year 2020.

Don Sharpe, District 4, asked if there is any way to know how many tax payments would be delayed. Budesky said it is very hard to estimate, as this is uncharted territory. McGee pointed out that a large percentage of real estate taxes, perhaps more than 80 percent, are made by mortgage companies. 

Neil Spoonhower District 2 asked if this would result in other “downstream” actions, including collection processes. Budesky said that would not happen.

The board formally adopted the county pandemic virus policy, which it approved at an earlier electronic meeting. See April 7 board packet (available at http://goochlandcountyva.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1253&Inline=True) beginning on page 83 for details of policy.

Derek Stamey, Deputy County Administrator for Operations, presented an update on capital improvement projects. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/6781/Goochland-County-Capital-Projects-Report-and-Update-April-7-2020 to view the presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video message from Goochland County supervisors

Goochland supervisors share local information about the pandemic in this video. Please pass along

https://www.goochlandva.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=452

Town Hall highlights and other news

The Goochland Drive in Theater, which, after approvals from state authorities, had planned to open observing social distancing and other extreme measures, announced on social media that it will not reopen at this time. “We want to be part of the solution, not the problem,” the post said. May the GDIT and all county businesses be back to normal soon.

If you have not done so, fill out your census form.

On March 31, Goochland County Administrator John Budesky and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Raley held a virtual town hall meeting accessible via online live stream and by telephone. (If you were unable to tune in live, a recording is available on the county website goochland.va.us scroll to the bottom of the page and click on past recorded events.)

County government and our school division have been scrambling to respond to the current emergency. All involved—and there are many faces behind the scenes holding things together—are to be commended and thanked for their extraordinary efforts in this mind-boggling time.

Budesky urged citizens to follow the governor’s guidelines regarding Covid 19. He also encouraged residents to continue to patronize our hard-hit restaurants who are still operating for take out and delivery service. Parks are open, said Budesky. To let people get out for mental and physical wellbeing. When using these facilities, Budesky asked citizens, to observe rules, restrict groups to 10 or fewer people, and observe social distancing. The county is doing its best to sanitize equipment.

Convenience centers are experiencing unusual demand as people use their down time to do spring cleaning and flood both convenience centers with their discarded stuff. This is true of the entire region and asked residents’ cooperation to keep the convenience centers open.

Budesky said that spring town halls address the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the virtual meeting would attempt to fill that role.  As originally proposed, the FY 2021 budget included expanded spending for public safety and other initiatives. Then Covid 19 came calling.

“Just like all of our residents,” said Budesky, “things changed in the last 30 days.” The county does not take these impacts lightly and understands this will affect the way that residents are able to pay for things. The current situation will also change the way that local government does business.

Next year’s budget will be completely different from that posted online, said Budesky. The current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, will be impacted by the emergency. All departments are working to reduce spending and make cutbacks. These include examining payment deadlines. Bills will still go out, but no services will be turned off for lack of payment.

He urged small businesses to visit the county’s economic development website http://www.goochlandforbusiness.com/ for information on accessing loans and other assistance. For those without internet he suggested calling economic development 804-556-5862 to discuss their needs.

Adjustments and cuts will be made to the FY 2021 budget. Goochland, which has followed conservative fiscal policies, is in a very good position to weather this downturn. “We know that tax revenue will be down, that interest income will be lower, and that fees from building and other permits will be reduced,” said Budesky. The county is planning for that appropriately but not anticipating any reduction in public safety.

County employees are engaged in meaningful work and able to address task backlogs. Our building officials are working, building continues. Goochland, said Budesky, operates with a lean staff, contracting for extra services or multi-tasking and has prudent cash reserve policies. The county has a rainy-day fund, unallocated funds, and capital funds, whose use could be deferred to maintain the services our residents need. At the April 7 budget public hearing more details about plans for going forward will be shared. There are no current plans to furlough or lay off county employees who are engaged in meaningful work.

The four-million-dollar budget anticipated revenue growth for FY 2021 is gone. That budget will be flat or reduced over the current year’s.

Tough choices will be made. There will be no raises, there will be no new positions, but critical expenditures will be prioritized to sustain, when possible, current levels of service. Revisiting the fiscal picture will be ongoing as “the new normal” becomes clearer.

Goochland’s 53 cent tax rate, the lowest in the region, has been in place for some time and will not be raised. As Goochland does not depend on admission, meals, or lodging taxes to provide services. The county is far less dependent on state revenues than our neighbors and better able to weather the storm.

“We don’t, for one second, forget that this is a difficult time for our residents. Your calls and concerns keep us grounded,” said Budesky. The county will continue to follow its best practices prudent fiscal polices to safeguard its triple A bond ratings.

The budget public hearing will be held at 6 pm. on April 7 by electronic means. The public hearing is just that. Staff presents the proposed budget and the supervisors hear feedback from the public. Budesky said that feedback via email, letter, and phone call will be received until April 13. He encouraged citizens to express their concerns and make comments. The formal budget adoption is scheduled for April 21.

Budesky reiterated the county’s commitment broadband expansion. This crisis has exacerbated this issue to a new level of importance. In the meantime, hotspots at all county fire-rescue stations are live.

Dr. Raley thanked Budesky for his leadership during the past four years and during this difficult time. (Budesky submitted his resignation, effective June 30, on March 25 after he was hired as the Hanover County Administrator.)

The budget approved by the school board in February, will change, but the focus will continue to be on the students and talented staff, said Raley. More than 70 percent of the Goochland school budget comes from the county transfer. The amount of state funds is an unknown until the General Assembly reconvenes in late April for its veto session. By May, the school division will have a better idea of its FY 2021 budget.

“To the students, families, staff, we miss you a whole lot. Please now that we’re thinking about you. The great things taking place behind the scenes on your behalf are remarkable,” said Raley. Our core values continue to drive the school division as we work through this difficult time. Every decision we make is in the best interests of the students we serve.

“The buildings are closed, but education continues, it just looks a little bit different,” Raley said.

During the extended closure the schools will continue to provide new instruction without placing undue stress on families. Staff is preparing lessons to cover missed instruction that does not require internet access to complete. The goal is to distribute this on Monday, April 13 digitally though web-based platforms, or via hard copy through curbside pickup. The schools will make individual arrangements with those not able to access the material in either of these ways. Work for the remainder of the year will not be graded; but will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Graduation will be held, when and where is still unclear. Raley said mid-June at John Paul Jones area is a possible date. SOL tests have been cancelled.

Free meals are available to all children in Goochland. “I want to spread far and wide the news about our free meal program and celebrate the hard work of our food service team. They get up and go to work every day to serve our community,” said Raley.

Raley gave a brief summary of the school division’s updated strategic plan, which it hopes to implement by July 1. He encouraged parents and students to stay in touch.  Go to http://goochlandschools.org/school-board/strategic-plan/ for details.

Technical difficulties, which the county expects to resolve before April 7, precluded questions. Raley said his phone number is 804-556-5601 and the county’s is 804-556-5800 and encouraged residents to contact him or Budesky with questions, concerns and comments.