Augsst in the board room

 

At their August 1 meeting, Goochland supervisors changed their meeting schedule to hold afternoon sessions for the rest of 2023 only if needed, and then to begin perhaps later that the 2 p.m. starting time that has been its custom. Given that the past few afternoon sessions lasted less than an hour, creating a three-hour gap before the evening meeting, this seems like a sensible use of staff time.

Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. usually updates the supervisors on the activities of his department on a bi-monthly basis. His August report is available beginning on page 45 in the August BoS packet here. It includes details about the wide range of responses that this all-hazard agency—including state of the art pre-hospital emergency care (GFR was recently recognized for excellence in this area), HAZ-mat response, water rescue, and everything in between—deals with on a routine basis.

New fire-rescue recruits

Ferguson and Human Resources Director Shaletha Dyson introduced newly hired fire-rescue employees, including eight fire-rescue recruits on their way to academy training, and Lisa Brown, who will fill the role of Recruitment and Retention Coordinator to focus on recruitment and retention of fire-rescue volunteers. This function is funded by a FEMA grant. 

Perhaps the best news of the afternoon came in the report from Director of Financial Services Carla Cave about the preliminary results for FY23, which ended on June 30. While final numbers will not be available until the end of the 60-day accrual period, Cave said that the county’s financial position is far better than she predicted in the last report at the end of May.

“Right now, we are thinking that we will come in $12 million over the revenue budget.” She attributed this to an excess of real estate and personal property taxes this year. Before adopting the tax rates for calendar year 2023, whose first payment was due on June 5, the supervisors reduced the personal property tax on vehicles to $2.99 per $100 of valuation from the previous $3.75. This “cost” of this tax relief was about $3 million.

Cave reported that the tax collection rate was higher than anticipated and higher interest rates had a positive impact on the bottom line. Her preliminary estimate for operating return is $17 million. After a $7 million deduction from that amount for capital projects and CSA cases, $9 million will be available for return to general fund balance.

Go to page 99 in the board packet for details. Cave said that the allocation of funds follows practices of previous years, putting funds toward significant capital improvement projects in the near future.

Ken Peterson, District 5 and Chair of the county audit committee, pointed out that the report documents Goochland’s excellent financial condition and designating surplus funds for looming CIP projects is a prudent use of tax dollars.

The supervisors went into closed session to “discuss the performance of the county attorney and county administrator,” a routine occurrence. They also attended National Night Out on the Courthouse green sponsored by the Goochland Sheriff’s Office.

National Night Out

National Night Out is one of the life savors of living here.  “Goochland goodness “was on full display as the gracious plenty of organizations that enhance our community up booths to meet and greet.

Goochland's first jail

LEOs from many agencies

Goochland CASA

Stacey Boatwright 2023 Christmas Mother

NNO is an opportunity to meet our deputies in a casual setting and learn about the many facets of the first-class agency that serves and protects us 24/7. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) representing other organizations were also there.

 Members of American Legion Post 215 cooked and served food. The GCSO honor guard presented the colors during the National Anthem.

Children frolicked, people greeted friends old and new, and we celebrated being together and each other,.National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August. Mark your calendars for next year!