Another new fire-rescue station

 

Station 7 floorplan

Station 7 exterior to be determined

Seventy-five years ago, a group of intrepid Goochlanders formed the first volunteer fire company in the east end of the county after a local church burned to the ground. Over the years, this fire company became the Goochland Volunteer Fire Association, Inc., later becoming the Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association when rescue squads were added in 1966, eventually expanding to six companies. These: Manakin, Crozier, Centerville, Fife, Courthouse, and Hadensville were built by volunteers with the financial support and physical help—residents often spent their free time helping the construction however they could—of the community. They knew that without these volunteers, stations, and equipment, no one would come to their aid in emergencies.

In 2017, Goochland dedicated Hadensville Fire-Rescue Company 6, the first county-owned fire-rescue station, to replace an aging and inadequate—its brush truck “lived” in its kitchen—station that saved lives and protected property for decades.

The second county owned fire-rescue station—the others are still owned by the Association—Sandy Hook Station 8, long needed, is rising from the ground.

Scott Foster, Goochland Director of General Services, gave the supervisors a brief progress report on Station 8 construction at their June 2 meeting. Following ceremonial groundbreaking on April, 7 dirt has been flying. Foster said that the expected substantial completion for Station 8 in May 2027 is on target.

He said that “a lot of thought went into making sure that this station will last for decades, is low maintenance, energy efficient, visually appealing, and match the community.”

The interior is all cinder block, and the exterior is brick and cement board, which is more durable than other types of siding. Floors will be polished concrete, again for ease of maintenance and durability. Station 8 will have three drive-through apparatus bays with horizontal folding doors, which, said Foster, are faster less prone to malfunction than overhead doors.

In response to a question from Jonathn Lyle, District 5, Foster said that two wells have been drilled on the Station 8 site, one will be “capped” for backup use as needed.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said that Station 8 benefits the entire county, not just District 2, by enhancing service to our citizens with better response time for emergencies in all parts of the county. (See GOMM Station 8 groundbreaking.)

Go to https://goochlandva.new.swagit.com/videos/389821 to watch Foster’s presentation.

In the past few months, the supervisors authorized approval of a contract with HBA Architecture & Interior Design (https://www.hbaonline.com/)  for architectural and engineering work on West Creek Station 7 to be built on the east side of Hockett Road north of its intersection with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway.

At their June 2 meeting, the supervisors discussed funding mechanisms for the estimated $13.2 million project (see GOMM Money Matters) whose completion could be as early as mid-2028.

On June 8, a community open house to gather feedback on design and appearance of Station 7 was held at Manakin Company 1. Supervisors Tom Winfree, District 3; Charlie Vaughters, District 4; Jonathan Lyle, District 5; Martin Dean Manakin Volunteer Fire Captain and District 5 Planning Commissioner attended.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley welcomed the group and said that the meeting was a part of an ongoing process and welcomed all public engagement. “This is an important community asset.” He said that when he first took office, he met with some residents of Kinloch Villas, located near the site, which was designated in 2019, and pledged that the county will be very good neighbors.

Goochland Chief of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services, D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr., echoed Raley’s welcome. “It is fitting that we hold this meeting here, where it all started,” said Ferguson giving a brief recap of his department’s history.

Ferguson said that expansion of fire-rescue to meet the emerging demands of the county is important.  Growth of county population—nearly 30k— is only partly responsible for the increase in call volume. At least 6,000 people from outside Goochland work here daily. Fire-Rescue also responds to emergencies and wrecks on I64 and Rt. 288, whose number and complexity are increasing. The department has water rescue units that respond to emergencies on the county’s 40 or so miles of its James River frontage.

When West Creek business park was created in the late 1980’s, said Ferguson, it was understood that there would be a station in West Creek.

Ferguson thanked all involved in the design of the station that will serve the county well for decades. A great deal of the thought and analysis used to design Station 8 will be used on the Station 7, which will have a similar floor plan. Unlike Station 8, it will have space dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office where deputies can perform administrative functions without going to the Sheriff’s Office in Courthouse Village. THIS SPACE WILL NOT BE USED TO DETAIN PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED.

Each of the county fire-rescue stations has its own character. Go to https://goochlandfire-rescue.org/ and click on stations to see.

Attendees were asked to indicate their preferences from displays of fire house elevations and building materials to help HBA design a unique exterior for Station 7 that harmonizes with its surroundings.

David Smith of HBA explained that the firehouse illustrations ranged from traditional to contemporary and included photos of existing buildings in the area.  “This is a process and your feedback will be used in the design phase,” he said. Sticky dots were used to indicate preferences for building forms and materials.

Construction of Station 7 is long overdue.

Money matters

 

The Goochland County audit and finance committee held its quarterly meeting on June 2. These sessions provide the committee with current fiscal positions and the opportunity to discuss related matters.

First on the agenda was the kickoff for the county’s Annual Certified Financial Report (ACFR) for FY26, which ends on June 30. State law requires that the ACFR be completed and approved by the supervisors in December. In previous years, this process began in the summer. This is one of many procedural changes made by Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed.D., since becoming county administrator about a year ago.

The FY2025 ACFR is available at https://www.goochlandva.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=43 This document has a wealth of general information about the county and its fiscal condition. Last year, there were some issues with procedures in the finance department resulting from “compression,” catching up at the last minute rather than performing necessary tasks throughout the year. Raley hired an interim director of finance to reconcile the errors before Denise Sandlin was named Director of Finance earlier this year.

Sandlin assured the supervisors that new and more robust financial procedures and controls have been put in place and will be continually improved. She and her team will be ready to greet the PBMares team when it arrives to begin work on the FY26 ACFR on June 8. Her report included a preliminary check list of tasks, many of which have been completed, to start the audit process.

Mike Garber, https://www.pbmares.com/people/michael-garber/  a principal of PBMares, https://www.pbmares.com/ which has been retained by the county for many years to conduct its annual audit, talked about his firm, the audit team assigned to Goochland, and items that are “tested” during the process. (Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkh34L-vWnc for the video of the meeting.)

Representatives of PFM (https://pfm.com/), which advises the county on capital funding matters including bond issuance, discussed the county’s financial position regarding assumption of additional debt.

Capital projects that have been on the county radar screen for a while include a new courthouse—our current circuit courthouse will celebrate two centuries of continuous operation in September—fire-rescue station 7 on the east side of Hockett Road; upgrades to the secondary complex, including an addition to house the career and technical education department; and renovation of the old Goochland elementary school. Estimated cost for these projects, most planned for completion in the near term, is $114.5 million.

A chart included in the PFM presentation estimated the cost of  Station 7 at $13.2 million, with an expected start date of April, 2027, completion in June 2028; $56 million for the courthouse with an expected start date of April, 2027, completion  in July,2030; $30 million for the secondary complex upgrades with an expected start date of June, 2027 to be completed by August, 2028. A $15 million amount for old GES renovations, essentially a place holder with no projected timing as options for this site are under discussion. Not included in the chart is approximately $30 million for parks and rec projects “in the planning horizon over the next ten years ($18 million over the next 3 years. $12 million thereafter through year 10.)”

Issuing the $46 remainder of the approved general obligation bonds is the lowest cost option, said PFM. Discussion with bond counsel will be necessary to determine if any of these funds may be used for Station 7. These could be issued in FY27.

PFM presented an analysis of conservative “tried and true” funding mechanisms and how they relate to county. They discussed the budgetary impacts of debt funding these projects.

 If the county chooses to finance the entire $114.5 million for projects planned in FY27, the peak debt service ratio would hit the policy limit as a percentage of general fund expenditures in FY28 but would be well below its target percentage of debt to assessed valuation. This would be allowable under policies but could limit future borrowing.

PFM also illustrated the impact of revenue generated by new projects nearing completion. When the Ashland Road Amazon facility, Axial, and West Creek commerce center, hit the tax rolls, the ratio of debt service to general fund expenditures could drop from 11.4 percent to 11.2 percent.

PFM suggested funding the other $68.5 million with an appropriation bond issuance, which would be AA+ rated, a notch below Goochland’s triple triple rating, in mid FY2028. The rate is slightly higher than the triple triple but still very attractive and does not require a referendum. When all the debt is layered on, the total annual debt service was estimated at $13.3 million. New bonds will have the option to refinance at lower interest rates.

Committee chair Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said one rating notch lower, which equates to an approximately 15-20 basis points higher interest rate, is not significant. (A basis point is one hundredth of one percentage point.)

Raley pointed out that the PFM analysis is based on assumptions and that the county has many levers to pull. It can decide not to do all projects, use cash capital funds, or proffer dollars to reduce the debt amount. Next steps are to decide which projects will go forward and how they will be financed.

Proffers

In response to citizen queries about cash proffers—amounts paid by developers to mitigate the impact of residential rezoning on county infrastructure—a proffer data base has been added to the county website. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1463/Proffers

Raley said moving all the proffer data to one place from various sources was a heavy lift but now it has been reconciled in the name of transparency. He said it was a very worthwhile undertaking and will help with funding decisions going forward providing flexibility and nimbleness.

 

 

 

 

Raley said that a dashboard for cash proffer collected by the county resulting from residential rezoning had been updated as is on the county website as to amount and how the funds were uses. Cash proffers help to mitigate the impact on county facilities including schools, law enforcement, and fire-rescue. The website improves transparency and disclosure. The next meeting will be on September 1.

 

Goochland Supervisors grill Valley Link

 

The blue line at the top is the May 27 version (Valley Link image.)

On May 28, the Goochland Board of Supervisors held a special called meeting in the high school auditorium to share information and gather citizen feedback on the proposed Valley Link 750kw electric transmission line for an as yet unfinalized 115-mile route between Campbell and Culpeper counties. Go to https://vltransmission.com/joshua-falls-to-yeat/ for more information.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley recapped the supervisors’ actions opposing Valley Link, including appropriating funds and working with the other nine counties impacted by the project, and urged continued citizen engagement. He encouraged all to continue to make their concerns known on the Valley Link website and with representatives in Richmond.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)  https://www.scc.virginia.gov/ has the final say on if and where the proposed line may be built. The formal application on the Joshua Falls to Yeat portion of the Valley Link project will be filed with the SCC this fall, with a ruling expected sometime in late 2027. Other parts of the Valley Link project will have separate SCC filings.

Citizens, some from the other nine counties in the transmission line’s path, raised many thoughtful, well researched questions and voiced their concerns to both Goochland Supervisors and Valley Link representatives. Among them was skepticism that the recently proposed merger between Dominion Energy (D) and Next Era Energy, a Florida company, would be beneficial to Virginia.

May 27 route proposal (Valley Link image)

In a press release dated May 18, Next Era said of the merger that “customers will benefit over time from its enhanced scale in operations, procurement, construction and financing, enabling it to more cost-effectively meet increased electric demand for approximately 10 million customer accounts.”

Rob Richardson of Valley Link made a brief presentation about the project. (Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wdVzFrJwnw )  Valley Link, he explained, is a joint venture comprised of Transource (https://www.transourceenergyprojects.com/), Dominion Energy (https://www.dominionenergy.com/), and First Energy Transmission (https://www.firstenergycorp.com/fehome.html).

The goal of Valley Link is to support long term grid reliability. It has been supported by PJM (https://www.pjm.com/) as the solution that best meets long term reliability needs. The 765 kv transmission lines will be supported by lattice towers between 135 and 160 feet high along cleared rights of way typically 200 feet wide. (For a rough comparison, the lattice towers supporting the transmission lines south of Rt. 6 in Crozier are 110 feet high, and the high school football stadium is about 600 feet long.)

Landowners in the Valley Link study area contended that early “spaghetti” maps with several possible routes made it impossible to determine how the project would impact specific properties. They expressed skepticism about the latest map, published on May 27, whose route nicks the northwest corner of Goochland for about 1.25 miles down from 28 miles on earlier versions.  

One of these routes, very close to Byrd Elementary School, prompted the Goochland School Board to adopt an opposition resolution, which was read by District 1 School Board member Meredith Moses.

Lane Carr, who oversees transmission line siting, explained that routes are determined after detailed investigation of parcels that might be impacted to exclude land with conservation easements, cemeteries, wetlands, and historically significant sites to plot the least disruptive path. More than 15,000 miles of route alternatives were explored in the routing process.

This should encourage legacy landholders like century farms—those in continuous operation by the same family for more than 100 years—to investigate placing their property in an easement to prevent development in perpetuity.

According to the presentation, “fewer than 75 homes along the proposed 115-mile route are within 500 feet of refined route alternatives”.

“We cast a wide net to evaluate any alternative.” Carr said that early interactions with landowners resulted in most people asking that the line “stay as far as possible away from my home.” The confusing March routes, which caused a lot of concern, have expired, she said.

Richardson said that Valley Link is a part of an electric transmission “backbone” designed to take pressure off existing lines, including those near Hadensville and Crozier and solve the problem of unprecedented demand for energy. All electricity used in Virginia, even that supplied by co-ops, is generated by Dominion and all users will benefit from an updated and more robust and reliable electric transmission system, he said.

At the conclusion of the presentation, supervisors asked questions.

Board Chair Jonthan Christy, District 1, asked if substations will be built along the Valley Link and other transmission lines. Valley Link right now is proposed as an end-to-end project. A proposed gas transmission plant in Cumberland is about three miles from the line. The Joshua to Yeat SCC application will show “all the homework” used to determine the preferred route for the SCC to evaluate, said Carr.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, asked if the demand is in Northern Virginia why is the generating capacity not being built there. Richardson said that infrastructure to support power generation cannot always be placed near users. He cited a transmission line built in the1960’s to bring power from the Mount Storm generation plant in West Virginia was more cost effective than building train tracks to transport coal to a power station. The utility is upgrading existing generation options in NOVA, including a large solar facility near Dulles airport, but it is part of Dominion’s “all of the above” strategy to deal with burgeoning power demand.

 

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, contended that as Goochland has no plans for any kind of economic or residential development west of Goochland Courthouse our citizens will get no benefit from the proposed transmission line. Alluding to the seeming “Lucy and the football” strategy of morphing maps, he asked if the latest preferred route was changed in response to the amount of “heat” generated by citizens, and will be that presented to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for approval or will it be moved again.

Carr explained that the routes begin with anchor points in industrial areas, like the data center in Louisa just over the county line near Shannon Hill. The route will be “refined” until the SCC application is filed to narrow what Valley Link believes is the best route. There will be more meetings and more open houses in June when Valley Link reveals which route it will take to the SCC for approval. She does not anticipate changes that would more significantly impact Goochland.

Spoonhower asked if options secured by Dominion to purchase more than 1k acres of land off Whitehall Road are part of Valley Link. Richardson said that the utility is always looking for opportunities to site, perhaps solar facilities, but that land is not part of the current project.

Lyle, wearing his Farm Bureau hat, asked how negative impacts on agricultural uses will be minimized. Agriculture is very compatible with transmission lines, said Richardson. “There’s nothing we like better than pasture. We’re not coming to spray. We’re most concerned about woody trees growing up into the transmission lines.”

He did not know if land under transmission lines could qualify as certified organic. Bonding and grounding protocols for metal fences under transmission lines are common, and safety mitigation should be a onetime fix that could be remedied by line engineers. Fixes for “stray voltage” would be addressed during easement purchase negotiations, but further down the road, these issues are landowner responsibility.

If a vehicle is safe to drive on the road it is safe to drive under a transmission line, unless it is unusually tall, said Richardson.

Spoonhower asked about negative health impact living near high transmission lines. Richardson said that the SCC application includes modeling fields and takes it into consideration. He also noted that there are many studies on both sides of the topic.

Christy asked about impact of construction activity, including location of lay down contractor yards.  Following SCC approval, not expected before late 2027, other permits must be secured and easements purchased, before these locations are established, so Richardson was unable to provide specific information.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Richardson thanked the supervisors for the opportunity to discuss Valley Link. He said that he and his team all live in Central Virginia, including Goochland. “We all care about what happens here because we are your neighbors. Comments from neighbors who care deeply did not surprise me. We hope that many of you will come see us on June 26 and bring your questions. Following those meetings, we will reconvene and take those comments to see what additional refinements can be made and have plans for a virtual meeting to address the community with the preferred route before submitting it to the SCC. Going forward there will be opportunity for citizens to share their comments with the SCC. After a 12-month process, the SCC will make the determination of the route that Vally Link can take.”

A second set of meetings, including a virtual town hall on June 10 and one in Goochland on June 16 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Goochland Sports Complex, will be held in June Go to www.vltransmission.com for details.

Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1454/Valley-Link-Transmission-Project for the Goochland County page.

Christy thanked schools, the Sheriff’s Office, Fire-Rescue and Valley Link for participation on short notice to make the meeting possible. He asked for detailed follow up on unanswered technical questions.

Spoonhower commended citizen participation. He said that “seeing the community engaged and come out not to yell at us but to partner alongside us and work hard to research these topics made all the difference. Thank you.”

TOD pretrial motions

 

Goochland County, represented by Michael J. Finney, Esq. of the Gentry Locke Law firm, faced off against Phillip Strother, Esq. of Strother Law Offices, PLC representing the plaintiff, county residents opposing the Technology Overlay District (TOD) created by Goochland Supervisors last November, before the Hon. Timothy K. Sanner in Circuit Court on May 26 for pretrial  motions. The lawsuit was filed on December 4, 2025.

The plaintiff contends that the Goochland Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission failed to comply with Virginia statutory law and constitutional principles in the approval of the TOD, which, it contends, also conflicted with county zoning ordinances.

Since the suit was filed last December, the plaintiff has nonsuited—removed from the complaint—Count VIII, which said that approval of the TOD constituted unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious rezoning in violation of Virginia law.

The complaint asks the Court to declare the TOD and related amendments to county zoning ordinances, regulations, and comprehensive land use plan, null and void.

During the pretrial motions, Finney asked the Court to admit 8,500 pages of documents and other exhibits relating to the process of TOD approval to support Goochland’s case. Strother argued that the volume of material that Goochland presented for inclusion in the case was excessive. He cited a Virgina Mercury article dated weeks after the November 6 TOD approval included on the 8,500 pages, as an item irrelevant to the case.

Finney contended that without a clearer picture of the plaintiff’s case, the County cannot determine which of the documents and exhibits are essential to its defense. The Judge denied the County’s request to have all the initial documentation material admitted but allowed the county to return with a revised set of documents sometime in the summer after it has had the opportunity to review the plaintiff’s case. A demurrer, the next step in the legal process, on the suit, is scheduled to be heard in Circuit Court on October 20.

Those pesky electrons

 

Current structure vs. proposed (Dominion energy image)

You are reading this thanks to the movement of electrons between atoms that we know as electricity. Like it or not, modern life is dependent on this and we use it more every day.

On May 14, Dominion Energy (D)held an informational community meeting at the Residence Inn at the Notch to explain its proposal to rebuild existing lines between Midlothian and North Anna substations that run through Goochland County using current rights of way. This line crosses Broad Street Road in Oilville and Rt. 6 in Crozier before crossing the James River. (See https://www.dominionenergy.com/carson-northanna for details.)

These lines, which have been keeping local lights on for nearly 50 years, are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be upgraded. The new lines will carry 500 kilovolts on double circuit steel monopoles that will replace aging lattice structures. The new poles will be 190 feet, taller than structures currently in place and able to carry an additional 230 kv line for future expansion without adding more support structures.

For comparison, an existing monopole tower just south of Rt. 6 in Crozier is109 feet tall, the lattice structure rises 110 feet. The new configuration will use one pole with an average height of 190 feet to carry upgraded lines and accommodate another line using the same infrastructure.

Current power lines near Crozier (Google Earth Image)

Using existing rights of way wherever possible will minimize disruption to surrounding areas. D representatives said that land under the lines is often used for farming, riding horses and ATVs.

Placing power transmission lines underground is expensive and involves more land disturbance than above ground infrastructure. During construction, D takes great care to mitigate impact on environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands where clearing is done by hand and within 100 feet of streams. Matting is used to lessen the degree to which heavy equipment sinks into the ground during construction. Tree clearing outside of existing rights-of-way removes “danger trees those tall enough to fall on the lines. Inside the ROW—approximately 450 feet wide at the Carson substation, about 235 other places—trees, vegetation and other encroachments will be cleared to ensure safe operation.

The May 14 meeting was one of several planned along the route as part of the community engagement and will continue through July. An approval application will be filed with the state corporation commission in August with its final order expected in April 2027. Construction could begin in mid-2028 with completion by late 2030.

This project will benefit Goochland by improving the reliability and capacity of our power grid as we use more and more of those pesky electrons every day.

Please direct questions about the project to powerline@dominioneergy.com.

 

 

 

 

 

May board highlights

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

The FY27 budget and other items of note

 

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

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

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

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, was absent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Preparing for a world of unknowns

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Threads of War

 

James Richmond discusses Threads of War exhibit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new school

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of tax rates and other things

 

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

Attendance was robust, requiring overflow rooms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calendar year 2026 tax rates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BoS April 7 meeting afternoon highlights

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virginia Cooperative Extension

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

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

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

Goochland Education Foundation

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

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

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

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

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

Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District

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

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

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

VDOT

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

Consent Agenda

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

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

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

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

Station 7

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.