Goochland County

The evening session included a report on Goodson County receiving the ACCE most taxpayer friendly county award for 2017. The meeting featured a citizen comment period focusing on adherence to the comprehensive plan regarding economic development versus residential reclassification. Key public hearings involved a rezoning request by Sheltering Arms Corporation for 4.43 acres from R3 to M1 to facilitate the construction of a 114-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility, alongside a related Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request for an 80-foot height exception. Another public hearing addressed a CUP request by Extreme Heights LLC for a pole vaulting training facility in the West Creek Industrial Park. The final public hearing discussed a rezoning request by Swansin LLC to change 23.55 acres from R1 to R3 to accommodate a 30-lot subdivision, which involved discussions regarding sewer capacity and revised cash proffer calculations due to changes in state law.

The joint townhall focused on providing an update on the state of the county and its services, including the school system, fire and rescue, and the sheriff's department. The Clerk of Court provided updates on the court system, announcing a probate seminar and discussing jury duty summons, which are now delivered by deputies. The Clerk also mentioned the availability of online concealed handgun permits and access to public records. The Superintendent of Schools presented on the school division, which serves approximately 2600 students, highlighting recognitions such as being an Apple distinguished school division and the success of students earning associate degrees prior to graduation. Key initiatives discussed included updating the strategic plan, budget development for FY27, and capital improvements funded by a 2021 bond referendum, such as a new career and technical education addition at the secondary complex. The Superintendent also noted plans to approve a three-year academic calendar soon and emphasized aligning educational pathways with local workforce needs, citing opportunities like the Amazon facility and Eli Liy.

The meeting included the approval of previous minutes and proceeded to public hearings. The first item involved an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a homebased pottery business in District 4, requiring CUP for the retail gallery component on site, with proposed operating hours limited to Friday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and by appointment. The commission recommended approval subject to imposed conditions. The second item involved an application by KPB Reality LLC to amend a prior CUP (CU1-19947) concerning a communication tower and to seek a new CUP for automobile repair, including major repair undercover, on a property zoned with mixed Business General (B1) and Agricultural Limited (A2) designations. Discussions centered on amending the existing tower CUP condition to allow additional uses and adding a condition regarding maintaining a vegetated buffer. The applicant also proposed renovating an existing commercial flex building and constructing a new building to accommodate future auto repair activities, along with designating screened parking for inoperable vehicles and establishing an emergency access route connected to Hope Church.

The meeting was a budget session focused primarily on the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 County budget presentations led by Human Resources and Finance departments. Key discussions included the workforce report, which detailed current employee statistics, separation reasons, and turnover rates, noting a decrease to 12.3% for constitutional staff. Compensation analysis compared local merit increases to surrounding jurisdictions, and a multi-year benchmark salary adjustment plan was discussed, requesting $121,500 for adjustments affecting approximately 30 positions. Staffing change requests involved 23 proposals, with recommendations for 14 changes, including nine new positions in public safety and conversions from part-time to full-time roles. The General Fund revenue budget for FY 19 was reviewed, showing real estate taxes as the largest revenue source, followed by other property taxes and state/federal funds. Discussions also covered taxable assessed values, personal property tax revenues, sales tax, business licenses, and building permit revenues, along with a request to analyze revenue growth relative to inflation and population since 2009.

The meeting began with an invocation and the rescheduling of a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Chair addressed recent correspondence regarding racial discrimination, stating the county does not tolerate unequal treatment and announced the formation of a diverse work group to have constructive conversations on race relations. A significant financial update included the refinancing of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District bond, projected to save the county $12 million in debt service payments, and a report that the Fiscal Year 2020 budget finished with a slight surplus despite the COVID-19 crisis. Updates were also provided on the COVID-19 situation, noting the county remained in Phase Three operations. Storm damage from overnight weather was minimal, with power outages quickly resolved. County facility renovations, including the relocation of the Treasurer's office, are proceeding on schedule. The census effort was highlighted, encouraging residents to respond. During citizen comments, the retirement of the CASA executive director after 15 years and the introduction of her replacement were noted. Comments were also made regarding National Farmers Market Week, concerns about the reduced capacity for the upcoming well water testing program due to multi-county participation, appreciation for the outgoing county liaison to the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, and a commitment to educate the board on agricultural terminology.