[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6110703,"mediaKeyId","2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc","parentId",2757023,"title","County updates on utilities: Firefly broadband rollout, water system resilience and proposed battery-storage site draw questions","audioSeconds",2919,"startMs",1371000,"endMs",4290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc&start=1371&end=4290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc/thumbnail_1371000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6110703/Goochland-County/Virginia/County-updates-on-utilities-Firefly-broadband-rollout-water-system-resilience-and-proposed-battery-storage-site-draw-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110703-5bd4cca928f77e07b3665d667e96358c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152192&Signature=BzWQmTpz3PvBtsOBwBpptF~3lDUYOBzJLg5u5ZoqE7a9tjNHfPOGR~qhu12WnKfSYwY6fm9z17djmzBxmzSy3lVjQ~AgaHe~zN2RMPguuyPiAGmKUTtMCpgZOPwtSNlDUvPn3RSFKRZNIV42urawmYUTrZaIvW~SfEpn3GtmSm1qtZgXTApliBfDZUYxKnEjdd~rEMHVhXlm5TX8~uC~sZxLI~HVDig7KopyQ7obfGHXH7bO7Iw57m4outYbptfT9wC~z~fPDLp10U8y2kb3sRQ3Qeek6ST31NiN--54mgyPsfQxOgciRt1ttijFfVyuKUKxmnnmJCZze2D41QwWlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Goochland County, VA","date","2025-03-25T05:48:14.957Z","article","County officials and staff used the town-hall forum to update residents on utilities projects including water and sewer upgrades, a planned utilities master plan, Firefly fiber broadband deployment and early public concerns about a proposed battery-storage installation.

Nut graf: The updates covered both system improvements and community impacts; officials urged residents to follow utility planning processes and attend upcoming Firefly and county meetings.

Water and utilities
- The county said it completed waterline upgrades in its eastern service area, replaced grinder pumps beginning fall 2024, and that the utilities master plan (including water-supply alternatives and service expansion to Oilville) is expected to be updated by summer. Officials noted the county buys water from Henrico and described a recent regional event in which a Richmond plant flood prompted a boil-water advisory downstream; Goochland said it matched Henrico’s advisory and distributed drinking water to affected customers.
- The presentation acknowledged system resilience challenges where valve shutdowns can cut off many customers and said planners aim to design workarounds to reduce outage scope.

Firefly broadband
- Officials described the Firefly fiber‑to‑the‑home rollout, noting early service areas and an engineering/“middle‑mile” splicing phase visible on poles. The county promoted a Firefly virtual town hall on March 27 (fireflyvirginia.com/townhalls) to answer customer questions and said multiple grants (listed as VIDA, RISE, Reconnect in the presentation) funded parts of the project.

Battery-storage facility concerns
- A resident raised an application for a proposed battery-storage facility (described in the meeting as approximately 34 container-sized battery units near power lines). Officials said they planned to work with the developer on siting and outreach and suggested the developer consider an industrial park location; county staff said hearings will be forthcoming and urged nearby residents to stay involved.

Why it matters: Utilities and broadband affect daily life and public health; residents asked for clarity on outages, master-plan timing and siting for potentially high‑impact facilities.

Ending
Officials encouraged questions after the presentation and pointed residents to county contacts and the Firefly virtual town hall for specific connectivity timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors and School Board Members Joint Town Hall, District 1 - 03-24-25","oneSentenceSummary","Officials described ongoing waterline and sewer upgrades, a utilities master plan, Firefly broadband deployment and community concerns about a proposed battery-storage facility near homes.","taxTitle","Goochland County, Virginia","taxId",30989,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6110708,"Goochland outlines several major transportation projects; county highlights $9.2 million from CVTA",214,963000,1177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc&start=963&end=1177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc/thumbnail_963000.jpg","/articles/6110708/Goochland-County/Virginia/Goochland-outlines-several-major-transportation-projects-county-highlights-92-million-from-CVTA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110708-07cb147b6df7fc357d3f34dea93d309a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152192&Signature=WwrEn9Da3npSnG9EUIH~iMcOypeiEHhC4O5~WV2Gt431OCFoKt3zXS-eu8pG336KJ~tg9sGUdvDPaoFXiW~uiSvSXQnIuiFVo0NZZeqzzDNJH42vJMp6jT-MZcrPCw4FwRJH5GjbSmKdehIJe03lHER1PKuEkWrze1TkanPcKskRGZPyAu1-kHIlMp0s0mHRyNPN70At1pPV7xs00nAXHsua-ZwWwSeFVBK0A8pZ9UJ4pzVXESakhk5h2NEjnmnxRV-xJmHEnl0s9c1Svuc~2r4iyYk1eeCJ8b6sC6NmzODtw1sfl8s6nf1xMRzDjOPutUgx3k9thGIv4vgtwqxmqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff and supervisors described multiple transportation projects at the town hall, saying they are intended to address congestion connected to new development and to take advantage of local and regional funding streams.

Nut graf: Officials said Goochland has a set of multi-year projects — from interchange redesigns to road realignments and roundabouts — and that recent CVTA funding had materially increased the county’s transportation resources.

Projects and timeline notes
- Ashland Road/Route 64 divergent-diamond interchange: The county described plans for a divergent-diamond interchange, with a public hearing planned this summer, request for qualifications in summer, proposals due next winter, a design-build contract expected in 2026, and completion targeted for summer 2029. County staff flagged traffic signal dependency questions (power-outage behavior) as an outstanding technical concern.
- Hackett Road realignment: Officials said a realignment would simplify the current circuitous connection at the Rockville exit and that a recent meeting discussed ways to accelerate the project.
- Roundabout projects and other intersections: The presentation described plans to add roundabouts (including one to address congestion at an evening bottleneck on Oilville exit) and to connect a new roundabout at Fairgrounds Road toward Route 6 to open up commercial development near the courthouse.

Funding and context
- Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA): The presentation highlighted that Goochland now receives substantially more regional transportation funding than in the past, citing an aggregate amount of about $9,200,000 received through CVTA (contrasted with $80,000 per year around 2012).
- SmartScale and regional roles: The presentation credited board members’ roles on the CVTA and the regional TPO with securing funding and said Goochland received the most funding for projects in the state in the cited cycle.

Why it matters: These infrastructure projects are intended to relieve congestion related to large commercial or industrial developments and to support planned regional traffic changes; they also have long delivery timelines and technical dependencies.

Ending
Officials urged residents to follow public hearings and noted the county’s expedited schedules for projects tied to incoming development.","County officials described near- and long-term plans including a divergent-diamond interchange on Ashland Road/Route 64, Hackett Road realignment, roundabout additions and SmartScale projects; officials attributed large recent funding increases to Central Virginia Transportation Authority allocations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6110713,"Goochland schools present proposed budget, cite enrollment spike and Apple Distinguished recognition",1078,2429000,3507000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc&start=2429&end=3507","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc/thumbnail_2429000.jpg","/articles/6110713/Goochland-County/Virginia/Goochland-schools-present-proposed-budget-cite-enrollment-spike-and-Apple-Distinguished-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110713-5a6a5367a1f3b047318615fb9d6809d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152192&Signature=Gnm-RdVX3XKl-YPyiIw-R1s9pH3fOxDWFduoS18QYJwywn6Kro3n2atCYQJ7zHavvNH9G5bWfvsPHTCtjXAS~nlsj-ruYxzeIBQUfSw4EQuwcli5Fb4XSF6zSYPNyLIpCN6vmBRcaE7gSC3EU2SJ0N1f-QCejbTHtuvl80Jc0hXYlDw1Lrtdrgux7mkoCjXphWj7UAEz~rjJkfLpY~j97QQGL8nPwbStM~nbLCGoJ1fG12qhOr5IkoZ5EBwwqyISYw9vxcAe30UlOg0rm4yYprBKxrcLnciywSwRnEkU8eL2J15rZzvbqyYyDYYQ6BLTXiOrmLwSFCeJWYkoNRgiYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michael Cromarti, superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, presented the school division’s proposed budget and enrollment trends at the town hall, describing recent increases in enrollment and outlining budget priorities.

Nut graf: The superintendent said the division is budgeting conservatively for state reimbursement purposes while requesting targeted investments for instruction, staff compensation and facilities; school leaders noted a recent enrollment spike at Goochland Elementary tied to a new facility.

What the school presented
- Enrollment: The superintendent reported a September 30 count of 2,643 students and said the division is budgeting on an average daily membership (ADM) of 2,520 for FY2026 to avoid over‑projection risk. He explained that reimbursement is based on the March ADM submission and noted that current September numbers reflect roughly 520 students at Goochland Elementary after redistricting.
- Investments: The superintendent identified new investments across three strategic goals: instruction and lifelong learning ($95,424 new under Goal 1); inclusive and engaging culture (including the 3% cost-of-living adjustment for staff; $713,534 new under Goal 2); and facilities/resources/technology (about $746,581 new under Goal 3). Total new investments reported were $892,981 in one slide and a larger total cited elsewhere as evolving as additional county dollars were being confirmed.
- Funding and balance: The superintendent said the FY2026 presentation shows a balanced budget based on figures available at the time, with county transfer, state grants, sales tax, federal aid, and “other local dollars” (rentals, tuition for nonresident students) as revenue sources. He noted potential changes from late-arriving state figures and federal grant expirations.
- Recognitions and outcomes: Goochland was described as an Apple Distinguished School Division; the division reported strong pass rates (82% reading/English, 83% math) and a 98% on-time graduation rate.

Why it matters: School funding decisions affect class sizes, staffing and programs. The superintendent emphasized conservative budgeting to avoid shortfalls after state reimbursements are finalized and flagged that some one-time federal COVID-era grants have expired, increasing pressure on local funds.

Process and follow-up
The superintendent said the school board adopted the superintendent’s proposed budget on Feb. 25 and presented it to the county supervisors. He also said the county transfer figure used in the school budget was approximately $31,129,844 (plus or minus about $300,000 as represented in the presentation) and that numbers were still evolving.

Ending
The superintendent invited questions and said school staff would be available after the town hall to discuss details.","School division leaders presented the superintendent’s proposed budget highlights including a conservative enrollment projection for funding, a 3% salary increase matching county staff, and investments targeted at instruction, culture, and facilities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6110718,"Goochland officials present proposed FY2026 budget, keep tax rate at 53¢ while planning new public-safety hires and capital projects",3847,2000,3849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc&start=2&end=3849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2757023-688768f120161f47f19a384fce923cbc/thumbnail_2000.jpg","/articles/6110718/Goochland-County/Virginia/Goochland-officials-present-proposed-FY2026-budget-keep-tax-rate-at-53-while-planning-new-public-safety-hires-and-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110718-82958a1a0162b86f9df3a8e621167750/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152192&Signature=RBsaHtkricH53QM9IVnTbTQU2aD4uDaFrgtVVcRyOzKUGkgqO3cLbwQ-2nGRP7l57-X8OK-DTpfM7IX0YUFGX4fUFp0kiSibO6yjo5nJRhxLYosbXxhKWBLi6t0Dsr81w64lV~jBo9GljIiFDoi7UGW4q0GEeykf3wWGNQhyVcTkiIGUkostpwdEyarOgNHSiSXwKiyhg~gdVxnvcFkLVSMmpudV6bMSeqyrYztY-Swc0avQWvjYsmFKDK~y9AnarKPKjGVw5JidCkPgPfkaKjMBuLqclVYYS~uYbmEtwb9721n4yfFaElDjg2Bsz8~vCQFNquBwBXp61~-rueSI3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim County Administrator outlined Goochland County’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget at a town-hall presentation, saying the county will hold the real-estate tax rate at 53¢ while proposing new public-safety hires and several capital projects.

The presentation said the county is proposing a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees; adding 11 positions in public safety (six for fire and rescue, five for the sheriff’s office); and a 6% increase in the county’s contribution to schools, described as roughly $1,800,000. Administration also listed capital requests including about $2.5 million for fire and rescue equipment, $1.3 million for information services, and $1.7 million for schools.

Why it matters: keeping the tax rate steady while expanding services is the county’s stated attempt to balance resident expectations for public safety and infrastructure with fiscal restraint. County leaders tied the approach to steady assessment growth and a policy of using surplus funds to pay as-you-go for capital projects.

Key facts and budget context
- The interim administrator said Goochland has held the real-estate tax rate at 53¢ (per $100 of assessed value) while assessed value rose from $8,620,000,000 in 2024 to $9,600,000,000 in the current assessment — an increase the presentation quantified as about $980,000,000 (roughly 11.4%).
- Proposed year-over-year general-fund variance was described as about a 10.2% increase in expenditures for the county proposal; the general-fund increase versus the adopted FY2025 budget was described as nearly $6,000,000.
- The county proposes to fund capital needs from a mix of current revenues, grants, and the fund balance. The presentation identified a five-year capital need that includes roughly $39,000,000 for courthouse and school projects over five years.

Surplus (fund balance) and tax-rate questions
During audience Q&A a resident pressed whether the board would consider reducing the tax rate from 53¢ to the “effective rate” of 49¢. The interim administrator said the county maintains a fund-balance target (recently lowered from 60% to 35%) and that the county currently has roughly $60,000,000 in total fund balance, with some amounts already allocated to future projects. The administrator said that, because planned positions and purchases have been budgeted (the five deputies, six fire positions, one building-inspections position and one assistant attorney were named), it could be too late in the process to lower the rate this year without putting those items in doubt. The administrator invited the resident to present detailed proposals and said the board would consider workshops where the public could participate.

Operational priorities and constraints
The presentation emphasized public safety as the main area of budget growth and said Goochland competes for staff with neighboring localities such as Henrico and Chesterfield. The administrator described conservative revenue forecasting and the possibility of late General Assembly actions that can affect budgets.

Process and next steps
Public hearings on the tax rate and budget-related fees were announced for April 1; the presentation said the board aims to adopt the budget on April 15. The administrator said formal budget work began months earlier with departmental meetings and joint sessions with the schools.

Discussion points (not decisions)
- The county described applying surpluses to the CIP (“pay as you build”), citing prior use of cash to fund Company 6 fire station and plans for Company 8 (bidding this fall).
- The administrator touted steady financial practices and noted the county’s AAA ratings as evidence of fiscal stewardship.

Ending
Officials encouraged residents to attend the April hearings and to submit written proposals if they wished the board to consider changes before adoption.","Interim county administration outlined the proposed FY2026 budget at a March town hall, highlighting a steady 53¢ tax rate, a 3% cost-of-living raise, 11 new public-safety positions, and planned capital spending funded in part by a roughly $60 million fund balance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County updates on utilities: Firefly broadband rollout, water system resilience and proposed battery-storage site draw questions

Goochland outlines several major transportation projects; county highlights $9.2 million from CVTA

Goochland schools present proposed budget, cite enrollment spike and Apple Distinguished recognition

Goochland officials present proposed FY2026 budget, keep tax rate at 53¢ while planning new public-safety hires and capital projects