County Supervisors Approve Temporary Easement for New Wawa Construction

Fluvanna County's Board of Supervisors held a pivotal meeting on April 16, 2025, addressing key developments in local governance, including a temporary construction easement and the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The board approved a temporary construction easement for Greenonch LLC, allowing the company to develop water and sewer facilities for a new Wawa convenience store. This easement, located off Route 250, will enable the construction while ensuring the property is restored to its original state afterward. The decision reflects the county's commitment to facilitating local business development while maintaining community standards.

In a significant discussion regarding the fiscal year 2026 budget, the board reviewed a proposed capital improvement plan totaling $103.4 million. The operational budget for FY26 is set at $117.7 million, marking a 10.2% increase from the previous year. Notably, the proposed tax rate for real property and mobile homes will remain at 0.75. The board emphasized the importance of this budget in funding essential services, including social services and law enforcement, although it fell short of fully meeting school funding requests.

A critical point of contention arose concerning the Fork Union sidewalk project, initially estimated at $500,000 but now projected to cost approximately $3.7 million due to rising material costs and contractor availability. The board debated whether to retain this project in the capital improvement plan or postpone it, given the substantial budgetary implications. The discussion highlighted the challenges of managing public infrastructure projects amid fluctuating costs and the need for strategic planning to address community needs effectively.

The board will reconvene on April 23, 2025, to finalize the budget, with ongoing discussions about potential adjustments to the capital improvement plan. This meeting underscores the board's proactive approach to addressing both immediate community development needs and long-term fiscal responsibility.