[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6043261,"mediaKeyId","3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0","parentId",3650756,"title","Board approves two land‑use requests, defers one rezoning and adds closed session to agenda","audioSeconds",10584,"startMs",338000,"endMs",10922000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0&start=338&end=10922","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0/thumbnail_338000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6043261/Hanover-County/Virginia/Board-approves-two-landuse-requests-defers-one-rezoning-and-adds-closed-session-to-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6043261-507a80fc9cf1cd6d93c4ed36ee0e6b60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190363&Signature=dUYdQ8yPRBYxpZGjsS7opWZ4ryqAcGMqZ8JV80uJ6FZDe1DpYwHk72bB7lXNqmQIrivc7cCKTYHqtiy1YA79Dgj3FbACQJo9IYjQqJeh9BUsIr42Tgix9nsb31q3n7GWS-mTuzCiZh7I2uC-ZwBfgJVN8DZLnDYXOaXYbWiR13bHj-7wY7m-fc0w~HJtYbZZQtjI~5vHt3e0EkKaC4rtXeCjz~093A1mpxa~QEeQxHAIXLgu-3vZlydXYaZ0ie3Mz52j24FUzn-uzhLum43h7BJo9kzIJvpFb7OJgsD7j8XNBlTpl1sG~9eG618Xt~EiPxJWqBeBIbucakWCAijCcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hanover County","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","During its Feb. 26 meeting the Hanover County Board of Supervisors took several procedural and land‑use votes.

Key actions and votes
- Deferred: REZ 260,024,019 (Mount Sinai) — Supervisor Davis moved to defer the Mount Sinai rezoning for 28 days until the board’s next regular meeting to allow additional consideration; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Amended agenda: At the start of the meeting the board voted to reverse the order of two budget presentations (agenda items 6B and 6C) so the sheriff’s presentation occurred before the schools presentation.

- Added closed session: The board approved adding a closed session to the agenda to be held during the regularly scheduled 5–6 p.m. recess under the authority cited as Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel pertaining to an actual litigation/enforcement matter.

- Consent agenda amendment: The board added Wayne Waldrop as South Anna representative on the economic development committee (term ending 12/31/27) and approved the amended consent agenda by voice vote.

Land‑use public hearings and outcomes
- REZ (Blanton Road family division): The board unanimously approved a rezoning request to AR‑6 with conditions to permit a family subdivision on a 7.39‑acre parcel on Blanton Road; the applicant proffered plan controls including tree preservation and setbacks.

- Special Exception (Stony Run Estates home occupation): The board unanimously approved a special exception to allow food‑preparation (raw prep only) in an existing accessory garage for a food truck operation, subject to conditions (one screened commercial vehicle on site, no on‑site sales, trash stored inside until removed, maximum of four employees, state permitting required). The special exception is tied to the owner and will expire if the owner no longer resides at the property.

Why it matters: the planning actions manage small‑scale subdivision requests and home‑occupation impacts in rural and suburban neighborhoods, balancing property rights, neighborhood concerns and development standards. The deferred Mount Sinai rezoning will be reconsidered at the next regular meeting in 28 days.

Ending: Board members used the public hearing process and community meeting feedback to attach conditions intended to minimize off‑site effects. The meeting also followed procedural steps to allow staff and counsel to discuss an ongoing legal matter in closed session under state law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hanover County Board of Supervisors Meeting - Special Budget Meeting Feb 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a family‑division rezoning on Blanton Road and a special exception for a home‑occupation kitchen tied to a food truck, deferred the Mount Sinai rezoning for 28 days and added a closed session under Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(A)(7).","taxTitle","Hanover County, Virginia","taxId",71357,"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},6043266,"Fire chief seeks staffing gains, station replacements and improved agility testing in FY26 plan",2091,11035000,13126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0&start=11035&end=13126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0/thumbnail_11035000.jpg","/articles/6043266/Hanover-County/Virginia/Fire-chief-seeks-staffing-gains-station-replacements-and-improved-agility-testing-in-FY26-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6043266-2c310d81e2bf13f71b77793a51d81a16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190363&Signature=Vdxd9S6osqw5RWM1bMQ0iXya3F5W~qMXI4c7Abto3tW8yyu8-JKCDbbDFIABrXZahb89LSpqtq5Xj-xdBJvOzectZH6PMERZEvPAnXcU3S1uuF6jEymPX1-DXk-1wuRBCLnKgiuvXgvWi4xtrp4ROr40jvxC3Q0uD0PeRXUk4zrk7MQCfqyYtLj8tjTJ9-w5NKV0TISsBNm-~k074CijgSma~O08S-rhjCfCz64-94gDewHNzHZoHUhFbQVIbvp19inRY3H5Q-Tef6CKpdGOFh-pJ1rWDrhP36pqNS7aZnqgHslrhE1OjYBqFjvmManM7A95SyGP5are13QSzLZtMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanover Fire‑EMS Chief Chris Anderson presented the department’s FY26 request on Feb. 26, outlining staffing increases implemented late in FY25, a multi‑year station‑replacement plan and investments in training and firefighter safety.

Anderson said the department now operates 17 stations with roughly 250 career members and a volunteer force that remains smaller than in prior decades. To reduce reliance on cross‑staffing and to address coverage gaps, the county funded 25 firefighter‑medic positions that started in October; those hires are expected to be operational by July 2025. Anderson said the FY26 budget requests additional part‑time ambulance funding to cover peak periods and expand the program in areas that lack volunteer availability.

Capital needs include multiple station replacements (Doswell, Montpelier, Chickahominy) and continued apparatus replacement; Anderson said delivery lead times for fire apparatus still average multiple years and logistics is pursuing stock units to shorten that lag. The Laurel Meadows Station 17 replacement is expected to open in April.

Why it matters: Anderson said higher‑risk incidents — for example large structure fires and technical rescue incidents — require substantially more personnel; a residential working fire can require 21 responders while a large commercial incident can require more than 50. The budget seeks to improve minimum daily staffing and reduce cross‑staffing that draws personnel from neighboring stations.

Other highlights
- Reintroduction of standardized, validated physical‑agility testing to reduce injury risk and strengthen training outcomes.
- Funding for firefighter personal protective equipment replacements, mobile data computers, and continued investment in employee development and paramedic training.
- FY26 proposed total increase about 9.8 percent, driven chiefly by salaries and benefits (approx. 82 percent of the department budget).

Board reaction: supervisors praised the department’s recruitment and the decision to accelerate hires and station investments. Supervisors noted the public safety balance between capital costs and long‑term service quality.

Ending: Anderson closed by thanking department staff and county leadership and asked for the board’s support for the FY26 request.","Fire Chief Chris Anderson proposed a FY26 budget increase focused on personnel (including 25 firefighter‑medic hires begun in FY25), station replacements, fire apparatus replacement and reintroduction of validated physical‑agility testing.",{"_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},6043271,"Hanover school board approves FY26 budget that raises teacher pay scales, funds trades center expansion",2264,7555000,9819000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0&start=7555&end=9819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0/thumbnail_7555000.jpg","/articles/6043271/Hanover-County/Virginia/Hanover-school-board-approves-FY26-budget-that-raises-teacher-pay-scales-funds-trades-center-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6043271-a249f812cad15ee9a2e617fb941e790b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190363&Signature=GDDMzsWJuqxWwQhLkSVlTyeg1hR49u~~HN88xaRlbOmb~2idvr4~0hHtiLDs0pTjKH9vdaeXje-O7FKeUOpse6IXtV4CdZXD6S8snj0qyGTgka8nnwPvM5hgD0iRai-GBKU8TyGp5VXNtozGtK2sDgtpRPBmasQdJ1iLNja4I3cj3icH2G5NWxSfidPcuCDGQf6Qb5HVUnrVjqDoY6CXgm4foQxU0EqmYLF27q5EmU6lc6C6qN7aGnWqd2OJy7rarLD1b~KBS5zMO-WSK4e57fbA5Ma819MC1H1tsCn42MEPG6PnTA7qYoiYI4RajUG5Z2mKLUEsksNXtYNg94ji4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanover County Public Schools leaders presented the school board‑approved fiscal year 2026 request to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 26. The school board’s package includes a 3 percent pay increase for all eligible employees plus a targeted, multi‑million‑dollar lift to the teacher salary scale intended to improve recruitment and retention.

Dr. Lisa Penicuff, interim superintendent, said the board unanimously approved a plan that adds approximately $4.5 million to lift the teacher salary scale. The district estimates teachers would receive an average additional increase of 3.8 percent on top of the 3 percent raise, producing an average total increase for teachers near 6.8 percent.

The division also requested $8.5 million in FY26 capital funding to expand the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology; that appropriation appears in the school capital plan and is listed in year‑one of the county’s proposed five‑year CIP.

Why it matters: the package seeks to address teacher pay competitiveness and shortages in hard‑to‑fill roles. Penicuff said the division ranks highly on statewide metrics — graduation rates and SOL pass rates — and that the budget emphasizes support for the workforce that delivers instruction. The trades‑center expansion is intended to expand CTE seats and local workforce pipelines.

Other items in the school plan
- School operating fund proposed increase about 6.3 percent overall; local funding comprises about 49.8 percent of operating sources in the proposed FY26 plan.
- Two school psychologist interns proposed to increase assessment capacity and help build a pipeline for a critical shortage area.
- Continuation of a substitute incentive program begun with one‑time ESSER funds.
- Continued funding for middle‑school track and field and other extracurricular supports.
- CIP: Mechanicsville Elementary formally identified as the next replacement school (design work in later years), and the plan continues other campus‑style replacements in the 10‑year window.

Board interaction and next steps: school leaders thanked county staff and supervisors for the collaborative process; the county’s adoption of the administrator’s budget will determine final school funding. The schools will return to the school board after the county adopts its budget and following any state budget changes.

Ending: Penicuff said the budget prioritizes support for students and staff and that the school division will monitor state budget actions and adjust as needed.","Hanover County Public Schools presented and the school board approved an operating budget that includes a 3 percent across‑the‑board raise, a $4.5 million teacher‑scale investment (average additional 3.8 percent), and an $8.5 million initial appropriation to expand the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology.",{"_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},6043276,"Sheriff David Hynes seeks technology, training and limited staffing increases in FY26 request",1276,5323000,6599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0&start=5323&end=6599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0/thumbnail_5323000.jpg","/articles/6043276/Hanover-County/Virginia/Sheriff-David-Hynes-seeks-technology-training-and-limited-staffing-increases-in-FY26-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6043276-6270d0899eb2beb41dce83603460271a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190363&Signature=OI8ziB0xjJLBR-wMdLn8T8GL8K4Tn8JP8sMq~Oz80tJuS6KwDU1TpEXXnZZicEDnqGuLgSI8lvRaVLiY5Qk2eWiWTsgK68CJrYYnH~eCTUZ11aYLzE9-EWb4hFKnc9XEiC9ROSW6klCwoHUdUmF9IZZ-o4ktiZpYlxVWBEK9usXPMGRt-IUaNUw60OM86jbuQGA8Noh68no7zQwPI0MQpEbOrbrFX6EUS51QrqxNatlKh8pvf4ltBZYok69-~JsoYzsqiYBoG9evI5xbpVwjisMvpzixaClOX5gAijas8v9ploFgFmSXi8HRWHXxJcQXnQm7NC~M9JtK37lZS6TlHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanover County Sheriff David R. Hynes presented his office’s budget request during the Feb. 26 board meeting, asking for operating increases principally to cover licensing for investigative and records software and to restore and expand training budgets.

Hynes said his office responded to more than 36,000 calls for service in 2024 and described reductions in five of the eight FBI index crimes, though he said aggravated assaults rose primarily because a single DUI incident affected many victims. He described the sheriff’s office’s community programs, including citizen police academies and neighborhood partnerships, and highlighted National Night Out recognition.

On personnel, Hynes said he had originally sought nine additional positions over three years but revised the plan: for FY26 he is not requesting new law‑enforcement headcount while focusing on retaining and refilling vacancies and leveraging technology and training. He did request 1 additional court deputy tied to a planned move of a forensic‑science headquarters to Hanover and asked for a kennel attendant and other limited courtroom and shelter support positions.

Why it matters: the sheriff framed software and training as force multipliers — ongoing subscription software and cloud storage costs have increased and the office needs training budgets to ensure deputies are prepared for complex and large‑scale events. Hynes cited grants and asset‑forfeiture proceeds as partial funding sources used for overtime, equipment and leadership training.

Key items
- Law‑enforcement personnel: no new positions requested in FY26; focus on retention and refilling vacancies.
- Judicial services: one court deputy requested for FY26 because of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science headquarters move.
- Operating increases: software subscription/licensing and training increases account for the bulk of the operating request.
- Capital: request includes a command vehicle for the unmanned aerial systems (drone) team; no new major capital equipment otherwise requested in FY26.

Board reaction: supervisors praised the office’s community engagement and the presence of deputies in schools. Several members expressed support for investments in training and retention. Hynes thanked the board for prior personnel investments and asked for continued attention to employee compensation and working conditions.

Ending: Hynes described the request as guided by stewardship and emphasized use of grants and forfeiture funds where possible to limit general‑fund impact.","Sheriff David R. Hynes presented a FY26 request focused on software, expanded training and modest operating increases; he said he will pause major new hiring to emphasize retention and filling vacancies.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6043280,"Hanover County administrator proposes $781 million FY26 budget, holds tax rate at $0.81",2622,1620000,4242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0&start=1620&end=4242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650756-9412f1be616e43ff38863b0da75de4a0/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6043280/Hanover-County/Virginia/Hanover-County-administrator-proposes-781-million-FY26-budget-holds-tax-rate-at-081","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6043280-4bce05b0fc6e54ff9b7c72648c599ca8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190363&Signature=fUENksrSGJ5r6PYu8tLzsqGVMIE-mhJjCPxHHDchnDIS~IcK3gU2Hrx1-Vy3jZYfAllCnkmBV6JdWroF0g3dbzVcX7PCDbJp2m~UQXO4ctqc7JNBneacWOruMA3ubTh1X5u2Xb6L4NXunfGLKnlxNqhEk8mvDefFvo1ALFApNQRkMs~y792I68xBgNK3uUb~3URatYmchcFLNVQMe7J8hrL9Z2S20jcaUXdyXIpJVBkpw2tEnjKzCam051DCmYkNMIXpdbLWjt20cLI~w~tJ-zRfTk2oWhpj3GV~PmEuC5IoDbl9oITuz0~OpTTL7lmXw~bukP~H3PpZeq7ps1zO2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanover County Administrator John A. Badesky on Feb. 26 presented his recommended fiscal year 2026 budget, a $781 million all‑funds plan that he said prioritizes public safety and public education while keeping the county real‑estate tax rate at 81 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Badesky said the general fund component would rise about 6.9 percent year over year and that the recommended budget includes a 3 percent merit increase for county and school employees. He told the Board of Supervisors the recommendation increases local funding for schools by roughly $9.8 million and boosts public‑safety spending by about $6 million, with a total of roughly $26 million in new money to allocate across priorities.

The recommendation keeps the county’s long‑standing low tax rate rather than “equalizing” after reassessments. Badesky said an equalization cut of two cents would have reduced available revenue by approximately $4.6 million and would have limited the county’s ability to fund the 3 percent merit and other proposed investments.

Why it matters: the administrator framed the budget as a balancing act between maintaining Hanover’s historically low tax burden and funding rising costs — especially for teachers, first responders and capital projects. Badesky called schools and public safety the two largest spending priorities: education was shown as about 35 percent of the proposed budget, public safety about 27 percent.

Key proposals and numbers
- 3 percent merit increase recommended for county and school employees beginning July 1, 2025.
- An additional local funding increase of about $9.8 million to the school operating budget; the overall school operating fund up about $15.7 million year over year.
- $60 million estimate for a new consolidated Public Safety Building (revised up from earlier $52 million estimate).
- $8.5 million proposed in FY26 to expand the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology.
- New tourism department (2 positions) funded from lodging‑tax return revenue, not the general fund.
- Capital program highlights: nearly $160 million in roads in the five‑year plan, continued funding for multiple school replacement and renovation projects, and additional investments in parks and convenience‑center upgrades.

Badesky described a continuing shift in funding toward local sources after state education funding has declined relative to local needs; he said the state’s share has dropped and localities are picking up a larger share of school costs. He also described the county’s fiscal policies, including reserves and bond ratings, noting Hanover retains a AAA bond rating.

Board reaction and process: supervisors asked clarifying questions about reassessments, the mechanics of equalization notices required by state law, and how the budget supports specific capital projects. Badesky said the board will hold additional work sessions and public hearings before an April 9 adoption vote; the public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled during the advertised process.

Ending: Badesky concluded by noting this is his recommended budget and that the board may modify it before adoption. He emphasized that detailed line items will be available online for public review.

(Quotes and attributions are based on the county administrator’s presentation during the Feb. 26 meeting.)","County Administrator John A. Badesky presented a $781 million all‑funds budget for fiscal year 2026 that maintains the county tax rate at $0.81, increases spending on public safety and schools, and adds a tourism office funded by lodging‑tax returns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves two land‑use requests, defers one rezoning and adds closed session to agenda

Fire chief seeks staffing gains, station replacements and improved agility testing in FY26 plan

Hanover school board approves FY26 budget that raises teacher pay scales, funds trades center expansion

Sheriff David Hynes seeks technology, training and limited staffing increases in FY26 request

Hanover County administrator proposes $781 million FY26 budget, holds tax rate at $0.81