Gloucester board moves forward on up-to-$3 million utilities borrowing; residents press water‑system grievances

The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 5 approved a resolution advancing a public‑hearing process and financing work for up to $3,000,000 in borrowing to fund utilities projects approved in the FY26 budget, county financial staff said.

Chief Financial Officer Maria Callaway told the board the FY26 utilities projects previously approved total about $2.35 million in revised estimates and that the resolution sets a not‑to‑exceed borrowing cap of $3,000,000 to provide flexibility for fluctuating project costs. "The $3,000,000 is what is listed in our resolution as a not to exceed amount," Callaway said, explaining the county sought flexibility because construction prices vary and some projects may come in higher or lower.

Callaway described a timeline that will include public advertising and a September 2 briefing by the county’s financial advisor (Davenport) with final resolutions expected on the Sept. 16 or Oct. 7 meeting depending on whether the county uses the Virginia Resources Authority. Staff said they had requested proposals from banks and submitted an application to the Virginia Resources Authority for potential lower rates.

Supervisors asked about specific projects and priorities, including pump‑station work, generator or bypass pump options, and a million‑gallon storage tank. Board members expressed concern about whether $3,000,000 would be sufficient and discussed alternatives such as paying for some smaller items with year‑end funds instead of borrowing more. Callaway said the $3,000,000 cap was chosen to preserve flexibility while staying within borrowing capacity given current utility rates.

The board approved the resolution on the record, with a roll call showing unanimous support; staff will hold public hearings and present financing options before final resolutions.

Public speakers and submitted comments during the meeting highlighted ongoing water‑system problems and billing disputes. A submitted comment from Kenny Hogg Sr., read aloud by a county staff member, requested the board «do the morally right thing» by not charging the residents of Colony Circle in Gloucester Point for water for at least three years. The comment alleged mismanagement had caused high bills, water heater replacements and repeated flushing, and said design drawings for a planned Tillage Heights replacement were not available as the Capital Improvement Program had indicated they would be.

Resident Howard Mowery raised safety and development concerns tied to removal of a nearby toll plaza and urged a study of road widenings for Tide Mill Road and Guinea Road to prepare for increased development. Other public comments reiterated concerns about maintenance of county infrastructure and questioned whether borrowing now might crowd out other needs.

Callaway said staff had prioritized projects in a five‑ to ten‑year plan and would return with financing options and firm recommendations at the September meetings; supervisors directed staff to proceed with public notices and the advertised public hearings.