Goochland supervisors decline updated proffer schedule after months of analysis

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted to deny adoption of an updated capital impacts (cash proffers) model after a lengthy presentation and debate on Aug. 4. County staff and consultant TischlerBise described methodological updates to demand factors and costs for schools, parks, public safety and transportation and produced "triggered" contribution estimates that, for a typical 100‑unit subdivision, could total roughly $15,000 per unit. County staff emphasized the model is a tool to calculate suggested contributions developers may offer during rezoning, not a mandatory tax.

Board members expressed a mix of support for the analytic work and concern about real‑world consequences. "This is a tax," said Supervisor Vaughters during debate, cautioning that the changes could raise home prices and have disproportionate impacts on western parts of the county. Supporters of the model said it captured capital costs more precisely and could guide the county's future decisions; opponents said it risked encouraging by‑right development in other areas and would not solve zoning or growth‑management problems. In a voice vote the motion to deny the increased proffers passed, leaving the county's existing proffer schedule in place pending further review.

The decision leaves the 2018 model and Marshall‑Swift escalator in effect until the board chooses otherwise. "If denied, the model from 2018/2019 would remain," County Administrator Dr. Raley said during the meeting. Staff noted the underlying capital impact analysis remains a useful planning tool whether or not its outputs are used for proffers, and they committed to continued work with the board on targeted questions raised during debate, including impacts on assessments and on housing affordability in different county geographies.