Board of Supervisors Meeting - March 11, 2026 - 2026-03-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The March 11, 2026 Board of Supervisors meeting focused heavily on the FY2027 budget presentations from both Chesterfield County Public Schools ($1.1B operating budget with $48M in new funding) and the county ($1.09B general fund, 4.7% increase). Key tax relief measures were proposed including a 10-cent personal property tax cut to $3.25 and expanded senior tax relief. The board approved eminent domain proceedings for two sidewalk/road projects (Meadowdale Boulevard and Woolridge Road widening) and declared surplus a county property at 14351 Bermuda Orchard Lane for sale to Dominion Energy for $1.9M for a switching station.
Key Decisions (7)
Readoption of North Courthouse Library Satellite Voting Location
Board readopted ordinance establishing North Courthouse Road Library as satellite absentee voting location for April 21, 2026 special election, originally adopted on emergency basis February 25, 2026.
Bridgeman Underground Inc. Claim Denial
Board denied $292,000 claim from Bridgeman Underground Inc. regarding SCADA control system installation dispute on Hopkins Road to Route 1 Waterline Improvements contract. County maintained contractor was responsible for hiring SCADA subcontractors per contract language.
Eminent Domain for Meadowdale Boulevard Bike/Pedestrian Project
Board approved exercise of eminent domain for Meadowdale Boulevard, Beulah Road to Dalebrook Drive bike and pedestrian improvements. Project estimated at $4.5M using federal CMAQ funds. Total right-of-way acquisition offer is $4,800 for 0.009 acres fee simple and 0.024 acres temporary construction easement from Meadowdale Town House Park Association.
Eminent Domain for Woolridge Road Widening Project
Board approved exercise of eminent domain for Woolridge Road widening from Genetto Road to Lacock Road. $21M project funded by CVTA will widen from 2 to 4 lanes with hybrid roundabouts. 15 of 18 property owners cleared; remaining parcels include Edgewater HOA (needs 259 votes, has 89), Kibukas property, and 7-Eleven corporate.
Surplus Declaration and Sale of 14351 Bermuda Orchard Lane to Dominion Energy
Board declared 14351 Bermuda Orchard Lane surplus and approved conveyance to Dominion Energy for $1.9M. Property was donated to county 34+ years ago for potential school site but is unsuitable due to wetlands covering half the acreage. Dominion will construct switching station to serve Meadowville Technology Park and ensure regional energy reliability.
James River High School Baseball Facility Lease Extension
Board approved three-year lease extension with Rapids Baseball Incorporated for baseball facility at James River High School. RBI constructed and maintains fields with lights, restroom, concession and locker room building. At end of extension, facilities become county property.
Consent Agenda Including Retiree Recognitions
Board approved consent agenda including recognition of retirees: Firefighter Kenneth Reed (25 years), Kathy Van Horn from Treasurer's Office (23 years).
Development Activity (13)
West Area High School
New high school under construction, brick facade completed. Principal announced. Opening scheduled for August 2028.
Deep Creek Elementary School
New elementary school opening August 2027
Bensley Elementary School Replacement
New school opening August 2027, replacing students currently at old Falling Creek Middle building
CTC Hull Street Campus Expansion
650 new seats for career and technical education, second floor expansion. Opening August 2027.
Grange Hall Elementary Rebuild
Elementary school replacement scheduled for August 2029
Dale District Elementary School with Early Childhood Center
New elementary school with second early childhood learning center to eliminate elementary trailers in Dale District and early childhood wait list. Scheduled for August 2030.
VCU Health Pavilion
100,000 square foot medical facility. Last beam placed.
Dominion Energy Switching Station
Switching station to serve Meadowville Technology Park and ensure regional energy reliability. SCC approved in 2025. County selling property for $1.9M.
Falling Creek Police Station
New police station from 2022 referendum, expected to open soon
Chester Fire Station
New fire station from 2022 referendum, construction activity starting
Enon Library
New library from 2022 referendum, expected to open soon
River City Park
Park expected to complete summer 2026
Animal Shelter
New facility tripling in size, brick and mortar complete. Will add 7 FTE positions. Half-year operating cost in FY27 budget.
Market Signals (8)
Housing Demand
School enrollment projected to grow by nearly 2,000 students over next several years from current 64,000, indicating continued residential growth pressure.
Commercial Demand
Commercial property revaluations increased 6% year-over-year, with $400M in commercial new construction added to land book (3% growth).
Infrastructure
Fire department call volume increasing at 3.5 times the rate of population growth, projected to reach 73,000 incidents within four years.
Sentiment
Local sales tax collections running 8.9% ahead fiscal year-to-date, outpacing peer jurisdictions, indicating strong consumer spending.
Labor
Regional labor market showing decline with February reading at 92,000 jobs, with more negative indicators appearing in employment data.
Housing Demand
Mental health cases up 21% and substance use disorders up 20% year-over-year, indicating increased demand for social services.
Infrastructure
Volunteer EMS coverage declining significantly, particularly Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad and Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad areas, requiring career staff coverage.
Commercial Demand
Chesterfield's local sales tax revenue approaching parity with Henrico County, within $70,000 gap, reflecting commercial growth.