Board of Supervisors Meeting - School Board Nominations Public Hearing (Mechanicsville) - 2026-04-08
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors adopted the FY27 budget of $797,470,362 with amendments adding two school-based mental health clinician positions. The board removed the data center tax rate from the property tax resolution and directed staff to compile data center tax rate information from other jurisdictions before the April 22nd meeting. Ryan Martin was the sole qualified nominee for the Mechanicsville District School Board seat.
Key Decisions (9)
FY27 Budget Adoption with Amendments
Board adopted the County Administrator's proposed FY27 budget of $797,470,362 with amendments adding two school-based mental health clinician positions (one reclassified, one funded by $111,000 state Step Virginia grant). Budget includes 3% merit increase for county employees, $1.5 million for Hanover Center for Trades and Technology expansion.
Property Tax Rates Adoption - Data Center Rate Removed
Board adopted property tax rates and fees for calendar year 2026 with the removal of the data center tax rate. The existing 45 on 100 tax break for data centers was not continued.
Five-Year Capital Improvements Program FY27-FY31
Board adopted the county administrator's proposed five-year capital improvements program for FY27 through FY31 with proposed amendments.
Reimbursement Resolution - $10 Billion Maximum
Board adopted resolution declaring intention to reimburse cost of certain expenditures in maximum principal amount of $10 billion.
Reimbursement Resolution - $50 Million Maximum
Board adopted resolution declaring intention to reimburse cost of certain expenditures in maximum principal amount of $50 million.
Ordinance 26-02 Erosion and Settlement Control Fees
Board adopted ordinance increasing erosion and settlement control fees and charges.
Ordinance 26-03 Water and Sewer Fees
Board adopted ordinance increasing fees for water and sewer capacity and user fees with various other changes.
Consent Agenda Amendment - Dr. Frank Shell Appointment
Board amended agenda to add appointment of Dr. Frank Shell to the Community Services Board representing South Anna magisterial district for term ending March 31, 2029.
School Board Nomination - Mechanicsville District
Public hearing held to receive nominations for Mechanicsville District School Board seat. Ryan Martin was the only qualified nominee; three other interest forms were disqualified due to residency requirements. Board will consider nomination at future meeting.
Development Activity (6)
TRAC Mountain Road Technology Park Data Center
Data center development proposal facing significant citizen opposition. Citizens cited concerns about water usage, air pollution, noise pollution, energy usage, traffic, and heat bubble issues. Multiple speakers requested denial and called for moratorium on all data center developments.
Hickory Hill Technology Park (Hanover Technology Park)
2,400 megawatt data center on 1,200 acres approved March 2024. Revenue timeline pushed from 2028 to 2030. Promised $1.78 billion in revenue over 20 years, $27.5 million starting in 2028. Transportation improvements in accordance with proffers.
Harris Farm Lane Data Center
Data center in pre-application meetings, within earshot of TRAC Mountain Road Technology Park site.
Iron Horse Data Center
Data center development in process.
Old Ridge Data Center
Data center development in process.
Route 30 Ben's Road Data Center
Developer sent letters to neighbors about plans for data center site.
Market Signals (6)
Sentiment
Strong citizen opposition to data center developments with multiple speakers calling for countywide moratorium, citing concerns about water depletion, air quality, noise, traffic, and property values.
Housing Demand
Elderly citizen expressed concern about housing affordability for young adults, noting homes priced $400,000 to over $1 million for what he described as lower quality construction.
Infrastructure
Connect Hanover Broadband initiative has connected 1,054 homes with high-speed internet, with 800 more expected; BEAD funding construction expected to begin Q3 2025 covering 3,525 additional passings.
Commercial Demand
Tourism department launched with 350+ business listings, app, and website; Kings Dominion pursuing possible MOU for cross-promotion; PGA Corn Ferry Championship coming to county.
Labor
County experiencing recruitment and retention challenges due to competitive labor market; FY27 budget includes 3% merit increase for county employees to remain competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.
Infrastructure
Multiple road projects advancing including Pole Green widening (construction fall 2027), Route 33 widening ($4 million CBTA award for design), and multiple roundabout conversions throughout county.