Budget

From 3 the proposed budget, grew by $3.5 million or 18.1% over the current fiscal year.

The FY 2024 budget includes additional investments in employees. This budget provides a 5% pay increase for all employees. In addition, all sheriff and fire-rescue employees will receive an additional 2% pay increase, and all emergency communications employees will receive an additional 8% increase.

This is the sixth year of developing a county and schools 25-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to meet the capital needs of the county and schools. The FY 2024 – FY 2048 CIP contains $612.5 million for forecasted projects, including new elementary schools, a new courthouse, and new fire stations. The first year of the CIP for FY 2024 is $25.2 million and includes investments in a new fire engine, a new Goochland Elementary School and a new West Creek Fire Station.

After hearing Carpenter’s proposal, supervisors also heard presentations from sheriff Steven Creasey and fire-rescue chief Eddie Ferguson.

Goochland County Public Schools superintendent Jeremy Raley is expected to present the school division’s proposed budget on Tuesday, March 7 at 2 p.m.

The bo ard’s consideration of the FY 2024 budget will continue with a CIP work session on Tuesday, March 14 starting at 12:30 p.m. The public hearing on the budget and tax rates will be held on April 4, starting at 6 p.m. Adoption of the budget and tax rates is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on April 18. All meetings are open to the public.

The county administrator’s proposed FY 2024 Budget can be read at https://countygoochland-va-budget-book.cleargov. com/7806 and a copy of his budget presentation is available at https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/9251/ County-Administrators-FY2024-ProposedBudget-Presentation.

A recording of the presentation is available at https://goochlandva.new.swagit.com/ videos/208715.

12

The county and schools will hold three joint town hall meetings during the month of March, beginning on March 8 in eastern Goochland (Districts 4 and 5), and continuing on March 23 in western Goochland (District 1), and March 30 in central Goochland (Districts 2 and 3). All meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. with options to participate in person or via Zoom. The public is invited to attend any and all meetings in person or participate virtually.