DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 36, No. 52 | Richmond Suburban News | March 31, 2021
Peterson proposes 2-cent reduction in real estate tax rate By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
PETERSON
HANOVER — Mechanicsville District’s Canova Peterson told his fellow members of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors that the proposed FY2022 budget contains something for everyone with the exception of one important element — the citizens. While lauding the budget’s efforts to
fund priorities at pre-pandemic levels and provide salary increases for employees, Peterson said county residents also were impacted by the pandemic with many losing jobs or suffering decreased compensation and this budget should reflect an effort to provide relief for them. “This budget addresses needs and requests from every department of the county, government and the school division,” Peterson said. “The only group not
TOMATO MONTH
Month-long celebration of favorite fruit set (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director of Hanover County Parks and Recreation.) As we continue to follow recommended guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Commonwealth of Virginia to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, specifically as it relates to events and gatherings, Hanover County is proud to announce that the Hanover Tomato will be celebrated during the entire month of July, instead of one single day event. Throughout the month of July, a series of events will be held across Hanover County, virtual and in person. These events will have see TOMATO, pg. 13
considered in this budget is the citizens who are footing the bill for it.” To alleviate that omission, Peterson proposed a 2-cent reduction in the county’s real estate tax rate from 81 cents per $100 of assessed value to 79 cents. The current rate is the lowest in the metro Richmond area. Peterson praised the efforts of County Administrator John Budesky and the county’s financial team for their efforts
regarding this year’s budget, and said the document addresses many of the county’s pressing needs and more. “There are a lot of good things addressed in this budget — both necessities and things that would be nice to have,” Peterson said at today’s board meeting. “The most significant items are funds needed to cover pay increases and benefit adjustments for our employees, as well as see PETERSON, pg. 4
Women’s History Month spotlights county notables Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Hanover County’s Facebook page for the 300th Birthday Celebration has showcased a number of women business owners and entrepreneurs — past and present — during Women’s History Month in March and earlier this year. Check out these fun spotlights that have already been posted in 2021, or will be posted soon, to continue the county’s milestone birthday recognition and to highlight some very impressive local ladies that hail from #HereinHanoverVA: Sarah Bunger, owner, Hanover Yoga Kelly Waldrop, executive director, The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education Octavia Marsh, executive director, Hanover Cares Coalition Dani Washington, owner, Caring Transitions of Greater Richmond Mary Green, Full Pocket Farm Sarah Chapman, EAT Kitchen &
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Hanover Redmond
Author and screenwriter Sheri Holman is among the Hanover County women recognized on the county’s Facebook page for the 300th Birthday Celebration.
Catering see WOMEN’S, pg. 13