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Vol. 37, No. 2 | Richmond Suburban News | April 14, 2021
Proposed employee raises supported at hearing By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER – The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will consider a $513 million FY2022 budget this week that includes significant pay raises for employees and teachers, enhanced public safety investments, and funds future construction projects. It maintains the county’s current real estate tax rate of 81 cents per $100 of assessed value too. Last week, the public had the opportunity to express their comments at a public hearing on this year’s proposal that represents an 8.7% increase over last year’s General Fund allotment. A majority of the comments endorsed the plan to increase employee salaries and repair dated step increase systems that provide inad-
equate raises for tenured employees. John Szewczyk of the Virginia Professional Educators spoke on behalf of both Hanover professional teacher associations, the Hanover Professional Educators and the Hanover Education Association, and encouraged supervisors to approve the budget as presented. He said the 2.5% increase in teachers’ salaries approved earlier this year in the Hanover County School Board’s budget, coupled with the additional raises announced late last month, results in pay increases of 4.5% for all teachers. With the salary compression adjustments, some teachers could receive as much as 7.8% increases. With other localities providing substantial increases in employee and teacher salary increases, Szewczyk said the increases and enhancements are a step in the right direction in
Stamey returns to lead county Parks & Rec HANOVER -- Derek 2007-2009. For the last Stamey, a 17-year 12 years, Stamey veteran of local had worked government in for Goochland this area, has been County. Most named the new recently, he served director of Parks as Goochland’s & Recreation for deputy county Hanover County. administrator for Stamey started Operations, providon Thursday, April ing oversight to the 1, and replaces Greg Parks & Recreation STAMEY Sager, who retired in Department and December. It’s Stamey’s second tenure other functions such as Animal Convenience in Hanover, where he worked Protection, Major Capital in the Parks & Recreation Centers, Department as recreation Construction and Building see STAMEY, pg. 4 coordinator for Athletics from
keeping the county competitive in attracting the best educators for a system he described as one of the best in the state. In addition to the obvious benefits of salary increases for teachers and its effect on academic achievement for Hanover students, Szewczyk said that investment pays dividends in a variety of ways. “That investment pays massive dividends in terms of opportunities for our citizens, but it also impacts the local economy in a major way,” Szewczyk said. “Companies that are considering expansion look carefully at the quality of a prospective locality’s public schools before making a decision to leave or relocate.” Henry District resident Charlie Waddell told the supervisors that he doesn’t know anyone who will personally benefit from those employ-
ee raises, but he heartily endorsed the increases and the FY2022 proposal. Through numerous personal interactions with county employees, Waddell said he appreciates the professionalism and knowledge displayed by a dedicated group of employees. He said retaining those employees is vital to the county’s continued success. The increased salaries would, in Waddell’s opinion, increase productivity and commitment on the part of those employees. “It’s a continuing investment in our future,” he concluded. Former teacher and parent of Hanovereducated children Patti Davis said increasing funding for education is a step in “building back for the future,” pointing to budgets in prior see RAISES, pg. 9
Tomato time! Rather than an evening and a day to celebrate the Hanover Tomato, Hanover County Parks and Recreation will host a month-long observance in July. Events for all ages are planned virtually and in person. Due to COVID-19 protocols, there will be limited attendance, handled through pre-registration. To stay updated, go to Facebook (@hanoverparksrec), Instagram (@hanovertomatofestival) and online at www. hanovertomatofestival.com and www.hanoverparksrec. com. This photo, taken in 2017 by Nick Liberante, shows Tracey Bowles making sandwiches at Rosemary’s stand, known for its BLT sandwich.