Goochland County voters overwhelmingly passed two bond referendum questions to allow the county to issue General Obligation Bonds for schools, fire-rescue, and courthouse construction projects. Preliminary vote tallies show over 85 percent of voters approved of the bond funding option.
“I am pleased that voters agreed that issuing bonds is the most financially prudent funding option for these projects,” Manuel Alvarez Jr., interim county administrator said. “Bond funding fits our community’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and will ensure that the projects are completed in a timely manner.”
“The bond referendum would not have passed without our community’s confidence in our efforts to use taxpayer resources wisely,” Jeremy Raley, Ed.D., division superintendent, said. “This strong support from our community is a recognition of the excellence of Goochland County Public Schools and the work that we do to prepare students for their futures and to inspire them to make a positive impact.”
General Obligation Bonds will be issued in alignment with timelines detailed in the county’s approved Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for the previously identified projects. Design has started on the new Goochland Elementary School, with a planned opening in fall 2024. Improvements to Bulldog Way and parking areas will be completed prior to the opening of the new elementary school, and Goochland High School expansions and improvements are scheduled to start in FY2025. The new eastern-end fire-rescue station is slated for construction in FY2024, and the new courthouse design is scheduled to begin in FY2024 with planned construction in FY2025.
Bond referendum authority allows the County to issue/sell bonds for eight years after the approval of the referendum. Additionally, the Circuit Court may grant another two years, for a total of 10 years.