Charlottesville Tomorrow https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:44:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-CT_SMFavicon-32x32.png Charlottesville Tomorrow https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/ 32 32 209453640 noCharlottesville,Tomorrow,Charlottesville,Albemarle,Crozet,Brian,Wheeler,Sean,Tubbs,Virginia,news,growth,developmentCharlottesville Tomorrow's goal is to inform and engage the public by providing clear, non-partisan information and research on land use, transportation, and community design issues with the confidence an informed public will make decisions that will protect and build upon the distinctive character of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area in Central Virginia.Local news for Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia since 2005news@cvilletomorrow.orgnews@cvilletomorrow.orgnews@cvilletomorrow.org With high schools ‘at or over capacity,’ Albemarle County voters will consider a 1% local sales tax referendum for school construction https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/with-high-schools-at-or-over-capacity-albemarle-county-voters-will-consider-a-1-local-sales-tax-referendum-for-school-construction/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:34:27 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131128 High school students wearing backpacks walk by a chain link fence with a blue tarp covering it, heading toward a long rectangular trailer with a door and small windows.

Albemarle County Public Schools has six priority capital projects, but only one is currently funded.

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In addition to the three state referendums, Albemarle County has a fourth referendum on the ballot that asks voters to consider increasing the local sales tax by 1% to fund school construction projects.

The tax, which would expire in 2046, would raise the overall sales tax to 6.3% and generate an estimated $20 million for Albemarle County. By law, the money can only fund school construction and renovation projects, and can’t be used for other operational expenses like teacher salaries and curriculum materials.

On the ballot, it reads:

“Shall the County of Albemarle impose a one-percent (1%) sales and use tax to fund capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools, with revenues to be used solely for those purposes, and the tax to expire on June 30, 2046?”

School officials say there are plenty of school projects that could use the funds.

According to ACPS’s fact sheet, the average age of the district’s schools is 52 years. Stony Point Elementary and Broadus Wood Elementary are over 90 years old. Mountain View Upper Elementary and ACE Academy at Lambs Lane opened this fall. They were the first new school buildings in the county in over two decades.

“There’s a lot of need,” said Jason Grant, spokesperson for Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS). “There’s capacity issues we have to address. There’s the aging infrastructure that we have. A lot of the buildings were built for a different time.”

Out of ACPS’s six priority capital projects, only one is currently funded: an elementary school slated to open in 2029, with an expected cost of $68.4 million. The other five priorities include a new high school and improvements to existing buildings. 

Grant said all three of the high schools in the district are “at or over capacity,” which is why the county is considering building a fourth high school in the northern part of the county. The district estimates it will cost more than $230 million.

If the referendum passes, these projects wouldn’t get off the ground immediately.

“To figure out what gets funded, we would still go through the same process: Go to the board of supervisors, say here’s a list of projects, discuss, and then they make a determination of which projects to use those funds on,” said Grant. 

Albemarle is one of 47 localities across the state that voted to add the referendum to their ballot, after the General Assembly included it in the state budget passed in June. Since Virginia is a “Dillon’s Rule” state, local governments cannot exercise powers unless they’ve been granted by the General Assembly.

The tax would not automatically come into effect if voters vote yes — it just gives the local government the authority to adopt an ordinance imposing the tax. 

Find Albemarle County Public School’s referendum fact sheet here.

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]]> 131128 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org) Prince Edward Superintendent hopes 1% sales tax referendum provides ‘a dedicated funding source https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/prince-edward-superintendent-hopes-1-sales-tax-referendum-provides-a-dedicated-funding-source-for-school-construction-and-renovations/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:28:41 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131124 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

County residents can vote the new local sales tax in a referendum on their ballots this fall.

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This November, voters in Prince Edward County will be asked if they want to increase the local sales tax by 1%. The new tax revenue would fund school construction and renovation.

The county is one of 47 localities across the state that voted to add this referendum to their ballots since July, after the General Assembly passed legislation making it an option at the end of June. 

The ballot reads: 

“Shall Prince Edward County, Virginia be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent, with the revenues to be used solely for capital projects for new construction or major renovation of schools serving Prince Edward County, Virginia, including related bond and loan financing costs, and with the tax expiring on June 30, 2046?”

The tax wouldn’t immediately go into effect if voters approve it — it would just give the local government the authority to adopt an ordinance imposing the tax. The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors would need to vote to approve the tax, which would increase the overall sales tax collected by the county to 6.3%.  

School construction and capital improvement projects are mostly funded by local tax dollars instead of state or federal funding. That means they compete for funding with other needs across the county. 

The new sales tax would take away that uncertainty, because the revenue would be earmarked specifically for school construction, like building new schools, renovating existing buildings or adding safety improvements. 

“It goes into a fund for capital improvement,” said Prince Edward County Public Schools Superintendent Chip Jones. “Not for salaries, not for utilities, not for this, not for that, but truly for capital improvement. It’s a dedicated funding source.” 

If approved, Prince Edward County officials say the tax could generate an estimated $3.5 million per year. 

There are plenty of projects that could use the funding, according to both county officials and community members. 

“It’s been at least 30 years even since there’ve been some renovations at the high school, and possibly as much as 50 years for the middle school. So they have lots of basic infrastructure issues,” said Justin Pope, co-chair of One for Prince Edward, a community campaign advocating for the tax. 

The elementary school is already undergoing renovations, which are being paid for through a mix of grant money and local property taxes. Three classrooms had been unusable due to water damage, according to reporting by Cardinal News. 

Stanley said that the next goal is the high school, which needs “complete, total renovation.” 

“The building’s 50-plus years old and needs some love,” he said. The high school was built in 1953 and the latest addition was added in the 1990s. Stanley estimated it would cost more than the elementary school project, which will cost over $40 million. 

The American Society of Civil Engineers’s Infrastructure Report Card uses 50 years as a “design life” benchmark for public school buildings, meaning that after that point, “essential facility systems need comprehensive upgrades or replacements.” Over half of Virginia school buildings are over 50 years old, according to a 2021 report from the Virginia Department of Education.

Beyond the high school, Superintendent Jones said there’s plenty of other maintenance projects to undertake, such as replacing HVAC units. “Each day a building gets older,” he said. “So there’s always repairs that need to be done.”

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]]> 131124 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org)noCounty residents can vote the new local sales tax in a referendum on their ballots this fall. The post Prince Edward Superintendent hopes 1% sales tax referendum provides ‘a dedicated funding source’ for school construction and renovations appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.news@cvilletomorrow.orgCounty residents can vote the new local sales tax in a referendum on their ballots this fall. The post Prince Edward Superintendent hopes 1% sales tax referendum provides ‘a dedicated funding source’ for school construction and renovations appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.Charlottesville,Tomorrow,Charlottesville,Albemarle,Crozet,Brian,Wheeler,Sean,Tubbs,Virginia,news,growth,development Nelson County voters will consider referendum to allow a 1% local sales tax for school construction and renovations https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/nelson-county-voters-will-consider-increasing-local-sales-tax-by-1-to-fund-schools/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:19:08 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131117 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

Superintendent Amanda Hester has already identified potential projects, while Supervisor Jesse Rutherford says the funding should be the state's responsibility.

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Nelson County is one of 47 Virginia localities with a fourth referendum on the ballot.

The referendum asks voters whether the local sales tax should be increased by 1% to fund school construction and renovation. 

The ballot reads: 

“Shall Nelson County, Virginia be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent, with the revenues to be used solely for capital projects for new construction or major renovation of schools serving Nelson County, Virginia, including related bond and loan financing costs, and with the tax expiring on July 14, 2046?”

Nelson County Public School Superintendent Amanda Hester said there are a variety of school construction projects that could use the money. 

Rockfish River Elementary is due for a total HVAC replacement, as well as an extra HVAC unit in the gymnasium. This would cost about $1.9 million —  the same amount that the tax is expected to generate in revenue each year. 

Another priority is finding a new home for the Nelson County School Board office. The office is currently located in the county courthouse, but the Nelson County Board of Supervisors asked the board to relocate in order to make room for other county departments. The school board may move into the high school, a freestanding space, or a combination of the two. 

Not everyone in Nelson County is thrilled about the tax. 

For Nelson County Supervisor Jesse Rutherford, it wouldn’t be necessary if the General Assembly allocated more state funds towards education. 

“The state has done a great job at offloading any responsibility of our school system to the local government,” said Rutherford. “They decided to get really creative and give us the opportunity to tax ourselves even more, to do what the state should already be doing: funding our education systems so that teachers have good pay raises and buildings are adequately safe.”

Virginia schools get funding from a combination of local, state and federal dollars, but for decades school construction projects were primarily the responsibility of local governments, as Virginia Mercury reported in 2021. More state funding has come recently with the School Construction Assistance Program created in 2022. 

Local governments across the state raced to get the referendum on the ballot when it became an option in the state budget, which was passed in June. Since Virginia is a “Dillon’s Rule” state, local governments cannot exercise powers unless they’ve been granted authority to do so by the General Assembly. Nine other localities were previously given permission to levy this tax.

If voters approve the referendum, the tax wouldn’t immediately go into effect — it would just give the local government the ability to pass an ordinance adopting the tax.

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]]> 131117 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org) After residents push back, Gordonsville officials say they will vote on exiting ICE agreement https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/after-residents-push-back-gordonsville-officials-say-they-will-vote-on-exiting-ice-agreement/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:41:43 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131081 A man in a blue police uniform stands at a wooden podium and speaks to a small crowd of seated people to his side. There are windows and black and framed black and white drawings of buildings on the wall behind them.

At a community meeting on Oct. 5, Police Chief Chris Votaw also announced that his department will no longer assist with ICE operations outside of Gordonsville.

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]]> A man in a blue police uniform stands at a wooden podium and speaks to a small crowd of seated people to his side. There are windows and black and framed black and white drawings of buildings on the wall behind them.

Following a month of growing public opposition, Gordonsville Town Council will soon vote on whether to terminate the town’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Oct. 6, Councilmember Nick Paxton shared an email he had sent to Town Clerk Janet Jones, Mayor Ron Brooks and Chief of Police Chris Votaw formally requesting the item to be added to the agenda for Town Council’s next regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Jones confirmed to Charlottesville Tomorrow that the item has been added to the agenda. It will be the first formal action that Council has taken on the agreement since Votaw signed it on May 15.

Take action

Take a community survey on Gordonsville’s ICE agreement

The Town of Gordonsville is conducting a survey to gather resident feedback on the Gordonsville Department of Public Safety’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Feedback will be used to inform the Town Council’s discussion on termination of the agreement during its next regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Gordonsville Town Hall, located at 112 S. Main St. Gordonsville residents can complete the survey here.

Community members can also sign up to speak during public comment at the beginning of the meeting.

The request followed on the heels of a community meeting at which not a single attendee spoke in favor of the 287(g) agreement, which deputizes Gordonsville officers to conduct immigration enforcement activities on behalf of ICE. Under the “task force model” that Gordonsville signed onto, those activities can encompass anything from routine traffic stops to raids. 

In exchange, the department received an initial $100,000 for “transportation” after completing its first apprehension, plus $7,500 for equipment per participating officer per quarter. The department is also eligible for an additional $7,500 per officer per quarter for information technology-related expenses, Votaw said during Monday’s meeting. 

Concerns about a lack of transparency around the agreement have grown since August, when the local email newsletter Byrd Street broke the news that Gordonsville police had been cooperating with ICE for three months without notifying the public. 

Charlottesville Tomorrow’s investigation found further failures in transparency: discussion of the agreement between Votaw and Town Council took place in closed session, and when a pause on active participation in the 287(g) program was lifted, even Town Council didn’t find out until weeks later.

At the Oct. 5 meeting, both Brooks and Votaw took responsibility for not being more transparent. Brooks said he should have notified the public sooner when the contract was initially signed in May.

“I feel like once the chief brought that to council, it was my job to bring that to the public, and I didn’t do that. And so, I will put that on my shoulders,” Brooks said.

During a prepared statement, Votaw also announced a major new restriction on the department’s participation in the 287(g) program: Gordonsville officers are no longer permitted to participate in immigration enforcement operations outside of the town of Gordonsville. However, Votaw did not elaborate on how this order was executed or how it would be enforced. 

“Our participation in this program is intended to address issues affecting our community, not to make Gordonsville officers a regional immigration enforcement unit,” Votaw said.

In June, Gordonsville police took part in a raid in Page County, as reported by WMRA, and in an interview on Sept. 17, Votaw confirmed that Gordonsville officers had participated in immigration operations in other counties, but would not specify where. He also declined to answer whether Gordonsville had cooperated with Greene County Sheriff’s Office, which is currently under investigation by Attorney General Jay Jones for civil rights violations stemming from a large-scale operation in June.

The restriction does not affect the other primary activity that Gordonsville’s 287(g) agreement authorizes officers to do — that is, acting as immigration officers during everyday policing activities within the town of Gordonsville like traffic stops, street encounters, and responding to calls.

It also did little to assuage the concerns of community members. 

Some asked if they could get the restriction in writing.

A small crowd of people sit in a meeting room with white walls and gray doors. Several people stand in the back of the room. They are looking forward and listening intently to someone who is off camera.
Gordonsville community members once again showed up to speak in opposition to the police department’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a quarterly community meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Their concerns ranged from a lack of transparency around the program by town officials to potential human rights abuses by ICE. Credit: Andra Landi/Charlottesville Tomorrow

“How are we to believe you that you’re really not going to be going into other jurisdictions and enforcing anymore?” asked Gordonsville resident Tonya Short. “And that maybe six months from now you’re going to make a determination that you’re going to do it again, but not let anybody know. How do we know that?”

Votaw responded that he did not foresee resuming outside operations. He offered to bring any potential changes to Town Council during a public meeting, but the discussion was soon cut off by Brooks. 

“Council will have that discussion, because that’s not currently how our staff procedures and policies are written,” Brooks said.

During the meeting, Votaw had argued that communication with ICE and access to federal immigration information would allow him to reduce the possibility of unnecessary harm to civilians or a “blue on blue” incident between local police and federal agents.  

But Gerri Frantz, another longtime Gordonsville resident, was one of several speakers to doubt Votaw’s claims that by cooperating with ICE, he could prevent them from engaging in more aggressive operations like raids. 

“It sounds to me like the biggest threat that you’re trying to protect us from is ICE,” Frantz said.

She added that immigrants, as a group, committed fewer crimes than the general American population.

Frantz’s statement is confirmed by a large body of research that shows immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born U.S. citizens. For example, a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Justice found that “U.S.-born citizens were significantly more likely to engage in crime compared to immigrants, regardless of immigration status.”

Two men and two women sit behind a white ledge with gray trim in a plain white council meeting room. A window with a paisley valance and a Virginia flag is visible behind them.
Gordonsville Town Council will hold a public discussion and vote on termination of the town’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at its next regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19. Councilmember Nick Paxton requested to have the item added to the agenda after a community meeting on Oct. 5 during which residents strongly opposed the contract. Mayor Ron Brooks, Vice Mayor Emily Winkey, Paxton and Councilmember Cyd Black are pictured here from left to right on Oct. 5. Credit: Andra Landi/Charlottesville Tomorrow

Katie Stevens said that the agreement with ICE has made her afraid to call local police in the event of an emergency.

“As a town resident, this agreement has made it where if I had an issue that I previously may have called the police to help with, I would not now do it unless it were literally felt life and death for me because I would be concerned about the safety of my direct neighbors,” Stevens said.

In 2025 and 2026, dozens of deaths have been attributed to ICE according to news reports from journalists around the country. Additional incidents have raised concerns over safety protocol including yesterday, when an ICE officer shot and wounded 28-year old Oscar Belgal with a 5-year-old in the car in New York City, according to reporting from CBS.

While opposition to the 287(g) agreement was unanimous at Monday’s meeting, thoughts on Votaw’s position as police chief were more varied. Some residents said that they wanted to rebuild trust in the police department and that terminating the agreement would help them do so, while others called on Votaw to resign.

In his email to town officials, Paxton clarified that while he is seeking a vote on termination of the agreement, he is “staunchly against Chief having to resign in any capacity.”

“We can all learn, grow, and improve from this situation,” Paxton wrote.

Asked by a resident if he was considering ending the agreement, Votaw responded that he is “open to it and constantly taking information.” Votaw previously told Charlottesville Tomorrow during an interview on Sept. 17 that he would end the agreement if directed to do so. 

At the moment, it’s unclear where the votes will fall on Oct. 19. Two Town Council members, Vice Mayor Emily Winkey and Cyd Black, have already stated their opposition to the agreement. During the meeting, Both Paxton and Councilmember Stevean Irving weighed pros and cons. 

“I’m personally in favor of having the data access from the agreement,” Paxton said. I’m vehemently against raids.” 

Mayor Brooks has stated repeatedly that he will vote according to the majority of resident feedback. Public comment has been unanimously in opposition to the 287(g) agreement at every meeting since Gordonsville’s cooperation with ICE became public knowledge in August; however, Brooks maintains that the majority he’s heard from support the agreement but have not said so in public forums.

“Over the last couple of meetings we have heard from about 20 citizens that are against this,” Brooks told residents on Oct. 5. “Outside of this, I’ve heard from about 50 or 60 that have reached out to me that are for it.”

Several people asked from the audience why those supporters hadn’t shown up.

After the meeting, Charlottesville Tomorrow asked Brooks approximately how many of those who have reached out have sent in a comment to the official town email. He estimated that about four residents have, including a couple who oppose the agreement. Brooks said that the remainder of the “50 or 60” residents in support of the agreement have reached out through social media or in person, and he has not kept records.

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]]> 131081 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org) Louisa Mayor Ashley Michael, who is running unopposed for her seat, says creating public spaces is ‘a high priority’  https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/louisa-mayor-ashley-michael-who-is-running-unopposed-for-her-seat-says-creating-public-spaces-is-a-high-priority/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:42:21 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131061 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

In her candidate Q&A, Michael also promised better communication, and careful deliberation on data centers and future development.

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In Virginia, towns and cities can have either “weak mayor” or “strong mayor” system. In a strong mayor system, like in the City of Richmond, the mayor holds a lot of power. They carry out policies passed by the City Council and handle local government administration. 

But the Town of Louisa, like most towns in Virginia, has a “weak mayor” system, where the mayor has a mostly ceremonial position and presides over Town Council meetings. Often mayors can only vote to break a tie and have no veto power. Towns with weak mayors often hire town managers to handle day-to-day administration. Not every town elects their mayor — some select a mayor from within town council — but the Town of Louisa does.

According to the town charter, Louisa’s mayor is “the head of the Town government for all ceremonial purposes, for the purposes of military law and for the service of civil processes.” 

The Town of Louisa has five council members and a mayor elected to staggered four-year terms. Incumbent Mayor Ashley Michael is running unopposed for the seat, after winning the position last November in a special election. 

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for Michael based on responses we received from our voter survey. She provided answers below.

Town government stability

Louisa’s town government has been through a rough stretch. A mayor resigned in 2024. Several more resignations followed in 2025, including the interim mayor, which forced a special election last November. During that turnover, the town went months without anyone on staff to record and post public meeting minutes, as required by law. Then this summer, the town’s newest manager left after only 10 months. How would you work to build a town government that’s stable, fully staffed and able to keep residents informed?

Ashley Michael: My focus has been on building stability, consistency, and trust within town government. Today, we have an established town staff and a Town Council that supports them and the work they do.* Stability comes from supporting our employees, maintaining clear expectations, and working together as a team.

Keeping residents informed is equally important. We use tried-and-true methods like mailed notices, website announcements, and Town Hall postings, while also getting creative and meeting residents where they are. We use social media, the Savvy Citizen app, quarterly updates in the Central Virginian, and even direct text-message updates.

We understand communication is not one-size-fits-all. We will continue exploring better ways to reach every segment of our community and ensure residents have multiple ways to stay informed and engaged.

*Editor’s note: Over the summer of 2025, the town of Louisa filled several vacant positions. However, in July 2026, Louisa Town Manager Stuart Turille resigned. According to Engage Louisa, Turille did not give a reason for his departure. The town has not yet named a permanent replacement, and the role of town manager is still on the town’s list of vacancies on its website. According to minutes of the Aug. 18 Town Council meeting, Jay Scudder is interim town manager.

Local business

Some Louisa residents who responded to our voter survey said they value the town’s small businesses and want to see Main Street thrive — one specifically pointed to the need for another grocery store in town. What role do you think the town should play in supporting local businesses, and what would you do to help Main Street thrive?

Michael: The town’s role is to create an environment where local businesses can succeed and help connect property owners, entrepreneurs, and resources. We are working with downtown property owners to identify opportunities for businesses that fit our community, supporting new business owners through education and resources, and engaging our EDA to develop strategies for attracting new businesses and investment.*

We have also ramped up our downtown events and partnered with the county, local organizations, community members, and businesses to create more reasons for people to visit, shop, eat, and spend time downtown.** A thriving Main Street takes all of us, and our goal is to continue building partnerships and creating opportunities that support our existing businesses while attracting new ones. We will continue looking for creative ways to make Louisa an attractive place to open, grow, and invest in a business.

Editor’s notes:

*”EDA” refers to the town’s Economic Development Authority. The September agenda for the EDA meeting lists “grocery store recruitment” as an item under “economic sector development.” An EDA agenda in June also listed “micro-brewery recruitment” in the same category.

**In 2026, Louisa County’s Board of Supervisors voted in favor of allocating just over $30,000 in support funding to the town’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) for a Fourth of July celebration. Louisa County Community Engagement Manager Cindy King estimated the event would have an economic impact of $80,000 to $150,000, according to reporting from Engage Louisa.

Growth and development

Louisa County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Virginia, and the Town of Louisa is one of the county’s official growth areas, meaning new development is meant to land here. What’s your vision for growth in Louisa, and how would you work with the county and state leaders to ensure the town’s infrastructure is ready for it?

Michael: Growth is coming, and we have a responsibility to manage it thoughtfully. My vision is to grow responsibly and do everything we can to direct and plan for growth so it does not overwhelm our community, infrastructure, or resources.

That requires strong coordination and communication with our county partners, regional authorities, planning district, VDOT, and other stakeholders. We need to address today’s needs while strategically planning for the future.

Every project and proposal should be thoroughly vetted and evaluated for its impact on our infrastructure, utilities, roads, schools, public safety, and overall community. Most importantly, development should align with our Comprehensive Plan* and the vision our community has established for its future.

Growth can bring opportunities, but we must make sure we are prepared for it and that Louisa grows in a way that strengthens, rather than strains, the community we love.

*Editor’s note: A comprehensive plan is a document used by local government bodies to guide long-term development, land use and growth, usually for a decade or longer. View the Town of Louisa’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan here.

Data centers

Data centers emerged as a key issue of concern for Louisa residents who responded to our voter survey. Do you see this as an issue in the Town of Louisa, and, if so, what kinds of actions do you support the town taking?

Michael: Our role as elected officials is to serve and represent the will of our residents, and we must listen carefully to their concerns. While data centers are not being built within the Town, we are cognizant of the direct and indirect impacts they could have on our community.*

That makes it imperative that we protect and preserve the resources we have today, while planning for the resources we will need tomorrow. I support exploring creative solutions that protect our residents and reduce the strain large-scale development may place on our water, infrastructure, utilities, and other resources.

We should also be leveraging our relationships with the leaders of current data center developments to ensure they understand their responsibility as community partners. If they are going to benefit from our community and its resources, they should be expected to invest in and support the county and the people who call it home.

*Editor’s note: There are no current or planned data centers in the Town of Louisa. However, there are several within the county. Amazon plans to build two data centers in Louisa County, and withdrew an application for a third data center after residents objected, according to Virginia Mercury. Read more about the two planned Amazon data centers at Engage Louisa. EdgeCore, a Colorado-based company that builds and operates data centers, has also purchased property in the county with plans to build a data center. According to minutes from the July 15, 2025 Town Council meeting, the Council discussed creating a technology overlay district for the town. A technology overlay district is used in other localities, including Louisa County, to allow for the construction of data centers or other projects by major technology companies that typically provide revenue to the locality in return. The Town Council created a sub-committee to research the issue and did not take any further action.

Community spaces

Several Louisa residents who responded to our voter survey said they value having public spaces that bring the community together. As Louisa keeps growing, what role do you think the town should play in creating or supporting spaces like this?

Michael: Creating and supporting community spaces is one of the greatest responsibilities of local government, and it is a high priority for me. I believe residents are already seeing that commitment through the work we have begun.

We have expanded events like Markets on Main and are working toward thoughtful placemaking throughout town. We are looking at ways to create and improve green spaces, enhance our parks, and expand recreational opportunities for people of all ages.

But accessibility means more than simply having a space people can physically reach. We also need to ensure these spaces, activities, and events are financially accessible to our residents. My goal is to create places where families can gather, neighbors can connect, and everyone in our community feels welcome, without cost being a barrier to participation.

Are there any other pressing issues facing the Town of Louisa that you would like voters to know about?

Michael:  One of the most pressing issues facing Louisa is making sure our infrastructure and resources are prepared for the future. Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings increased demands on water, wastewater, roads, public safety, and other services.

We need to be proactive rather than reactive; planning today for the community we want Louisa to become tomorrow. That means continuing to address aging infrastructure, protecting our water resources, planning for additional capacity, and making thoughtful investments while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Just as importantly, we need to continue strengthening communication and collaboration between the Town, County, regional authorities, businesses, and our residents. We cannot address these challenges in isolation. Good stewardship means understanding what we have, identifying what we will need, and working together now to ensure Louisa is prepared for the future.

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]]> 131061 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org)noIn her candidate Q&A, Michael also promised better communication, and careful deliberation on data centers and future development. The post Louisa Mayor Ashley Michael, who is running unopposed for her seat, says creating public spaces is ‘a high priority’  appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.news@cvilletomorrow.orgIn her candidate Q&A, Michael also promised better communication, and careful deliberation on data centers and future development. The post Louisa Mayor Ashley Michael, who is running unopposed for her seat, says creating public spaces is ‘a high priority’  appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.Charlottesville,Tomorrow,Charlottesville,Albemarle,Crozet,Brian,Wheeler,Sean,Tubbs,Virginia,news,growth,development Unopposed Pamplin Town Council candidate Jessica Arnold says she will work to fund targeted projects to make the town safer, more inviting https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/unopposed-pamplin-town-council-candidate-jessica-arnold-says-she-will-work-to-fund-targeted-projects-to-make-the-town-safer-more-inviting/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:37:22 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131059 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

"We may be a small town, but it doesn't mean we have to stand still," Arnold said.

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In Virginia, town councils are elected city leaders charged with overseeing a local town government. They have the power to set tax rates, make zoning decisions, oversee local emergency services, and much more.

The Town of Pamplin City is located in both Appomattox and Prince Edward counties. It has six council members and a mayor elected to two-year terms. 

This year, Pamplin is holding a special election to fill a seat held by longtime councilor Ronald. Franklin, who died in February. Jessica Arnold is the only candidate running for the seat. The term will end Dec. 31, 2028.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for the Arnold based on responses we received from our voter survey. She provided answers below. 

Town budget priorities 

Pamplin has a small budget and no full-time town manager; a clerk-treasurer handles much of that work alongside the mayor. With limited money coming in, council members must choose which repairs, services or projects to fund each year. What should the town’s top spending priorities be, and how should the town decide between them?

Jessica Arnold: Pamplin may have a small budget, but I truly believe we can still make a meaningful difference by taking good care of the things we already have. Our first priorities should be the things residents depend on every day — safe roads, good drainage, working streetlights and clean public spaces. From there, I’d love to see us put some love back into Main Street, supporting local businesses and creating small improvements that make people proud to call Pamplin home. When choosing what comes first, we should consider urgency, how many people it helps, and whether grant funding is available. Sometimes the little things make the biggest difference in a small town.

Flood preparedness 

Like many rural communities in Virginia, Pamplin is vulnerable to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall that scientists predict will become more frequent in the future. To address this, the town successfully secured a $55,000 grant from the state’s Community Flood Preparedness Fund and is developing its first formal resilience plan. Do you think the town should prioritize funding the programs or constructions that the final plan ultimately recommends? If so, how would you go about making that happen?

Arnold: Yes. If we’ve taken the time to create a resilience plan, I think we should also make a real effort to put its most important recommendations into action. It doesn’t mean Pamplin has to fund everything at once. We can start with practical projects like improving drainage, clearing problem areas to protect roads and town property — addressing places where heavy rain repeatedly causes problems. I’d prioritize the greatest risks first, and then actively pursue state and federal grants to help cover the cost. Pamplin has already shown that even a small town can successfully compete for funding. Being prepared now could save our residents and our town a lot of heartache and expense later.

Downtown development: 

After years of community effort, Pamplin’s Main Street is drawing new interest and revitalization. What’s your vision for Main Street, and what do you think the town can or should do to support businesses and buildings there?

Arnold: I would LOVE to see Main Street become the heart of Pamplin again. A place where people can shop, eat, gather and enjoy our town. I think we should build on the character and history that are already there rather than trying to turn Pamplin into something it isn’t. The town can help by keeping Main Street clean and welcoming, improving sidewalks, lighting and signage, helping property owners connect with potential grants for buildings that are in need of restoration or repair and supporting community events that bring people downtown. Most importantly, I think we should make it as easy as possible for small businesses to open and succeed here. I’d love to see a Main Street that feels alive again, while still feeling unmistakably like Pamplin.

Are there any other pressing issues facing the Town of Pamplin that you would like voters to know about?

Arnold: One issue that I think deserves more attention is simply making it easier for residents to engage with the town. I’d like to see Pamplin continue improving communication, modernizing things like how residents receive information and make payments, as well as creating more opportunities for people to feel involved in our community. Our focus should be on attracting families and small businesses while preserving the character that makes Pamplin special. We may be a small town, but it doesn’t mean we have to stand still. Progress can be as simple as being kind to your neighbors, taking pride in the space we share together, and finding creative, affordable ways to make life here a little better.

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]]> 131059 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org) Greene County voters to decide on 1% sales tax as schools forecast increased enrollment https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/greene-county-voters-to-decide-on-sales-tax-increase-as-schools-forecast-nearly-50-enrollment-growth-over-next-decade/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:24:43 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131042 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

"Because Ruckersville Elementary is already at 95% capacity, absorbing an additional 630 students would push the building to nearly double its physical capacity," said Kelly Greer, member of the Greene County School Board. 

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Greene County is one of 47 Virginia localities asking voters this November whether they want to increase the local sales tax by 1% to fund school construction and renovation.

Local governments across the state raced to get this referendum on the ballot after it was made an option in the state budget passed in June. Since Virginia is a “Dillon’s Rule” state, local governments cannot exercise powers unless they’ve been granted by the General Assembly. Nine other localities had previously been given permission to levy this tax.

On the ballot, it will read: 

“Shall Greene County, Virginia be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent, with the revenues to be used solely for capital projects for new construction or major renovation of schools serving Greene County, Virginia, including related bond and loan financing costs, and with the tax expiring on June 30, 2046?”

School construction projects are primarily funded through local taxes, such as real estate or personal property tax instead of state or federal funding. Currently, school construction projects have to compete for funding with other needs across the county. 

But under the new law, revenue from the proposed 1% tax would only go towards school capital improvement projects, like building new schools, renovating existing buildings or adding safety improvements. 

The tax wouldn’t automatically go into effect if it’s approved by voters – it just gives the local government the ability to adopt an ordinance imposing the tax. The Greene County Board of Supervisors would need to vote to approve the tax, which would increase the overall tax collected by the county to 6.3%.

If approved and implemented, the tax is estimated to generate $3.1 million to $3.6 million per year in Greene County, 25% of which is expected to come from nonresidents. 

“The school board is feeling hopeful that this can be an avenue to support the necessary capital projects coming to the county,” said Kelly Greer, member of the Greene County School Board. 

The referendum comes as Greene County Public Schools expect a nearly 50% increase in student enrollment over the next 10 years.

According to an analysis of housing developments coming to Greene County conducted by a consulting firm for the county’s school district, over 1,600 new K-12 students are expected to live in Greene County by 2037. Much of the concentration would be within elementary grades.  

“Because Ruckersville Elementary is already at 95% capacity, absorbing an additional 630 students would push the building to nearly double its physical capacity,” said Greer.   

School officials say they’ll have to build another elementary school within five to seven years to accommodate the population growth. It could cost between $50 million to $65 million. 

“Given new developments planned and under construction, our biggest priority is having the funds to create school space for our growing community,” said Greer.

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]]> 131042 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org) Proposed sales tax could bring in $1.5 million to $2 million a year for Fluvanna County schools https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/proposed-sales-tax-could-bring-in-1-5-million-to-2-million-a-year-for-fluvanna-county-schools/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:10:41 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131039 Seven students work on laptop computers while sitting at their desks in a Fluvanna County Public school classroom that includes an American flag and artwork.

"If the referendum is approved, we would work collaboratively with county leadership to determine the most appropriate and immediate priorities for the funding," Superintendent Peter Gretz said.

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]]> Seven students work on laptop computers while sitting at their desks in a Fluvanna County Public school classroom that includes an American flag and artwork.

This November, Fluvanna County voters will decide whether to raise the local sales tax by 1% to fund school construction and renovation projects. 

Fluvanna is one of 47 localities across the state that voted to add this referendum to their ballot, after the General Assembly passed legislation making it an option in June. 

Under the new law, the money could only be used for school construction projects and renovations, meaning it can’t fund other operational expenses, such as teacher salaries or curriculum materials.

The tax would not automatically go into effect if voters vote in favor; it just gives the local government the authority to adopt an ordinance imposing the tax. The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors would need to vote to approve the tax, which would increase the overall tax collected by the county to 6.3%. 

On the ballot it will read: 

“Shall Fluvanna County be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed 1% to provide revenue solely for capital projects for the construction or major renovation of schools serving the county? Should this referendum be approved authorizing the levy of such tax, the tax would expire no later than June 30, 2046.”

In Fluvanna, the tax could bring in an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million annually, according to reporting from the Fluvanna Review. 

Fluvanna County Public Schools Superintendent Peter Gretz told Charlottesville Tomorrow that the proposed revenue from the sales tax is not yet tied to a specific project, but that there are a number of capital improvement needs across the school district. 

“If the referendum is approved, we would work collaboratively with county leadership to determine the most appropriate and immediate priorities for the funding,” he said.  

The American Society of Civil Engineers uses 50 years as a “design life” benchmark for public school buildings, meaning that after that point, “essential facility systems need comprehensive upgrades or replacements.” More than half of school buildings across Virginia are over 50 years old, according to a 2021 report from the Virginia Department of Education. In the 5th Superintendent District, which includes Fluvanna County, the median school age is 55 years.

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]]> 131039 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org)no"If the referendum is approved, we would work collaboratively with county leadership to determine the most appropriate and immediate priorities for the funding," Superintendent Peter Gretz said. The post Proposed sales tax could bring in $1.5 million to $2 million a year for Fluvanna County schools appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.news@cvilletomorrow.org"If the referendum is approved, we would work collaboratively with county leadership to determine the most appropriate and immediate priorities for the funding," Superintendent Peter Gretz said. The post Proposed sales tax could bring in $1.5 million to $2 million a year for Fluvanna County schools appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.Charlottesville,Tomorrow,Charlottesville,Albemarle,Crozet,Brian,Wheeler,Sean,Tubbs,Virginia,news,growth,development Orange County voters to decide on 1% sales tax to narrow school infrastructure funding gap https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/orange-county-voters-to-decide-on-1-sales-tax-to-narrow-school-infrastructure-funding-gap/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:55:35 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131035

From HVAC issues to wastewater treatment, Orange County Public Schools cite more than $28 million in infrastructure and facilities needs as voters head to the polls.

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Voters in Orange County will see a fourth referendum on the ballot this November. It asks them to consider adding a 1% sales tax to fund school construction projects. 

On the ballot, it will read: 

“Shall Orange County, Virginia be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent, with the revenues to be used solely for capital projects for new construction or major renovation of schools serving Orange County, Virginia, including related bond and loan financing costs, and with the tax expiring on July 14, 2046?”

Orange is one of 47 localities across the state that voted to add this referendum to their ballot, after the General Assembly passed legislation making it an option at the end of June. 

In Virginia, school construction projects are primarily funded through local taxes, such as real estate or personal property tax, instead of state or federal funding. That means those projects have to compete for funding against other county expenses. 

But money from this 1% sales tax would go solely towards school construction projects and renovations. 

Orange County Public School officials estimate that the tax, which would expire in 2046, could generate an estimated $5.6 million per year for Orange County. 

The Orange County Public School’s website includes a list of facilities and infrastructure needs that total more than $28 million. In FY2027, OCPS received $778,666 from the county to fund capital improvement projects. 

“The top priorities, should the funding become available, will go by the things that could potentially shut schools down,” said Rose Deal, OCPS Communications Officer. “So, HVAC issues, water issues, wastewater issues, things of that nature.” 

In a video on the OCPS website, Facilities and Maintenance Director Marshall Rudder walked viewers through a few of those potential projects, including the replacement of a wastewater treatment plant in Locust Grove. “This is a critical infrastructure that helps keep four of our 10 schools operational and ready to serve students and staff,” said Rudder.

Updating school HVAC systems is another priority, Rudder said.

Most OCPS buildings were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Orange County High School was built in 1952. That’s far older than the 50-year benchmark for school buildings, as used by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

If voters approve the referendum, the tax wouldn’t immediately go into effect – it just gives the local government the ability to pass an ordinance adopting the tax. 

Find Orange County Public Schools’ fact sheet here.

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]]> 131035 news@cvilletomorrow.org (news@cvilletomorrow.org)noFrom HVAC issues to wastewater treatment, Orange County Public Schools cite more than $28 million in infrastructure and facilities needs as voters head to the polls. The post Orange County voters to decide on 1% sales tax to narrow school infrastructure funding gap appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.news@cvilletomorrow.orgFrom HVAC issues to wastewater treatment, Orange County Public Schools cite more than $28 million in infrastructure and facilities needs as voters head to the polls. The post Orange County voters to decide on 1% sales tax to narrow school infrastructure funding gap appeared first on Charlottesville Tomorrow.Charlottesville,Tomorrow,Charlottesville,Albemarle,Crozet,Brian,Wheeler,Sean,Tubbs,Virginia,news,growth,development Madison County voters will consider local sales tax for public school capital projects https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/madison-county-voters-will-consider-local-sales-tax-for-public-school-capital-projects/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:34:18 +0000 https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/?p=131014 Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide' with a dynamic and colorful background.

A study is currently underway to determine whether Madison County's middle and high schools need major renovations, or whether the county needs a completely new secondary school complex.

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Madison County voters will see a fourth referendum on their ballot this November. 

It asks whether the local sales tax should be increased by 1% to fund school construction and renovation.

On the ballot, it will read: 

“Should Madison County be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent (1%), provided the revenue from the sales tax authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-605.1 shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of public schools in Madison County, with such tax to expire upon repayment of any bonds or loans issued to fund such projects by July 6, 2046, or, in the case of capital projects not financed by bonds or loans, the sales tax shall expire on July 6, 2046?”

Virginia schools get funding from a combination of state, local and federal dollars, but school construction projects are primarily funded through local taxes, such as real estate or personal property tax levied by the county or city. That means that those projects have to compete for funding with other needs across the county.

But if this local tax is approved, all of its revenue would go towards school construction. The revenue couldn’t be used to cover other school operations expenses, such as teachers’ salaries or classroom supplies.

Madison County Public Schools officials estimate the tax could bring in $1.3 to $1.6 million annually.

Fixing and maintaining Madison County school buildings could cost more than $112 million over the next 20 years, according to a fact sheet shared by Madison County Public School Facilities Supervisor Stacey Timmons.

The middle and high schools are the main priorities. A study is currently underway to determine whether they need major renovations, or whether the county needs a completely new secondary school complex.

“Relying on temporary fixes, like urgent repairs to boilers, roof leaks, and aging HVAC units, is financially unsustainable over time,” the fact sheet said. 

Madison is one of 47 localities across the state that have voted to add the referendum to their ballot since July, after the General Assembly passed legislation making it an option on June 29. Since Virginia is a “Dillon’s Rule” state, local governments cannot exercise powers unless they’ve been granted by the General Assembly. Nine other localities had previously been given permission to levy this tax.

The tax would not automatically come into effect if voters vote yes — it just gives the local government the authority to adopt an ordinance imposing the tax.

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