May 1, 2024: Louisa County adopts FY25 budget, pulls $5,859 in funding for PVCC because a student group showed a documentary
Plus: A look at potential new businesses that seek to start operations in Albemarle County
This month is called May, and not Can. You don’t need anyone’s permission to read this edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter and occasional podcast that seeks to document as much as possible in a world where so much seems to be happening. I’m Sean Tubbs, no matter what modal verb might be in play.
In today’s installment:
Before adopting a budget, Louisa County Supervisors pull funding for Piedmont Virginia Community College due to the screening of a film on Palestinian independence
Early voting in the June 18 Virginia primary begins on Friday
Several applications have been filed for new businesses in Albemarle County including a gymnasium on Woodbrook Drive
Greene County Supervisors approve a two-cent decrease in the real estate tax rate and a three percent increase in the lodging tax rate
First shout-out: Community Bikes begins a series of mobile repair clinics this week
In today’s First subscriber-supported shout-out: Charlottesville Community Bikes will be at Southwood at 4:30 p.m. for one of their mobile repair clinics. What a great way to start the beginning of Bike Month!
The series of mobile repair clinics offered by Charlottesville Community Bikes is just one of the many ways the organization is doing its part to help people who want to get around using pedal power. Earlier this spring, Charlottesville Community Bikes posted their first quarter report and in those three months they handed out 213 free bikes to kids and 61 to teens and adults!
Want to help volunteer for a future clinic? Have a suggestion for where one should be held? Visit communitybikes.org to learn more and to find out where future clinics will be!
Louisa County adopts FY25 budget, pulls funding for Piedmont Virginia Community College
There have been very few surprises this year in Louisa County as the Board of Supervisors work through a proposed budget for FY2025. On Monday with little discussion, the Board adopted a resolution to keep tax rates the same including a real estate tax rate of $0.72 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Next up was consideration of the operating and maintenance budget for FY2025. Wanda Colvin is the deputy county administrator.
“We’re asking that the operational budget be adopted in the amount of $156,169,348,” Colvin said.
Jackson District Supervisor Toni Williams said he wanted to reduce the amount by $5,859 by eliminating funding for Piedmont Virginia Community College.
“In light of some things that are going on at PVCC I’d like to have that line item removed for now,” Williams said.
PVCC is one of dozens of outside agencies funded by Louisa County. Williams asked Assistant County Administrator Chris Coon to read a prepared resolution.
“It has come to the Board’s attention that PVCC recently hosted a film screening presented by Students for Justice in Palestine and whereas anti-semitism remains a serious concern on a worldwide basis, and the Board of Supervisors condemns and discrimination in the strongest terms, and whereas public funds should not support platforms for anti-semitism or discrimination, now therefore be it resolved that on this 29th day of April, 2024, that the Louisa County Board of Supervisors hereby resolves to suspend funding for PVCC in Fiscal Year 2025 pending an in-person explanation by PVCC and the college’s stance on discrimination and anti-semitism,” Coon read.
Supervisors adopted the resolution and then approved the operating and maintenance budget with no further discussion.
The PVCC Board meets today at 4 p.m. That body is made up of representatives from several localities with one from Louisa County. PVCC also issued a press statement:
“We regret the decision by the Louisa County Board of Supervisors to withdraw funding from Piedmont Virginia Community College, pending an in-person explanation. PVCC has served the community since 1972 benefitting hundreds of thousands of students who rely upon the College’s affordable, accessible programs to support their career development. We ask that the Board reconsider their decision, as the College plays a crucial role in supporting the community. PVCC is committed to fostering a safe environment for freedom of expression. Like the Board, the College condemns any discrimination in the strongest terms.”
According to the Instagram page for Students for Justice in Palestine, the film screening was held on April 19.
“Israelism is a film that came out in [the] last year by two first-time Jewish filmmakers who center the stories of other young members of the Jewish community who are pushing back against the narratives they have been fed and are demanding freedom for the Palestinian people,” reads the Instagram post.
The documentary was released last year and more information is available on the film’s website. The film has won numerous awards including the audience award at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.
Supervisors also adopted a capital budget of $81,142,859, though some of that funding will be transferred to the current fiscal year so that work on renovations to Louisa County Middle School can begin this summer.
Earlier this year, Charlottesville City Council pulled $12,000 from funding that had been recommended for the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia due to a concern that UVA has enough money to support activities there without city funding. (read that story)
Early voting begins Friday for Congressional primaries
Virginia is a state that has a general election every November. This year, there are two sets of primaries with the second coming up in just a few weeks.
The ballot for the June 18 primary is fairly crowded with Congressional candidates vying for a chance at representing their party in the fall. Early voting begins on Friday.
Jennifer Lewis-Fowler is the registrar in Greene County and she briefed the Board of Supervisors last week.
“It’s a dual primary so you can vote in either the Democratic primary or the Republican,” Lewis-Fowler said.
Greene County is in the 7th Congressional District as is a very small sliver of Albemarle County.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project. Incumbent Abigail Spanberger is running for Governor of Virginia in the 2025 election and there are six Republicans and seven Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for the fall for the 7th District. Check out VPAP if you would like to know those details.
Senator Tim Kaine faces no opponents on the ballot in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
There are five Republican challengers hoping to be the nominee. They are:
Hung Cao has raised $2,032,953
Jonathan Walker Emord has raised $808,722
Eddie Garcia has raised $298,802
Scott Parkinson has raised $841,133
Chuck Smith has raised $509,949
Turning to the Fifth Congressional District, Incumbent Bob Good faces a primary challenge from Senator John McGuire. McGuire announced his candidacy just eight days after being elected to the Senate to represent District 10.
As of March 31, Good had raised a total of $855,792 and McGuire had raised $502,747. In his campaign ads, McGuire argues that Good is a Republican in Name Only, a commonly used derogatory phrase that does not hold up if you look at voting records and policies. Good initially backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for President.
There are three Democrats, and only one had raised any money as of March 31. Gloria Tinsley Witt has raised a total of $12,510. Neither Paul Riley or Gary Terry have raised any money.
The Republican and Democratic nominations for the presidential race have already taken place. Democratic incumbent Joe Biden received 88.5 percent of the vote and former President Donald Trump received 63 percent of the vote.
Zoning clearance review: East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company fire department wants to hold farmers markets
This section of the newsletter was corrected May 2, 2024 at 3:25 a.m.
Want to open up a business in Albemarle County? You’ll need to check with the Department of Community Development first to see if what you want to do is allowed under land use regulations. That’s where the zoning clearance comes in.
“A Zoning Clearance allows your business or temporary event to operate under the zoning of your proposed location, and will note parking requirements and other limitations of your use,” reads the county’s website.
Looking through these is a good way to keep track of a changing economy as people and companies with ideas to make money go through the process of getting started.
A zoning clearance has been granted for an agricultural operation in Free Union to sell plants from its nursery. The business is Hummingbird Hill Native Plant Nursery. (CLE202400036)
The space at 3948 Three Notch’d Trace that had been doing business as Just Ceramics will be owned by someone else. An entity called Morehouse Studio has filed for a zoning clearance. (CLE202400037)
When the Foxfield Races happen, there are more people in the rural area as usual. To support telecommunications, Verizon sets up a temporary cell tower. Albemarle has approved the installation for the fall races for a period between September 28 and October 3. (CLE202400038)
A company called Satisloh North America has filed for a zoning clearance for a light manufacturing facility on the Hydraulic Ridge complex for up to ten employees. The website describes the firm as “a global leader for ophthalmic and precision optics manufacturing technology.” (CLE202400049)
An existing restaurant called Coco Thai Kitchen in Old Trail Village Center seeks to expand its operations. I initially reported this was a new use, and I regret the error. (CLE202400050)
A bank at 690 Berkmar Circle will become a health consulting business. That’s according to a zoning clearance for Blue Ridge Natural Medicine. (CLE202400051)
The East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company seeks permission to hold a farmers’ market in its hall and parking lot. (CLE202400052)
To sell items in parking lots, you need a zoning clearance. An entity called County Fresh Farms seeks to have a four day sale of frozen meat in the Advance Auto parking lot at 100 South Pantops Drive. (CLE202400055)
There’s an application for F. Rivas Tire & Auto Services to operate at 340 Greenbrier Drive. (CLE202400056)
There’s another for F. Rivas Contractor & Cleaning Services to operate in a different suite at the same address. (CLE202400057)
A property on Broadway Avenue that had been used by Suntribe Solar and Habitat for Humanity Greater Charlottesville may become a new location for Clyde E. Smith, a heating and air conditioning business. (CLE202400058)
A gymnasium called P and C Fitness seeks to take over the spot on Woodbrook Drive that had been home to Pet Food Discounters. (CLE202400059)
A restaurant called Tangerine Kitchen seeks to open in the Mill Creek Shopping Center in the space that has previously been known as Croby’s. (CLE202400060)
Second shout out: Charlottesville E-bike Lending Library
Today’s second subscriber supported shout-out also touches on Bike Month. For many, the rolling topography of the Charlottesville area keeps themsome people away from choosing cycling as an option to get around. Perhaps an e-bike is in order?
That’s where Charlottesville’s eBike Lending Library comes in! E-bikes are a great way to get around the community but there are many brands and styles to choose from. Because many e-bikes are sold online, it can be a challenge to try an e-bike before buying one.
The Charlottesville E-bike Lending Library is a free, not-for-profit service working to expand access to e-bikes in the area. They have a small collection of e-bikes that they lend out to community members for up to a week, for free. You can experience your daily commute, go grocery shopping, or even bike your kids to school, and decide whether e-bikes are right for you. Check out this service at https://www.ebikelibrarycville.org
Greene County holds first reading of FY25 budget; Final vote on May 14
One sign of spring in Virginia is the adoption of municipal budgets by elected officials. On April 23, Greene County Supervisors took the first of two steps toward approving a revenue and spending plan for fiscal year 2025 on April 23.
“While no one got everything they wanted, this final version does deliver meaningful tax cuts, funds essential services, and allows us to add to areas that are critical for a well-functioning government,” said Greene County Administrator Cathy Schafrik.
There were two public hearings that night on both the budget itself as well as the setting of tax rates. During the budget cycle, Supervisors reached consensus to cut the real estate tax rate two cents to $0.71 per $100 of assessed value. This was done in a year in which a reassessment did not occur meaning $1.3 million needed to be eliminated from the budget.
Michelle Hildebrand is the treasurer of the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Department and during the public hearing she spoke up for more spending on fire rescue services to ensure they can do their work.
“According to my records, the county funding, excluding any apparatus lump-sums, have remained the same over the last ten years for the Ruckersville Fire Department,” Hildebrand said. “In 2015, the county funded approximately $14.14 per capita for each citizen residing in the Ruckersville area zip codes. In 2025, the proposed budget, the per capita funding decreases to $12.42 due to the increased population.”
Hildebrand said that number doesn’t take inflation into account and the volunteer agency is experiencing higher costs and aging equipment. She asked for an additional $50,000 from the county government to help the all volunteer organization make ends meet.
“This is not a situation where we can fundraise ourselves out of it,” Hildebrand said.
Another speaker thanked county staff for holding spending in the budget to just a little over inflation. Another urged that more attention and care go into construction of a new building to house the social services department.
After that public hearing, Supervisors discussed potential options to proceed. Schafrik had provided additional information four days before the meeting. One variable during the process that continued to shift was the revenue that would come from the personal property tax.
“We are seeing a return to more normal used car values since the pandemic,” Schafrik said. “They spiked up crazily in the pandemic era when there was supply-demand issues with the chips being unavailable for new cars.”
Schafrik said as of April 18, there was roughly $500,000 in additional revenues available due to more accurate numbers. The original budget was based on a more conservative estimate. She prepared two different scenarios for how to proceed.
Both options would add one Sheriff’s Deputy position and budget for development of a master plan for county parks.
“One of the things that that would help do is, as we talk about these opportunities for parks, it looks at existing inventory where we may have land,” Schafrik said. “I’ve heard at Board meetings, people have said ‘we should take the land behind Food Lion and put a pocket park there.’”
Schafrik said a master plan would do the due diligence to determine if such ideas are feasible.
One scenario would restore cuts to information technology infrastructure and the addition of 2.5 full-time equivalents, a term in government to describe the municipal workforce. The other would not restore the cuts or add the positions, but would put $324,000 toward a future recreation center that would be funded by the increase in the lodging tax rate.
Supervisor Francis McGuigan is a proponent of the second option.
“My belief is that the transient occupancy tax, what I had envisioned the proposal when we made the increase, is that that money be earmarked into a recreation center fund that can’t be used for any other purpose,” McGuigan said.
McGuigan said Greene needs to begin preparing to pay for capital projects to invest in the future and this would be a step in that direction.
One of the suggested positions was a deputy county administrator. The Board reached consensus to not proceed with that at the moment. They also agreed to direct staff to pursue a reassessment. Adoption of the budget will be on May 14.
There were no speakers for the public hearing on the real estate and personal property tax rates. Supervisors did vote unanimously to adopt the new rates and voted to increase the transient lodging tax rate from five percent to eight percent.
“This would be on all hotels, campgrounds, Air-BnB’s, things of that nature,” Schafrik said.
The new rate will go into effect on July 1.
The budget will be formally adopted at the Supervisors’ meeting on May 14 after a second reading.
Reading material:
The Albemarle Public Safety Operations Center is up and running, Anahita Jafary, 29NBC, April 25, 2024
After years of debate, Charlottesville chooses a new sign to commemorate Court Square slave trade, Erin O’Hare, Charlottesville Tomorrow, April 26, 2024
Rep. Good brings 'Freedom Fighters' tour to Amherst, addresses Ukraine funding bill, Justin Faulconer, Lynchburg News & Advance (paywall), April 27, 2024
State rolling back regulations for wetland delineators under Youngkin directive,
Refreshed lawsuit aims to derail 119-unit Charlottesville apartment project, Jason Armesto, Charlottesville Daily Progress (paywall), April 30, 2024
Virginia's 'tech tax' ignites debate on business taxes, Stephanie Kanowitz, Route 50, April 30, 2024
House down: North Downtown home knocked down without the city’s permission, Sean Tubbs, C-Ville Weekly, May 1, 2024
Parting words for #672
At 50, I retain quite a lot of naivete. I truly believe that the world would be an easier place to live in if there was more information available that provided context that would allow individuals to decide for themselves what they believe should happen. I believe conflict stems from deliberate attempts to pit Americans against each other.
At 50, I also see how decisions have been made during my lifetime that gutted the profession in which I chose to work such as the end of the Fairness Doctrine and an end to media ownership limits which have led to more major information outlets to be owned by fewer and fewer corporations. This makes it easier to pit Americans against each other.
At 46, I took a chance to go independent to write my articles the way I write them, based on a small amount of academic training and a lot of time spent trying to present things accurately and fairly. I also choose to stay away from the overtly sensational. I would like my country to excel by reducing conflict that threatens to tear us apart.
I’m able to do this thanks to subscribers such as the three who signed up at $50 a year since yesterday’s edition. All I want to do is practice journalism, and to put my model out there for people to pay if they want. I believe deep down most Americans do not want to hate other Americans.
I also am grateful for sponsors such as Ting. Ting will match the initial Substack payments so that $150 will be doubled. All in the service of allowing me to write the way I write, a way I’ve been doing in this community for nearly 20 years. I’m defiantly milqeutoast.
Ting can help you with your high speed Internet needs. If service is available in your area and you sign up for service, enter the promo code COMMUNITY and you will get:
Free installation
A second month for free
A $75 gift card to the Downtown Mall
The original publication of the newsletter incorrectly described what was being requested in CLE202400050. The existing restaurant, Coconut Thai, is expanding their storeroom. I neglected to conduct a thorough reading of the application. I regret the error and appreciate having it brought to my attention.