Board agrees to advertise higher data‑center personal‑property rate to preserve flexibility at public hearing

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted to advertise the proposed 2026 business personal‑property tax rate for data centers at $3.00 per $100 of assessed value, rather than the $0.40 figure in the board packet. County staff advised that Virginia advertising rules require publishing the maximum rate that could be adopted; the board may adopt a lower rate at the public hearing but cannot adopt a higher one than advertised without re‑advertising.

Supervisor Lyle moved to advertise at $3.00 per $100, citing surrounding jurisdictions' rates and a desire to retain flexibility given anticipated capital expenditures from large projects. He argued the county should not be the lowest rate option if revenue is needed to support public services and recent capital discussions. Several supervisors agreed a higher advertised rate preserves the board's option to reduce the rate at the hearing rather than having to re‑advertise.

The board also approved other consent‑agenda items by voice vote and set a public hearing on tax rates for April 7. Staff stressed that if the board desires to advertise a higher rate it must do so now to make that rate legally adoptable at the April hearing.