In a recent meeting, the Board of Supervisors addressed several key issues concerning Chesterfield County’s fiscal year 2025 budget and other local projects. Amendments to the budget were made following a public hearing, reallocating $33.4 million to support capital priorities and financial planning for county and school operations.
A significant portion of the reallocated funds, approximately $11.9 million, will be directed to Chesterfield County Public Schools’ debt service fund for future capital projects approved in the 2022 bond referendum. An additional $2.7 million is allocated for purchasing walk-through weapons detection systems for middle and high schools, as decided by the School Board on May 13.
County appropriations target previously approved capital projects facing cost escalations due to inflation, including modernization of the Enterprise Resources Planning System, upgrades at Daniel Park Field and Restroom, enhancements at Rockwood Park, jail HVAC replacement, and animal shelter construction. The funding sources include $15.6 million from the fiscal year 2024 operating surplus.
The board also rezoned Upper Magnolia Green East property to create Swift Creek Preserve, establishing a permanent conservation area on at least 350 acres. This area will be managed by the county for passive recreation and educational purposes with limited improvements allowed.
Amendments to address illegal activities in county parks were approved after a public hearing where only one speaker expressed support. These changes enhance enforcement capabilities regarding park rules violations as Class 4 misdemeanors with a $250 fine.
Sheriff Karl Leonard provided an update on current operations within his office during this session.
Additionally, $6.7 million in state funding was appropriated to provide bonuses for instructional positions covered by Virginia’s Standards of Quality (SOQ). The School Board had requested these one-time funds at its May 13 meeting.
For Rockwood Park Athletic Fields Improvement Project, a $2.9 million contract was awarded to The LandTek Group LLC to renovate youth baseball fields with new synthetic turf infields among other upgrades.
The board also allocated about $184,000 from Virginia Department of Transportation reimbursements towards constructing part of Fall Line Trail between Dwight Avenue and Gettings Lane; completion is expected early June.
Lastly, they renewed Chesterfield County Police Department’s lease at Swift Creek Police Station through August 2027 while awaiting completion of their new facility anticipated in early 2027.
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