In addition, the Board of Supervisors took unprecedented action to support Goochland’s business community.
In recognition of the current state of emergency and public health conditions, the Board of Supervisors on March 26 adopted an Emergency Ordinance to Allow for the Continuity of Government Operations During the Pandemic. Under Section 4 (C) of the continuity ordinance it provided the County Administrator, as director of emergency management, additional powers to take a variety of actions in the interest of the public welfare.
The Board of Supervisors ratified actions the County Administrator recently took including:
- Cancelling the rabies clinic previously scheduled for April 4, to limit the gathering of people for a non-essential service. It had been scheduled by county ordinance;
- Suspended shut-offs for any county utility customer, so customers will continue to have water and sewer services even if they are unable to pay their bills in full;
- Waived the adoption fees for the Animal Shelter, to reduce the animal shelter population;
- Suspended enforcement of temporary sign restrictions, so that businesses can better reach potential customers;
- Suspended the Goochland County code sections pertaining to application and permit process for the operation of emergency medical service vehicles in the county in order to allow duly equipped, trained, and certified emergency medical service vehicles to operate upon approval by the Fire-Rescue Chief.
The last four actions were ratified and extended until the county ends its state of emergency.
The Board of Supervisors recognizing the need to provide some economic relief to residents and businesses adopted an emergency ordinance to delay the penalty and interest for 30 days on real estate and personal property taxes due on June 5, 2020. The ordinance was adopted on an emergency basis so that it will take effect before tax bills are prepared and sent to residents. The Board authorized a public hearing on May 5 to consider re-adoption of the ordinance.
It is important to note real estate and personal property taxes are still due on June 5, 2020, penalty and interest, for those not paying by the due date, is being delayed for 30 days. Treasurer Pamela Duncan is aware of the current challenging times and encourages any taxpayer with hardship concerns to contact her office at (804) 556-5806 or treasurer@goochlandva.us.
The Board of Supervisors and county economic development staff recognizing the need to support the Goochland business community during these difficult times have taken a number of actions including developing dedicated webpages at www.goochlandforbusiness.com to serve as a resource for Goochland businesses during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In addition, it contains a list of both businesses that are still open and those that are temporarily closed.
Delay in Machinery and Tools and Business Personal Property tax billing
Goochland County will be delaying the billing of 2020 machinery and tools and business personal property tax until December 5, 2020. The Commissioner of the Revenue was scheduled to bill the first half of the 2020 machinery and tools and business personal property in May however, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all (both parts) of the 2020 machinery and tools and business personal property will be due on December 5, 2020. Goochland County understands the need for businesses to be able to keep their cash in their business during this uncertain time and hopes that the delay of certain tax billings will assist businesses. Goochland County.
Goochland County waiving requirements for temporary signage
In an effort to allow local restaurants and businesses to advertise, beginning immediately, Goochland County businesses can install banners and temporary signs letting the public know they are open for business. No permits or fees are required for these temporary signs and no enforcement action will be taken during this time.
Businesses, both large and small, who have questions or are in need of assistance should contact Goochland County Economic Development at goochlandforbusiness@goochlandva.us or (804) 556-5862.
Citizens and the general public who have questions or need assistance should contact Goochland County at (804) 556-5800 or visit www.goochlandva.us.
The Goochland community is encouraged to stay informed of Goochland County government information and operations by visiting the county’s website www.goochlandva.us, calling the county’s main phone line (804) 556-5800, and by following us on Facebook at @GoochlandCountyVA and on Twitter at @GoochlandGovtVA.
