Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary - April 8, 2026

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors convened at 6 p.m. on April 8, 2026, at the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, chaired by Dr. Mark S. Miller. The meeting began with the certification of a closed session for interviewing County Administrator candidates, followed by the invocation and pledge. The primary actions of the evening included the unanimous adoption of the FY2027 budget, the annual tax levy ordinance, and utility fee amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carolyn Harrington, President of the Chesterfield Metro Area section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), presented the organization's history and community service initiatives, including health, education, and voter engagement programs, and expressed a commitment to partnering with the county.
• Ian Richards Karamarkovich, a Bermuda district resident, voiced strong opposition to the Flock Safety contract, which he characterized as mass surveillance. He criticized recent changes to the company's terms of service, specifically citing a new perpetual license that allows Flock to use customer data to improve their products, and argued these provisions undermine trust. He requested the board cancel the contract and remove the cameras.
• Lauren, a Bermuda district resident, echoed concerns regarding the Flock Safety program. She highlighted a lack of public transparency and requested a community hearing on the use of license plate readers, raised Fourth Amendment concerns regarding data collection via private contractors, and requested continued community dialogue.

Discussion Items & Budget Amendments

Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris presented the final set of amendments to the County Administrator's proposed FY2027 budget.

Stop Arm Camera Program Support

• The board discussed a $156,000 allocation for two positions to review stop arm camera enforcement footage. The cost is fully offset by program revenue. Dr. Joseph Casey emphasized the program's core purpose is student safety, not revenue generation, noting a pilot program saw over 650 violations on just 50 buses in three months. Supervisor Jim Ingle clarified the $250 fine, and Supervisor Kevin Carroll highlighted the added safety technology installed on buses. It was noted the goal is to change driver behavior so the positions become unnecessary.

Community Enhancement (Signs and Medians)

• The board supported a $75,000 increase to a contract for community enhancement services, specifically targeting illegal sign removal and median cleanup. VDOT's maintenance shortfalls were cited as a reason for county intervention. Dr. Casey noted that enforcement is intended to encourage voluntary compliance. Supervisor Jessica Schneider requested that staff return with a proposed fine structure for illegal signage within 60 days. Dr. LeQuan Hylton noted VDOT's reduced roadside maintenance capacity and the need to keep the county presentable.

Tax Relief and Economic Context

• The budget includes the largest expansion of the Senior Tax Relief program in recent years, adding a fourth income tier and converting a part-time position to full-time in the Commissioner of Revenue's office to handle the increased workload. The total tax relief provided across all programs is nearly $30 million. The county is maintaining a 40 percent relief rate for the Personal Property Tax (car tax) to offer additional relief.
• Community Contracts: The budget includes funding for Mega Mentors and the VSU Summer Camp, previously funded by discretionary DIF funds.
• Synthetic LEOS Benefit: Funding for this public safety benefit was adjusted for a January 1, 2027 implementation date.
• Sports Backers: Funding for a potential new community event was carved from existing SVE monies, with no new general fund dollars required.
• Board Discussion: Board members reflected on the fiscal discipline of the budget. Dr. Hylton thanked staff for their thorough engagement during her first budget cycle. Ms. Schneider noted the budget allows for 24-hour staffing at Firehouse 24 to address gaps left by declining volunteerism. Mr. Ingle noted the significant staff burden of Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs), costing the equivalent of six full-time police officer shifts per week. Chair Miller encouraged community volunteerism, particularly in fire and EMS.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Item A (Tax Levy Ordinance): Unanimously approved by a roll call vote of 5 Ayes (Ingle, Schneider, Hylton, Carroll, Miller).
• Vote on Item B (Utility Fee Changes): Unanimously approved.
• Vote on Item C (FY2027 Budget, CIP, Appropriations Resolution, CDBG/HOME): Unanimously approved.
• Directive: Staff was directed to research and bring back options for a fine structure on illegal signage to the board within 60 days.
• Next Steps: The board adjourned to a 15-day closed session for County Administrator interviews. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Supervisor Carroll recognized Kayleigh Hodges, a Matoaca High School junior and Gatorade Player of the Year, for her outstanding performance in softball and academics. Supervisor Schneider mentioned a visit with a Cub Scout troop and the opening of new turf baseball fields at Rockwood Park. Chair Miller closed by commending the culture of excellence in Chesterfield County.