The Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16. An agenda and complete video of the meeting are available on the county website.
Highlights include:
Community Revitalization recognized for affordable housing program
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas praised Eric Leabough, director of Community Revitalization, for his department’s innovative work in establishing the county’s affordable housing trust. The fund is supported by tax revenues from data centers and helps reduce first-time homebuyers’ costs of new homes sold through the program. The trust was developed to make homeownership more attainable for residents and local workers as housing costs have outpaced the median incomes in the county.
“The work that the Community Revitalization team, the Partnership for Housing Affordability and program partners are doing is truly phenomenal,” Vithoulkas said. He also noted that Realtor.com recently highlighted the program in a recent article.
Public Utilities recognized with three national and state awards
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies awarded the Department of Public Utilities their 2026 National Environmental Achievement Award in two categories. For public information and education, Keep Henrico Beautiful was recognized for programs such as its annual Plant Native Festival and Land Lover Series at Henrico County Public Library locations, which focus on outreach about environmental practices and services.
NACWA also honored the county’s free program to test private wells in eastern Henrico in the public service category. When per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected, the county worked with residents to install filtration systems to ensure the water is safe for consumption.
The Virgil R. Hazelett Reservoir at Cobbs Creek was recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies. The company that built the reservoir, Arcadis Inc, won the organizations 2026 Engineering Excellence Award for their work at Cobbs Creek. The 14.8 billion-gallon reservoir took more than 20 years to design and build and finished filling earlier this year. The reservoir has recently been pumping water back into the James River to alleviate drought conditions.
County employees raise over $22,000 for Henrico Christmas Mother
Thanks to the spirited holiday fundraisers organized by county departments, Henrico employees raised $22,369.59 for the Christmas Mother program in 2025.
Employees also collected 441 books, 121 blankets, 951 pieces of clothing, 13 bikes and helmets, 556 toys, as well as 3,166 miscellaneous items such as food, toiletries, furniture and more. The items will go to 1,622 individuals and families who might otherwise go without them during the holidays.
Retiring employees honored
Anthony J. Romanello
The Board approved a resolution recognizing Anthony J. Romanello, who is retiring as executive director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority, a post he has held since 2019. Prior to his work with EDA, he served Henrico as a deputy county manager, beginning in 2016.
Romanello is a product of Henrico County Public Schools, graduating from Hermitage High, and also holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. Under his leadership, EDA landed more than 70 economic development projects and generated more than 9,700 jobs in Henrico.
“Anthony leaves an extraordinary legacy for Henrico’s infrastructure, community and residents,” Board Chair Dan Schmitt said. “The Board shares its heartfelt appreciation for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to this county.”
Robert H. Witte, Jr.
The Board approved a resolution recognizing Robert H. Witte, Jr. for more than 45 years of service to Henrico. He is retiring as the Brookland District representative and chair of the Planning Commission.
Witte worked for more than 30 years with Henrico Fire, rising to captain before retiring from the division in 2005. Since then, he served as the Brookland representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals (2008-11) and Planning Commission (2012-current).
“When you put it all together, Bob has served this county for 45 years,” Schmitt said. “Thank you, Bob, for your service, for your vision, for your commitment. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you.”
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Fiscal Plan amended
Following a public hearing, the Board approved a resolution amending the county’s fiscal 2025-26 budget by $14.2 million. The amendments provide funding for the second phase of construction at Glover Park, electric bus replacements and other capital items.
A line-item listing of the budget amendments, as well as additional details on Henrico’s budget, is available online.
Board approves ordinance amendments to tighten regulations on vape shops
Following a public hearing, the board approved amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance to impose tighter regulations on any new businesses that primarily sell recreational substances such as tobacco, vapes, kratom and cannabis-derived products.
The changes were recommended by a county task force to address residents’ concerns about the rapid growth of recreational substances sold across the county. New stores that sell these products as their primary business will be allowed only after receiving a provisional use permit, which requires a public hearing and approval from the Board.
In addition, new shops will not be allowed within 1,000 feet of a school or 2,000 feet of a religious institution, day care center, public park, or another existing recreational substance store.
Residents can learn more about the task force’s findings and report any concerns about establishments selling recreational substances online.
10 charging stations for electric school buses approved
The Board voted to authorize the installation of 10 electric school bus fast-charging stations at the county’s Central Automotive Maintenance facility on Woodman Road. These charging stations will service Henrico County Public Schools’ first 10 electric buses, which will be on the road for the 2026-27 school year. The HCPS transportation team estimates each e-bus will be able to travel 100 to 120 miles before needing to recharge.
Currently, HCPS’ fleet includes 10 propone buses, with another 10 set to be added before March 2026. The electric and propone buses will help HCPS monitor its use of diesel and gas in rural and suburban areas of the county.
HCPS plans to install 11 more fast-charging stations at the Central Automotive Maintenance facility on Dabbs House Road in the future.
Audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report presented
The Board formally accepted the county’s audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The report will be posted on the county website.
Polling place could change from Sandston Baptist Church to Sandston Elementary
The Board is considering an ordinance that would relocate the polling place for the Sandston precinct from Sandston Baptist Church to Sandston Elementary School. The church is no longer able to accommodate voters as a polling place.
A public comment period on the proposed move is set for Monday, Dec. 29 through Monday, Feb. 2. The notice will be published on Henrico’s website and in local newspapers. The Board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Henrico Sports & Events Center to add parking
The Board approved a resolution that will provide additional parking for events at the Henrico Sports & Events Center by adding neighboring county-owned property to the lease.
The venue has hosted a range of events, including the PBR Virginia Fall World Series, state archery championships and the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship, as well as supported local pickleball groups, school graduation ceremonies and more for the community.
See upcoming events online.
Following January water outage, plans move forward for water main to eastern Henrico
The Board voted to award a $24.6 million contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for professional engineering services for the East End Water Transmission Main project.
The project will install 70,000 linear feet – about 13 miles – of a 42-inch diameter water main from the Water Treatment Facility on Three Chopt Road to county facilities in eastern Henrico.
The project is designed to enhance reliability and resilience of water service for residents in central and eastern Henrico. It’s advancing after a shutdown of Richmond’s water treatment plant in January left thousands of residents without water service for several days.
Annual contract for construction of stream, wetland, and outfall restoration projects awarded
The Board awarded a $938,000 annual unit-price contract for stream, wetland and outfall restoration projects. The cost of each project will be determined upon completion, with work on several projects expected to begin early next year.
Next Board Meeting – Tuesday, Jan. 13
The Board will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. As the first meeting of the new year, Brookland District Supervisor Dan J. Schmitt will conclude his service as chair, as the Board will vote to appoint a chair and vice chair for 2026.
The meeting will also include appointments to various commissions and committees, as well as confirmation of the year’s meeting schedule.
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Enjoy the holidays and have happy new year!
