Goochland board delays utilities vote

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors has pushed back indefinitely a vote to increase public-utility rates and connection fees.

The proposal would pay for operation of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, which provides water and sewer services to eastern Goochland.

The supervisors agreed yesterday that more analysis is needed.

The Tuckahoe operation was built five years ago to draw development to the area. But a recent study revealed that it was generating little money to help pay off its $63 million in debt and not enough to cover operating costs.

The board had suggested raising utility rates by 13 percent in the district and 5 percent for the general county system. Connection fees in the district could be raised $1,000 for water and $2,000 for sewer.

About a dozen speakers opposed the increases last night, and the supervisors agreed the proposal needed further study.

The board also unanimously agreed to set aside $3 million from the county's general fund as a seven-year loan to the district for a water-line extension from Henrico County.

-- Wesley P. Hester