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1. Can I adopt an animal from the animal shelter?
2. Does Goochland County have a leash law?
3. What can I do if a neighbor’s dog continues to come on my property causing a nuisance?
4. How do I obtain a dog license?
5. Do cats have to be licensed in Goochland County?
6. How do I report an animal bite?
7. Is there a limit on the number of animals I can own in Goochland County?
8. What happens to a stray animal that is picked up by an Animal Protection Officer?
9. How do I reclaim my animal from the Animal Shelter?
10. Who do I call about nuisance wildlife?
11. Who do I call about a dead animal on my property?

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1. Who establishes the tax rate?
2. How are real estate taxes calculated?
3. What is the effective date of annual assessments?
4. How do I know if my property assessment has changed?
5. Will home maintenance increase the assessment?
6. I received a Supplemental Notice for new construction done on my property. How are the taxes calculated?
7. What is the Tuckahoe Creek Service District?
8. Are properties reassessed every year?
9. Can I get a copy of a deed or plat from the Assessor’s Office?
10. How are real estate assessments determined?

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1. What is a cross-connection?
2. What is cross-connection control and why is it important?
3. What is a cross-connection control program?
4. What is backflow and how is it prevented?
5. What is back siphonage?
6. What is backpressure?
7. What is an “approved” backflow prevention method, assembly or device?
8. What is contamination?
9. What is pollution?
10. What is potable water?
11. What are examples of cross connections around my home or business?
12. Where in my home or business are backflow prevention methods, assemblies or devices typically found or required?
13. Does my underground lawn sprinkler system require a backflow preventer?
14. What test is required and how is it conducted?
15. Who performs the test?
16. Is there anything else required with the test?
17. Where do I get the Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report form, and how and where do I send it?
18. Where do I find a certified backflow prevention device worker?
19. How much does the test cost, and who is responsible for payment?
20. Where can I find more information about cross-connection control and backflow prevention?

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1. Will the Historic Courthouse or any of the other historic buildings on the courthouse green be demolished to make space for the new courthouse?
2. Why do we need a new courthouse?
3. How much is the new courthouse expected to cost?
4. Does the County need to acquire any land to construct the new courthouse?

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1. Will voting YES on the ballot questions result in a tax rate increase?
2. Why don’t we pay cash for the projects instead of going into debt to pay for them?
3. What are the debt ratio policies? Why are they important? What is the maximum that could be issued while the County maintains its debt ratios?
4. Will these projects increase my taxes?
5. Why do we have to take on debt?
6. Can Goochland County afford the debt service payments on up to $96 million in General Obligation bond debt?
7. What impact will these new bonds have on the Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD) bond debt?

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1. Where is the West Creek Fire-Rescue Station going to be located?
2. When is District 2 getting a new Fire-Rescue Station?
3. Why is the County building a West Creek Fire Station ahead of a District 2 Fire Station?
4. How much is the new Fire-Rescue Station expected to cost?

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1. What will I be voting on November 2?
2. Why a referendum?
3. What are bonds? How do they work? Do we have to pay them back?
4. What types of bonds are used by the County?
5. What distinguishes General Obligation (GO) bonds from other types of bonds?
6. Will the bonds be issued all at once?
7. What is the timeframe for the issuance of the bonds?
8. If a bond referendum fails, does that mean the proposed projects will not be done?
9. What happens if the referendum doesn’t pass?
10. If the Board can use other financing options, why have a referendum at all?
11. If the bond referendum passes, does that guarantee that the bonds will be issued and the projects will be done?
12. Can the money from the bonds be used for other purposes?
13. What happens if one bond question passes and the other one doesn’t?
14. If the County issues these General Obligation bonds for the identified projects, how will it fund other capital projects in the Capital Improvement Program?

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1. Is the School division going to build a castle?
2. Is the new elementary school going to cost $60 Million?
3. What is going to happen to the current Goochland Elementary School?
4. Didn’t we just build a new high school? Why are renovations needed?
5. When are Byrd and Randolph Elementary Schools going to be replaced?
6. Why should I vote for this if I don’t have children or grandchildren in school?
7. My students go to Randolph Elementary. Why should I support this referendum?
8. Will the Bulldog Way road improvements make it safer for me to pick up my child from school?
9. What is wrong with the current Goochland Elementary School? Why do you need a new school?
10. Why aren’t the Bulldog Way improvements being done by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)?
11. What is the timeline for the School Projects?

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1. So what is broadband?
2. Goochland County has halted Verizon from expanding Fios into the County?
3. Goochland County's franchise agreement with Comcast is exclusive and limits competition?
4. Is Goochland County limiting access to the large amount of Fiber that runs throughout different roads prohibiting it from providing internet to our Residents?
5. Isn't 5G cellular service going to solve all this?

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1. Do I need a Business License?
2. Do I need a State License?
3. How do I get a County License?
4. When must I get a County License?
5. Who to Contact (County of Goochland)
6. Who sets the personal property tax rate?
7. Do I get a tax break for my vehicle being modified for physically handicapped?
8. Do I get a tax break for being a fire/rescue volunteer?
9. Where do I pay personal property taxes if I am in the military and my home of record is Virginia?
10. Where do I pay personal property taxes if I am in the military and my home of record is NOT Virginia?
11. Do I qualify for the military exemption if the vehicle is jointly owned?
12. Does my non-military spouse qualify for the exemption if the vehicle is titled solely in his/her name?
13. Do I qualify for the vehicle tax exemption if I substitute as pastor at churches in the Richmond area?
14. What is proration?
15. Why must I report a change of address to the Commissioner of the Revenue office?
16. Is there a tax relief program for the elderly and/or totally disabled?
17. I am a disabled veteran. How do I apply for tax exemption on my real estate?
18. Do I qualify for tax exemption under the “Surviving Spouse of Veteran Killed in Action”?
19. Does Goochland have a short term rental tax?
20. Does Goochland have a transient occupancy tax?
21. Does the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office have State & Federal returns?
22. What address do I use when mailing a Virginia Income Tax Return or Estimated Tax locally?
23. When is the Virginia State Income Tax Due?
24. How quickly can I expect to get my income tax refund?
25. If taxes are due, to whom would we make the check payable to?

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1. How do I purchase a bin?
2. I’m interested in pursuing curbside recycling through my homeowner’s association (HOA). How do I get started?
3. What if I don’t live in a subdivision?
4. Where do I find out what I can recycle or what my pick up day is?

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1. How do I develop my property?
2. Can I divide my property?
3. Do I need a permit?
4. Who can apply for a permit?
5. Does my building permit expire?
6. What edition of the building code is the County of Goochland enforcing?
7. What is the basic design criteria for the County of Goochland?
8. How much is my building permit fee?
9. How do I schedule an inspection?
10. How do I request a time for my inspection?
11. I want to install a sign. Do I need a permit?
12. What are the procedures for property numbering and street naming?

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1. What documentation is required for permit submittal?
2. How do I apply for a building / trade permit?
3. How do I create an Energov account?
4. Which permit do I apply for?
5. What are the turnaround times for permits?
6. What documentation is required prior to scheduling a final inspection for a new single family dwelling?
7. How can I monitor permit activity for a permit on my property?
8. What department approvals are required prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being issued for a single family dwelling?
9. What department approvals are required prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being issued for a commercial building?
10. How long does it take from the time my final inspection passes until I receive my Certificate of Occupancy?
11. Is a plumbing permit required for an inground pool?
12. How do I properly apply for and link a trade permit to a building permit?
13. Should I create a new contact each time I create a new permit?
14. How can I pay for my permit application fees?
15. Is there an additional fee associated with paying by credit card?
16. Why do I have multiple permit numbers for the same project?
17. Can I submit paper copies of my plans for county review and approval?
18. What is a “legacy” permit?
19. What email address should I use when setting up my account?
20. Is a tutorial offered providing step-by-step instructions on how to set up an account?

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1. What is a Plan of Development (POD)?
2. When is a Plan of Development required?
3. What do I need in order to apply for a POD?
4. What is the POD review procedure? What can I expect?
5. Who do I contact to find the status of my POD review?
6. What is a Land Disturbing Permit (LDP)?
7. When is a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) required?
8. What do I need in order to apply for a LDP?
9. What is the LDP review procedure? What can I expect?
10. Can my POD & LDP be reviewed together?
11. What is a Stormwater Management Permit?
12. Do I have to get a Stormwater permit for Single-Family Detached Residential Structures?
13. Who do I contact if I want to install a culvert for a driveway?
14. I am a developer and want to build a road. What permits do I need?
15. Who do I contact if I want to build a bridge or install a culvert across a creek?
16. Who do I contact if I want to create a pond? build a dam?
17. My well needs to be replaced. Who do I contact?
18. I need to find the location of my septic tank. Who do I contact?
19. The County has issued my Plan of Development (POD) or my Land Disturbance Permit (LDP). Who do I need to contact for my pre-construction meeting?
20. The County informed me that I need to post a Bond for site improvements. What paperwork do I need?
21. What is a Responsible Land Disturber (RLD)? Is there a required RLD form?
22. My building and site is complete. How can I get my bond released?
23. When can apply for my Stormwater Management Permit?
24. What is the Stormwater Management Permit process? What can I expect?

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1. What should I say to the dispatcher in the instance that I have an emergency and dial 911?
2. When should I dial 911?
3. Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
4. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector in my home?
5. Does Goochland County Fire-Rescue install Child Safety Seats?
6. Does Goochland County provide public Fire and Life Safety Education?
7. How do I prepare an escape plan for my home?
8. How often do I need to change the battery in my smoke detector?
9. I am disabled and in an emergency, I would not be able to get out of my house by myself, is there anything I can do ahead of time to alert the fire department?
10. I would like to burn off yard debris and some small dead trees. Do I need a permit?
11. If I have an emergency and the fire-rescue department needs to respond to my house, what is the best way I can make sure they find me?
12. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
13. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents and medical calls?
14. Why is my smoke alarm making a chirping noise?
15. Your department responded to an incident at my home and I would like to make a donation. To what address should I send my donation?
16. I hear people talk about the Virginia Burn Laws. What exactly are they?
17. I am interested in becoming a volunteer member of the department. How can I get additional information?
18. Where can I obtain a copy of a fire report or a patient care report?
19. My insurance company is asking for information about the fire department, where can I obtain that information?

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1. When did Goochland County implement EMS billing?
2. What is Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery?
3. Why do we need Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery?
4. How is charging for emergency medical transport service allowed?
5. How does Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery work?
6. Will I be denied service if I can’t prove I have insurance or money to pay the bill?
7. What if I cannot pay my bill?
8. What is the process for billing?
9. Why did I receive mail from out of state regarding my transport?
10. Why am I sending my payment to Baltimore?
11. How is my insurance information collected?
12. Does Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery cause health insurance premiums to escalate?
13. How much money can counties realistically expect to collect through the Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery Program?
14. How is my privacy protected?
15. What if I am unable to sign for the receipt of the HIPAA privacy practices during/after my transport?
16. Does billing impact the donations and fund drives for volunteer Fire-Rescue agencies?
17. Does Ambulance Transport Cost Recovery provide all the support needed to fund Fire-Rescue?
18. How does this program benefit the taxpayer?

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1. Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks in the Courthouse area?

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1. When can I call for an inspection?
2. Can I request a partial inspection?
3. When will the inspector arrive?
4. When is an inspection necessary?
5. What does “approved” mean?
6. What does it mean if an inspection fails?
7. How do I reschedule an inspection?
8. How do I cancel an inspection?
9. What is a re-inspection fee?
10. Can I request a time for my inspection?
11. How can I request an inspection?

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1. Why do I need a professional forest management plan or owner’s commitment?
2. What is acceptable documentation to show qualifying use?
3. I have properties in both Agriculture and Forestry. Will they both qualify?
4. When do I need a Letter of Authorization?
5. Is help available if I have questions or need assistance in completing the Land Use Application?

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1. How do I find a court ordered community service assignment for my child?
2. How do I register my child for a substance abuse education class?

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1. How do I register for a program?
2. Can I register online?
3. Can I pay with a credit card?
4. Where are your parks located?
5. How do I reserve a facility?
6. What is the inclement weather policy for programs?
7. When is the gym open?
8. When is the weight room and cardio room open?

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1. What is zoning?
2. What Zoning do I need?
3. Can I subdivide or divide my property?
4. What is a Minor subdivision?
5. What is a Family Division?
6. What is a Major Subdivision?
7. Can I make my property larger or smaller? Adjust or delete a property line?
8. What is an Overlay district and where are they located?
9. Can I have a business in my home?
10. Can I add an in-law suite or second dwelling to my property?
11. How do I find property ownership information?
12. How do I order a missing or damaged street sign?
13. Do I need Zoning approval for my business license?
14. I want to build a farm building or a structure less than 256 sq. feet. What permit do I need?
15. How do I place a zoning complaint?
16. Who do I contact for addressing?
17. Where do I go to find recorded surveys, deeds, or plats of property?

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1. HOW CAN I MAKE A PAYMENT?
2. WHEN IS A UTILITY PERMIT REQUIRED?
3. WHEN IS MY BILL DUE?
4. WHY IS THE COST/USAGE HIGHER THAN USUAL?
5. WHY DID I RECEIVE A PENALTY FEE?

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1. What are the small shaded areas throughout the map?
2. Please explain what Census Blocks are, how they can be found on the Proposed Redistricting Map, and what information is available on the map about each Census Block?
3. Why are there only two precincts in each Election District? Could more be created?
4. Will the County’s Redistricting Map have to be submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice?
5. Will the County’s Redistricting Map have to be submitted to and approved by the Virginia Attorney General?
6. Under the Proposed Redistricting Map, which voters in Goochland County will be in Virginia House of Delegates District 57?
7. The Board of Supervisors directed staff not to consider incumbency in drawing the new local election districts. Are the members of the Board of Supervisors still located in their current districts und
8. If the Board of Supervisors members don’t still live in the district they represent, can they continue to serve as the Board representative for their district?
9. How will Goochland voters know their districts, precincts, and polling places after a new redistricting map is adopted?
10. How do I lookup my address on the Redistricting Map?

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1. How do I find information on my septic tank?
2. How do I find out if my land percolates properly for a septic field?
3. How do I obtain a septic construction permit?
4. How do I find information about my well?
5. How do I find more information about other types of underground storage tanks?

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1. Do shrink-swell soils go by other terms?
2. Why Do These Soils Expand?
3. I want to build a house in an area with Shrink Swell. Should I reconsider?
4. Can someone from your agency come look at my property?
5. What is an engineered soil report?
6. When is an engineered soil report required?
7. How come I have never heard of shrink-swell soil?
8. My house is already built. Is there any way to minimize the effects of shrink swell soils without having to support my foundation?
9. Where did the Goochland County map information come from?
10. Why did Goochland County update their shrink swell soil policy in 2019?
11. My foundation is settling. What can I do?
12. What enabling legislation/authority allows Goochland County to require a shrink swell soil report?

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1. Does the County offer trash pickup?
2. Where are the Convenience Centers located?
3. Are there fees for certain items?
4. What type of items does the Convenience Centers accept?
5. Do I need proof of residency?
6. What are the Convenience Center hours of operation? Are you closed on holidays?

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1. What are your hours?
2. When do you send out bills?
3. Can I view taxes online?
4. Can I pay with my credit/debit card?
5. How do I get a dog license?
6. What happens if I don’t pay my taxes?
7. How do I know if you’re closed during inclement weather?
8. When does the penalty go on my tax if I don’t pay on time? What about interest?
9. I’m behind on my bills, how can I get on a payment plan?
10. Do you accept post marks for determining whether a payment is late?
11. Can I set up automatic drafts from my bank account to pay my taxes?
12. Can I pay over the phone?
13. Why is the prior property owners name still on my Real Estate bill?
14. Can I pay my taxes online?
15. What is the tax rate?
16. Who do I contact if my address has changed?
17. I don’t own my car/truck/boat/trailer anymore - can you take it off my bill?
18. Can we see the tax bills online?
19. What are the due dates for taxes and fees?

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1. What is the Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD)?
2. My real estate tax bill has an additional Ad Valorem tax on my property. What is an Ad Valorem tax?
3. What is the Ad Valorem tax rate?
4. Will the Ad Valorem rate ever change?
5. Why/how did my property get in the TCSD?
6. I am not connected to water and/or sewer, why do I have to pay the Ad Valorem tax?
7. How long will properties in the TCSD be required to pay the Ad Valorem tax?
8. How much Ad Valorem tax has the County collected over the past 6 years? How much of the 55% revenue sharing taxes has the County transferred to the TCSD over the past 6 years?
9. What additional revenue is contributed to meeting the TCSD Debt obligations?
10. What is the total assessed value of property in the TCSD?
11. How much money did the County borrow to create the TCSD?
12. What is the remaining debt service by year on the bond until it is paid off?
13. I heard the County got the VRA bonds restructured? What does that mean?
14. Is there a TCSD reserve? How much is currently in the reserve?
15. Does the County have an accurate and complete history of the development of the TCSD, commitments, locations, and issues that is publicly available?
16. Can I view the contract agreements with Henrico County and the City of Richmond?
17. I would like to be able to connect to the TCSD water and sewer. What do I need to do to join the district?
18. Do I have to pay a connection fee to connect to County water and/or sewer?
19. How much water is allocated to the TCSD daily?
20. Do all properties using public water delivered from Henrico pay the same water and sewer rates?
21. Are there any properties located within the boundaries of the TCSD that do not pay ad valorem taxes but have public water and sewer services?
22. What do the annual capacity charges pay for?
23. Do the properties that have a reserved capacity continue to pay for it?
24. Do those properties with capacity charges pay it only if they are connected to the public system?
25. Are the capacity charges deposited in the County’s general fund or credited to the ad valorem account?
26. Would any of the ‘capacity charge’ property owners transfer any of their reserved capacity to the TCSD?
27. Is the reserved amount of capacity held for the properties part of the capacity reserved for the entire TCSD?
28. Is there an operational and maintenance impact to the County for the properties that do not pay the ad valorem but do pay a capacity charge?
29. Is it possible for a property to receive public utility connections using TCSD infrastructure and not pay the ad valorem tax?
30. Who paid for the water infrastructure from the Henrico County line to the properties served by water?
31. How much is paid annually to Henrico for our 5.25 MGD water volume and 0.69 MGD sewer volume?
32. Will new development in West Creek be subject to the ad valorem tax?
33. Are there any other water and sewer systems in the County? Do they pay the ad valorem tax?
34. Is there a way to exit the TCSD?
35. Is there a presentation that combines all of these questions into one place?
36. Where can I find the TCSD presentation from May 2, 2023?

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1. What is an underground storage tank system (UST)?
2. What’s the history on UST’s?
3. How many UST’s do we have in Goochland?
4. Who manages the UST program and is the proper contact person for that program?
5. What is the testing frequency of UST’s?
6. Is there active management of the tank program?
7. What is the County’s responsibility in this program?
8. Is the County proactive in enforcement of UST program?
9. What is a big versus small tank?
10. How do I remove an underground storage tank?
11. How do I find more information about the UST program?
12. What if I think my well is contaiminated by UST?
13. How do I find information about my septic system?

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1. How Do I Register to Vote?

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1. How can I get my well tested?
2. If I think my well is contaminated, who do I contact?
3. Who do I contact if I need a new well?
4. How do I find information about my septic system?
5. How do I find more information about underground storage tanks?