The population of Greene County increased 7.5 percent between 2020 and 2025 according to estimates produced earlier this year by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. That’s a jump from a Census count of 20,552 to an estimate of 22,103 on July 1, 2025 as I reported in February.
Weldon Cooper’s most recent population projections show that number growing to 27,366 by 2050 which likely means a demand for more spots for public education.
On July 14, the chair of the Greene County School Board asked the Board of Supervisors to consider moving forward with a referendum to see if voters would support a one-percent increase in the sales tax that would generate new revenue for school construction.
“We all see the steady growth happening around us, and while that can be an exciting or terrifying thing depending on your specific views on growth, it does mean we have to be incredibly proactive about planning for the future,” said Kelly Greer, the at-large member.
So far, elected bodies in both Fluvanna and Nelson have moved forward with resolutions asking the Circuit Court to put the question on the ballot for this November. Louisa County Supervisors declined to take up the item.
Greer said the additional revenue would be a tool to help the county be ready when more people move there. The School Board unanimously passed a resolution on July 10 requesting the referendum which would bring in money from tourists and others passing through Greene.
“To be clear, I’m not here tonight to ask this board to raise anyone’s taxes,” Greer said. “I am simply asking that you approve the resolution to place this question on the ballot this November.”
School Board Member David Mastervich of the Midway District was also on hand to make a pitch. He said the sales tax increase would bring in about $1.3 million a year.
“Few investments are more important than our schools,” Mastervich said. “Strong schools encourage young families to put down roots. They help protect values, attract employers, prepare the next generation of farmers, teachers, business owners, first responders, military members, volunteers, and civic leaders like yourself, who will shape Greene county long after we are gone.”
The published meeting agenda did not have an official resolution scheduled but Supervisors took a vote of support to put the question to voters.
“I think it’s another one of them kind of no-win situations,” said Supervisor Tim Goolsby of the Monroe District. “As much as we try to do to keep taxpayers from paying, this kind of puts it in their hands in general to begin with.”
Chair Steve Catalano of the Stanardsville District said the timing for this year’s ballot was tight and he wanted to hear from the School Board representatives if they were prepared to communicate with the public.
“I just think that if we spend the money to put it on the ballot, who’s going to do the education?” Catalano asked. “You guys are the experts in that field, right. Do you guys feel like that enough time to get your point across, to make it successful?”
Mastervich said the School Board will make it work.
The Board voted unanimously to put the item on the consent agenda of the August 14 meeting.
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