Weeks after residents spoke against a possible widespread boundary adjustment, the Gordonsville Town Council has voted to abandon the topic.
Earlier this month, a town hall style meeting was held at Gordon-Barbour Elementary School to receive feedback on a possible boundary adjustment that if approved, would bring additional property currently located outside of the town’s boundary into the town limits. A voluntary boundary adjustment between Orange County and Gordonsville has been discussed since 2004. In 2018, an Orange County Board of Supervisors member informally suggested completing the adjustment before 2026 and in 2019 a draft timeline was provided by Troutman Pepper, the legal firm hired by the town to assist with the adjustment. In 2024, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission provided an initial report for Gordonsville Town Council of the areas that could be adjusted into town. Those areas were split into five sub-areas collectively totaling 963.9 acres with 236 residential housing units, eight commercial businesses and two industrial businesses. The adjustment would result in approximately $200,000 in increased revenue for the town. The RRRC report stated that the county would have no significant increase or decrease since town residents pay both town and county taxes.
During the town hall meeting, residents whose property was included in the adjustment areas made their thoughts clear and overwhelmingly opposed the move.
“We’re self-sufficient,” Browntown Road resident Dorthea Dickerson said. “The town doesn’t have anything to offer us.”
During last week’s town council worksession and subsequent meeting, the sentiments were the same. Barbara Little said if her property was to come into town, her water bill would triple or quadruple.
In light of the opposition, council member Nick Paxton made a motion to reject the current RRRC report and work with individual owners or subdivisions who wish to pursue a boundary adjustment for their properties. Mayor Ron Brooks said the town will no longer push forward a wide-scale boundary adjustment, but would work with individuals on a one-on-one basis if they desire for their property to be within town limits.
The motion was approved 4-0 with council member Steven Irving abstaining.
