An informational meeting regarding a possible boundary line adjustment for the Town of Gordonsville revealed the will of the people–“say no to annexation.”
Last week, the Gordonsville Town Council held a town hall style meeting 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.
Town manager Anthony Schienschang said the issue of a boundary adjustment has been discussed for about 20 years now.
“The town is trying to gather input on how we can work together for what works best for you and for the leaders,” he said to those in attendance at the meeting. “This needs to be collaborative. If it doesn’t work for one side, it doesn’t work for us.”
Schienschang said the RRRC report and map was intended to start the conversation and the council was seeking feedback, not stating an official position.
“This y’all’s town, this is y’all’s community [and] our neighbors,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re coming together as a community to help make these decisions.”
Those who would be impacted by a boundary adjustment were given priority to speak. The overwhelming sentiment among them was they don’t want to be in the town.
Frank Dickerson of Browntown Road said residents in his area already have their own well and septic. Being in the town wouldn’t benefit them.
“I’ve been here for a long time,” he said. “I want to keep it the same way it is.”
Dickerson also said the county’s zoning ordinance allows for things the town doesn’t. Jeff Coleman agreed, stating he wouldn’t be able to have a vehicle in his driveway that is being repaired or to keep and slaughter a hog for his family.
Mayor Ron Brooks said as part of the adjustment process, the town would look at what is currently allowed outside of town, developing a way to grandfather in those uses. However, he said he agreed that those who already have their own well and septic shouldn’t be adjusted into town.
“We’re self-sufficient,” Browntown Road resident Dorthea Dickerson said. “The town doesn’t have anything to offer us.”
Coty Goodwin of Jordan Farm Road cautioned the town on growing larger. He said the $200,000 in revenue hardly seems worth it and questioned if the current sewer system could handle the new customers.
“I encourage you to really revisit the numbers,” Goodwin said. “As a small business owner, expansion too rapidly can be the death of you.”
Phil Goodwin who lives off Black Level Road said the town should cut expenses before looking at ways to bring in revenue. He said the town is going about things the wrong way and Coniston Manor, half of which is in the town, and Gordonsville Gates should have been brought into town when they were developed. He said becoming part of the town should be the choice of residents, not the town.
The council will discuss the results of the meeting during a worksession Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at town hall. The regular meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
