Editorial: Charles City- Catching up after decades of being behind

The best way to summarize Charles City’s Board of Supervisors and Charles City’s School Board joint work session on Feb. 20; trying to play catch up when we’re way behind.

As I sat and observed dialogue between both boards, it was clear that a passionate and heated debate would be happening soon. Both boards have had disagreements in the past and their Feb. 20 gathering was no exception. Both boards had the right to speak their pieces, but it all stems from the county being behind in nearly every aspect.

For a county that is 400 years old, Charles City is lacking behind in the developmental times. Unfortunately, that means the county has to play catch-up. Finances are continuing to strain the county and both the school board and supervisors have tough decisions to weigh. From the county leaders’ perspective, what can they do to bring businesses into the county and not have the taxpayers fund day-to-day operations? For the schools, what can they do to continue to provide adequate services and an education that is competitive in today’s market?

Charles City County administrator Michelle Johnson made an adamant point during her Feb. 20 monologue. The county is doing the best they can with what they have. When the county doesn’t have a lot of businesses, then the taxpayers are the ones who have to fit the bill. County leaders try to minimize raising taxes, but unfortunately the pace of development in Charles City has suffered. Johnson commented that the goal is to have the county not be the next Chesterfield or Henrico and have businesses pop up, but she wants to see the development of certain areas for revenue. The question is, will that be even feasible?

Meanwhile, school leaders are watching a dwindling school population that they can’t control. As superintendent of schools David Gaston said, the school board nor the school system can control the kids that move into the district and out the district. Those decisions rest solely on the parents.

Regardless, the two parties are going to have to wipe the past away and come with a new mindset to make the county attractive again. County leaders are managing a budget to improve the county. The thing most people do not realize is that they are trying to fix a wrong when development was obsolete in Charles City. Let’s state facts; the county currently relies on Waste Management to garner a majority of the revenue. A few years ago, when the company wasn’t bringing in as much money, all departments, including the school system, returned funds. The county is learning from that experience and trying to bring in as many businesses as they can. County leaders are still working on addressing needs of the citizens as well, such as the dreaded Internet saga.

It is really painful to see county leaders and school leaders not on the same page. It’s okay to be difficult and disagree, but when accusations began over issues, it’s better to talk them out instead of escalating the situation.

Here’s hoping that the healing process to make Charles City a place to work, live, and learn begins.