Copyright © 2026 VPM, all rights reserved.
PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
VPM News Morning Edition
NEXT UP: 9:00 AM

Thanks to our sponsors – Become a Sponsor

Chesterfield Officials Say Coronavirus Won’t Impact County’s Fiscal Standing

Two men and a woman sitting at a table
Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris, County Administrator Joe Casey and Budget Director Andrea Brooks. (Photo: Ian Stewart/VPM News)

Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris says Chesterfield is always cautious when it comes to how they forecast future revenues. 

“Whether it’s this issue or something that comes up six months from now that we’re, you know, we’re pretty well covered in the way that we build our revenues,” said Harris.

The county projects about $475 million in property taxes for next year. That’s an increase of over $50 million since 2017. 

Harris says other sources of county income come from sales and occupancy taxes.

“In the grand scheme of things, relatively little of our revenue comes from those kinds of consumer pieces. But we’ll certainly keep our eye on that as we go forward.”

Harris says prior to the news of the coronavirus, the county had already reduced projections of revenue from both sales and occupancy taxes. He adds that should revenue streams change in those six months, the county will have time to adjust their forecasts. 

For more coronavirus updates and resources, see our full coverage at vpm.org/coronavirus

Ian M. Stewart previously was the transportation reporter and fill-in anchor for VPM News. He also produced and hosted the World Music Show for VPM Music during its 16 seasons.

Stewart won multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow and Virginias AP Broadcasters awards for reporting and sound editing. He graduated from San Francisco State University with degrees in journalism and creative writing.

You can often find him riding his bike around Chesterfield County or on the Virginia Capital Trail.

Related Stories