Groundbreaking Ceremony for James City Government Center Expected This Month
Supervisors’ recent discussion of $189M project addressed online misinformation, lowering library costs and skatepark replacement plan
The James City County Board of Supervisors heard an update last week from Assistant County Administrator Bradley Rinehimer regarding the planned consolidated Government Center. During his presentation, he noted that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new $189 million facility is being planned for later this month, though details have not yet been finalized.
The facility is slated to occupy land at the corner of DePue Drive and Longhill Road, near the county’s boundary with Williamsburg. Rinehimer reported that preparations for the initial phase of construction such as site preparation were also progressing. “As the builders have said to me, ‘get ready—because we’re going to be moving fast,’” he told the Board.
The budget adopted by the county earlier this year allocates $65.5 million in fiscal year 2026 towards the project, with an additional $62 million in each of the following two years (FY27 and FY28). Once completed, the new facility will consolidate several government functions currently housed in multiple buildings, a move which county leadership believes will improve efficiency and public accessibility to services. They determined that building the new facility will save the county money in the long-run.
“Just the facts, ma’am”
Some members of the community have not agreed with the need for the project and what they perceive as exorbitant costs. Opponents have taken to social media to argue their case, posting on popular sites like Facebook and Nextdoor. The issue drew comments from Supervisor Ruth Larson (Berkeley District), while she sought to confirm Rinehimer’s availability to answer questions from the community regarding the project.
“I understand that people may not be in agreement about a government center. But what I do not like is … not dealing with facts,” she said. “And we can disagree … but in my opinion, we need to at least be truthful with facts,” she added.
Rinehimer responded that he was happy to speak directly with residents about the Government Center, as he had earlier that day. He then provided his office phone number for others to reach him as well. “We may not agree on whether it’s really needed or not, but I want you to make that decision based on having all the facts, not on things you might see on social media,” Rinehimer commented.
At the meeting, neither Larson or Rinehimer elaborate on what online information they believed to be problematic.
Pine for trees?
Supervisor John McGlennon (Roberts District) asked Rinehimer about cutting down trees that are already on the property. Rinehimer explained that most are new-growth pine trees planted in the 1980s and that the county plans to retain a form of tree buffer along the perimeter of the property. Supervisor Michael Hipple (Powhatan District) related a story of a job he had haying the fields back before the trees were planted.
Don’t book the costs yet - library update
The county is also planning to build a new library on the site along with the Government Center. The FY26 budget allocates $16.4 million in each of the next three years towards the project. Rinehimer stated that county staff is working with library administrators, architects and builders to reduce the cost of the project.
“Shredding” ahead - skatepark update
The county’s existing skatepark at the location has been closed in order to prepare for the new government center. The county is currently in the design stages for a new skatepark at the Warhill Sports Complex. “I think this is really a good opportunity to provide a much better skatepark,” Rinehimer said. The park’s final design workshop will be held virtually on Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8pm. Register for the event here.
The writer used AI tools and these sources:
Video - Board of Supervisors Business Meeting – October 28, 2025
Agenda - Board of Supervisors Business Meeting - October 28, 2025
James City County Warhill Skatepark webpage
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