Government

Hanover County, Virginia operates under a traditional form of government structured to serve its 115,000+ residents with a focus on fiscal conservatism and high-quality public services.

Government Structure

Hanover County uses a Board-Administrator system where elected officials set policy and an appointed administrator manages daily operations. 

Board of Supervisors: A seven-member body representing different magisterial districts. They serve as the primary legislative and policy-making authority.

County Administrator: Serves as the chief executive, responsible for implementing Board policies and overseeing departments such as Fire-EMS, Human Resources, and Economic Development.

Constitutional Officers: Directly elected by citizens to ensure accountability, these include:

• Commonwealth’s Attorney: Responsible for prosecuting all felony and certain misdemeanor offenses within the jurisdiction of Hanover County.
• Clerk of the Circuit Court: Handles court records, land documents, and marriage licenses.
• Commissioner of the Revenue: Manages tax assessments.
• Treasurer: Custodian of public funds and tax collection.
• Sheriff: Maintains public peace, operates the county jail, serves legal documents (warrants, evictions), and provides security for courts. 

Located within the Ashland District in Hanover County, the incorporated Town of Ashland primarily operates under its own council-manager form of government while relying on the County for major services like education, social services, water/sewer, and specialized public safety.

Conservative, Balanced Budgeting

Hanover County is committed to conservative fiscal management, a long-standing strategy aimed at preserving long-term financial stability. The county strives to consistently maintain balanced budgets and minimize the need to raise the general tax rate, ensuring reliable service delivery without sudden financial burdens on residents.

Strong Financial Standing & Performance

Hanover is known for its elite financial status, consistently earning AAA bond ratings from the established major credit agencies (S&P, Moody’s & Fitch). 

In 2025, Hanover also earned a AAA bond rating from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), which was recently recognized by the Federal Reserve as a major agency for municipal credit reviews. This “quad-AAA” designation places Hanover among only four counties nationwide to achieve this level of financial distinction.

Along with Hanover, neighboring Chesterfield and Henrico counties also hold quad-AAA bond ratings, highlighting the exceptional financial strength and stability of the greater Richmond region. 

• Tax Rates: The county maintains the lowest real estate tax rate in its region at $0.81 per $100 of assessed value.
• Economic Health: It features a strong labor force with low unemployment and a high median adjusted gross income. 

Long-Range Financial Planning

To ensure long-term stability, Hanover utilizes a five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). This multi-year plan organizes major spending on projects like schools, roads, and public safety facilities, allowing the county to balance its budget over time rather than reacting to short-term financial pressure.

Small-Area Plans guide land use and economic development across the county, aligning specific growth opportunities with the long-range Comprehensive Plan (Envision Hanover) by providing detailed land-use, design, and infrastructure guidelines.

Awards and Recognition

Among Hanover County’s recent awards and recognitions are:

• Best Places to Work: Recognized by Virginia Business in the large employer category for culture, leadership, and benefits.
• Top Workplaces: Named a winner by the Richmond-Times Dispatch, including a “Meaningfulness” award for employee satisfaction.
• Financial Reporting Excellence: Received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for the 40th consecutive year.
• Fleet Management: Ranked among the “100 Best Public Fleets in North America”. 

Public Contact Information

• Physical Address: 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069
• Phone: 804-365-6000
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..