From what I've heard, the "several years in the future" thing may not be in play... I think it was just speculation someone threw out.
Characters like Simone (the rogue Slayer) and Satsu will continue to be a part of season 9, which suggests it picks up soon after season 8. That also suggests it's not going to be a "reboot" of the story as some have speculated.
The plan, as I last heard it, was for it to be shorter than season 8... maybe 20 issues... and to start in late summer or fall 2011. Joss was going to meet with the writers in a "writers' room" format like on the TV show, to make sure everybody is on the same page and telling the same story. That should lead to fewer continuity errors.
Scott Allie said this in an interview on June 5: "Nothing I can say right now except that Season 9 is shaping up to be bigger than I'd imagined. I think we'll be announcing a few things at San Diego, but nothing before then."
San Diego refers to the San Diego ComicCon, which is in late July.