State Superintendent of Public Instruction Releases Memo Detailing K-12 Funding under Amendments to the 2022-2024 Biennial Budget Adopted by General Assembly

On March 9, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction released a memo on state funding that is projected to be distributed to school divisions in fiscal years (FY) 2023 and 2024. As previously reported, the 2023 session adjourned sine die on Saturday, February 25, as scheduled, but without resolving differences between the House and Senate on revisions […]

2023 Broadband Updates from the Office of Broadband

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Office of Broadband recently shared some updates on what was accomplished in 2022, and their goals going into 2023 and beyond. The final review process of FY 2023 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) applications is underway. Information on the FY 2024 timeline will be released later this year […]

Visit Essex County and the Essex County Historic Courthouse

PHOTO CREDIT: Mojo Hand Location: 202 North Church Lane / Queen StreetBuilt: 1728 – 1729Style: GeorgianArchitect: John MooreContractor: John Moore Description: The building faces southwest and is a one story red colored brick structure. The brick is laid in Flemish bond with arched windows. The building is located on landscaped grounds to the west of […]

VACo Premier Partner Spotlight | three+one

rfpPrep: How Does It Work & What Is Its Value? In this initial installment, Dean Lynch is joined by VACo Premier Partner, Kevin Teborek from three+one, to introduce the power of the rfpPrep portal. This proprietary software can simplify the banking RFP process, and create new earnings and savings for your entity. LEARN MORE ABOUT […]

EPA proposes new standards to remove “forever” chemicals from drinking water

April 28 deadline to register for May 4 public hearingMarch 29 webinar to provide technical overview of the proposed rule On March 14, the EPA announced a proposed regulation to monitor and remove PFAS from drinking water. PFAS is an acronym that represents a class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever” chemicals […]

Federal Transportation and Infrastructure Security Grants Available

The U.S. Department of Homeland has made available multiple new grants focused on improving preparedness and strengthening resilience against a range of potentially catastrophic events. These grants are focused on various transportation and infrastructure security projects. Transit Security Grant Program: $93 million available to public transit systems to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. More information is available here. […]

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program Available Now

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and Tribes. The first round of funding makes up to $700 million from fiscal years 2022 and […]

Transportation Alternatives Program Funding for Counties Available Soon; Sign up for Informational Pre-Application Webinar

The Transportation Alternatives Program is a federal reimbursement program intended to help local sponsors fund community-based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The program does not fund traditional roadway projects or maintenance. The program focuses on providing pedestrian […]

Visit Dinwiddie County and the Dinwiddie County Historic Courthouse

Location: 14101 Boydton Plank Road / Route 619Built: 1851– 1852Style: Greek RevivalArchitect: Captain JonesContractor: Captain Jones Description: The building faces west and is a two story yellow colored brick structure. The rectangular shaped building is located on spacious landscaped grounds in the center of Dinwiddie to the south of the courthouse. The west front has […]

Marcus Alert Overview 2023

Alexandria Robinson-Jones, Marcus Alert Program Coordinator with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Dallas Leamon, Marcus Alert Coordinator for the Department of Criminal Justice Services, provided an update on implementation of the Marcus Alert initiative. Alexandria Robinson-Jones Presentation | WATCH THE VIDEO

General Assembly Adopts “Skinny Budget,” Adjourns Sine Die

The 2023 session adjourned sine die on Saturday, February 25, as scheduled, but without resolving differences between the House and Senate on revisions to the biennium budget.  Instead, budget conferees proposed, and both chambers adopted, a “skinny budget” that addresses four priority items: Includes $115.9 million GF in FY 2023 and $125.8 million GF in […]

VACo Opposes Towing Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk

SB 979 (Marsden) and HB 1649 (Wyatt), as introduced, would prohibit localities from setting limits on towing fees and other associated fees for trespassing passenger vehicles that are in localities without a local ordinance setting these fees.  VACo opposed the initial legislation as we believe this pre-empts local authority and restricts the ability of local […]

Jury Duty Compensation Increase Passes with More Incremental Approach

Legislation to increase compensation for jurors emerged from a conference committee in the final days of the session with an increase from $30 to $50 per day, rather than from $30 to $100, as originally proposed.  HB 2317 (Williams Graves) and SB 789 (Spruill), as introduced, would have increased the compensation to $100 per day; […]

Enter the VACo 2023 Achievement Awards

Dear VACo Members –   It’s time for the 2023 Achievement Awards Program. Any county department is eligible to compete so ENTER NOW! Achievement Awards Submission Form All entries are required to be submitted in electronic form. No paper copy submissions are necessary. The electronic copy should be a PDF or WORD file. Email entries to Gage […]

Visit Dickenson County and the Dickenson County Historic Courthouse

Location:  293 Main Street / McClure StreetBuilt:  1915 – 1917Style:  Colonial RevivalArchitect:  H M MillerContractor:  D G Kelley Description:  The building faces southeast and is a two story red colored brick and concrete structure. The building backs onto a hill and is located in the center of Clintwood. The building is “T” shaped and is […]