Visit Orange County and James Madison’s Montpelier
There’s So Much To Do At the home of the Father of the Constitution, you don’t have to be a history buff to have a great time at Montpelier. With 2,650 acres to explore, there’s plenty for visitors of all ages! With history, trails, gardens, spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of […]
VACo celebrates the making of the Supervisors’ Manual
A celebration honoring the 45 contributors to the 2019 edition of the Virginia County Supervisors Manual took place in the training center of VACo’s headquarters on June 5. “We had a great turnout, and we wanted to properly thank them for their contribution to this great resource for local officials,” said Phyllis Errico, VACo General […]
Elections Initiatives Under Way; Funding Remains Critical Need
Elections administration and security are topics of increasing attention at the state and federal levels, and there are several efforts underway in Virginia to implement major elections initiatives enacted this session. The increasing complexity of elections administration, coupled with limited state support, often makes this critical function a challenge for localities. During the 2019 session, […]
JLARC Examines Data Center and Manufacturing Incentives
As part of its June 17 meeting, JLARC submitted a report on the impact and effectiveness of certain state economic development incentives. The report focused on 11 incentives designed to promote data center and manufacturing (especially semiconductor production) growth and well as reducing pollution and promoting green jobs. JLARC made seven recommendations to improve the […]
State General Fund Revenues Continue Growth in May, Likely to Meet FY 2019 Forecast
State General Fund revenues continued to follow a positive trajectory in May and appear to be on target to meet the FY 2019 forecast. Governor Northam announced last week that May collections were up 22.5 percent relative to last May, and have grown 7.9 percent on a fiscal year-to-date basis. In his briefing for the […]
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Meeting and News Bulletin
On June 7, VACo staff attended the VRS Board of Trustees’ final meeting of FY 2019. On the agenda, the Board heard reports from Chief Investment Officer Ronald Schmitz, who detailed how recent uncertainty around global economic output impacted May’s equity markets. Turbulence and systemic risk metrics are up, but not as high as they […]
Financial Facts
GASB issued an implementation guide that is designed to assist state and local government financial personnel, Implementation Guide Update -2019. Included in the guide are: Derivative instruments Disaster-related, expenditure driven grants Irrevocable split-interest agreements Post-employment benefits Tax abatement disclosures Transfers of capital assets within a financial reporting entity It also includes amendments to previously issued […]
Region 6 Counties Discuss Workforce Development, Transportation, and More in Warren County
Warren County hosted representatives from Region 6 at the Virginia Inland Port on June 10 for a robust conversation on issues of shared concern. In welcoming attendees, Warren County Chairman Daniel Murray highlighted the importance of the Virginia Inland Port to the region in alleviating traffic congestion and expediting the flow of goods throughout the […]
VACo County Pulse: Communication and Community – A View from Stafford County on Best Budgeting Practices for K-12 Education
The Constitution of Virginia guarantees the right to a high-quality education for all school age children in the Commonwealth. The cost of this guarantee is shared between the federal, state, and local governments; however, localities pay for the majority. Even though K-12 education funding is often the number one budget item for counties in terms […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast | Commonwealth Conversations – Senator Emmett Hanger
Welcome to the County Pulse | Commonwealth Conversations. In this episode – VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch talks with Senate Finance Co-Chairman Emmett Hanger about key policy issues of interest to local governments, including transportation, broadband, and strengthening the state-local partnership. Listen to the Podcast
Governor’s Advisory Commission on Opioids and Addiction Discusses Prevention, Intervention, Future Efforts
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey opened the May 17 meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Opioids and Addiction on a hopeful note, although members agreed that much work remains to be done to prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorder in Virginia. Secretary Carey presented preliminary data from the Office of […]
Visit Wythe County and The Mansion at Fort Chiswell
For over a decade The Mansion at Fort Chiswell has been lovingly restored by proprietor Chris Disibbio. Now this private residence, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia State Historic Landmark, is ready to be shared with you. From the gracious bedrooms to the wood-burning kitchen fireplace to the […]
Powhatan County hosts the Regions 3 & 5 Meeting
On a lovely spring day, VACo held its third Regional Meeting of the year in historic Powhatan County. On May 21, folks throughout VACo Regions 3 & 5 came together at the beautiful Independence Golf Club and were treated to gorgeous views and excellent conversation. Representatives from Powhatan, New Kent, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Hanover spent […]
Preparing for the 2020 Census: Making Sure Young Children are Counted
Kids count in Virginia, and it’s important that they be counted in the 2020 Census, too. Communities care deeply about their youngest members, but in the last Census, very young children were the age group most likely to be missed. In preparation for the 2020 Census, efforts are underway to improve this situation, and there […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast | An Ounce of Prevention – Making a Case for Proactive Land Use Planning
Welcome to the County Pulse. In this episode – Attorney Sharon Pandak of Greehan Taves & Pandak and CEO Darren Coffey of the Berkley Group join VACo’s Joe Lerch to discuss the benefit of having a proactive land use plan. Counties routinely budget dollars for legal expenses but rarely for long-range planning expenses. Listen to […]
Visit Nelson County and Woodson’s Mill
Woodson’s Mill is located just across the Piney River from Lowesville, Virginia. The building is a historic landmark, but Woodson’s Mill is still a busy place. We produce all-natural grits, flours and meals in small batches, by hand, from the best local ingredients available. Our grains are stone-ground slowly to preserve the oils, moisture content, […]