Conference Planning Committee decides on theme
VACo’s 2017 Annual Conference Planning Committee met on May 8 to discuss the 83rd VACo Annual Conference theme, general and breakout session topics and speakers and conference logistics. Led by Committee Chair Bob Thomas, Stafford County Supervisor and VACo Second Vice President, the group agreed that communications should be the focus of the conference and […]
President Biggs addresses Virginia Symposium on Philanthropy
VACo President Mary W. Biggs addressed the Virginia Symposium on Philanthropy on May 8, providing attendees with an overview of the role of local government in Virginia, challenges faced by localities, and opportunities for collaboration with private philanthropy. The event, formally titled “The Virginia Symposium on Philanthropy: Collaborating for Kids, Families and Communities,” was organized […]
Visit Bedford County and the Johnny Appleseed Statue
Johnson’s Orchards 2122 Sheep Creek Road Bedford, VA 24523 540.586.3707 Email: appleseed@earthlink.net Website: www.johnsonsorchards.com This farm has 200-plus acres with more than 7,000 apple trees of 200 different varieties. Several hundred peach, nectarine, and damson trees, as well as pumpkins in the fall, are also available. Facilities include modern restrooms, a log cabin, a pavilion […]
News from our Associate Members – Branch Civil
VACo Contact: Carol Cameron
Robbie McCraw
Carroll County Supervisor Q1. You’ve lived in Carroll County for more than 40 years and served your community in a variety of volunteer capacities. What inspired you to run for elected office? Robbie McCraw: I have lived in Carroll County for more than 40 years and have served my community in a variety of […]
JLARC releases 2017 Work Plan
As the General Assembly turns its attention to preparation for the 2018 session, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) met on May 8 to approve its work plan for 2017. In addition to its statutorily-mandated oversight of the Virginia Retirement System and the Virginia College Savings Plan, among other responsibilities, JLARC undertakes studies […]
State General Fund revenues down in April; several factors at play
Secretary of Finance Richard D. Brown issued his report on April revenue collections on May 11. Total General Fund revenue collections fell 3.4 percent in April relative to last year, a drop largely driven by underperformance in individual income tax non-withholding payments. However, Secretary Brown’s letter cautions that April and May collections must be considered […]
Financial Facts
Government has historically lagged industry in keeping up with the best practices and most efficient methods of forecasting. Some of the pitfalls encountered include: Slow preparation Optimism bias Lack of support for assumptions Poor data quality Lack of ownership and accountability Misalignment of incentives Lack of forecasting skills in the team Lack of understanding of […]
Join us at the Region 4 Legislative Meeting
We are just a few days away from the Region 4 Meeting in Brunswick County where we expect a robust legislative conversation. VACo staff is prepared to take copious notes as county officials and legislators share the issues that affect their counties. This information gathering is important because it helps steer VACo’s legislative program for […]
VACo ready to hit the road for Regional Meetings
Many of us will travel the state this summer to visit family and friends and explore new lands. From Accomack County to Lee County and Frederick County to Greensville County – Virginians will crisscross and zigzag interstates, state roads and back roads to experience our great Commonwealth. Summer also brings travel here at VACo. Soon, […]
Fairfax County Supervisor Jeffrey C. McKay Testifies on Unfunded Mandates
Fairfax County Supervisor and VACo Board of Directors member Jeffrey C. McKay testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs on April 26. The hearing, “Unfunded Mandates: Examining Federally Imposed Burdens on State and Local Governments,” offered an opportunity for representatives from states and localities to provide perspectives on […]
Visit Grayson County and Grayson Highlands State Park
Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers […]
Room Reservation forms to be released June 15 and conference registration forms out August 15
VACo Members – please mark two important dates on your calendars. Be on the look out for the Annual Conference room reservation form being released on June 15. The Annual Conference registration form will be out on August 15. On May 8, the 2017 VACo Annual Conference Planning Committee will meet to discuss the details […]
Sign up for the next Certified Supervisors Class
Register today for the Virginia County Board Certified Supervisors’ Program budgeting course titled “Funding Public Services in the 21st Century: The Role of Budgeting.” The course will provide attendees with an understanding of the legal basis for the county budget. Various forms of county budgeting are explored including line item, program, performance, zero-based and outcomes-based […]
DEQ schedules regional meetings on Chesapeake Bay cleanup
To inform local officials of impending requirements relating to Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is continuing to schedule “outreach” meetings. These meetings are all part of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s “mid point assessment.” The mid point assessment’s chief purpose is the coordination of a multi-state strategy for achieving specific […]
News from our Associate Member – Southern Corrosion
YOUR COUNTY’S WATER TANK – You don’t think about it much; you know it’s there and you drive by it all the time but who takes care of it? What’s inside besides water? How do you know the water in the tank is safe?” VACo Associate Member Southern Corrosion can answer those questions and a […]