Statement of Economic Interest, Financial Disclosure and Real Estate Disclosure forms due
The Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council has circulated revised forms and guidance for the January 2017 filings. Prior to assuming office or taking employment, each person listed below must file their required disclosure form. Thereafter, they must file annually on or before January 15. Guidance on filing out the forms can be found […]
Governor McAuliffe Unveils Proposed Amendments to 2016-2018 Biennium Budget
On December 16, Governor McAuliffe presented his amendments to the 2016-2018 biennium budget to members of the General Assembly’s Senate Finance, House Appropriations, and House Finance Committees. Overall, localities fared better than many had expected in August, when the Governor last addressed the “money committees” to announce the state’s revenue shortfall. The Governor’s proposal protects […]
Keep your eye out for FlagPoll!
VACo is excited to announce its participation in a pilot program that features a legislative tool that will help us collect and organize your opinions on issues. Over the past year, VACo consulted with the developers of FlagPoll, a software platform that allows you to easily view and weigh in on issues that are most […]
Visit Rockbridge County and Cyrus McCormick’s Farm and Workshop
The Cyrus McCormick Farm and Workshop is on the family farm of inventor Cyrus Hall McCormick known as Walnut Grove. Cyrus Hall McCormick improved and patented the mechanical reaper, which eventually led to the creation of the combine harvester. The farm is near Steele’s Tavern and Raphine, close to the northern border of Rockbridge and […]
Financial Facts
On December 7, GASB issued guidance for state and local governments to address asset retirement obligations related to tangible capital assets. Statement No. 83, Certain Asset Retirement Obligations, sets guidance for determining the timing and pattern of recognition for liabilities and corresponding deferred outflow of resources related to asset retirement obligations. A government that has […]
New Option for Medicaid Coverage for Local and Regional Jail Inmates’ Inpatient Hospital Care
As outlined in a recent article in American Jails Magazine co-authored by Jeff Gore, recent changes in state policy now allow inmates at local and regional jails to apply for Medicaid coverage for inpatient hospital services. This new policy has the potential to save localities significant dollars by enabling Medicaid to cover hospitalization costs that […]
CTB considering changes to transportation revenue sharing program
VDOT’s Revenue Sharing program has become a very important part in the development of local transportation improvement programs. County officials need to be aware of changes being considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) that would change the way in which funds under the program are allocated. A chief factor driving these changes is […]
Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century Adopts Proposals for 2017
The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century met on December 6, along with two of its workgroups, to adopt its package of recommendations for the upcoming General Assembly session. The Joint Subcommittee voted to put forward 12 legislative and budget requests for the 2017 session, and discussed longer-term areas for […]
State’s final rule on ‘fracking’ approved
Regulations originally proposed by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) to permit hydraulic fracking have been approved by the McAuliffe Administration, and will go into effect on December 28, 2016. The final version of these regulations published in the November 28 Virginia Register can be viewed at this link: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=6055. The regulations published […]
U.S. EPA Releases Final Report on Impacts from Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Drinking Water Resources
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its scientific report on the impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water resources, which provides states and others the scientific foundation to better protect drinking water resources in areas where hydraulic fracturing is occurring or being considered. The report, done at the request of Congress, […]
SUMMARY OF THE 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION INTRODUCED BUDGET
Governor Terry McAuliffe presented his amendments to the 2016-2018 biennium budget to members of the Senate Finance, House Appropriations, and House Finance committees on December 16. The Governor indicated that his priorities in assembling his budget proposal, in addition to addressing the state’s revenue shortfall, were to avoid reductions in core services such as education […]
Speaker Howell previews the upcoming legislative session
House Speaker Bill Howell sits down with VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch to talk about the issues that will affect counties during the 2017 General Assembly Session. Speaker Howell weighs in on state supported salary increases, short-term rentals or Airbnb as well as local business taxes and tax reform. Click here for the video.
Key Dates for 2017 General Assembly Session
Key dates in the procedural resolution are as follows: January 11: General Assembly convenes at noon. Prefiled legislation must be submitted by 10 a.m.; this is also the last day to file bills dealing with the Virginia Retirement System or legislation creating or continuing a study. January 13: Budget amendments by General Assembly members must […]
Governor McAuliffe to speak at VACo County Government Day
February 2, 2017 Registration Form Register Online Agenda Omni Richmond Hotel Sponsor this Event! This is our day to advocate for counties at the General Assembly. Join us at VACo County Government Day on Thursday, February 2! Registration opens at 11 a.m. and the event kicks off with a boxed lunch at noon. Our keynote […]
VACo Releases 2017 Legislative Program
After months of steering committee meetings, lively debate and participation through the association’s legislative process, VACo adopted its 2017 Legislative Program. The Legislative Program is organized according to VACo’s Steering Committees. VACo membership identified “Increased Education Funding” as the overarching legislative priority for the 2017 General Assembly Session. VACo’s overarching legislative priority is: To assure […]
Join us for a VACo Education Event in early 2017
The new year brings new educational opportunities at VACo. The following is a preview of VACo Education programs scheduled in January and February 2017. On January 4, VACo will join with VML at the VML/VACo Finance Forum held at the Omni Richmond. Topics on the agenda include state revenues and the 2017 budget, local finance […]