Governor proposes plan for addressing budget shortfall in current fiscal year

In the face of flagging state revenue collections announced in August, Virginia will need to make adjustments to its current two-year budget when the General Assembly convenes in January. Last week, Governor Terry McAuliffe laid out his plans to keep the current year (FY 2017) budget in balance in light of the revenue shortfall. The combined […]

Annual Conference Update

If you are attending VACo’s Annual Conference, here are some few helpful suggestions to make your time at The Omni Homestead run smoothly. UPON ARRIVAL Check-in time for your room is 4 p.m. Valet parking is included in the 15 percent daily charge that is automatically added to your room rate.

County officials meet with EPA Region 3 Administrator to discuss Bay Program

Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross (third from right), King George County Supervisor Ruby Brabo (center in red) and VACo’s Larry Land (far left) were among the state association and county leaders from states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed who met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III Administrator Shawn Garvin at NACo headquarters to discuss […]

Visit Madison County and Page County and Big Meadows

Big Meadows is a recreational area of the Shenandoah National Park in Madison County and Page County. The meadow is located on the Skyline Drive at Milepost 51 and contains the park’s Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center, a lodge, camp store, and camping area. Several hiking trails can be accessed from Big Meadows, including the […]

JLARC issues update on state spending

On October 11 the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) issued its report on state spending between FY 2007 and FY 2016. JLARC’s report is available at this link: http://jlarc.virginia.gov/state-spending2016.asp. According to the report, Virginia’s operating budget grew from $35.1 billion in FY 2007 to $49.5 billion in FY 2016. Adjusted for population growth […]

JLARC presents report on water resources planning

On October 11 the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission authorized the publication of a report entitled “Effectiveness of Virginia’s Water Resource Planning and Management.” The report, requested by the 2015 General Assembly under HJR 623 (Hodges), is available at this link: http://jlarc.virginia.gov/landing-water.asp.

VACo releases 2017 Preliminary Legislative Program

VACo has released its 2017 Preliminary Legislative Program, which was drafted through VACo’s steering committee process. The document includes a host of important and timely proposed policy statements including language pertaining to K-12 education funding, local taxing authority, stormwater regulations, land use planning, transportation, broadband, health and human resources and other local budget and legislative […]

Free Webinar – Want to save time on your investments?

Check out this free Webinar on October 26 at 11am from eConnectDirect® Click here to register for the free Webinar on fixed-income investments eConnectDirect®, a proprietary investment platform powered by Multi-Bank Securities, Inc. (MBS), is designed to help you maximize your investment portfolio efficiently. The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) and MBS invite you to join us […]

Local Government Policy Council Meets with Governor McAuliffe

Pictured: Governor Terry McAuliffe addresses the Joint Money Committees on August 26 The Virginia Association of Counties, the Virginia Municipal League and Virginia First Cities met with Governor Terry McAuliffe and his staff on September 29 to discuss key issues of importance to local government in the upcoming General Assembly session, beginning with an update […]

VACo wraps up another Regional Meeting Season

As a team, one of our favorite things to do is visit our members where they live, work and enjoy family and friends. It’s invaluable for us to see you in your community and to hear about your legislative concerns and successes. VACo was thrilled to visit 9 of its 13 regions this season from […]

Changes considered for placement of children in residential care

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) recently announced regulatory changes to the process by which Medicaid-eligible children with behavioral health issues are placed in Residential Treatment Facilities. Under the new process, which will begin December 1, admission for all Medicaid-funded placements for residential treatment will be coordinated by an Independent Assessment, Certification and Coordination […]

Financial Facts

On September 26, GASB proposed a standard that would address various accounting and financial reporting issues that have been identified by state and local governments during the implementation and application of GASB rules. The exposure draft, Omnibus 201X, proposes guidance on numerous issues including:

Annual Conference Update

VACo ANNUAL CONFERENCE AGENDA RELEASE We have finalized the conference agenda! Attendees can get information on all conference events, including breakout session topics, times and speakers, and create their own conference schedule. This conference update will provide additional information on several events. Check out the conference agenda here.