Local Mandates Task Force hears from Education and Transportation Departments
On September 28, the Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review continued its ongoing dialogue with state agencies, receiving presentations from both the Department of Education (VDOE) and the Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOE gave a brief update on the redesign of high school curriculum mandated by the legislature and to be implemented by the […]
Board of Education Considering Revisions to School Staffing Standards
As part of its biennial review of the Standards of Quality, the Board of Education is considering changes to the provisions of the Standards of Quality that deal with staffing requirements. Several of these changes would be helpful to localities by recognizing prevailing practices in local school divisions and providing state assistance in funding positions […]
Child Care Study Recommends State Oversight of Local Parks Programs
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) was directed by SJ 63 to study child day programs that are exempt from licensure and make recommendations on whether to retain those exemptions or make modifications to them. The study committee, which released a draft report last week, is recommending that several of the 14 current license […]
VACo Visits County Boards to Present Achievement Awards
VACo presented the BEST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to King and Queen County for its Broadband Internet Program. It was the county’s first ever Achievement Award. Congrats King and Queen County!
Deadline looms on VACo Go Green Challenge!
VACo members have until October 10 to achieve certification under the 2016 Green Government Challenge, a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of specific policies and practical actions to protect the environment and promote energy efficiency by local governments and the broader communities they serve. As in years past, those qualifying with at least 100 […]
Annual Conference Update
Early registration and helpful conference apps The 82nd VACo Annual Conference is less than two months away! If you haven’t registered be sure to take advantage of the early bird discount rate available through September 30. If you have questions about registration, please contact the VACo team. We will walk you through the process. During […]
Visit Clarke County and the State Arboretum of Virginia
The State Arboretum of Virginia (also known as the Orland E. White Arboretum) occupies the central 172 acres of Blandy Experimental Farm. Started in the 1930s, it now contains over 5000 woody trees and shrubs from around the world. It is a reference garden for the Southeast Region of the American Conifer Society and includes […]
2016 Holidays at The Executive Mansion
Thank you to counties that have RSVP’d to the request for an ornament to decorate the 2016 Executive Mansion Tree. If your county has not RSVP’d, there is still plenty of time to participate.
Introducing a new Associate Member – SUEZ
Moving Backup and Recovery to the Cloud
Moving IT backup and recovery systems to the cloud is rapidly becoming the most practical starting point for businesses striving to modernize their IT and save money. After all, data is the lifeblood of any organization, and a business is only as safe as the stability of its backup operations. Most businesses are unable to […]
Local Governments Provide Perspectives on Behavioral Health System
VACo and the Virginia Municipal League (VML) were invited to present on August 22 before the Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century’s work group on System Structure and Financing. The Joint Subcommittee is a three-year study that was directed in 2014 by SJ 47 (Deeds) and charged with reviewing statutes […]
Liability insurance work group meets
Budget language adopted by the 2016 General Assembly at VACo’s request directed the Compensation Board to convene a work group to examine the issue of liability insurance for constitutional officers and regional jail authorities. Currently, constitutional officers and most regional jails are covered by the Virginia Division of Risk Management’s VARISK program. Prior to the […]
Financial Facts
VACo members have asked many questions regarding the “trickle down” impact that the City of Petersburg financial woes may have on neighboring counties and regional entities. The Progress Index posted an article regarding the downgrading of Petersburg’s debt rating by three levels by the Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency because of the city’s ongoing […]
Visit Fauquier County and the Sign Post in The Plains
Introducing a new Associate Member – HG
Filling the Gap HG Design Studio is a creative site design firm that takes an inter-disciplinary approach to land planning, civil engineering and landscape architecture. This summer, the company’s leadership decided to open a new firm that they believed will change the market in Virginia. “We knew the field was crowded in civil engineering,” said […]
Annual Conference Update
The VACo 82nd Annual Conference Registration form was released on August 15, and many counties are taking advantage of the Early Bird Registration Rate. Through September 30, VACo members can register for $225. Register early and save big!