Local Flexibility in Marcus Alert Implementation Advances in Different Versions
Two companion bills, HB 1191 (Ransone) and SB 361 (Stuart), are moving forward, although the bills are in different postures after action by the House Public Safety Committee and the full Senate, respectively. As introduced, both bills would have made implementation of the Marcus Alert system an option for all localities. Under current law, every […]
Recordation Tax Distribution and Other Legislation Impacting Transportation Funding
As the General Assembly races towards crossover and the release of the House and Senate versions of the biennial budget, legislation seeking to roll back the 2020 reforms to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund is meeting mixed fates. HB 978 (Durant) would reestablish the distribution of $20 million of state recordation tax revenue to counties and […]
Update on Legislation Seeking to Reduce Law Enforcement Involvement in Mental Health Transports
A series of bills were introduced this session that intend to relieve the pressure on law enforcement associated with the emergency custody order and temporary detention order process by allowing for additional usage of alternative transportation and alternative custody arrangements. As the legislature approaches crossover, three Senate bills are on the way to the House. […]
K-12 Staff Salary Bills Tabled for the Year
Two bills that would impact the compensation of K-12 staff positions have been defeated in each body of the legislature. SB 157 (Hashmi) expands on code language added in 2020 that it is the goal of the Commonwealth that public school teachers be compensated at a rate that is competitive in order to attract and […]
Legislation to Change Full Tax Exemption to Partial Tax Exemption for Smaller Utility-Scale Solar Projects Advances
Under current law utility-scale solar facilities with a rated capacity of 5 megawatts (MW) or less, are fully exempt from local taxation. SB 502 (Lewis) and HB 1087 (Leftwich) modify this mandated exemption by providing an 80% exemption for the first 5 years of operation; 70% exemption for years 6-10; and 60% exemption for years […]
Legislation to Plan for Reinvention of Catawba Hospital Moving Forward
HB 105 (Rasoul), which directs a feasibility study for the transformation of Catawba Hospital into a facility that would offer a continuum of substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate. The bill is supported by a large coalition of stakeholders in the region, and VACo […]
Bill Mandating Exclusion of Rooftop Solar from Real Property Assessments Fails on House Floor
A bill mandating that rooftop solar installations be exempt from local taxation failed on the House of Delegates floor last Friday. HB 1185 (Bourne), which would have mandated that any rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations, serving just the energy needs of the property to which they are located (i.e., behind the meter), shall be a […]
Enhanced Retirement Benefit Bills Referred to JLARC
HB 131 (Cherry), HB 854 (Reid), and SB 585 (Reeves), as originally written would have added 911 dispatchers to the list of local employees eligible to receive enhanced retirement benefits for hazardous duty service. Under current law, local governments may provide such benefits to first responders, including firefighters and emergency medical technicians, and certain other […]
Legislation to Authorize Recalls by Referendum Passes Senate; Fate Uncertain in House
SB 495 (McClellan), which would significantly revise the current process for removal of public officers from office, has passed the Senate. A companion measure, HB 972 (Simon), has not been heard in the House and is unlikely to be taken up before crossover. Under current law, office is forfeited for a felony conviction or offense […]
Over 400 Attend Local Government Day
Three Presidents – Kim Callis, VAPDC President; Meg Bohmke, VACo President; Jon Stehle, VML President – prepare for Local Government Day. Thank you to all who participated and attended the VACo/VML/VAPDC Local Government Day on February 3 in Richmond. Attendees heard from Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bob Mosier, who has served as […]
VACo’s Chairperson’s Institute brings county leaders together for 1.5 days of education
The 2022 graduates of the VACo Chairpersons’ Institute. Not pictured – Clyde DeLoach, Patrick County; Debbie Donehey, Rappahannock County; and Margaret Franklin, Prince William County Thirty chairs and vice chairs from across the Commonwealth engaged with experts and peers for a day-and-a-half of learning on February 4-5 in Richmond. The county leaders participated in VACo’s […]
News from our Associate Members
Draper Aden Associates Releases Annual Water and Wastewater Rate Report
By Adrianna Dimperio and Rebecca Naurath, Draper Aden Associates* Understanding water and wastewater rate trends is crucial for public utilities and municipalities, including counties, across Virginia. The Commonwealth boasts more than 250 public providers of water and wastewater services that are active in every size and type of community. This variety can make it difficult […]
Oppose Statewide Expanded Disclosure Requirements in Land Use Proceedings Bill that would Prevent Local Elected Officials from Voting in Certain Situations
HB 626 (Roem) creates new and more stringent land use disclosure requirements for local government officials. These requirements apply to the governing body, the planning commission, and the board of zoning appeals in any proceeding before each such body involving an application for a special exception or variance or involving an application for amendment of […]
VACo Opposes Bill Limiting Authority of Counties to Regulate Short-Term Rentals
HB 1362 (Wiley) would make operation of short rentals, which is defined as the “… provision of a room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy,” a by-right use unless […]
Legislation on Assessment Increases Amended Significantly in Committee
HB 1010 (Durant), as introduced, would have imposed new restrictions on the local budget process by requiring a referendum if growth in real estate assessments would generate more than 101 percent of the previous year’s collections and the locality did not reduce the tax rate accordingly. VACo opposed the original version of the bill. As […]