Acknowledging State Graduates from NACo Leadership Academy
Eighteen Virginia County staff members participated in the NACo Leadership Academy, a 12-week online program that empowers front-line county government employees with fundamental leadership skills. Across the country, 4,500 county employees participated. Virginia County staff to complete the Academy are: Timothy Heck, Assistant Director, Campbell County William “Billy” Ferguson, Director of Public Safety, Franklin County […]
Ann Harrity Shawver, Certified Public Accountant PLLC
Ann Harrity Shawver, CPA, PLLC 540. 580.6162 PO Box 52 | Roanoke, VA 24002 Public finance consulting and accounting services. Ann Harrity Shawver, CPA, PLLC ann.shawver@gmail.com
Money Committees Schedule Hearings on Governor’s Proposed Budget
The “money committees” will be holding regional public hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget on Wednesday, January 5. Hearings will be held virtually and begin at 10 a.m. Details on how to register to speak at the hearing may be found on the flyer below.
Governor Northam’s Outgoing Budget Includes Significant Resources for Local Priorities
Governor Northam presented his final budget proposals to the General Assembly’s “money committees” on December 16. VACo’s December 17 County Connections article, which provided an overview of major spending items in the Governor’s budget and a summary of presentations by Secretary of Finance K. Joseph Flores and Department of Planning and Budget Director Daniel S. […]
Governor Northam Presents Budget to Money Committees
Governor Northam presented his final budget proposals to the General Assembly on December 16, reflecting on successes and challenges over his four-year term, and expressing confidence that his successor, Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin, will inherit a strong economy that is poised for future growth. The Governor’s proposed amendments to the current fiscal year’s budget (the “caboose” […]
Proposed K-12 Salary Increase Likely to Have Major Local Fiscal Impact
As part of his “Thank you, Virginia” tour, Governor Northam announced on December 6 that his outgoing two-year budget proposal will contain a 10 percent pay raise for teachers, the largest in 15 years. The amount proposed to be set aside for the state share of these raises in General Funds is $246,955,292 the first […]
Visit Scott County and the Kilgore Fort House
The Kilgore Fort House is a two-story timber building with gable roof and rests on a limestone foundation. On the northeast gable end is a massive stone chimney laid in lime mortar with two insets or splays that narrow the stone pile in its rise to the stack. The building’s construction is in the simplest […]
INTRODUCING A NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER – Energix
INTRODUCING A NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER – Lumos
INTRODUCING A NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER – Siemens
Joint Commission on Health Care Adopts Policy Recommendations
The Joint Commission on Health Care met on December 7 to consider policy options presented by staff as a result of the three studies directed by the Commission this year. The Commission also approved a plan for staff studies in the upcoming year; planned study topics include local health department structure and financing, ways to […]
Libraries encouraged to participate in program to distribute free at-home COVID-19 testing kits
A new program launched by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in November allows participating libraries to provide COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits at no cost. Tests can then be completed at home with digital results in 15 minutes. The program is designed to increase access to COVID-19 testing, especially among rural, remote, under-resourced […]
Federal policy provides aid to localities to administer building and floodplain ordinances upon major disaster declaration
Pursuant to the Federal Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has implemented a policy to provide local governments resources needed to effectively administer and enforce state and locally adopted building codes and floodplain management ordinances for a period of no longer than 180 days after the date of the […]
Commission on School Construction and Modernizations Endorses VACo Legislative Priority and Other Recommendations to Improve K-12 Infrastructure
On December 1, the Commission on School Construction and Modernization met to review additional information from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) on K-12 infrastructure and formally recommended more than half a dozen policy prescriptions to the full General Assembly. Included in the policy recommendations is an expansion statewide of the special taxing authority first […]
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Reviews FY 2023-2024 Employer Contribution Rates for Political Subdivision Plans, Chief Investment Officer Ron Schmitz to Retire
On November 16, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees met to review an actuarial report for political subdivisions. The actuarial valuation provides a basic source document for information regarding actuarially determined contributions (employer rates) as well as the funded status of pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) plans. This valuation is then used […]
Visit Lee County and the Great Stone Face Rock
Folklore says that the face was carved by Cherokee Indians honoring their chief at the time. The name of the Chief is unknown. Others believe that the face has evolved over time by wind and rain. Nevertheless it’s a great photo opportunity for a visitor looking for something different! Stone Face Rock is located just […]