Mandatory Property Tax Exemptions Survey Underway; Responses Due July 21
Language was included in the 2021 Appropriations Act at the request of VACo and VML to direct the Commission on Local Government to undertake a review of the effects of mandatory property tax exemptions on local government finances, to include potential recommendations to mitigate the effects of these exemptions on localities. As part of the […]
Commission on School Construction and Modernization Holds Second Meeting and School Infrastructure Tour Kicks Off
Photo courtesy of King and Queen County Public Schools – (left to right) Justin Ballard, S.B. Ballard Construction; J.T. Kessler, Virginia School Boards Association; and Jeremy R. Bennett, VACo. On June 3, the Commission on School Construction and Modernization met and reviewed data presented by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) on the state of […]
Joint Subcommittee on Mental Health Holds Workgroup Meetings; State Hospital Overcrowding Remains Major Focus
Work groups of the Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century have met throughout the month, reviewing legislation referred to the Joint Subcommittee and wrestling with the pressing issue of overcrowding in the state hospital system and its spillover effects on law enforcement. It is anticipated that proposals […]
Updates on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and Potential Impact to County Governments
Due to unprecedented strains placed upon the unemployment system by the economic impacts of the COVID-19, Virginia’s Unemployment Trust Fund ended the first quarter of 2021 with a negative balance of $400,000. This figure represents a glaring contrast with the $1.4 billion balance of the Trust Fund that existed a year ago, prior to the […]
State Executive Council Issues Notices of Intent to Develop Two CSA Policies
On June 10, the State Executive Council for Children’s Services (SEC) approved Notices of Intent to Develop Policy for two proposed revisions to SEC policies. These policies, dealing with family engagement and the multidisciplinary teams that may be convened by local CSA programs in lieu of the Family Assessment and Planning Team, respectively, reflect revisions […]
County Leadership Development: Bolster your Succession Plan
As a county leader, you manage several priority-1 decisions, activities, and initiatives every day. Perhaps the most important is personnel development – working hard to make other existing leaders better and emerging leaders ready. As you conduct this work with existing and emerging leaders to make your county stronger, you deserve to have a program […]
Pathway to Recovery® Series – The Power Of Liquidity Data
Join Garrett Macdonald, Beau Blevins, and special guest, Dean Lynch, as they discuss the “Pathway to Recovery®” and how liquidity management can position your entity for success managing ARPA Funds in 2021 and beyond. This webinar will demonstrate how your entity can leverage data and technology to formulate a strategy that increases the value of public […]
Let’s meet in person at the VACo County Officials’ Summit
Thursday, August 19, 2021 | Draft Agenda It’s been a long time since we were all together. But that will change at the VACo County Officials’ Summit on August 19 when VACo members will meet in person for the first time in 18 months. Don’t miss this opportunity to see old friends, network with new […]
VACo releases 2021 Legislative Summary
The Legislative Summary details the actions of the 2021 General Assembly as well as other special sessions. It also includes information on legislation of interest to counties. This edition contains links to bills through the General Assembly’s Legislative Information System and includes studies and statistics of importance to counties. Read VACo’s 2021 Legislative Summary VACo […]
Body-Worn Camera Workgroup Receives Updates on Grant Awards, Planned Staffing Study
On June 2, the workgroup examining the effect of body-worn cameras on the state’s public safety and judicial systems held its first meeting of 2021. This workgroup is an extension of an initial effort conducted by the Compensation Board in 2018, as directed by budget language, to review the effects of the use of the […]
Visit Floyd County and Mabry Mill
A special and unique part of history is found here at Mabry Mill. Originally built in 1910, the historic water-powered grist mill, sawmill and nearby blacksmith shop provide a view of pioneer life along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Self-guided tours include a sorghum mill, soap making kettle, and an “old time” whiskey still. Enjoy Mabry […]
NACo Leadership Training Is Being Used By Two-Thirds Of U.S. Counties
If you are like most county leaders, you are looking for proven succession planning solutions, workforce training that actually works, and professional development opportunities to make existing leaders better and emerging leaders ready. Look no further! The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy (www.naco.org/skills) is now being used for succession planning and workforce training by nearly […]
Coalition of Small and Rural Schools to Host Virtual Summit on School Infrastructure
The Coalition of Small and Rural Schools of Virginia (COSARS) is hosting a virtual Summit on School Infrastructure on June 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As has been reported multiple times by VACo, but most recently in Episode 3 of the VACo County Pulse, many local governments and school divisions across the Commonwealth are […]
Virginia Department of Transportation Asks for County Input on Orphan Drainage Outfalls Survey
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking input from county governments to evaluate the scope of drainage outfalls without an assigned maintenance entity across the Commonwealth. These unassigned drainage systems, known colloquially as “orphaned outfalls,” may accumulate years of neglect and lack of maintenance. This type of unmaintained water drainage system can lead to […]
FY22 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant Fund: How-to-Apply Webinar
During the month of June, Virginia DHCD will host a how-to-apply webinar for the new FY2022 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant Fund, which seeks to advance and accelerate the post-pandemic recovery of Virginia’s business and commercial districts. Specifically, these funds will support historically economically disadvantaged communities and other business districts that have been disproportionately impacted […]
Survey Assistance Needed for Community Black Bear Project Funding
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Clemson University invite you to take a quick survey regarding Virginia’s BearWise Cost-Share Program. Whether your community has received funding from this program or not, your perspective on this program and human-bear interactions in your locality can greatly help improve DWR’s assistance to your community. To learn […]