JLARC Meets to Review Reports on Community Services Boards, SOQ Funding Formulas, VRS, and other Items of Importance to Local Governments
On December 12, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) met and received reports from Commission staff on a number of items of interest to local governments. These included an overview of Community services boards, Dual Enrollment program costs and funding, an interim report on SOQ funding formula review, the annual VRS oversight report, […]
Visit Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield County Historic Courthouse
Location: 10011 Iron Bridge Road / Wagner WayBuilt: 1916 – 1917Style: Classical RevivalArchitect: J T SkinnerContractor: Vaughan Construction Company of Shawsville Description: The building faces south and is a two story red colored brick and wood Colonial Revival style structure. The building is located on the landscaped grounds of the Courthouse Square in the center […]
three+one – Understanding the Time Commitment
Armed with YOUR data, not opinions, cashVest allows you to see more, so you can do more with your cash. Your time is valuable, your work is important, and because our team at three+one is composed of public officials too, we have perfected how to onboard your public entity to cashVest without further stretching your […]
CONGRATULATIONS PHYLLIS!
Congratulations to VACo General Counsel Phyllis Errico for being recognized with the Virginia Society of Association Executive’s 2022 Awards of Excellence for Association Staff!
JLARC Reports on the Impact of COVID-19 on K-12 Public Education and the Virginia Board of Education Releases Annual Report on Condition and Needs of Public Schools
On November 7, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released its report on the Pandemic’s Impact on K-12 Public Education. In short, chronic absenteeism, behavioral, and mental health issues among students have drastically increased, just as academic achievement has declined. Teacher and staff retention has worsened significantly as more teachers are leaving the […]
Workgroup on Jail Fees Releases Report
A workgroup to make recommendations regarding the reduction or elimination of certain fees charged to individuals incarcerated in local or regional jails released its report last week. The State Board of Local and Regional Jails convened the group at the direction of legislation passed during the 2022 General Assembly session. As introduced, the legislation would […]
Final Report on Children’s Services Act Special Education Services Issued
The final report from the workgroup that was tasked with examining the use of Children’s Services Act (CSA) funding to support special education needs was released on December 6. Although the stakeholder workgroup adopted a set of recommendations at its final meeting on October 14, these recommendations were subject to review by the Secretary of […]
Commission on School Construction and Modernizations Makes Recommendations to the General Assembly
On December 1, the Commission on School Construction and Modernizations met to review efforts by the General Assembly and Governor to act on the Commission’s recommendations from 2021 as well as make recommendations for the 2023 legislative session. Overall and with one exception, the most recent Commission recommendations align with VACo priorities to address the […]
LODA Fund Premiums Set to Increase in FY 2024
As part of their November 15 meeting, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees approved an increase to the premium for the Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund. The Board of Trustees typically sets Line of Duty Act (LODA) rates for participating employers on a biennial basis. Last year, at its November 16, 2021 […]
Joint Commission on Health Care Adopts Recommendations from 2022 Studies
The Joint Commission on Health Care held its final meeting for the year on December 7, adopting a series of recommendations emerging from the four studies the Commission conducted this year and approving a set of studies to be undertaken in 2023. Of particular interest to local governments are the recommendations from the studies on […]
Auditor of Public Accounts Releases Financial Reporting Guidance on Opioid Settlement Funds
The Auditor of Public Accounts has provided guidance to cities and counties receiving funds from the national opioid settlements to assist with FY 2022 financial reporting. The guidance addresses the direct distributions that localities are receiving from settlements with distributors and with Janssen/Johnson and Johnson. The guidance is available at this link. The document includes […]
Cannabis Control Authority launches website
On December 2, 2022, the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) launched its new website – cca.virginia.gov. According to an accompanying press release, “Consistent with the CCA’s mission, the site provides educational resources focused on the public health, public safety, and consumer protection aspects of cannabis.” The website is positioned to also share updates on cannabis law […]
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN SOON
Thank you for participating in the 88th Annual Conference. Below is a link to the VACo Annual Conference recap webpage. VACo 88th Annual Conference Recap Webpage Also, please take a moment to share your thoughts on the Annual Conference. VACo 88th Annual Conference Evaluation Form Please let us know if you have any questions by […]
Visit Charlotte County and the Charlotte County Historic Courthouse
Location: 125 David Bruce Avenue / Legrande Avenue Built: 1821 – 1823 Style: Greek-Roman Revival Architect: Thomas Jefferson Contractor: John Percival Description: The building faces north and is a two story red colored brick and wood structure. The north front of the rectangular building has a large portico with four whitewashed stuccoed columns rising to […]
Annual Virginia Water and Wastewater Rate Report Released
How do you compare? That’s a common question many public utilities face when considering how to set rates and fees for water and wastewater services. Virginia boasts more than 250 public providers of water and wastewater across every size and type of community, which can make benchmarking a challenge. Understanding water and wastewater trends across […]
VACo Membership Adopts Legislative Program
Thank you for your participation in the development and adoption of the VACo 2023 Legislative Program. Please take a moment to review the adopted program.