County and Cyrus at Vaco County Mccormick’S Farm Government Day

Governor Terry Visit Rockbridge McAuliffe to speak County and Cyrus at VACo County McCormick’s Farm Government Day... and Workshop... County Page 2 Page 5 Connections King George VIDEO - Speaker The Newsletter of the County appoints Bill Howell sits Virginia Association of Counties Army Major Neiman down with VACo Young as County to talk legislative Administrator ... issues... Page 9 December 20, 2016 Page 3 Governor McAuliffe Unveils Proposed Amendments to 2016-2018 Biennium Budget

On December 16, Governor McAuliffe presented his amendments to the 2016-2018 biennium budget to members of the General Assembly’s Senate Finance, House Appropriations, and House Finance Committees. Overall, localities fared better than many had expected in August, when the Governor last addressed the “money committees” to announce the state’s revenue shortfall. The Governor’s proposal protects aid to localities and K-12 funding, in keeping with his stated priority to avoid cuts to core services. the shortfall in FY 2016. An initial package of savings actions was announced in October, including rescinding state funding for salary When the Governor announced the state’s revenue shortfall in August, the projected deficit was $1.5 billion over the biennium, including Subsequently, state revenue growth has shown signs of recovery, and as part of the revenue reforecasting process, revenue projections have increases for state employees, state-supported local employees and Constitutional officers, and teachers and support staff in school divisions. been amended to include an additional $239 million over the biennium, reducing the shortfall to $1.26 billion. The Governor’s budget proposal partially addresses the revenue shortfall by generating $806.5 million in savings over the biennium, a figure which includes the package of savings previously announced in October, additional savings proposed by state agencies for FY 2018 ($26.5 million), funds generated by a five percent across-the-board cut to institutions of higher education ($76.1 million), and additional targeted reductions ($103.4 million). In addition, the Governor proposes to withdraw $567.2 million from the state’s Revenue Stabilization warehousesFund over the in biennium, Virginia collect and includes sales taxes several on sales policy in changesVirginia. to Further generate details $138 on million the state’s in additional revenue revenue,forecast areincluding available a tax in amnestySecretary of program, limitations on the Historic. Rehabilitation and Land Preservation tax credits, and a requirement that out-of-state merchants using

Finance Ric Brown’s presentation Of critical importance to localities, the Governor avoided making further program reductions to K-12. Local school divisions will millionexperience statewide a formula-driven over the biennium net reduction due to of declines $40.1 million in enrollment. over the biennium in sales tax distribution statewide due to declines in sales tax revenues which are only partially offset by corresponding increases in Basic Aid. In addition, Direct Aid payments will be reduced by $35.3

Several areas of new spending reflect mandatory increases, such as $255 million for Medicaid costs and $85.7 million for projected growth in Children’s Services Act spending. Key discretionary spending items include $111.5 million in FY 2018 for a one-time bonus payment of 1.5 percent for state employees and the state’s share of the same bonus payment for state-supported local employees and school jails.division employees whose positions are included in the Standards of Quality. This bonus payment will be distributed December 1, 2017. The budget also restores funding in FY 2018 to address salary compression for state police, sheriff’s office employees and employees in regional

The Governor also provides $31.7 million for mental health and substance abuse needs, including $8.2 million for same-day access screeningAn overview at 25 of ofthe key 40 spending CSBs, $5.3 and million savings for items opioid is addiction available treatmentin a presentation and overdose prevention, $4.2 million for mental health screening Directorin local and Daniel regional Timberlake. jails, and The $4.5 General million Assembly for a statewide convenes assessment January 11 and to proposed consider theredesign Governor’s of the budgetoverall proposals,behavioral amonghealth othersystem. matters, made December 16 by Department of Planning and Budget discussions. For more details, please see . and memberVACo Contact: budget amendments must be submitted by January 13. VACo staff will be providing regular updates on the progress of budget the December 19 Capitol Contact Katie Boyle County Connections December 20, 2016 Governor Terry McAuliffe to speak at VACo County Government Day This is our day to advocate for counties at the General Assembly. Join us at VACo County off with a boxed lunch at noon. GovernmentOur keynote Day speakeron Thursday, will be February Governor 2! TerryRegistration McAuliffe opens who at will 11 addressa.m. and attendeesthe event kickson issues that affect counties. VACo staff will provide legislative briefs before charging all present to meet with their General Assembly representatives that afternoon. For information on how to reach your representatives, see the and the Senate of Virginia websites. Find information about VACo’s positions in the , Virginia House of Delegates Member Listings 2017 Legislative Program createdWe encourageby VACo Steering all counties Committees, to participate and adopted in the legislative at our Annual process Business - hear Meeting. briefs on We the will issuesdistribute and ourmake VACo appointments County Government to speak withDay Bulletinyour representatives at the event. that afternoon. The VACo

VACo County Government Day online or by faxing in a registration form showCounty the Government state who’s Day coming event to should town! conclude around 1:30 p.m. For Register rooming for information, check out our dedicated online room reservation page to 804.788.0083. Register early and which will provide one week of meals to a family of four for every online reservation. orConsider call 1.800.THE.OMNI reserving online and to use help code a family “VACo County Government Day” to unlock our special event rate. Omni Richmond is participating in the HUNGER program, Click here for sponsorship opportunities during our February events. Contact Amy Sales for more information. duringVACo this Contact: season. Room Reservation cut-off is 5 p.m. January 18. Room rate is not guaranteed after that date. KeepAmy Sales, CMPyour eye out for FlagPoll!

weighVACo is in excited on issues to announce that are most its participation important to in counties. a pilot program that features a legislative tool that will help us collect and organize your opinions on issues. Over the past year, VACo consulted with the developers of FlagPoll, a software platform that allows you to easily view and help us determine positions on legislation. In Capitol Contact or Capitol Contact ALERTS, you will have an option to leave feedback on issues with a click of the mouse. Your comments legislative bills and read your past comments on similar issues. FlagPoll features a personalized intuitive dashboard where you can learn more about each issue, leave comments, keep track of revisions to

In the days prior to the start of the 2017 General Assembly, we’ll email you a special invitation to FlagPoll. We encourage you to sign up.

WhatAt VACo, is FlagPoll?advocacy and membership engagement are two of our priorities. Lend us your voice during this next General Assembly Session. • • • OnConvenient your timeline - See all- You VACo can issues leave incomments one place on on issues your FlagPolldirectly fromdashboard the email message we send you, or you can review and comment on Informative - Follow links to the Legislative Information System and easily contact your legislators • • the bills we select for you by logging in to FlagPoll to see all the bills at once Sort and filter the bills by subject, committee or keyword VACoLeave Contact: feedback Gage onHarter FlagPoll with the knowledge that your comments are being used to strengthen VACo’s position with the legislature. 2 December 20, 2016 County Connections Steve Miner retires after 32 years in local government

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors received confirmation of Dr. Steve Miner’s intent to retire sector.from public service and his position as County Administrator of Accomack County effective January 31, 2017. He has accepted an offer of employment from a consulting and advisory firm offering services to the public

After 32 years of working in local government, Administrator Miner stated, “Although I will miss the Board, as well as this special place and its people, I am happy that I leave the County with a group of managers and staff in which I have deep confidence. It has been a great pleasure and personal honor to have served the various Boards, but also to have served with such a dedicated and great group of employees.” Dr. Miner has worked in Virginia local government since 1984. He served Lee County, VA from 1984- 1988 as County Attorney,and then as County Administrator. He moved to Culpeper County, where he served again as County Attorney from 1988-1993, before moving again to County Administration in 1993, serving there until 2001. He then served as Interim Administrator in Orange, VA, before becoming Deputy Administrator in King George, VA, from 2002-04, when he was hired as County Administrator in Accomack County in 2004. The Board of Supervisors, with assistance from its Personnel Committee, will appoint an Acting County Administrator at its regularly scheduled December meeting and Dr. Miner will assist during the transition through the end of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2016 while the Board recruits and hires a new County Administrator. King George County appoints Army Major Neiman Young as County Administrator

Neiman Young has been chosen as the next County Administrator for King George County. Young is currently a Company Commander for the United States Army in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He will succeed A. Travis Quesenberry, who is retiring after almost 15 years of service to King George County. Major Young will begin February 27, 2017. authority Young and is a led career teams U.S. in Army diverse professional communities with across a diverse the world. background He has in served the areas as Operations of leadership, Manager, Team communication and operations. Throughout his 23 year career, Young has held a variety of positions of

Leader and Communications Director for numerous deployments to include South America, Iraq, Afghanistan employeeand SW Asia. development Young’s career and training includes as serving well as as equipment liaison to maintenance.the U.S. Embassies His experience, as well as foreigneducation, government drive and desireand public to succeed institutions. have led In histo the current development role, he manages of interpersonal the day-to-day relationships operations and strongof his personnel, partnerships. budget, Current County Administrator Travis Quesenberry shared, “Mr. Young will bring different life and career experiences to King George

County. Neiman is excited about the opportunity. He is hard-working, bright, passionate, organized, an obvious leader and has both strong communicating and listening skills. I am excited to have Neiman Young join the staff of King George County as our new County Administrator forand relocation. am confident Drawn that by he its will rural fare charm, well.” thriving community and location, Young and his wife look forward to purchasing a home within the county Young and currentlyestablishing resides roots. in North Carolina with his wife Stephanie and daughter. Both he and his wife targeted Virginia as the ideal state

Highly trained and educated, Young holds a Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration, a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree. He has successfully completed the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College,th as well as Civil Affairs Qualification, Captains’th Career and Officers’ Basic Courses. Recognized for outstanding and superior service, Young has received the U.S. Bronze Star (Two Time Recipient), U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal, US. Army Commendation Medal (6 award) and the U.S. Army Achievement Award (5 Award). Financial Facts

Certain Asset Retirement Obligations, sets guidance for determining the timing and pattern of recognition for On December 7, GASB issued guidance for state and local governments to address asset retirement obligations related to tangible capitalA government assets. Statement that has No. the 83, legal obligations to perform future asset retirement activities related to its tangible capital assets is required liabilities and corresponding deferred outflow of resources related to asset retirement obligations. under the guidance to recognize a liability and a corresponding outflow of resources. The guidance also identifies circumstances that trigger recognition of such transactions. This guidance would enhance comparability of financial statements among governments by establishing uniformVACo criteria Contact: for governments to recognize and measure certain retirement obligations. The requirements are effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2018. Vicky Steinruck, CPA 3 County Connections December 20, 2016 New Option for Medicaid Coverage for Local and Regional Jail Inmates’ Inpatient Hospital Care

Gore, recent changes in state policy now allow inmates at local and regional jailsAs outlined to apply in for a recent Medicaid article coverage in American for inpatient Jails Magazine hospital co-authoredservices. by Jeff

This new policy has the potential to save localities significant dollars by fallenabling under Medicaid one of the to existing cover hospitalization Medicaid eligibility costs thatcategories are currently to qualify. being absorbed locally. Inmates would have to meet financial eligibility criteria and Click here to read the article, which provides a case study of how the coverage for inpatient treatment for its inmates. (Article linked with permissionRiverside Regional of the American Jail Authority Jail Association implemented) (Jeff a Gore process is a topartner obtain with Medicaid Hefty Wiley & Gore, P.C.) Jeff Gore

CTB considering changes to transportation revenue sharing program

in which VDOT’s funds Revenue under Sharingthe program program are allocated. has become A chiefa very factor important driving part these in thechanges development is a strong of localpossibility transportation of reductions improvement in funds that programs. will be County officials need to be aware of changes being considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) that would change the way allocated to the Revenue Sharing program over the next few years. http://www.ctb.RevSharing.pdf. During its most recent meeting on December 7, CTB heard an important presentation on the subject by Julie Brown, Director of VDOT’s Local• Assistance Division. That presentation can viewed at this link: CTB is considering the following policy options for distributing Revenue Sharing funds: • Reduce maximum application amount per locality on an annual basis from $10 million to $5 million. (And limit allocations to $10 • million per 2 year cycle.) Limit allocations per project to $10M Require any local matching funds committed by application as part of a prior Revenue Sharing allocation to be spent before additional Revenue Sharing allocations can be approved. transportation projects. Two of the options under consideration include: • CTB will also be considering policy changes relating to the way Revenue Sharing allocations may be transferred among different

• Establishing a requirement that all requests for the transfer of funds from one project to another be approved by the CTB (currently assuretransfers availability between ofexisting these fundsRevenue for Sharingother important projects doprojects not require to be advertisedCTB approval). throughout the year. Require that any funds not needed for the previously approved Revenue Sharing projects be reallocated to a statewide account to directed On December to her via the13, Juliefollowing Brown email sent address: an email to all localities to notify them of the changes to the Revenue Sharing Program that CTB will be considering over the next. few months. She is soliciting feedback from local officials on this subject. Comments and questions may be [email protected]. Please feel free to send copies of your comments to Larry Land at [email protected] Brown is scheduled to update CTB on any comments she will have received from local officials during the Board’s next workshop, scheduledVACo Contact:for 10 a.m. on January 17 at VDOT’s Central Office Auditorium in Richmond. CTB is scheduled to vote on changes to the Revenue Sharing Program during its March 15 meeting. Larry Land, CAE 4 County December 20, 2016 Connections

Visit Rockbridge County and Cyrus McCormick’s Farm and Workshop

The Cyrus McCormick Farm and Workshop is on the family farm of inventor Cyrus Hall McCormick known as Walnut Grove. Cyrus Hall McCormick improved and patented the mechanical reaper, which eventually led to the creation of the combine is currently a museum run by the Virginia Agricultural Experimental Station of Virginia Tech. The museum has free admission harvester. The farm is near Steele’s Tavern and Raphine, close to the northern border of Rockbridge and Augusta counties, and and covers 5 acres of the initial 532-acre farm. agricultural center and Farm Memorial. Currently, the schoolroom has vintage textbooks, toys, and other school supplies dating The farm remained in the McCormick family up to 1954, before being donated to Virginia Polytechnical Institute as an from the 1830s. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The farm is less than 5 miles from the interchange of SOURCE:Raphine Road Wikipedia and Interstate 81, halfway between Lexington and Staunton.

Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center 5 County Connections December 20, 2016

CHAIRPERSONS’ INSTITUTE February 3-4, 2017

Registration Form | Register Online | Omni Richmond Hotel

Are you a county board chair or vice chair?

If so, VACo’s Chairpersons’ Institute is for you. It is held at the Omni Richmond Hotel on February 3-4, 2017. The Institute offers a professional learning experience that is carefully tailored to the needs of county board chairs and vice chairs.

These uncertain times require county leaders who are prepared for every eventuality. To succeed, board chairs and vice chairs must be active leaders who know how to encourage teamwork and manage conflict. They must be confident problem solvers as well as visionary leaders.

The Chairpersons’ Institute was developed with the cooperation of an ad-hoc committee of board chairs. This Institute gives chairs a chance to learn practical strategies in critical areas including the duties, powers and responsibilities of board chairs.

This program provides details on the structure and functions of county government, active leadership, communications, meeting management, decision making, working strategically to achieve important goals, building partnerships with local staff, board colleagues, the media and other government entities.

VIRGINIA CERTIFIED COUNTY SUPERVISORS’ PROGRAM Opening Session: March 17, 2017 | Closing Session: May 12, 2017 Location: Albemarle County Cost: $350 | Registration Deadline: March 7, 2017

A9Rn6pcdb_pfgdu6_6q8.pdf 1 3/8/2016 2:57:13 PM

REGISTRATION FORM #VACoSupervisorsCertification Registration Form | Register Online You can also register online at www.vaco.org. #VACoEducation

Managing While Leading: Understanding Your Powers, Duties and Responsibilities This comprehensive program with home study and a follow-up session is open to all County Supervisors. It is one of the five core courses in the Virginia Certified County Supervisor Program, a joint effort of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Association of Counties.

Dr. Mike Chandler, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, and Dr. Martha Walker, Extension Community Viability Specialist at Virginia Tech, will serve as class instructors. In addition, practitioners and subject matter experts will be featured. There is a home study component following the March 17 session that all participants are required to complete before the May 12 session.

P TE S 1 REGISTRANT INFORMATION — ONLY ONE REGISTRANT PER FORM. PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY. Are leadership, management, and governance symbiotic or separate? NAME JOB TITLE ORGANIZATION

MAILING ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE EMAIL

Boards of Supervisors are elected to serve specific roles and guide EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER EMERGENCY CONTACT RELATIONSHIP TO SELF

P EP TE T S S 2 DATES 3 FEES AND PAYMENT C o s t : $ 3 5 0 p e r p e r s o n , i n c l u d e s b o o k s , m a t e r i a l s & l u n c h Opening Session: Friday, March 17, 2017 * * * Class size limited to first 20 who register. * * *

EP Closing Session: Friday, May 12, 2017 T county functions as defined by the Code of Virginia. This course reviews S Registration Deadline: March 7, 2017 4 PAYMENT INFORMATION Make check payable to VACo or provide credit card information below.

Credit Card Number Expiration: Month/Year (MM/YY) MasterCard Special Dietary Request VISA

Name on Credit Card (please print) AMEX Vegetarian the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the local Supervisor in addition Discover Card Other______Signature

Location Email address for credit card receipt______March 17 and May 12 Location: Questions? Call VACo at 804.788.6652 Albemarle County Office Building to identifying the skill set needed to establish a governance policy McIntire Road, Room 235 MAIL: Virginia Association of Counties Contact if you have a VACo 1207 E. Main Street, Suite 300 disability requiring special provisions Sponsorship Provided By Richmond, VA 23219 or services. FAX: 804.788.0083 body that is consequential. Avoiding poor performance and learning Deadlines and Refund Information Please return completed form to VACo by March 7, 2017.

REFUND POLICY: Requests for registration refunds are honored if received by March 7. Substitutions can be accepted at no additional cost. Photo/Video Policy P TE By registering for the Supervisors' Certification Class, you S SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED FORM how to blend leadership with strategic thinking is a course outcome. acknowledge and agree to grant Virginia Association of 5 Counties the right to record, film and photograph your likeness in its media, marketing, promotional and educational For your protection and to keep in compliance with the Payment Card Industry efforts. You also acknowledge and agree to grant Virginia Security guidelines, VACo cannot accept or process credit card information Association of Counties the right to include your contact provided via email or text. Please fax or mail your registration with your information on an event attendee list made available to other payment information to the address or FAX to 804.788.0083. event attendees and sponsors.

6 County December 20, 2016 Connections news from our associate members

Draper Aden Announces New Principal, Senior Associates and Associates Since 1972, Draper Aden Associates’ success has been thanks in large part to our experienced and dedicated team members who leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve. Recognizing those that truly live our values, we are pleased to announce our newly elected principal, senior associates, and associates. These team member’s share our passion for solving complex engineering challenges; adopt our commitment to exceptional client service; and embody our vision for improving the world around us. Please join us in congratulating the following team members for their hard work and dedication:

New Principal - David Spriggs, PE, Structural Division

New Senior Associates - Bob Bonk, LS, Surveying and SUE Division | Janet Frazier, Environmental Division | Jeff Nelson, Marketing and Business Development

New Associates - Tim Allen, PE, Structural Division | Dan Anderson, PE, Geotechnical Division | Brent Casteele, EIT, Site Development and Infrastructure Division | Tim Cretney, Finance and Accounting | Ted Dean, PG, Geotechnical Division | Mike Futrell, Environmental Division | Michael Little, Surveying and SUE Division| Lutheria Smith, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

Read more about their professional accomplishments, see where their careers began and connect with these exceptional invididuals by clicking here.

7 County Connections December 20, 2016 Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century Adopts Proposals for 2017 The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century met on December 6, along with two of its workgroups, to adopt its package of recommendations for the upcoming General Assembly session. The Joint Subcommittee voted to put forward 12 legislative and budget requests for the 2017 session, and discussed longer-term areas for study, including a mechanism for continuing the Joint• Subcommittee’s work after its current legislative mandate expires on December 1, 2017. Theand following monitoring proposals services were by 2018,included and in phasing the package in a suite of requests of additional for 2017: required services by 2021, including crisis services for individualsRequiring Community with mental Services health orBoards substance (CSBs) use to disorders, provide same-day psychiatric mental rehabilitation, health screening and peer and support outpatient services. primary Commission care screening

upcoming session and develop a plan for funding the remaining services in the next several years. The Governor’s budget, released on members expect to request funding for the top two priorities (same-day access and outpatient primary care screening) in the

• December 16, also makes same-day access a priority and includes $8.2 million in FY 2018 to provide this service in 25 of the 40 CSBs.

Allowing information sharing between the judicial system and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services • (DBHDS) regarding involuntary admission proceedings. Fund to improve its use, including its potential use for voluntary inpatient treatment. Requesting DBHDS and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to study the existing Involuntary Mental Commitment • Directing the Joint Commission on Health Care to study options for increasing the use of telemedicine for mental health services.

•

Requiring that all persons admitted to local jails be screened for mental illness using a standardized assessment tool. Individuals who screeningappear to havein these a mental facilities. illness would be assessed by a qualified mental health professional within 72 hours of the initial screening. The Governor’s budget includes $4.2 million to provide grants to local and regional jails for costs associated with mental health • services for persons to be released from local and regional jails. Requiring the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to develop a plan to provide discharge planning • legislation providing such authority will be introduced at his request this session. Providing the Board of Corrections with the authority to review deaths in local jails. The Governor announced on December 14 that • Clarifying the ability of physicians to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine.

• Directing the development of an alternative model for the provision of transportation for individuals subject to an emergency custody or involuntary admission order that would not require transportation by law enforcement.

• would be targeted to rental subsidies and supportive services for the most frequent users of high-cost treatment, such as inpatient treatmentRequesting in an state appropriation psychiatric of hospitals. $10 million for permanent supportive housing for individuals with serious mental illness; funding

• strategies for housing individuals with serious mental illness. Requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development, in consultation with stakeholders, to develop and implement • supportive housing. Requiring DMAS to research and recommend strategies to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for services included in permanent • An additional item of discussion -- requiring that 20 percent of the Housing Trust Fund be spent on temporary rental assistance, permanent supportive housing, and foreclosure counseling -- will be discussed further at a future meeting before the Joint

AsSubcommittee part of the subcommittee’s makes a final discussion recommendation. of future areas of study, the Joint Subcommittee’s chairman, Senator Deeds, expressed a desire to examine the overall structure of service delivery in the state, describing the existing CSB system as a “loose confederation” with toservices be housed that varyat the among Joint Commission regions depending on Health upon Care localities’ and other ability members to provide advocating financial for support. a temporary Members extension discussed of the waysJoint toSubcommittee ensure that orthe for work its establishmentof the subcommittee as a standing continued body, beyond similar its to scheduled other existing final commissions.report, with Senator House DeedsAppropriations advocating Chairman for oversight Chris of Jones, mental who health was in attendance at the meeting, addressed the Joint Subcommittee and suggested that a two-year extension of the Joint Subcommittee’s work would likely be acted upon favorably by the General Assembly. VACo Contact:

Katie Boyle 8 County December 20, 2016 Connections

House Speaker Bill Howell talks legislative issues that are important to counties in advance of the 2017 General Assembly Session. Click here to watch the video.

Click here to watch VACo President Mary Biggs preview the 2017 General Assembly Session. 9 County Connections December 20, 2016 U.S. EPA Releases Final Report on Impacts from Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Drinking Water Resources WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its scientific report on the impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water resources, which provides states and others the scientific foundation to better protect drinking water resources in areas where hydraulic fracturing is occurring or being considered. The report, done at the request of Congress, provides scientific evidence that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources in the United States under some circumstances. As part of the report, EPA identified conditions under which impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities can be more frequent or severe. The report also identifies uncertainties and data gaps. These uncertainties and data gaps limited EPA’s ability to fully assess impacts to drinking water resources both locally and nationally. These final conclusions are based upon review of over 1,200 cited scientific sources; feedback from an independent peer review conducted by EPA’s Science Advisory Board; input from engaged stakeholders; and new research conducted as part of the study. “The value of high quality science has never been more important in helping to guide decisions around our nation’s fragile water resources. EPA’s assessment provides the scientific foundation for local decision makers, industry, and communities that are looking to protect public health and drinking water resources and make more informed decisions about hydraulic fracturing activities,” said Dr. Thomas A. Burke, EPA’s Science Advisor and Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This assessment is the most complete compilation to date of national scientific data on the relationship of drinking water resources and hydraulic fracturing.” The report is organized around activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle and their potential to impact drinking water resources. The stages include: (1) acquiring water to be used for hydraulic fracturing (Water Acquisition), (2) mixing the water with chemical additives to make hydraulic fracturing fluids (Chemical Mixing), (3) injecting hydraulic fracturing fluids into the production well to create and grow fractures in the targeted production zone (Well Injection), (4) collecting the wastewater that returns through the well after injection (Produced Water Handling), and (5) managing the wastewater through disposal or reuse methods (Wastewater Disposal and Reuse). EPA identified cases of impacts on drinking water at each stage in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle. Impacts cited in the report generally occurred near hydraulically fractured oil and gas production wells and ranged in severity, from temporary changes in water quality, to contamination that made private drinking water wells unusable. As part of the report, EPA identified certain conditions under which impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities can be more frequent or severe, including: • Water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing in times or areas of low water availability, particularly in areas with limited or declining groundwater resources; • Spills during the management of hydraulic fracturing fluids and chemicals or produced water that result in large volumes or high concentrations of chemicals reaching groundwater resources; • Injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity, allowing gases or liquids to move to groundwater resources; • Injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; • Discharge of inadequately treated hydraulic fracturing wastewater to surface water resources; and • Disposal or storage of hydraulic fracturing wastewater in unlined pits, resulting in contamination of groundwater resources.

The report provides valuable information about potential vulnerabilities to drinking water resources, but was not designed to be a list of documented impacts. Data gaps and uncertainties limited EPA’s ability to fully assess the potential impacts on drinking water resources both locally and nationally. Generally, comprehensive information on the location of activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle is lacking, either because it is not collected, not publicly available, or prohibitively difficult to aggregate. In places where we know activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle have occurred, data that could be used to characterize hydraulic fracturing-related chemicals in the environment before, during, and after hydraulic fracturing were scarce. Because of these data gaps and uncertainties, as well as others described in the assessment, it was not possible to fully characterize the severity of impacts, nor was it possible to calculate or estimate the national frequency of impacts on drinking water resources from activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle. EPA’s final assessment benefited from extensive stakeholder engagement with states, tribes, industry, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, and the public. This broad engagement helped to ensure that the final assessment report reflects current practices in hydraulic fracturing and uses all data and information available to the agency. This report advances the science. The understanding of the potential impacts from hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources will continue to improve over time as new information becomes available. For a copy of the study, visit www.epa.gov/hfstudy. (This article was written by the EPA) VACo Contact: Larry Land, CAE

State’s final rule on ‘fracking’ approved

Regulations originally proposed by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) to permit hydraulic. fracking have been approvedThe regulations by the McAuliffe published Administration, in the November and will 28 goVirginia into effect Register on December 28, 2016. The final version of these regulations published in the November 28 Virginia Register can be viewed at this link: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=6055 . VACo Contact: were first proposed by DMME in October, 2014. Questions about the DMME’s new rule on hydraulic fracking may be directed to Michael Skiffington at [email protected] Larry Land, CAE 10 County December 20, 2016 Connections VACo remembers longtime team member of RFC The VACo family extends our thoughts and prayers to the staff and family of Robinson Farmer Cox after the loss of Nancy Blankenbaker on December 7. Nancy joined Mr. Robinson in December 1972 and has been an invaluable member of the RFC Team. She will be dearly missed. RFC has been VACo’s accounting firm for many years. Below is Nancy’s obituary that was printed on December 9.

Nancy Lee Blankenbaker, 67, of Madison went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2016, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. She was born on April 11, 1949, in Orange, VA. She is survived by her parents, Robert Lee Blankenbaker and Bessie Roberta Garr Blankenbaker; and her sister, Doris M. Blankenbaker. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 9, 2016, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison, VA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Mount Carmel Church in Haywood, VA. A fellowship meal with follow the service at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Germanna Foundation Fund, P.O. Box 279, Locust Grove, VA 22508.

Please keep her family in your thoughts. Essex County appoints a new County Administrator which started in July, has reached completion and the County is pleased to announce Timothy Wilson as the new County Administrator.The Essex County Board of Supervisors has completed its search for a County Administrator. The six month long process,

Tim comes to Essex County with 27 years of experience in Economic Development, Planning, and Zoning.

He will begin his duties as County Administrator on January 2, 2017. In addition to the County Administrator duties, he will also be responsible for the enforcement of the Essex County Zoning Ordinance, the Essex County Subdivision Ordinance, and serve as the Zoning Administrator and Plat Official.

The Board’s process began with the assistance of Attorney Phyllis Katz in determining the requirements of its next administrator. The Board then hired Springsted, Inc. to perform the search and vetting process. They sent over 2,000 applicant inquiry packets, which resulted in 29 applications from around the country. Springsted matched the list of applicants with Essex County’s requirements and brought a slate of eight candidates to the Board for consideration. The Board interviewed Welcomefive, and held Tim secondWilson interviewsto Essex County! with three. The Board then deliberated and made a selection.

Timothy Wilson Bio

DegreeTimothy in L. Economics. Wilson, age 53, was born in Houston, Texas, but spent most of his childhood and young adult life as a resident of Newport News, VA. He is a graduate of Denbigh High School and Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts

Wilson’s career includes 27 years of public service and management experience working with regional and local county and town governments in both Virginia and North Carolina. He has lived and worked on the Middle Peninsula serving as the Director of Planning & Community Development in Middlesex County, Virginia from 1996 – 2002. In addition to his time in Middlesex County, Wilson also worked as an Economic Development Planner with Southside Planning District Commission in South Hill, Virginia. He has served as the Director of Planning and Community Development in the localities of Brunswick County, VA, the Town of Nags Head, NC, and Bedford County, VA, and has most recently served as Town Manager for the Town of South Boston, VA.

Wilson has been married for 32 years to his wife Sharon, who is also from Newport News and a graduate of Christopher Newport University. Sharon’s career has been as a Social Worker in both the public and private sectors. They have two adult daughters - Rebecca and Sarah, and three young grandchildren - Robby, Rachel, and Ryleigh. Wilson is an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys fishing, boating, hunting and hiking as well as spending time with his family. Tim and Sharon are looking forward to returning to the Middle Peninsula and moving11 to Essex County. County Connections December 20, 2016 CIT Releases Virginia’s 2016 RUOnlineVA Broadband Demand Report

The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) recently announced the release of the report from Virginia’s 2016 RUOnlineVA initiative – the statewide broadband demand survey. Based on the responses received from citizens throughout the Commonwealth, the survey found many respondents still lack fixed Internet access.

RUOnlineVA, which was officially announced by Governor McAuliffe on May 24, 2016 and closed inAugust, was a statewide survey designed to provide Virginians an opportunity to log their need for Internet service. The goal of the initiative was to identify where broadband is needed most in the Commonwealth.

The RUOnlineVA initiative received strong support from multiple agencies, associations and local governments and collected more than 15,000 responses from residents and businesses from 129 Virginia localities. The report provides details and analysis of the data collected as well as recommendations for the Commonwealth. The resulting recommendations were developed based on the findings of the survey as well as CIT’s expertise and work with providers to determine the barriers to access. The recommendations highlight policies and programs that are considered integral to expanding broadband throughout Virginia.

Among other findings, the data indicates almost one quarter (23% which could represent as many as 782,745 homes) of the respondents have no options for fixed Internet access. Also, almost half (48%) of the respondents are relying on technologies that are too expensive and/or too slow to support critical applications.

In addition to highlighting areas in need, the RUOnlineVA campaign has helped to bridge the gap between the Internet service providers and the citizens. CIT collaborated with some of the incumbent providers to address inquiries about the lack of service reported within coverage areas which resulted in a number of providers identifying and solving some of the issues.

Sandie Terry, Vice President of Broadband at CIT, said, “This survey provided us crowd-sourced broadband demand that gives us a view of unserved areas beyond the provider reported coverage. We are grateful for the providers that worked with us to investigate clusters of unmet demand. Those efforts identified policy and process changes that can eliminate barriers to expansion.”

The RUOnlineVA report can be found here: https://www.wired.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/RUOnline%20 Virginia%202016%20Report.pdf.

Any locality interested in viewing its data or interested in learning how CIT can help it identify and achieve its broadband goals should contact Sandie Terry ([email protected]).

About the Center for Innovative Technology, www.cit.org Since 1985, CIT, a nonprofit corporation, has been Virginia’s primary driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. CIT accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology start-up companies and advanced technology consumers. CIT’s CAGE Code is 1UP71. To learn more, please visit www.cit.org. Follow CIT on Twitter @CITorg and add the Center for Innovative Technology on LinkedIn and Facebook.

12 County December 20, 2016 Connections

SAVE THE DATE 2017 Virginia Agritourism Conference

Agritourism in Virginia’s New Economy

3 Days! Tuesday – Thursday | April 18– 20, 2017

Three days filled with fresh ideas on a variety of hot topics!

• Day 1: Explore multiple agritourism tools including social media, event planning, labor regulations, legal issues, financial resources, marketing strategies, and agritourism’s best practices! Sponsored by:

• Day 2: Visit four farms and personally discover agritourism Farm Credit successes and challenges. Jon Schallert, The Schallert Group, Inc.

• Day 3: Spend the last day with Jon Schallert, who is an The Bed and Breakfast Association internationally-recognized speaker and business expert of Virginia specializing in teaching all types of businesses and USDA Rural Development communities how to turn themselves into highly desired Consumer Destinations. Virginia Agribusiness Council

Virginia Association of Counties Registration information coming soon! Virginia Cooperative Extension Conference Location Hilton Richmond Hotel & Virginia FAIRS Spa/Short Pump Virginia Department of Agriculture 12042 West Broad Street and Consumer Services Richmond, VA 23233 Conference lodging is also available at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Virginia Farm Bureau

Virginia State University For more information, Contact Martha A. Walker | [email protected] | or call 434.766.6761 Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tourism Inc.

13 County Connections December 20, 2016

The Virginia Association of Counties ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES RIDESHARE COORDINATOR/OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER | Fauquier MANAGER | Rappahannock-Rapidan County Regional Commission informationaccepts employment for applying, ads inand a PDF a link file to or a link to a job site. Please include DEPUTY | PostedDIRECTOR, December ZONING 14 & | Posted do not fax your employment ad. VACo PLANNING | Accomack County | SENIORNovember ACCOUNTING 29 CLERK | James membersother important are not information. charged for Pleaseplacing City County per ad for non-VACo members. VACo PROBATIONPosted December OFFICER 14 AND OTHER INSPECTOR-PUBLIC| Posted NovemberWORKS | 23 publishesan employment the ad ad. on Theits website cost is $50and EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | Frederick County mobile app as well as the upcoming James City County | Posted November any questions or concerns, please | Posted December TRANSPORTATION23 ENGINEER | emailCounty Connections issue.. If you have LICENSED13 PRACTICAL NURSE | Hampton Roads Transportation Frederick County Planning Organization MANAGEMENTValerie Russell AND BUDGET 12 November 22 DIRECTOR | Prince William County | | Posted December | Posted DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | Sussex PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST | County Hampton Roads Planning District DIVISIONPosted December MANAGER 20 OF BUILDING Commission INSPECTIONS/BUILDING OFFICIAL | SUPERVISING| Posted REAL December ESTATE 5 Albemarle County APPRAISER | Fairfax County COASTAL ANALYST/PLANNER| Posted November | 22 20 Hampton Roads Planning District | Posted December | Posted Commission DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DIRECTORDecember 5 OF FINANCE | Augusta DEVELOPMENT | James City County | County SOLID WASTE | PostedOPERATIONS November 22 MANAGER | Page County WATA EXECUTIVE | Posted December DIRECTOR 5 November 22 DIRECTORPosted December OF FINANCE 19 | Isle of AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT | Posted Wight County OPPORTUNITIES | James City County DEPUTY TREASURER I AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | CITY MANAGER | Posted APPLY December HERE 19 Gloucester County RECRUITMENT BROCHURE | Riviera GIS| Posted ANALYST December | City 2 of Harrisonburg | 21 Beach, Florida | Posted November SENIOR FACILITIES HVAC EMERGENCY SERVICES | Posted December 19 FIREFIGHTER/EMTPosted December 2 PART-TIME | TECHNICIAN | James City County | COORDINATOR | Surry County | Powhatan County 2 | Posted December BUILDINGPosted November OFFICIAL 18 | Sussex County | DIRECTORPosted December OF PARKS 15 & RECREATION FIREFIGHTER/EMT FULL-TIME | | Surry County Powhatan County 2 DEPUTYPosted November DIRECTOR 18 - DEPARTMENT FINANCE DIRECTOR | Posted | Surry December County 15 | | Posted December OF CODE ADMINISTRATION | City of PART TIME ANIMAL POUND Alexandria ATTENDANT | Sussex County | WASTEWATERPosted December FACILITIES 15 December 1 AUDITOR-INTERNAL | Posted November | Hanover 16 MECHANIC | James City County | Posted County

| Posted November 11 Posted December 15 14 County December 20, 2016 Connections

Richmond, VA 23219-3627 23219-3627 VA Richmond,

1207 East Main St., Suite 300 Suite St., Main East 1207

C tions c onne

C ounty

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Mary W. Biggs, Montgomery County President-Elect: William A. Robertson, Jr., Prince George County VACo exists to support county 1st Vice President: Sherrin C. Alsop, King and Queen County officials and to effectively 2nd Vice President: Robert Thomas, Jr., Stafford County represent, promote and protect the Secretary Treasurer: Donald L. Hart, Jr., Accomack County interests of counties to better serve Immediate Past President: Judy S. Lyttle, Surry County the people of Virginia.

STAFF 1207 East Main Street Executive Director: Dean A. Lynch, CAE Suite 300 General Counsel: Phyllis A. Errico, Esq., CAE Richmond, VA 23219-3627 Director of Administration and Finance: Vicky D. Steinruck, CPA Phone: 804.788.6652 Director of Association Services: Amy V. Sales, CMP Fax: 804.788.0083 Director of Communications: A. Gage Harter www.vaco.org Director of Government Affairs: Katie Boyle Director of Local Government Policy: Joe Lerch, AICP County Connections is a Director of Member Services: Carol I. Cameron semimonthly publication. Director of Policy Development: Larry J. Land, CAE Director of Technical Services: John N. Kandris, A+, ACT, CCA Editor: A. Gage Harter Administrative Assistant: Valerie Russell 804.343.2502 VACORP: Chris Carey, Administrator, 888.822.6772