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County Visit Accomack leaders attend County and the VACo Chincoteague Chairpersons’ National Wildlife County Institute ... Refuge... Page 5 Connections Page 2 Middlesex County Catch up on The Newsletter of the Supervisor your legislative Virginia Association of Counties Jack Miller news with remembered... Capitol Contact Page 3 ... Page 7 March 1, 2018

ENTER THE 2018 VACo ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Dear VACo Members –

It’s time for the 2018 Achievement Awards Program. Any county department is eligible to compete so ENTER NOW!

All entries are required to be submitted in electronic form. No paper copy submissions are necessary. The electronic copy should be a PDF or WORD file. Email entries to Gage Harter at [email protected]. Submissions must be received by June 1.

Last year we processed 79 entries and selected 17 winners from 9 counties. VACo presented awards at 9 Board of Supervisors Meetings and recognized winners at the Annual Conference, in a news release sent to statewide media and in an Achievement Awards booklet.

The judges for the 2018 Achievement Awards will be announced soon.

VACo has received nearly 600 entries over the past nine competitions. Last year’s Best Achievement winner was York County for its “Home-Based Business Assistance” program.

VACo encourages all counties, big and small, to enter the 2018 Achievement Awards Program. Please contact [email protected] with questions or for more information.

Click here for submission form

Click here to browse all of the 2017 entries

Click here to view past Achievement Award winners County Connections March 1, 2018 Board Chairs converge on the VACo Training Center for the Chairpersons’ Institute

Earlier this month, Supervisors from across the Commonwealth traveled to the VACo Training Center for a two-day conference on the duties, joys, challenges, and responsibilities of being a County Board Chair.

The VACo Chairpersons’ Institute is an annual education event, created with the goal of providing County Board Chairs with the skills and information they need to lead their counties, manage staff, and ensure an engaged, open, and transparent government. The February 9-10 Chairperson’s Institute welcomed 20 attendees from Wise County to Stafford County, to hear from experienced instructors on topics ranging from Communications to Meeting Management.

Students heard from experts like Dr. Michael Chandler, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, who shared a detailed history of the Virginian structure of local government, including its powers and duties. Prince William County Attorney Michelle Robl shared her extensive experience in local government and provided best practices for keeping public meetings on course. The Institute also included sessions on the challenges of Internal Work Relationships, led by Dinwiddie County Supervisor Harrison Moody and Dinwiddie County Administrator Kevin Massengill; Governing Across Boundaries, led by Erik Johnston and David Conmy of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development; and The Role of Goal Setting, led by VACo President and King and Queen County Supervisor Sherrin Alsop and King and Queen County Administrator Thomas Swartzwelder.

Each instructor provided real world examples of how their topic of discussion had impacted or been implemented in Virginia counties, and engaged in an active Q&A session with those in attendance. Attendees came away from the Institute armed with new information and ideas to help them succeed as leaders on their county boards.

If you missed the Chairperson’s Institute, but would like to grow in your knowledge and skill as a County Supervisor, take advantage of the opportunities offered by VACo. On March 23-24, VACo will host its biennial Supervisors’ Forum that will include sessions on budgeting, meeting management, school board relationships, and more. Register for this event here.

In addition, VACo offers its Supervisors’ Certification courses throughout the year on topics like community planning, leadership, budgeting, and decision making. Register for those courses here.

VACo Contact: Angela Inglett 2 County Connections March 1, 2018 Remembering Middlesex County Supervisor Jack Miller

By Larry Chowning | Southside Sentinel News

John D. (Jack) Miller Jr. of Locust served as VACo Region 2 Director from Hill, a Middlesex County supervisor 2003-2017. for over 22 years and former chair of Delegate Keith Hodges in 2013 the board, passed away on Monday, presented Mr. Miller an award from the February 19, after a bout with cancer. Virginia State legislature that thanked Mr. Miller served five full terms him for leading VACo with “integrity, and most of a sixth term as Saluda determination and dedication.” District representative and later He served on the Middlesex as the Harmony Village District’s County School Board from 1987 to representative on the Middlesex County 1991 and was chair of the board in Board of Supervisors. 1990. He served on the Virginia School Mr. Miller is a native of the county Board Association (VSBA) and was and graduated from Middlesex High on the state school board legislative School in 1967. He also graduated from committee. He also served as the vice Rappahannock Community College. chairman of the eastern areas of VSBA. He served in the United States Coast Mr. Miller was a heart transplant on the county board of supervisors. He Guard from 1968-72 and was stationed recipient and throughout numerous was extremely determined to continue in Boston, Mass., Cape May, N.J., and health issues showed a great deal of grit doing what he wanted to do. Yorktown. and determination as he continued to “Jack brought experience to the Mr. Miller was first elected to serve his community as a supervisor. board and he was a good friend to office in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, Middlesex County board chairman Middlesex County,” said Holt. “He loved 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. While a Chip Holt said, “Jack was very well the county and always tried to do what supervisor, he was elected president known around the state with his work he thought was best for the people of of the Virginia Association of Counties in VACo. When he would get sick he’d Middlesex. We are going to miss him!” (VACo) for the 2012-2013 term and get right back up and continue his work See Mr. Miller’s obituary.

On February 21, Delegate Keith Hodges remembered the life and work of Middlesex County Supervisor Jack Miller on the House floor.Click photo to view video. 3 County Connections March 1, 2018 House and Senate pass budgets and name Conferees

On February 22, the House and Senate passed their respective budgets; the budgets were officially placed in conference on February 28, where the differences between the two bills will be negotiated and reconciled.

House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox on February 27 named House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones, Delegate Scott Garrett, Delegate Barry Knight, Delegate Chris Peace, Delegate Mark Sickles, and Delegate Luke Torian to the conference committees for the state budget bills, HB 29 and HB 30.

On February 28, the Senate named its seven members on the conference committee. Led by Senate Finance Committee Co-Chairs Senator Tommy Norment and Senator Emmett Hanger, the members are Senator Janet Howell, Senator Steve Newman, Senator Frank Ruff, Senator Richard Saslaw, and Senator Frank Wagner.

The 13 Conferees will work to agree on the “caboose” budget, which amends funding levels for the current fiscal year (end- ing June 30), and another for the upcoming biennium starting July 1. VACo analyzed the budgets as passed by the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee on February 18, and reported on them in this blog post.

VACo will continue to advocate for key priorities of local government during the conference deliberations.

VACo Contact: Katie Boyle

UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center Seeks Population Projection Data

Since the release of Virginia population projections in June 2017, a number of localities have reached out to the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service with inquiries about how the projections are used by state agencies and other localities. In particular, many were curious to know if these projections are used in funding allocations by the state.

As data producers, the Weldon Cooper Center is also interested in learning more about how the data are used by state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations, and what information is most needed. To that end, staff has designed a short 6-question survey to help answer these questions and inform their projections work.

Survey: Virginia Population Projections Data User Survey

The Survey will close on Friday, March 16. At that time, the Weldon Cooper Center will analyze the responses, prepare a report, and make the report available on our website for your review.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the survey or the process, please do not hesitate to contact Shonel Sen at shonel. [email protected], or 434.982.5861. 4 County Connections March 1, 2018 Visit Accomack County and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Points of Interest We encourage you to start your visit at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. There are a variety of exhibits, displays, brochures and wildlife- oriented programs. Refuge staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and help plan activities. Videos are shown by request daily in the visitor center auditorium, and programs on a variety of topics are offered during the summer. Inquire at the information desk for further details. The gift shop, with a selection of books, clothing items, and jewelry, is located in the refuge visitor center and is run by the Chincoteague Natural History Association. The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center is open 7 days a week. Address: 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. Telephone: 757.336.6122

Assateague Lighthouse dangerous shoals offshore. Construction on a taller, more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse began in 1860 but was delayed by the Civil In 1833, the first Assateague Lighthouse was constructed to warn ocean travelers of the lens. In 1891, a separate oil storage building was built, and a new assistant keeper’s house was constructed in 1910. In 1929, the keeper staff wasWar. reduced.After the In war, 1933, work the resumed lighthouse’s and theoil lampslighthouse were was replaced completed by an inelectric 1867. lamp,The light and was the originalalso upgraded keeper’s that house year, was to a removed.first order Fresnel Today the 1910 assistant keeper’s house is used as seasonal staff residence. The oil storage building is used as an art gallery during summer months. In 2004, the U.S. Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the light as an active navigational aid, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is responsible for preserving the lighthouse. The Assateague Island lighthouse is listed on the Virginia Historic Register. In 2008, restoration of the lighthouse began to preserve this historic treasure. Extensive work was done including repairs to the gallery deck so that visitors can safely enjoy the view from the top of the lighthouse and a new paint job that can be enjoyed while admiring the building from the ground.

Recreational Beach Some of the most gorgeous beaches found on the Atlantic Coast are located here at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The white seashore to enjoy, including a recreational beach, wild beach and the Toms Cove Hook, also referred to as the Over-sand Vehicle Zone (OSV). sandy beaches of this windswept barrier island are a major reason for visitors to flock to this area. For beach lovers, there are many miles of SOURCE: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 5 County Connections March 1, 2018

March 23-24, 2018

Registration Form | Preliminary Agenda | Register Online | Registration Deadline: March 6 Sponsorship Opportunities | Book Online Omni Richmond Hotel

The County Supervisors’ Forum helps supervisors concentrate on critical issues facing counties today: intergovernmental relations, financial responsibilities, schools, economic development, transportation, environmental protection, communications, legal issues and more. An overview of county government and the work of county supervisors are covered.

Newly elected and incumbent supervisors, chief county administrative officers and other government managers should attend. These leaders will come away with information they need to steer their locality forward.

The conference registration fee is $295, which covers a County Supervisors’ Manual, Friday lunch and dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch. Spouses and guests who attend may register for $150, which covers those meals.

Click here for the Registration Form.

2018 VACo County Supervisors’ Forum Preliminary AGENDA

MARCH 23-24, 2018 | Omni Richmond Hotel Reservations Registration Form | Online Registration

Friday, March 23

Noon Registration

1230pm Lunch

Welcome and Introduction: The Honorable Sherrin C. Alsop | VACo President | King and Queen County Supervisor

The Honorable Robert M. “Bob” Thomas, Jr. | 28th House District 6 Delegate

130pm Overview of a Supervisor’s Responsibilities

The Honorable Sherrin C. Alsop | VACo President | King and Queen County Supervisor

2pm Budget Workshop

Brenda G. Garton | Former County Administrator in Orange County, Prince George County, Gloucester County and Frederick County

345pm Break

County Connections March 1, 2018

The 2018 General Assembly session will span from January 10 to March 10, and legislators will deliberate on many issues critical to local government, including taxes, the state budget, education funding, economic development, public safety, and other policy matters.

VACo will continually provide updates during the session through Capitol Contact. To ensure that you are receiving our legislative bulletin, please send Gage Harter your best email address. Below are recent Capitol Contacts.

February 28, 2018: Oppose Wireless Bill Gutting Local Authority Over Siting of Cell Towers – Delegates and Senators to Cast Final Votes this Week

February 27, 2018: Chesapeake Bay Tree Replacement Bill Passes Senate, Heads Back to House

February 22, 2018: Key Elements of House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committee Budgets

February 22, 2018 ALERT: Wireless Bills Gutting Local Authority Over Land Use and Public Rights-of-Way Face Critical Votes Next Week

February 21, 2018 ALERT: Call Now to Oppose Mandating Use Value Taxation for Certain Properties

February 19, 2018: House Appropriations, Senate Finance Report Budgets

February 15, 2018: Opposition to Wireless Bills Mounting as They Cross Over between House and Senate

February 13, 2018: Mandate for Localities to Post All Expenditures on Website Advances

February 12, 2018 ALERT: Oppose Bills that Upset Well-Established Real Estate Tax Appeal Processes

February 12, 2018: Bills Gutting Local Authority to Address Siting of Wireless Towers Advance

February 8, 2018: Governor Northam speaks at VACo County Government Day

February 5, 2018: Oppose House and Senate Bills Mandating Public Comment

February 2, 2018: House Panel Guts Local Control Over Zoning

February 1, 2018: Oppose Bad Wireless Bill Now

January 31, 2018 ALERT: Oppose Bad Wireless Bill Now

January 30, 2018: School Boards Bill Rereferred to Senate Courts of Justice 7 County Connections March 1, 2018

George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Education and Human Development, and Mason’s Center for Regional Analysis invite you to attend:

SYMPOSIUM ON STRENGTHENING THE PIPELINE FROM SCHOOL TO WORK: Private Sector and School Partnerships

In response to a changing economy, many states—including Virginia—now expect their public schools to offer students real world experience before they enter the workforce. As a result, schools must now partner with their business community to create work-based learning opportunities. This symposium will bring business and school leaders together to discuss rigorous strategies for establishing and growing these partnerships.

Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver the keynote address.

Other panelists include: o Anne Holton; former Virginia Secretary of Education and visiting professor of education policy at GMU o Dr. Jeffery Smith; Superintendent, Hampton City Schools and Champion of the Academies of Hampton o Steve Constantino, Acting Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction o Monica Callahan; ChamberRVA o Tom Windley, CEO, Premier Physical Therapy o Lt. Jason Price, The Academy of Law & Public Safety at Bethel High School This symposium organized with support from the Virginia Dept. of Education and Jobs For the Future.

For more information and an agenda, please visit http://psc.gmu.edu/workforce/ Registration costs $25, and lunch will be provided. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For questions, contact Dr. Mark White ([email protected])

Thursday, March 8, 2018 9:00am – 2:30pm Tuesday, March 8, 2018 George Mason University Founders Hall Auditorium 3351 Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22201 Near the Virginia Square Metro stop

8 County Connections March 1, 2018

VML/VACo Finance Municipal Advisory & Financing Services

VML/VACo Finance is a Municipal Advisor (MA) registered with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). SEC Municipal Advisors are subject to professional qualification standards and a code of conduct established by federal authorities. Services to facilitate your next financing If you are planning to finance a capital project or equipment, we can help. Fee quotes are provided up-front so there’s no guesswork on your part. Select one or more of the following three deliverables:

Plan of Finance Review outstanding debt and adequacy of revenues to support new debt. Evaluate financing options, make recommendation, develop estimated debt service schedules.

Financing Implementation Bank loans Municipal bonds State bond pools Equipment leasing Interim financing No-closing-cost financing options* (exclusive to VML/VACo Finance)

Credit Analysis & Benchmarking Apply industry standards to evaluate essential measures of a locality’s financial health. Compare key financial criteria to local government peers.

Let our MSRB-registered Municipal Advisors assist your locality with its next financing.

valocalfinance.org | [email protected] | 804-648-0635

*Excludes legal fees when required.

9 County Connections March 1, 2018

The Virginia Association of Counties accepts employment ads in a PDF file or a link to a job site. Please include RECREATION information for applying, and a link to OPERATIONS COORDINATOR | James PRINCIPAL PLANNER | other important information. Please Posted February 23 City County | Fauquier County | Posted February 20 do not fax your employment ad. VACo members are not charged for placing an employment ad. The cost is $50 per ad for non-VACo members. VACo TOURISM COORDINATOR publishes the ad on its website and | Brunswick County | Posted February EMERGENCY SERVICES mobile app as well as the upcoming 23 County Connections issue. If you have COORDINATOR Recruitment any questions or concerns, please Information | Madison County | email Valerie Russell. Posted February 19

10 County Connections March 1, 2018

ASSISTANT REAL ESTATE DIRECTOR | Fairfax County | Posted LEAD SATELLITE January 29 SERVICES ASSISTANT | James City

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

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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Sherrin C. Alsop | King and Queen County President-Elect: Tim A. Reeves | Wythe County VACo exists to support county 1st Vice President: Stephen W. Bowen | Nottoway County officials and to effectively 2nd Vice President: Jeff C. McKay | Fairfax County represent, promote and protect the Secretary Treasurer: Donald L. Hart | Jr., Accomack County interests of counties to better serve Immediate Past President: Mary W. Biggs | Montgomery 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 Communications: A. Gage Harter Fax: 804.788.0083 Director of Government Affairs: Katie Boyle www.vaco.org Director of Government Relations: Chris J. McDonald, Esq. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs: Khaki LaRiviere County Connections is a Director of Local Government Policy: Joe Lerch, AICP semimonthly publication. Director of Member Services: Carol I. Cameron Director of Program Development: Angela Inglett Editor: A. Gage Harter Director of Technical Services: John N. Kandris, A+, ACT, CCA 804.343.2502 Administrative Secretary: Valerie M. Russell VACORP: Chris Carey, Administrator, 888.822.6772