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Fairfax County considers new tax options
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is exploring its taxing options, including possible taxes on meals and event admissions, in the hopes of reducing its reliance on property taxes. Supervisors discussed new revenue diversification proposals at Tuesday’s (Sept. 17) budget policy committee meeting after calling on County Executive Bryan Hill to identify ways to ease the tax burden on homeowners and fill reported shortfalls in state funding for public schools. The recommendations include raising the transient occupancy (hotel) tax and introducing new taxes on meals, admissions and probate, which is imposed on the property of someone recently deceased.
Virginia rolls out results-driven pollution reduction program
A new program that scientists have sought to make Chesapeake Bay clean up more effective is now underway in Virginia, following a budget allocation from the legislature this year. Known as the Pay-for-Outcomes grant program, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting applications by Feb. 3 for the $20 million that is available. “We’re not reimbursing people for efforts, we’re only paying for outcomes,” said Jonathan Rak, chief policy Advisor at DEQ, which administers a wide range of water quality programs. “We’re really excited about that.”
Albemarle sheriff, police chief resolve dispute, sign new contract
Tensions between Albemarle County’s sheriff’s office and police department have cooled after the two agencies agreed on a new contract this week. Albemarle County Sheriff Chan Bryant and Police Chief Sean Reeves worked together to create the new agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding, which delegates shared responsibilities between the two. ... The specific obligation in dispute was a requirement that the sheriff’s office transport mental health patients to hospitals across the commonwealth.
Incorrect mail-in ballots sent to more than 7,000 Virginia Beach homes, officials say
City officials are advising residents in certain districts to shred mail-in ballots that were sent to them in error. Incorrect ballots were mailed to roughly 7,400 homes on Wednesday, according to the city. Candidates for City Council in Districts 3 and 7, as well as School Board candidates in District 4, were printed in the wrong order on the mail-in ballots, also known as absentee ballots.
First solar panel manufacturer in Virginia to open in Bedford County
The first Virginian solar panel manufacturer is set to open in Bedford County, bringing new life to a long-vacant facility. The new Solarix plant, located in Forest off Perrowville Road, occupies the former Teva Pharmaceutical facility, which has been empty for three years. The site, nearly half a million square feet, is currently undergoing significant electrical upgrades in preparation for the project.
Republican Party of Virginia asks local VA-05 GOP committee members to affirm support for McGuire
The Republican State Central Committee sent letters to local committee chairs and some of their members in the 5th Congressional District asking them to affirm their support for state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, the district’s congressional nominee. Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) Chair Rich Anderson confirmed the letter was sent to roughly 12 local party members within VA-05 after concerns were expressed by the executive committee for the Republican State Central Committee. These concerns stemmed from an open letter signed by several local Republican committee members asking Donald Trump to revoke his endorsement of McGuire over Rep. Bob Good for the June primary election, Anderson says.
First lady Suzanne Youngkin holds discussion on school cell phone policies
Paul Phillips, a grandparent of two students in Chesapeake Public Schools, believes cellphones should not be allowed for personal use during the school day. “They can be a distraction,” he said. “Texting, phone calls between students…that would cause a distraction.” Phillips and his wife were part of a small audience Thursday night at Chesapeake Public School headquarters where they watched and listed to a remote discussion streamed by Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne Youngkin.
Loudoun Supervisors to Study Funding Options for Underground Power Lines
County supervisors will take a more detailed look at the possibility of undergrounding high voltage transmission lines—and the question of who should pay for it—after a year marked by community concern over multiple planned overhead power projects. Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) brought forward a Board Member Initiative during a meeting Tuesday night to evaluate how costs should be allocated if transmission lines are placed underground and what legislative changes would be needed to reallocate those costs.
Drug recovery court gets $2 million grant to expand program
The Lynchburg Adult Recovery Court received a $2 million federal grant that will be used to add a probation officer to supervise program participants, as well as provide housing for people with drug addictions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provided the grant to the Lynchburg drug recovery program, according to a recovery court news release Tuesday. Since its inception in 2017, there have been 81 participants and 21 graduates of the recovery court, which provides treatment for people in the criminal justice system struggling with drug addictions.
Virginia first lady hosts conversation about cell phones as commonwealth restricts phones in schools
Virginia’s new policies restricting cell phones in public schools have been the talk among parents, teachers and students across the commonwealth all school year. On Thursday night, Virginia’s First Lady, Suzanne Youngkin, hosted a discussion on the issue in Prince William County, and those in attendance shared their thoughts on the new rules.