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2019
WASHINGTON
COUNTY VIRGINIA
WashCoVa.com 1
Message from the Chairman On behalf of the Washington County, Virginia Board of Supervisors, I am pleased to share our 2019 Annual Report. Now entering its eighth year, the Annual Report seeks to enhance citizen awareness of county operations, and provide a snapshot of the various activities and accolades which occurred throughout the year. Washington County’s mindful fiscal management practices lead to numerous cost-savings opportunities during the past year. For the second year in a row, I am very pleased to share that the County completed the fiscal year (2018-2019) with a budget surplus of over $2.4 million. Savings will be utilized to continue to allow the County to have additional cash on hand for necessary and/or unforeseen expenditures, as well as to begin laying the important foundations for future capital expenditures. Significant spatial, accessibility, and security challenges of the Washington County Courthouse emerged as important topics for Board discussions throughout the majority of 2019. In November, Washington County citizens participated in a referendum to decide whether or not the Washington County Courthouse should be moved to 300 Towne Center Drive, Abingdon. Following a majority ‘no’ vote for this referendum, Courthouse operations will remain at its current location. Officials will continue to work over the next several years to help address the long-term needs for the Washington County Courthouse. As we look forward to 2020, important foundations are in place for new and continued activities to advance telecommunications/broadband infrastructure development, public safety, and economic development. Our Board of Supervisors, County staff, and community partners are committed to helping to advance the quality of life and well-being for all residents. We look forward to receiving your thoughts and feedback on this year’s report. Saul Hernandez 2019 Chairman, Board of Supervisors Washington County, Virginia 2 Washington County, VA
Contents
2019 Board of Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Board of Supervisors Committees
• Organizational Chart
County Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• County Administrator
• County Attorney
• Budget and Financial Overview
• Human Resources
• General Services
• Information Systems
• Zoning Administration
• Building & Development Services
Constitutional Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• County Treasurer
• Commissioner of the Revenue
• Clerk of Circuit Court
• Commonwealth’s Attorney
• County Sheriff
Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• Economic Development & Community Relations
• Virginia Highlands Airport Authority
• Chamber of Commerce
Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
• Public School System
• Public Library System
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Elections
• Emergency Management Services
• Recreation
• Washington County Park Authority
Community Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• Solid Waste
• Washington County Service Authority
WashCoVa.com 3
2019 Board of Supervisors
Chairman Vice-Chair
Saul Hernandez Allison Mays
Tyler District/F-11 Madison District/C-11
shernandez@washcova.com amays@washcova.com
Phillip B. McCall Randy L. Pennington Eddie Copenhaver Mike Rush Dwayne Ball
Harrison District/A-11 Jefferson District/B-11 Monroe District/D-11 Taylor District/E-11 Wilson District/G-11
pmccall@washcova.com rpennington@washcova.com ecopenhaver@washcova.com mrush@washcova.com dball@washcova.com
The Board of Supervisors
serves as the local legislature,
adopting local laws or “ordinances”
applicable only to Washington
County, but within the restrictions
set forth by the state laws of Virginia.
The seven members of the Board are
elected from their representative
electoral districts every four years.
Major duties of the Board of
Supervisors are to set the local tax
rates for land and personal property,
establish a budget for use of tax
revenues to fund government
activities, and to regulate land use
through subdivision and zoning
Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings Contact the Board of Supervisors
are held the through the County Administrator’s Office ordinances. The Board of Supervisors
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, (276) 525-1300 is also responsible for the
at 6:30 p.m. in the appointment of the County
Board of Supervisors Auditorium: Online at
www.washingtoncountyva.iqm2.com Administrator, County Attorney, and
Washington County Government Center • Download meeting agendas
1 Government Center Place • Download meeting mintutes members of the County’s various
Abingdon, VA 24210 • View and download Board records authority, boards, and committees.
4 Washington County, VA
Board of Supervisor Committees
These committees are composed of two members of the Board of Supervisors, various
members of other County Boards, Authorities, Commissions, and County Staff. County
Committees are generally established/re-established at the Board’s first January Organizational Chart
organizational meeting each year. Additional information on each Board of Supervisor
Committee can be found on the County website at: www.WashCoVa.com. Washington County
Board of Supervisors
Agriculture Committe
This committee reviews, investigates, and develops recommendations and reports on matters that
impact the agriculture industry in Washington County. County Administrator County Attorney
Jason N. Berry Lucy Phillips
Community Advocacy Committee (276) 525-1300 (276) 525-1370
This committee was established to assist County leadership and community leaders with
resources to make a difference in the lives of rural children and families through a focus on early
Budget & Finance Department
childhood development to help reduce childhood poverty in Washington County.
Tammy Copenhaver
(276) 525-1310
Courthouse Long-Range Planning Committee
This committee works to maintain the Washington County Courthouse, to perserve the Building & Development
Services Department
historical significance of the structure, while also making adjustments to allow the local judiciary
Doug Cassell, Interim
to continue modernized, fully functional, comfortable, and secure operations. (276) 525-1320
Emergency Services Committee Economic Development &
This committee reviews, oversees, investigates, and develops recommendations and reports on Community Relations Department
matters pertaining to fire and emergency medical rescue services. This committee also creates and Whitney B. Czelusniak
(276) 525-1305
implements polices and procedures for the replenishment of equipment and apparatus.
Emergency Management
Facilities Committee Services Department
This committee reviews, investigates, and develops recommendations and reports on matters Theresa Kingsley-Varble
pertaining to County office or other building facilities, including assessing the immediate and (276) 525-1330
long-term needs of these facilities. General Services Department
Kevin Hill
Joint Economic Development Committee (276) 525-1355
This committee reviews, oversees, investigates, and develops recommendations and reports on
matters involving coordination of County economic development activities between the Board of Human Resources Department
Kathy Johnson
Supervisors and Washington County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) or Smyth- (276) 525-1313
Washington Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (SWIFA).
Information Systems Department
Personnel Committee Keith Loyd
This committee reviews, oversees, investigates, and develops recommendations and reports on (276) 525-1360
matters pertaining to personnel needs, policies, and practices of the Washington County Recreation Department
government. Keith Owens
(276) 525-1385
Solid Waste Department
Allen Morris
(276) 623-1044
Zoning Administration Department
Stephen Richardson
(276) 525-1391
WashCoVa.com 5
The County
Administrator County Administrator
is the Chief Administrative Jason N. Berry s jberry@washcova.com s 276.525.1300
officer for Washington
County government
and is appointed by the
Washington County Board
of Supervisors. The County
Administrator has overall
responsibility for financial
management, preparation
and administration of the Major Accomplishments:
County’s annual budget,
In 2019 the Board of Supervisors chose to
planning, community and
confront the ongoing challenges of the 150 year
economic development,
old Washington County Courthouse. The major
and supervision of the
challenge facing the courthouse is space, both
general County projects and
inside and outside the building. Currently, the
agencies that are under the
courthouse has 47,000 sq. ft. of available space;
direct control of the Board of
based on Virginia Supreme Court Standards and
Supervisors.
current caseloads, 88,000 sq. ft. is needed.
The County Administrator Outside, parking is limited, with only 75
provides oversight, dedicated courthouse parking spots to serve 77
management and coordination employees and an average of 343 visitors each
of the Administrative Division weekday.
departments and staff, develops
strategic operational goals and
As a result of the courthouse being built and
objectives, and oversees and
renovated over the course of 150+ years, the
directs the implementation of
current structure is actually four separate buildings that have been cobbled together. Narrow hallways
departmental work plans with
and staircases/elevators that may or may not access certain floors, makes transitioning into and
the primary focus of continuous
through the facility extremely problematic, especially for persons in wheelchairs who must use a
improvement in the delivery of
series of ramps and lifts to access certian areas. Infrastructure systems have been installed as needed,
governmental services, with special
but with space at a premium, and with caring for different buildings with varying requirements,
emphasis on quality customer
maintaining these systems is difficult. Space limitations have resulted in significant security
service and public relations. Team
deficiencies within the courthouse. Presently, the building is not suitable for security precautions
building, management training,
and safety equipment that are considered standard and necessary. Inmates enter, exit, and are moved
employee development and sound
through the building using the same parking areas and hallways as judges and staff members.
business decisions are tools the The County had been studying the issue for years, trying to find efficient, cost-effective, long-term
County Administrator uses to help solutions. Three potential solutions emerged out of these previous studies; 1) construction of a new
the County achieve its strategic courthouse, 2) renovation of the existing facility, and 3) adaptive reuse of an existing facility – the
service goals. former Kmart building in the Town of Abingdon. A potential relocation of the courts would require a
The County Administrator promotes a special referendum vote by the citizens of Washington County.
good relationship between the County
During the month of July, a series of Town Hall meetings were held in each election district to provide
government and citizens of the County
citizens with information on the issues, present the possible solutions, and to answer questions. On
by establishing and maintaining a
Monday, August 5th, the Washington County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a motion to enter
positive image of the County, promotes
into a purchase option for the former Kmart building as a potential location to host the County’s court
and encourages the continued
functions. A petition was filed with the Circuit Court
community and economic development Positive Financial Trends - Budget Surplus
$2,529,239 to let voters decide whether the County may relocate
of the County, and promotes and $2,471,795
all operations in its courthouse from 189 East Main
encourages feasible and economically $1,264,664
Street to 300 Towne Centre Drive.
desirable cooperative projects with Capital
Improvement
neighboring political jurisdictions. Fund The referendum vote was held on November 5th,
The Administrator is charged with the concurrent with the general election. A final vote
responsibility to strive to achieve greater $1,264,664 of 5,271 in favor of the move and 12,075 against,
$692,071
efficiency, effectiveness, accountability
General resulted in a defeated referendum. Moving forward,
Fund
and economy in governmental services Reserves the County will continue to work to alleviate the
and business. ongoing challenges of the historic 150 year old
2017 2018 2019 courthouse.
6 Washington County, VA
County Attorney The County
Attorney
Lucy Phillips s lphillips@washcova.com s 276.525.1370 is appointed by and serves
at the direction of the
Board of Supervisors. The
County Attorney provides
legal assistance not only to
Highlights: the Board of Supervisors,
Administrative Matters but also to the County
Administrator, administrative
The County Attorney researched and provided legal advice to the County
departments, and on
Administrator and Board of Supervisors regarding state and local laws that
occasion, Constitutional
governed proposed relocation of Courthouse operations. This matter involved state law requirements
Officers, and the Public
for relocating courthouse operations, conducting a referendum on the proposed relocation, and
Library system. Legal work
resolving local zoning issues.
can involve: researching and
drafting County ordinances,
Procurement, Negotiation, & Drafting Contracts defending or bringing lawsuits
The County Attorney assisted with drafting of procurement documents and prepared contracts for in which the County or its
purchase of the goods and services that required procurement as well as for those that did not require boards, departments, agencies,
procurement. officials, or employees is a
party; providing guidance on
• Roof replacements for Government Center Building, Courthouse, Public Library in Abingdon, local government compliance
and Green Cove Community Center. with laws; and other matters
• Public outreach assistance regarding Courthouse operations relocation proposal. requiring interpretation of law.
• Mass assessment service for 2021 General Assessment.
• Construction of Emergency Services Facility to serve Green Cove community. Consultation often considers
• Municipal financial planning services. the Freedom of Information
Act, Conflict of Interest Act,
Other County initiatives required County Attorney to assist with negotiations and to draft contracts Public Procurement Act, tax
and deeds: assessment and collection,
• Donation to the County of property for Green Cove Emergency Services Facility. economic development incentive
• Purchase of Green Cove Solid Waste Convenience Station. agreements, and general
• Agreement for Purchase of Building for relocation of operations of County Courthouse corporate matters. Litigation
contingent upon results of referendum. includes prosecution of violations
of County regulatory ordinances
Ordinances such as subdivision ordinance,
zoning ordinance, building code,
The County Attorney is responsible to research and draft ordinances for review and adoption by the erosion & sediment control, and civil
Board of Supervisors. The following ordinances were adopted in 2019: complaints for demolition of unsafe
• Ordinance to require collection of an Admissions Tax on the Johnson property in Washington structures and related cost recovery.
County that adjoins the Pinnacle Shopping Center in Tennessee.
• Ordinance to authorize video monitoring and civil penalty to enforce law against passing
stopped school buses.
Litigation
The County Attorney researched and provided legal advice to the Board of Supervisors regarding its
involvement in two class action lawsuits. The County was a plaintiff in each of the following class
action lawsuits:
• Washington County v. Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al. – The Complaint in this lawsuit was filed on
August 6, 2018, in Washington County Circuit Court to claim damages resulting from illegal
conduct of the manufacturers and distributers of opioid pharmaceuticals. The lawsuit was
removed to federal court and continues to proceed in that forum.
• Washington County v. United States of America – This class action lawsuit demanded that the
Federal Government pay the plaintiffs, including the County, the amount of payment in lieu of
taxes required by federal law as compensation for real property tax that is lost to the County
due to the presence of federally owned real property in the County. The County received
payment of $984 to cover the Federal Government’s delinquency, less the expenses of litigation.
WashCoVa.com 7
The Budget
and Finance Budget & Finance
Department Tammy Copenhaver s tcopenhaver@washcova.com s 276.525.1310
is responsible for the
County’s overall accounting
system, including accounts
payable, budgeting, Major Accomplishments:
purchasing, financial
The Budget & Finance Department worked throughout the year providing oversight of the County’s
accounting, and payroll. A
Budget and Finance function and advising the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors on
primary function of this
major budgeting, accounting, and procurement matters. Notable activities during 2019 include:
department is to develop
and manage the County’s • Budget & Finance Department in conjunction with the Treasurer’s Office worked with a
Annual Operating Budget. third-party service provider to set up a process for accepting credit cards for the Solid Waste
The months of July through Department, Recreation Department, and Building & Development Services Department to
September are spent provide added convenience to customers.
preparing materials for the • For fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, the County had a surplus in the general fund of
next budget cycle. Formal $2,471,795. The Board of Supervisor’s approved the surplus to be added to the undesignated
budget request documents General Fund Reserve. The County increased the General Fund Reserve percentage of
are sent out in early October operating budget from 13.4% to 14.9%.
with the final budget adoption
occurring in late June. The
newly adopted Annual County Procurement
Budget takes effect on July 1st of Teamwork is essential and necessary for successful procurement. The Budget & Finance Department
each year. worked with the County Administrator, County Attorney, and County departments on several
Procurement is also a primary procurements during the year. Major procurements included:
function of this department, with • The Board of Supervisors set aside capital improvement funds for the General Service
the issuance of Invitation for Bids Department for roof replacement for Washington County Government Center Building,
(IFBs) and Requests for Proposals Washington County Public Library, and Washington County Courthouse. Procurement was
(RFPs) for goods and services successfully completed for roof replacement for the three facilities.
purchased by the County’s General
Government. The Department • The Board of Supervisors set aside capital
also provides small purchasing improvement funds for the Solid Waste
procedures and guidance to assist Department for various equipment needs
general government departments essential to operations. Procurements were
to obtain the best goods and successfully completed for a Solid Waste
services at the lowest possible cost Trash Truck, 12 Roll-Off Containers, and 5
consistent with the quality needed. Compactor Receiver Containers.
To have a good procurement
program, all county employees
must work as a team to promote the
County’s best interests in obtaining Fiscal Year 2019-2020
the maximum value for each dollar of
ADOPTED REVENUE
ADOPTED REVENUEBUDGET
BUDGET
expenditure.
$121,024,053
$128,369,264
The Department of Budget & Finance 2% 3%
processes all general government Beginning Funds
Beginning Funds
accounts payable and pays 45% 46%
30% 29% General Property
General Taxes
Property Taxes
approximately 300 County employees. OtherOther
LocalLocal
TaxesTaxes
The Department works directly with 9% OtherOther
LocalLocal Revenues
Revenues ADOPTED EXPENDITURE BUDGET
10% Charges for Services
the Treasurer’s Office to reconcile the 6% 4%
5% 4% 4% Charges for Services $128,369,264
Federal Funds
Federal Funds
County’s financial records, and it States Funds 3% 1% 3%
Education
States Funds General Government
routinely prepares financial reports for 3% 4%
0%
8%
Public Safety
the Board of Supervisors. 10% Other
68% Capital Improvments
Public Works
3%
Health & Welfare
Community & Economic Develop
Debt Service
8 Washington County, VA
Human Resources The Human
Resources
Kathy Johnson s kjohnson@washcova.com s 276.525.1313 Department is
responsible for all employees
of the County’s general
government, as well as,
Notable 2019 Achievements: administrating benefits for
approximately 300 employees.
Having well-developed policies and procedures in place helps clarify employee
This department plans,
expectations for performance and standards of behavior. Updating and implementing new policies is
implements, and administers
also an important process to help ensure professionalism, clarity, and compliance. New policies or
the human resources functions
updates implemented in 2019 include:
for the County. Staff works
• Application Process - Updated the policy with the County Administrator,
to allow for posting employment County Attorney, Department
opportunities to online job search websites. Directors, and Constitutional
The number of applications received per Officers, to ensure the County
job posting increased approximatly 80% is in compliance with all state
following the inclusion of online job and federal regulations and
postings and lowered the cost of a posting advises department directors on
50 - 75% for a longer run time. personnel matters.
Additionally, the open period for a vacant
Job postings, maintaining job
position was changed to 7 days. This
applications, interviewing, initial
greatly reduces the length of the
employee orientation, final exit
application/hiring process to 3-4 weeks.
interviews, terminations, and
• Workplace Violence and Active Shooter/Incident Response - In light of the increase in retirements are all handled by the
violent incidents and tragic mass shootings occurring across the country, County Department of Human Resources.
Administration felt there was a need to take initial steps towards the development of an Staff prepares and submits all
Emergency Action Plan to help prepare for and mitigate possible workplace violence and timesheets for final payroll,
active shooter events in the Government Center Building. An introductory training day for maintains employee records, and
employees was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office on July 30th. Topics discussed included what processes workman’s compensation
to expect and what to do during an active shooter event in the building, as well as possible and unemployment claims.
indicators of persons who may become violent. A Zero Tolerance Workplace Violence Policy
The Human Resources Director serves
was adopted and enacted by the Board of Supervisors in October. Further, a committee was
on the Personnel Committee. This
formed to develop an Emergency Action/Active Shooter Plan. Initial discussions have
Committee reviews personnel policies,
included an assessment of the building to determine areas of weakness and possible solutions.
procedures, and job positions. The
This committee will continue to work on the plan with implementation in 2020.
Committee also seeks and provides
solutions to workplace issues that
support the vision and operating
policies of the County Administrator
and Board of Supervisors. All personnel
actions begin with this committee before
going to the Board of Supervisors for
final approval if required.
The Human Resources Department is
committed to providing high quality
service to all prospective, current, and past
Employee Recognition 2019 Employee Service Awards: employees, and to treating such individuals
5 Years of Service: with respect, good care, and individual
Washington County acknowledges and • Whitney Czelusniak - Economic Development attention from the first contact concerning
appreciates County employees. As a way to show 10 Years of Service: services and programs, through retirement.
gratitude to employees for all their hard work and • Tommy Tester - General Services
• Katie Garrett - Recreation By making this commitment, the office of
dedication to the County, employees reaching
15 Years of Service: Human Resources will be able to maintain a
milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of • Kevin Hill - General Services high level of mutual trust and respect, and
service are recognized twice a year at the Board • Don Little - General Services
• Roger Blackwell - Solid Waste be an example to the County’s workforce as
of Supervisors meeting. Each employee receives 20 Years of Service: to what is expected of them in their day to
a certificate and a plaque commemorating their • Lucy Phillips - County Attorney
• Deborah Testerman - Solid Waste day interaction with every County citizen.
achievement.
WashCoVa.com 9
The General
Services General Services
Department is Kevin Hill s khill@washcova.com s 276.525.1355
responsible for the
efficient and economic
management of County-
owned properties in Major Accomplishments:
order to provide a safe The General Services Department works hard to maintain the County’s buildings and properties.
and productive working Often this includes completing major building/improvement projects. 2019 projects include:
environment for the
• Continued work with the Long-range
County’s employees, as well
Courthouse Committee and the Board of
as citizens who visit and
Supervisors to address the critical needs of
conduct business in County
the County Courthouse. The Board of
facilities. This department
Supervisors voted to include a special
provides direct support to
referendum on November 5th general
the County’s various offices,
election ballot to allow citizens to vote on
departments, and agencies
the relocating of the courthouse. The
for facility needs and motor
referendum was defeated. Moving
vehicle fleet management.
forward, the County will continue to work
Maintaining the County’s to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced at
inventory of buildings, grounds, the courthouse.
structures and unimproved
• Completed extensive remodel/repurpose of
real estate holdings is the
a several areas in the County
primary responsibility of the
Courthouse to address space needs
General Services department.
including: conversion of a gargage into
This includes providing essential
office space, and renovating Circuit Court
maintenance and repair
jury area into office space. Repairs were
services, as well as renovations
also completed in the Overflow Circuit
and modifications to County
Courtroom.
properties and structures.
This department also manages
contracts related to the upkeep,
• Roof replacement on the Government
equipping, and operation of
Center Building, County Courthouse,
County vehicles, as well as
and Main Branch Library.
acquisition, licensing, maintenance, • Renovations to the public restrooms at the
replacement, and disposal of Main Branch Library were completed.
county vehicles. General Services
• Purchased a parcel of land and procured
coordinates and manages all leases
a contractor for the buildout of a new EMS
and similar arrangements between
building in the Green Cove Community.
the County and other agencies for
Construction is scheduled to be completed
use of County property, and ensures
February 2020.
adequate insurance protection
and compliance with all applicable • A parking lot was completed at the
federal, state, and local laws. This Clinchburg Community Center,
department also manages the County’s allowing for better space needs as this is a
central records and surplus property polling center during elections.
programs.
• Renovated a printer room at the Public
Safety Building to be used as office space
for the IS Department.
10 Washington County, VAInformation Systems The Information
Systems (IS)
Keith Loyd s kloyd@washcova.com s 276.525.1365 Department directs
the development,
operation and maintenance
of the County’s computer-
Major Accomplishments: based information
In the ongoing collaborative effort to integrate the Financial ERP Software System, the IS technology (IT) hardware
Department worked with the Human Resources Department on inital setup of several additional ERP and software systems. All
system modules for future deployment/implementation. These modules included time entry, leave desktop, business, and back
request, applicant tracking, and benefit enrollment. office applications, data
servers, backup and recovery
processes, facility access and
The IS Department conducted several essential outreach initiatives for both internal departments and security controls, telephone
external departments. These outreach activities included: systems, and County’s website
are maintained and managed
• Presented a series of educational/training workshops to all County employees covering topics
by the department.
on virus and malware awareness, PC/Laptop basics, email basics and cleanup, and online GIS
mapping software. A modified version of these workshops were presented to the Southwest VA The department also supports
Treasurer/Clerks Association held at the County Government Center in October. the Washington County
Sheriff’s Office and Office
• Assumed management and operations responsibility of information technology and computer
of Emergency Management
infrastructure within the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. The current design was evaluated
through maintaining and
for functionality and maintenance, with a plan being formulated to implement a solid and
managing the hardware and
reliable solution for the current and any future Commonwealth Attorney.
software used in daily office
• Worked with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce on the updated 2019 Washington operations, patrol vehicles, and
County Road Maps. The map cover photo, submitted by Adam Barker, was the winning photo the County’s E-911 and dispatch
in the Chamber of Commerce’s Photo Contest. center.
A range of professional
Continually working to provide responsive and reliable hardware/software systems, the IS and administrative services
Department conducted several notable updates/installs during 2019, including: are provided through the
department in the development,
• Hardware technology updates within patrol vehicles have allowed for a broader coverage area
implementation, maintenance,
for data connectivity. Increased coverage throughout the County allows officers to be better
management, and operation
connected when an emergency arises, resulting in more efficient response times. The newer
of a computerized geographic
technology also allows for the incorporation of radio units, thus requiring a smaller foot print
information system (GIS)
for each vehicle.
spatial database for the County
• Development and maintenance software was utilized to better manage modifications and government. County Departments
distribution of the Employee Policy handbook and manual. and agencies utilize the IS
Department on a regular basis for GIS
In an effort to make the Washington County website more user friendly and informative for citizens, mapping applications and projects.
several notable improvments were completed during 2019, including: The IS Department supports other
• Washington County website redesign, bringing a new clean, fresh look, with more direct County departments and agencies by
accessibility to the items citizens are looking for. A new “HOW DO I…” tab allows quicker providing services such as software
access to the most frequently visited items on the web site. Web pages have been redesigned and hardware support, project
for easier navigation within the site. management, training, and technical
consulting. The Towns of Abingdon,
• The interactive GIS page has been Glade Spring, Damascus, and Saltville
redesigned with faster response and also benefit from the services of the
added features allowing the public to IS Department through sharing of tax
search and identify information about assessment data.
any parcel within Washington County.
Information such as parcel data, zoning,
Fire and Rescue zones, School Districts
and more are readily available using this
tool. Added features are now available which allow for multiple parcel data export to a
spreadsheet, ability to export to KML for Google Earthviews, a Demographics tool and much
more.
WashCoVa.com 11The Zoning
Administration Zoning Administration
Department is Stephen Richardson s srichardson@washcova.com s 276.525.1391
responsible for the
administration of
Washington County’s
subdivision and zoning Major Accomplishments:
ordinances. A major duty
New Zoning Offical
of this department is to
provide technical assistance Stephen Richardson was appointed as Zoning &
on zoning and subdivision Subdivision Official March 1, 2019. Prior to this
issues to the public, the appointment, Mr. Richardson served as Assistant
Board of Supervisors, the Zoning Official for 6 years. He has been
County Planning Commission, employed with Washington County for over 26
and the County Board of years, serving in various positions including
Zoning Appeals. Zoning Recycling & Special Project Manager and
Administration also serves General Services Manager. Mr. Richardson brings
as secretary for the County a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new
Planning Commission and the position.
Board of Zoning Appeals, and is
responsible for the preparation
of agenda materials.
In addition, Zoning
Administration also conducts
investigations on any violations
of the County’s zoning and
subdivision ordinances. Any
modification (division, boundary
adjustment, consolidation)
to a parcel must be approved
by the Zoning and Subdivision
2019 Highlights:
Administration Department to
ensure compliance with Zoning The Zoning Administration processed:
Ordinances.
• 3 applications to rezone property
• 17 applications for Special Exception
Permits
• 151 Final Plats
Technical Review Committee
The Zoning Administration coordinates and
participates in monthly meetings of the Technical
Review Committee to review all County
subdivision and development projects. These
meetings allow developers and all of the local
entities to meet at one time to clarify and simplify
the approval process, and to review projects to
determine if the developer has adequately
provided infrastructure improvements and
complied with subdivision platting requirements.
The Technical Review Committee is composed of
Virginia Department of Transportation,
Washington County Health Department,
Washington County Service Authority, County
Subdivision & Zoning Department, Town
Engineering Department, Local Land Surveyors/
Engineers, and County Building Development.
12 Washington County, VABuilding & Development Services The Building and
Development
Doug Cassell, Interim Building Official s dcassell@washcova.com s 276.525.1320 Services
Department
is responsible for
administration and
Major Accomplishments: enforcement of the adopted
Virginia Uniform Statewide
New Team Members Building Code. Homeowners
Jason McCall joined Washington County in April and developers are entitled
and obtained his Residential Building and to skillful, effective, and
Electrical Inspector certifications. Prior to joining reliable guidance from
the County, Jason worked as a project manager trained personnel in the areas
for Watermark Restoration. Jason is also actively of construction, renovation,
improvement, and demolition
involved in the 4-H livestock club.
of property. This department
Jennifer Davidson joined Washington County in is committed to administering
November as a Permit Technician. Prior to support in a courteous and
joining the County, Jennifer worked as an timely manner. With a focus on
Eligibility Specialist for Cognizant Technologies the safety of county residents,
after working 7 years at the Virginia Small the Building and Development
Business Incubator where she served as Services Department provides
Administrative Assistant before serving as knowledge and services
Deputy Director. She is currently enrolled in the regarding local, state, and
Core and Permit Technicians classes provided by federal building codes and
Department of Housing and Community standards, plan reviews, issuing
Development. building permits, and conducting
inspections.
Additionally, Janet Owens received her Permit
Technician Certification through the Department In an effort to maintain the
professionalism and integrity of
of Housing and Community Development.
this department, staff members
participate in continuing
education for the latest techniques
Project Highlights: and requirements within the
construction industry, as well as
The Building & Development Services Department provided plan review, permitting and inspection customer service and technology.
services for approximately 600 projects during 2019. Close to 1,108 permits were issued and over
2,381 inspections were performed. Many new Beginning in 2015, the department
Erosion & Sediment/Stormwater projects were assumed the responsibilities as the
Virginia Stormwater Management
also in progress this year.
Program Authority of reviewing,
Projects in 2019 include: permitting, and inspecting all projects
in accordance with Virginia’s Erosion
• 53 New Residential Homes
and Sediment Control/Stormwater
• Over 40 Commercial Plans Laws and Regulations. From plan
• Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill review to inspection to completion,
• K-VA-T Dry Warehouse Expansion the County is able to service the entire
• Tru-Shine project from beginning to end.
• Carter Machinery Wash Bay
Revised Fee Schedule:
As of June 1, 2016, the Department
of Building & Development Services
implemented a revised fee schedule as
adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
The new fee schedule is structured more
fairly and serves as a user fee to partially
defray the cost of Department operations
and ease the burden of the County’s
taxpayers.
WashCoVa.com 13The Office of
Treasurer is
County Treasurer
responsible for the Fred W. Parker s fparker@washcova.com s 276.676.6272
collection, investment, 1 Government Center Place, Suite B s Abingdon, VA s 24210
and disbursement of
County funds originating
from the tax levies and
other fees authorized by
the Washington County
Board of Supervisors and the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Constitution Major Accomplishments:
of 1869 established the The Washington County Treasurer’s Office consistently maintains a high tax collection rate and
Office of the Treasurer for partners with the Virginia Department of Taxation to decrease delinquent tax payments by placing
cities and counties of the stops on DMV activities and withholding State tax returns. All Deputies are enrolled and working
Commonwealth. Title 58.1 of on the Master Deputy Certification program through the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of
the Code of Virginia holds the Virginia. Currently the Treasurer and seven deputies are fully certified.
central core to the statutory
duties and authority of the
Treasurer. Additional duties
are found throughout the code.
The Treasurer may also agree
to assume other duties at the
request of the governing body
or other county agencies. The
Treasurer is considered to be
the Chief Financial Officer of the
locality. The Treasurer is elected
at-large for a four year term.
Regular duties of this office
include: mailing and collection
of County taxes, issuance of dog
tags, receipt of Virginia Income
Tax payments, and other services
related to DMV Select Office and US
Passport Office designation.
Services Available to County Citizens
• DMV Select Office, since 2004 - as a • U.S. Department of State Passport Agent
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle Acceptance Office - citizens can access all
Select Office, citizens can conduct most forms and receive assistance in completing
DMV transactions, including tag renewal, passport documents through the
in the Treasurer’s Office. However, Select Washington County Treasurer’s Office.
Offices do not issue driver’s licenses or
• Free Notary Services
birth certificates. In 2019, the Treasurer’s
Office handled over 61,000 DMV • Optional auto-draft for monthly payment
transactions. of County Real Estate and Personal
Property Taxes
• DMV Connect Teams - hosted on a
bi-monthly basis, this service outreach • Credit cards may be used to make tax
program offers additional DMV payments
transactions, including Real ID Driver’s • Local processing of payment for Virginia
Licenses Income Tax and Estimated Quarterly Taxes
14 Washington County, VACommissioner of the Revenue The Commissioner
of the Revenue
David Henry s ldhenry@washcova.com s 276.676.6270 is responsible for
1 Government Center Place, Suite C s Abingdon, VA s 24210 assessing all real estate,
personal property, and
machinery and tools within
Washington County, and for
maintaining the County’s
real estate and personal
property tax records. The
staff of this office also
Major Accomplishments: dedicates time to assist
citizens with completion of
The Commissioner’s Office supports fair and
individual Virginia State Tax
equitable taxation. Out-of-state businesses and
returns, and performs initial
property owners are taxed in the same way as
processing prior to delivery
local business owners and citizens. State law
of the forms to the Virginia
requires a reassessment of property taxes every
Department of Taxation. Other
four years. The next reassessment will take effect
duties include: implementing
January 1, 2021. Assessors began conducting
local programs such as Tax
assessments this summer and will continue
Relief for the Elderly and
through fall 2020.
Disabled Homeowner, and
validation and revalidation of
The Commissioner’s Office administers and supports several tax relief and discount programs, the Land Use Program. The
including: Commissioner of the Revenue is
• The Veterans Tax Relief Program, which removes the real estate tax liability for veterans on elected at-large for a four year
their homes and home sites. term.
• Tax discounts for senior citizens, disabled residents, and low or fixed income citizens are also Virginia State Law requires a
available. Each year, the Commissioner meets with the Board of Supervisors to propose this county with the population the
income and net worth based tax discount. size of Washington County to have
a general reassessment at least
• The Land Use Program, which assesses real estate taxes based on a property’s “use value,” or once every four years. Appraisal
productive potential of the land, instead of the property’s “fair market value.” companies are selected using
a regional, competitive bidding
and public procurements process,
administered by Mount Rogers
Planning District Commission. A
final recommendation and selection
is made by the local Board of
Supervisors. The assessment process
takes about eighteen months.
Current sales data, along with market
analysis during the reassessment year,
determine the assessed value that will
stand for a four year time period. Once
the assessments are complete, the
appraisal company mails notification to
the taxpayers concerning procedures
for appealing assessment values.
Looking for information about a property?
Online assessment cards and services provide attorneys, real estate agents, and citizens
access to real estate information at no charge.
www.washcova.com/government/constitutional-offices/commissioner-of-revenue
WashCoVa.com 15The Clerk of
Circuit Court serves Clerk of Circuit Court
as administrative support Patricia Moore s tsmoore@vacourts.gov s 276.676.6224
and custodian of records 189 East Main Street s Abingdon, VA s 24210
for the Circuit Court. Such
records include: criminal
and civil case files and
rulings, appeals from district
courts, deeds and land
records, marriage licenses,
wills and estate records,
guardianship records, Major Accomplishments:
adoption records, and divorce
proceedings and rulings.
Training & Education
Taking advantage of educational opportunites ensures that the Clerk and her staff are equipped with
In an effort to enhance
the knowledge to perform their duties and efficiently serve the citizens of Washington County.
customer services, the Clerk’s
Notable activities during 2019 include:
Office includes a marriage
license kiosk. Applicants can • Two Deputy Clerk completed and received certification from the Virginia Court Clerk’s
opt to expedite the licensure Association’s Career Development Program. This certification requires rigourous educational
procedure by entering their exercises designed to advance knowledge of office operations and hone professional skills.
own information into the
• The Clerk is a certified Master Clerk and certified Court Manager. She continues to teach
free-standing system, then
career development courses to clerks, deputy clerks, and court administration staff for the
completing the license with the
National Center for State Courts.
Clerk or Deputy Clerk.
In 2013, the Circuit Court
Historic Records Preservation
Clerk’s Office recieved a special
collection of records created The Clerk of Court served as President of the Virginia Court Clerk’s Association and hosted its 109th
during the 28 years of service Annual Convention in September. Clerks and their staff members from across the Commonwealth
to the 4th District by Joseph attened this educational conference, supporting Washington County tourism.
P. Johnson, Jr. Included in this
collection is information on
legislation, photos, publications,
letters, and memorabilia.
Materials for the project were
donated. The technical concept,
systems, and records work were
performed through internship and
donated time. The format of this
collection is the first of its kind in the
Commonwealth and is available in
its entirety for inspection upon visit
to the Clerk’s Office. For legislative
issues, visit the Clerk’s website: http://
www.washcova.com/government/
constitutionaloffices/circuit-court-
clerk.
16 Washington County, VACommonwealth’s Attorney Commonwealth’s
The
Joshua S. Cumbow s jcumbow@washcova.com s 276.676.6291 Attorney is responsible
191 East Main Street s Abingdon, VA s 24210 for the prosecution of
criminal cases occuring in
Washington County and
to seek sentences that
ensure public safety and
fair treatment for victims,
including restitution.
Located in the courthouse,
Major Accomplishments: the Commonwealth’s
• Obtained a sentence of two consecutive Attorney’s Office consists
life sentences to serve in a first degree of seven assistant
murder case. Commonwealth’s Attorneys;
Marianne Woolf, Loretto
• Collected $102,839.69 in unpaid fines and
Doyle, Michelle Boyd, Ginger
court costs through our Delinquent Fines
Largen, Elizabeth Bruzzo,
and Collections Program. Of those
Michaela Pannell, and Andrew
proceeds, $51,419.84 stays in Washington
Dye. Support staff includes
County. Front Row L to R: Loretto Doyle, Josh Combow, Marianne Woolf
Back Row L to R: Elizabeth Bruzzo, Ginger Largen, Andrew Dye, Michelle Boyd, Michaela Pannell Roxanne Holloway - office
• Signed on to the Holston River Regional manager, Joey Lamie, Annette
Task Force to more aggressively combat Osborne, Mary Millsap, Kay Saul,
drug trafficking. and Nathan Graybeal.
• Became the pilot program for the The Victim-Witness Assistance
Commonwealth of Virginia in Program is also housed in the
implementing the JVS - Juvenile & Commonwealth’s Attorney’s
Domestic Court Viewing System. Office to assist victims and other
• Implemented a Homicide Survivor Support L to R: Nathan Graybeal, Mary Millsap, Roxanne Holloway, Kay Saul, Annette Osborne, Joey Lamie witnesses of crimes throughout
Group. The only such program in the court process. It is our goal
Southwest Virginia. to ensure that crime victims
and witnesses receive fair and
compassionate treatment in the
Responding to Domestic Violence courts of Washington County.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office continued to provide an integral Sharon Reed is the victim-witness
part in the County and region’s response to domestic and sexual violence coordinator. Paige Surface is the
by maintaining a leadership role in the Washington County and City of Paige Surface and Sharon Reed
assistant victim-witness coordinator.
Bristol domestic and sexual violence coordinated response team. Comprised of over 20 agencies,
this group works diligently to constantly improve the system’s response for victims, ensure victims
receive the necessary support and services, and ensure that abusers are held accountable.
Additionally, the office provided an attorney to act as the project and data coordinator for the
Washington County Lethality Assessment Project, a program coordinated by the Attorney General’s
Office and established to ensure a coordinated, rapid response by law enforcement to domestic
violence. This project puts into a place a research based response to incidents of domestic violence
and allows those victims with the highest risk of lethality to be identified and quickly provided with
services and surrounded by support.
Supporting Law Enforcement
WashCoVa.com 17The Washington
County Sheriff’s
Washington County Sheriff
Office is responsible for the Fred P. Newman s sheriff@washso.org s 276.676.6000
enforcement of all laws enacted 20281 Rustic Lane s Abingdon, VA s 24210
by state and local governments,
and for the investigation of felonies
and misdemeanors committed in
Washington County. Established in
1776, the Sheriff’s Office has grown
to its current staff of 95 full and part
time employees, each assigned to
various divisions with specific duties.
The Patrol Division is responsible for Major Accomplishments:
patrolling the County, responding Roadway Enforcements Initiatives and Drug Training
to emergency calls, and traffic
enforcement on interstate, primary, The Sheriff’s Office hosted the 100 Days of Summer Heat Kickoff event for the first time on
and secondary roads in Washington May 23, 2019. This event involved state and local law enforcement agencies from Virginia,
County. Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Law Enforcement personnel representing these
agencies are on the lookout
The Criminal Investigation Division
responds to major crime scenes,
for drunk drivers, impaired
investigates serious felony cases, drivers, drivers who are
and assists the Patrol Division with texting, and drivers who
investigations. The Narcotics Investigation are not wearing seatbelts.
Unit and Domestic Violence Detective are
Local media was invited to
also assigned to this Division.
this event and encouraged to help spread awareness through the community that these laws will
The officers of the School Resource be strictly enforced in an effort to keep the roads safe.
Division are based in each of the 15
County schools to ensure the safety of Additionally, twelve deputies traveled to Louisiana to
the students, faculty and other school participate in an intensive drug interdiction training program
personnel. The Drug Abuse Resistance during the week of July 15-18, 2019. Lieutenant Chris Green
Education (D.A.R.E.) Program is assigned to of the West Baton Rouge Louisiana Sheriff’s Office covered
the officers within this division. such topics as locating hidden compartments on vehicles,
The Court Security Division is responsible communicating with potential suspects, and detecting
for the security of the Washington County deception through body language. Upon completion of the
Courthouse, the judges, court personnel, and classroom portion deputies received hands-on training on the
individuals who visit the Courthouse. interstate.
The Civil Process Division serves all civil and “This is the first intensive training that our officers have ever
criminal papers on individuals who reside in received in highway drug interdiction” stated Sheriff
Washington County. Newman. “With 35 miles of Interstate traversing Washington County, I felt there was a need to
The Communications Section dispatches calls have trained deputies in Highway Drug Interdictions. This training will complement our ACE
to all police, fire, and rescue personnel within Program (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement) which we implemented several years ago.”
Washington County, and the Towns of Abingdon,
Damascus and Glade Spring.
The Animal Control Division oversees the 3rd Annual Virginia Rules Summer Camp
enforcement of County ordinances and state laws
The Virginia Rules Camp is a free law-themed summer camp for Wasington County’s rising 6th
pertaining to the control of domesticated animals,
graders. Sponsored by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, each two week-long session
and the operation of the C. C. Porter Animal
averaged 50 campers daily and taught kids about Virginia laws concerning bullying,
Shelter.
responsibility, and
The Litter Control Division handles litter complaints technology as it relates to
and operates the Assign-a-Highway Program for teens. Campers had the
the Probation Office. In 2014, a highway clean-up
opportunity to participate
program through VDOT enabled utilization of
in many activities including
Regional Jail Trustees for the task of cleaning the
bowling, Steel Creek Park
roadways of Washington County.
Nature Center, Just Jump, kayaking with Adventure Mendota, a tour of Bristol Caverns, and
The Canine Unit consists of three certified canine/ demonstrations by several law enforcement, fire, K-9, Tactical Team, Wings, and EMS teams.
handler teams with highly specialized training in “By educating our youth about Virginia laws and how it affects them, we believe the kids will
tracking, searches, aggression control, and narcotics be able to develop skills to recognize the consequences of their life choices and actions,” stated
detection.
Sheriff Fred Newman.
18 Washington County, VAVirginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship
Washington County resident, Brady Stiltner, was the recipient of a $1,000.00 scholarship from
the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute, furthering his plans to attend Bluefield College and study
Criminal Justice. “Brady is an exceptional young man who, in my opinion, has a bright future in
law enforcement,” stated Sheriff Newman. “He is very deserving of this scholarship”. The VSI
Program provides students across Virginia with an opportunity to pursue an educational
curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice while attending a Virginia college or university.
The End of an Era - Sheriff Newman Retires After 20 Years of Service
Sheriff Fred Newman retired from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at the end of 2019. With 20 years of
service, Sheriff Newman is Washington County’s longest-serving sheriff, having held office since January 2000.
A local boy, Newman grew up in Chilhowie, helping with the family farm. In 1975 he graduated from East
Tennessee State University where he studied Criminal Justice. That same year he began his career in law
enforcement after being hired at Chilhowie Police Department. In 1977, Newman became a State Trooper
with the Virginia State Police and was stationed in Bath County. In 1981, Newman was able to transfer back
to Southwest Virginia, where he served as a State Trooper until the early 1990s. Newman returned to law
enforcement in 1995, when he ran against and lost in the primary election to Kenneth Hayter. Later, he served as a patrol captain for Sheriff Hayter.
Newman ran again for Sheriff of Washington County in 1999 and won, officially becoming Sheriff in January 2000.
Under Sheriff Newman’s leadership, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office saw many changes and experienced tremendous growth. When
Newman took office in 2000, the County’s Animal Control Department and Animal Shelter fell under the jurisdiction of the County Administrator.
In 2004, the Sheriff’s Office took over management and operations of Animal Control and the Animal Shelter. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office
managed its own county jail, overseeing the care and housing of inmates. In 2005, the Sheriff’s
Office, with support from County leadership, transferred all jail operations and functions over
to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
A milestone for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Newman came in 2006
when the department received its first Accredited Agency Certification through the Virginia
Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. This accreditation is reviewed/renewed
every four years to ensure performance standards are meet. The Washington County Sheriff’s
Office has remained an Accredited Agency since 2006.
In recent years, with more emphasis on
school safety, Newman launched his
“Once a Day, Every Day” program in
2012, requiring all County Deputies to make an unannounced visit to a school once a day,
every day that school is in session. To further enhance school safety measures, Sheriff Newman
worked in conjunction with the Board of Supervisors to allow for a School Resource Officer in
each of the County’s public schools.
While Sheriff Newman may be retired, his mark on Washington County will continue to be felt
for years to come. For the past 20 year, Sheriff Newman has dedicated himself to the safety and
wellbeing of all County citizens. It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Washington
County bids Sheriff Fred Newman all the best in his retirement.
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