•
•
•
Montgomery County’s strong financial management has resulted in bond rating increases by two top national bond rating agencies, potentially saving the County $1.5 million over 20 years in a $77 million bond issuance.
The bond rating upgrades allow the County to borrow at lower interest rates, reducing debt service payments during the 20-year life of the bonds.
Snapshot of Montgomery County
M
ontgomery County is home to the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, along with several communities: McCoy, Prices Fork, Mount Tabor, Lusters Gate, Ellett, Ironto, Lafayette, Elliston, Shawsville, Alleghany Springs, Walton, Plum Creek, Childress, Riner and Pilot. Montgomery County embodies a range of lifestyles, cultural variety and economic diversity in its 393 square miles. The County boasts both country and city atmospheres between its rolling hills, looming mountains, rivers and streams. The County offers many benefits of living in an urban community while providing beautiful surroundings presented by a rural atmosphere. The County is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia. Over half of the County is forestland, including the Jefferson National Forest, which borders Giles County. There is a large focus on community involvement in the County. Throughout each year, there are many festivals and celebrations held to recognize the economic development, historic value and beauty of the County’s surroundings.
Brian Kitts, Principal of Kipps Elementary in Blacksburg, plays golf at The Meadows golf course in Christiansburg. (Photo by Larry Middleton)
In August 2008, the County issued $77 million in bonds for several County and school capital projects. It was the largest bond issue in the history of the County, following increases in bond ratings by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The bond rating agencies cited the County’s sound financial management practices and conservative budgeting approach as among the reasons for the upgraded ratings. Public safety and education are the focuses for new capital projects. Two new elementary schools (page 26), a new courthouse (page 11) and renovations to the jail and public safety building are funded in the capital improvement program. A groundbreaking was held for the Elliston area school project this past December. The search for property to build a new elementary school in Price’s Fork Village concluded successfully recently. The schools are based on the same architectural design to save costs and accelerate the construction process.
The Falling Branch Industrial Park is home to several businesses, including Inorganic Ventures and EchoStar.
Live.
2
For more than 20 consecutive years, the County has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
Play.
Work.
Table of Contents
Snapshot of Montgomery County ............................................................................ 02 2008 - a year in review ............................................................................................ 03 Board of Supervisors ............................................................................................... 04 Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library ........................................................................ 06 Sheriff ’s Office ......................................................................................................... 08 Clerk of the Circuit Court ......................................................................................... 10 New Courthouse ...................................................................................................... 11 Virginia Cooperative Extension ................................................................................ 12 Human Resources .................................................................................................... 14 Motor Mile Park ...................................................................................................... 16 Eastern Montgomery Park ....................................................................................... 17 Geographic Information Systems - GIS ..................................................................... 18 Economic Development ........................................................................................... 20 Public Information ................................................................................................... 22 Eastern Montgomery County Public Safety Building/Elliston Firehouse .................... 23 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................................ 24 Western Virginia Regional Jail ................................................................................. 25 Elliston-Shawsville Area Elementary School ............................................................. 26 Voter Registrar ......................................................................................................... 27 Human Services ........................................................................................................ 28 Did You Know .......................................................................................................... 30
Montgomery County, Friends of Animal Care & Control, concerned citizens and other supporters of humane treatment of lost, neglected and abandoned animals are working together on a needs assessment for a new animal shelter.
Bill Meade, founder of Shelter Planners of America, met with shelter project supporters to discuss “increased adoption by design” or best practices for shelter design that increase the likelihood of pet adoptions.
2•0•0•8 a year in review
T
his “year in review” presents the accomplishments of our departments throughout 2008. We are very proud of our employees and are honored to offer so many services to our citizens. In this review, County accomplishments are highlighted. The report is not meant to be a directory of every County department. Montgomery County made big strides during 2008. We boosted our bond ratings through sound financial management and began plans to build a new courthouse and two new schools, renovate the public safety building and more. The County has become more urbanized and grown more than 8 percent in population over the past decade. The latest population estimate is 90,517 residents, up from 83,629 in 2000. Yet the County has only added 2.5 staff positions funded by General Fund dollars during the past five years. Like businesses and other sectors of our economy, County staff is doing more with less.
Annette Perkins Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair
The year ahead will present many challenges with the downturn in the economy. Despite these challenges, our spirit prevails. We will continue to use your dollars wisely to offer citizens first-rate public safety and other services and a quality education for students.
3
All regular meetings of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors are videotaped live and rebroadcast on WTOB Blacksburg cable channel 2, each Tuesday at 1 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. Videotapes of Board meetings - the complete meeting or a specific segment - are available by request. Call Montgomery County Public Information at 394-2120, ext. 4031
Board of Supervisors District: A Chair Annette S. Perkins perkinsas@montgomerycountyva.gov
Term Expires: 2009
District: B Doug Marrs marrsdw@ntelos.net
Term Expires: 2011
District: C Gary Creed creedgd@montgomerycountyva.gov
Term Expires: 2009
District: D Vice Chair James Politis bcbuffalo@aol.com
Term Expires: 2009
District: E William (Bill) H. Brown brownwh@montgomerycountyva.gov
Term Expires: 2011
District: F Mary Biggs mbiggs@naxs.com
Term Expires: 2011
District: G John A. Muffo jmuffo@yahoo.com
Term Expires: 2011
4
Chair Perkins, who is currently serving her third term, has served on the Board of Supervisors for 11 years. She recently retired from her job as principal at Christiansburg Middle School.
Supervisor Marrs is serving his second term on the Board of Supervisors and has been a member for five years. Marrs served two terms as Sheriff for the County and previously worked for the Town of Christiansburg’s Police Department. Supervisor Creed has been serving on the governing body for seven years. Creed is retired from Shelor Motor Mile, a locally owned car dealership in Montgomery County.
Vice Chair Politis owns and operates Brush Creek Buffalo Farm in Riner where he sells buffalo products. Politis has been a member of the Board for 11 years and is serving his third term.
Supervisor Brown, who is in his first term of service, is the newest member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. Brown is retired as police chief of the Blacksburg Police Department.
Supervisor Biggs is a veteran Supervisor with 13 years experience. She is serving her fourth term and is a third grade teacher at Harding Avenue Elementary School in Blacksburg.
Supervisor Muffo is an independent educational consultant. Muffo has served on the Board of Supervisors for nine years and is currently serving his third term.
The Board of Supervisors sets the annual budget and tax rates, enacts legislation governing the County and its citizens, sets policies and oversees their implementation. There are seven supervisors; one is elected from each of the seven geographic districts. Terms are four years; three or four seats are up for re-election each odd year. Public meetings are the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Montgomery County Government Center, 755 Roanoke St. in Christiansburg. Closed sessions begin at 6 p.m. Open sessions begin at 7:15 p.m. Citizens are invited to attend, and allowed to speak at each meeting. More information regarding the Board of Supervisors can be found at www.montgomerycountyva.gov/ bos.
County Attorney Marty McMahon represents and counsels the Board of Supervisors, County staff, and County Boards and Commissions on all legal and civil matters involving County government. The Board of Supervisors joined in an agreement with the School Board and the Blacksburg High School Athletic Boosters last March to assist with the building of a 5,500square-foot sports support facility at the new football stadium site behind Blacksburg Middle School.
Policy. Budget. Represent. 5
You can use the library from home to search databases, renew items and request a hold. Simply go to www.mfrl.org.
During tax time, the library has the most common Federal forms. State forms can be printed for a minimal cost.
Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library who we are The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library provides current information and entertainment in response to community needs and requests. The libraries have friendly, knowledgeable staff in a welcoming environment. They work together to provide opportunities for personal growth and enhanced quality of life for the members of the community. Informational and recreational reading in a variety of formats for all ages is provided at all four branch libraries - Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Floyd and Shawsville (Meadowbrook). Their collection has over 228,000 items and includes books, magazines, newspapers, large print items, DVDs, books on CD, musical CDs and databases. Computers and wireless connections provide Internet access for the public. The Christiansburg and Floyd branches maintain special genealogy and local history collections. Library activities include summer reading programs for all ages, story times, special programs for children, computer classes, adult programming, book clubs, movies and gaming programs. Public meeting rooms provide space for community groups to gather. The libraries are open seven days a week during the school year and six during the summer months. They average 60 open hours each week. Their service population is around 104,000 people in two counties. In 2008 the library staff checked out 833,652 items and saw over 494,000 visitors. They held 1,076 programs with 22,154 attendees and had 86,553 people use the public computers.
Library cards are free to Virginia residents and students at local colleges and universities. You may use your card at the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Floyd or Meadowbrook libraries. s. our accomplishments • Doubled the number of story times offered for children and increased adult programs • Began ‘Game On!’ a gaming program held twice a month at the Blacksburg library (periodically at others); Mad Science, an interactive program for children; Natural Health Care at Blacksburg; a production of Three Sisters in Black; Fall Harvest at Meadowbrook library; and programs on death and dying at the Floyd Library • Held a reenactment of the first rifle duel in Virginia in the Christiansburg town square • Expanded and renovated the Floyd library; fundraisers brought in almost $600,000, along with $1 million from Floyd County
6
Allison Keys, an employee at the Christiansburg branch of MFRL, reads to children during storytime
our partnerships During 2008, the library collaborated with the Montgomery Museum to bring historical programs to downtown Christiansburg. They also worked with Sustainable Blacksburg and the
The Blacksburg library branch partnered with the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg to celebrate ‘Wonderful First Wednesdays,’ to offer special activities such as knitting, crafts, movies and storytimes.
In 2008, The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library served 100,200 citizens, had 35,767 cardholders, offered 1,039 programs, had 158,732 website hits and offered 54 public computer stations.
Blacksburg branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg programming efforts for the town.
on
They created a successful partnership with other public libraries in Southwest Virginia and are now offering books downloadable to MP3 players from www.mfrl.org. our 2009 Along with the Newman Library Special Collections at Virginia Tech, the library is working on a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to bring a Lincoln exhibit and speakers to the area. Other goals for 2009 include increasing volunteer programs.
Read.
Computers are available for public use at all Montgomery-Floyd Regional Libraries
Learn.
Imagine. 7
The County participated in the dedication of a Memorial Bench on the Huckleberry Trail in memory of Corporal Eric Sutphin, of the County’s Sheriff’s office. Sutphin was killed in the line of duty in August 2006.
Sheriff’s Office who we are The Sheriff ’s Office safeguards life, liberty and property and maintains civil order. They enforce state and County laws and provide uniformed patrols, investigations of motor vehicle accidents, criminal investigations, civil process, corrections, courtroom security and services as needed by the citizens of Montgomery County.
The T Sheriff ’s Office was reaccredited Through a partnership with our community, the Sheriff”s Office, promises to provide all citizens with the highest degree of protection and community responsibility directed at reducing crime and enhancing safety through problem solving tactics and community policing where crime cannot flourish.
through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission in 2008. They were initially accredited in 1999 and reaccredited in 2004. 4. our accomplishments • Assigned School Resource Officers (SRO) to five County schools • Eastern Montgomery High School SRO Steve Partin deterred drunk driving by using the ‘Field of Dreams’ program to show a simulated alcohol-related car crash and its effects • Held community events to provide highway and child safety information and perform child car seat checks • Assisted schools in distributing more than 150 Thanksgiving baskets to needy families in the County • Installed mobile data terminals in patrol vehicles to allow for remote work • Responded to more than 28,000 calls for service • The Crime Prevention Specialist conducted home security surveys when requested by citizens • Taught Internet safety, youth drug and alcohol use prevention to students, parents/ teachers, and community groups in the area
8
our grants • DMV Highway Safety Project Grant
The Inmate Clean-Up Project helps keep our highways free of litter
($32,990) for overtime patrols to enforce traffic safety laws with focus on safety belts, child seats and DUIs • DMV Highway Safety Project Grant ($22,000) for the regional crash team • Area police departments work together to form a regional crash team with members who are trained to respond and investigate serious and fatal vehicle crashes • United States Department of Agriculture Grant for 11 in-car cameras ($68,728) enabled this valuable tool in patrol division vehicles • Office of Justice Programs Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant ($3,097) to supple-
Sheriff J. T. ‘Tommy’ Whitt has served Montgomery County since 1984 and has more than 30-years in law enforcement in the New River Valley.
In 2008, the Sheriff’s Office made 227 arrests for Driving Under the Influence and 102 criminal arrests that resulted from traffic stops.
Montgomery County Deputy Ronnie Alley conducts a traffic stop
ment cost of bulletproof vests for deputies • Special Program Assistance for Tactical Officer Assets Grant ($909) for tactical equipment (taser) • $5,000 pending from DMV to target aggressive driving on I-81. • United States Department of Agriculture funding pending to assist with the purchase of additional Mobile Data Terminals our recognition The Sheriff ’s Office was reaccredited through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission in 2008. They were initially accredited in 1999 and reaccredited in 2004.
Protect.
Jennifer Underwood, SRO at Auburn High School, received the SRO of the year award from Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) for her outstanding work. our 2009 The Sheriff ’s Office will maintain patrol shifts at a safe operating level for both the deputies and the community. The training of a new SRO will be completed this year and will give the office the ability to cover more school days when a regular SRO is away. The Sheriff ’s Office will continue the implementation of Mobile Data Terminals into each Patrol Unit with the assistance of the County’s Information Technology Department.
Enforce.
Serve. 9
The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office seats juries and keeps record books with the judgment outcomes of County trials.
Genealogy research is conducted at the Clerk’s office as time allows. If interested, please see the Services link at www. MontgomeryCountyVA. gov/courts/circcourt.
Clerk of Circuit Court who we are
The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as general recordkeeper for the County, records land transfers, deeds, mortgages, wills, adoptions, divorces, military records and election results. They issue marriage licenses and concealed handgun permits, process applications for passports, handle name changes and provide notary services. The Clerk’s office also collects fines and fees for the Circuit Court, probate and estate taxes, and local and state taxes on land transactions.
Mission M Statement: Providing service to the citizens of Montgomery County, promoting justice and preserving history as the fortress of records. s. our accomplishments • Implemented notary service at no cost to public within certain guidelines • Implemented first annual notary seminar in June—offered to County employees • Reorganized records room—relabeled all file cabinets, made files more accessible, created a color-code system, created a library-type atmosphere and made the room more customer-friendly • Upgraded the server for land systems— the new technology allows for installation of a plat-scanner and plotter • Worked with several agencies to acquire interns • Cross-trained office staff and clearly defined departments • Worked closely with local law enforcement agencies, probation and parole officers concerning matters of the Circuit Court our recognition Clerk of Circuit Court Erica Williams is active in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Association and has applied for membership in the Clerk Certification Program.
Williams is also a committee member of the Virginia Court Clerks Association (VCCA) and a member of the Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers (VALECO). Such associations are active in refining policies, procedures and legislation that affect Clerk’s offices.
Justice. Service. Preservation. 10
our grants • Book conservation grants ($4,480) through the Library of Virginia to conserve the Register of Free Negroes Volume 1 (1824-1847); Chancery Order Book 1 (18311866) and Chancery Order Book 2 (18671881). • Security upgrade grant ($12,320) through the Library of Virginia to protect records from theft, tampering and destruction.
our 2009 The Clerk’s office is applying for additional grants to allow for continued preservation of old documents. Using interns from area colleges helps save County money and assists students in the educational process while also completing their requirements. The department will focus on technology and back-scanning plats as a priority. The notary service and training seminar will continue this year.
Montgomery County employees collected $4,077 for the Employee United Way Campaign.
A residential property search feature launched on the County’s website.
New Courthouse • The new Montgomery County Courthouse will be located behind the existing Courthouse, bordering Pepper Street. It will be approximately 102,500 square feet • It is projected to meet the County’s needs for at least the next 25 years • The old Courthouse will be converted into a public safety building • There will be jail improvements, including an underground tunnel to the new Courthouse for safe transport of prisoners to and from the courtroom • A central energy plant will control the power
• A new parking structure will include 137 spaces over two levels • Handicapped parking will be on Pepper Street and a covered walkway will exist from parking areas to the front of the new Courthouse • There will be an emphasis on security, operations • The projected cost of the Courthouse is $31.4 million; the completion date is July 2011
Architectural renderings of the new Montgomery County Courthouse in Christiansburg
11
Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development in Montgomery County enrolled 3,000 members.
Last year, 4-H had over 400 campers, teen counselors, and adult volunteers in Junior 4-H Camp from Montgomery, Giles, Craig, and Floyd. Of these, 122 were from Montgomery County.
Virginia Cooperative Extension who we are Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension’s needs-driven programs. Montgomery County Extension agents provide programming in Agiculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community Viability. In 2008, the County office trained and managed 75-plus volunteers, received over 1,600 calls, e-mails and walk-in requests, addressed 1,000-plus inquiries on environmental horiculture at various plant clinics, educated citizens through partnerships and worked with area youth in 4-H development.
The T Extension Office received over 1,600 calls, e-mails and walk-in requests in 2008. 08. our grants • Barry Robinson, the County’s Agriculture Agent, used grant funding secured by the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech’s Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) to assist with three rain barrel workshops and address water conservation and watershed protection issues with citizens • The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign and an annual fundraising drive raised $4,300 • The Virginia 4-H Foundation mini-grant program provided the County Cooperative Office with $500 • Funds from donations and the grant went toward the 4-H Achievement Night, camp scholarships, after-school and school enrichment programs, the County 4-H fair, scholarships to attend State 4-H Congress, and national leadership events
12
our accomplishments • Increased collaboration with other agencies and community groups in promoting local foods awareness and increased assistance to local vegetable and fruit growers with production and marketing issues • Increased public and commercial awareness of environmentally friendly maintenance of lawns, gardens and landscapes – especially the urban forest; seminars were held for homeowner groups and facility grounds crews • Offered new programming, including the 4-H Horseless Horse Show, several new
Sarah Cooley participating in Ag Olympics at the County 4-H Fair
summer day camps and field experiences • Began providing the Reality Store, a consumer education and financial literacy program, to all 12th grade government classes at Montgomery County Public Schools • E-mail listservs and webpage postings provided information to citizens • Increased involvement and assistance to local farmers’ market managers and growers/vendors our recognition Robinson received a Celebrated CDAC Collaborator award from Virginia Tech’s Community Design Assistance Center for exemplary partnership with the center in the Rain Barrel Workshops held in the New River Valley. our partnerships Partnerships continued with the Conservation Management Institute, VT Community Design Assistance Center, Town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Virginia
Thirteen teens from Montgomery County attended the State 4-H Congress at Virginia Tech. Seven of them were inducted into the 4-H All-Stars, the highest honor given in 4-H.
A 4-H Fair held at Sinkland Farms in Riner last August included a livestock show, horse show, youth project exhibits, a chicken and rabbit parade, fair games and agency/ business exhibits.
Master Gardener volunteers, VT faculty and Cub Scouts at the 2008 Arbor Day tree planting in Blacksburg
Department of Forestry and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. New partnerships were formed with ‘Round the Mountain’ (Southwest Virginia Artisan Network), the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and a local foods initiative group.
with local certified International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborists assisting in education on proper pruning, mulching, fertilization and maintenance of trees in urban settings. A similar event is planned for the fall focusing on proper and sustainable lawn care for homeowners and commercial grounds-keepers.
The 4-H division has successful partnerships with Skyline Soil and Water Conservation District (which provides environmental education for local schools) and with several local businesses that support their programs.
Work will continue by a local foods initiative committee to produce an online and printed directory of local agriculture producers the New River Valley.
4-H works closely with the New River Valley Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners to provide environmental education and gardening programs in schools and in informal educational settings our 2009 Plans are continuing for a community educational event focusing on tree care and health,
The 4-H division seeks to continue their successful programs: in-school enrichment programs, after-school programs, Junior 4-H Camp, day camps, special interest workshops, community clubs, special interest clubs, competitive events and leadership programs. Another goal is to increase the number of teens participating in these programs by boosting marketing efforts.
Environment. Education. Life. 13
Over 85 boxes/bags of food were collected for the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program in a food drive held by County employees.
An internal employee and wellness newsletter, Monty, was distributed each month to all departments with contributions from the Human Resources department.
Human Resources who we are Human Resources directs all phases of human resources management, including recruiting, selection and retention efforts. The office also manages compensation and benefits programs, human resources policies, employee events, incentive programs and employee service awards. The County is an equal opportunity employer and provider of services.
H Human Resources hosted a health and well-being fair for employees that included health risk assesments, screening for bone density, chiropractic services, re. blood pressure, eye/vision exams and more.
14
our accomplishments • Advertised 61 open positions, worked with potential employees, provided orientation to new employees and provided exit interviews throughout 2008 • Over $4,000 was collected by the County for the Employee United Way Campaign • Implemented a new Health Savings Account (HSA) election for employees • Encouraged the health and well-being of County employees by conducting an employee health fair; the fair hosted more than 30 vendors, and included health risk assessments and screenings • Employee “Lunch & Learn” sessions offered financial workshops, Weight Watchers, cancer prevention, stress management, and smoking cessation programs • A wellness program – In-SHAPE – promoted exercising, walking and healthy breakfasts; an on-site wellness clinic helped employees monitor and improve their health to help contain the cost of health insurance • A Go Red Rally was hosted for the first time to provide education to employees on heart health and walking maps were distributed. • Continuing education classes were held
During the Go Red Rally, employees were encouraged to walk on the trails inside and outside the building
for the professional development of employees, including computer skills, supervisory development, Spanish speaking, safety and defensive driving, CPR/First Aid, budgeting, and general required topics • Continued the Law Enforcement Career Development Certificate Program through
Call the County job line at 394-2010 for a list of open positions.
Jobs available in the County may be viewed at the Human Resources link on the County’s web page.
Apples were among the heart-healthy foods offered to employees at the Go Red Rally in 2008
New River Community College for several County deputies; this program was started several years ago by Human Resources, which has resulted in several employees nearing completion and working toward associates degrees • Several County employees have been helped to complete bachelor’s and master’s degree programs • Coordinated Annual Service Award Program and Dinner for employees who achieved service milestones and retirements during the previous year; There were 66 employees honored by the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, Department and Agency Directors, and Constitutional Officers • Coordinated a safety compliance audit and implemented several program for effective safety practices
our partnerships The Human Resources department participated in the New River Valley Health Benefits Consortium to collectively purchase health, dental and vision insurances for County employees. They partnered with the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg to offer orientation for new employees. our 2009 The County and the Health Benefits Consortium will switch to a new health insurance provider to minimize the increasing cost of coverage. An online employment application process will be launched later in 2009.
Careers. Wellness. Benefits. 15
The Rowdy Dawg bike race was sponsored in 2008 by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and East Coasters Bike Shops.
The Parks and Recreation Commission serves as a citizen advisory board in developing leisure programs and activities for all ages.
Motor Mile Park • Motor Mile Park, off Interstate 81, exit 109, is the first lighted ball field in Montgomery County • The land was donated to the County by Shelor Automotive • Fencing, lighting, grading and an infield were donated by Shelor Automotive in preparation for the park • It is the first lighted ball field for Montgomery County Parks and Recreation • It is the first field constructed in the County since the Plum Creek Park Field was built in 1988 • In addition to baseball and softball, the field is marked for lacrosse, youth soccer and youth football • For the first time, the County will be hosting the Dixie AAA 9-10 year olds and O-Zone
District 11-12 year olds Tournament in summer 2009 • A Cal Ripkin baseball clinic, sponsored by Shelor Motor Mile, was hosted on opening day - July 30, 2008 - of the Motor Mile Sports Complex • Chevy Youth Baseball presented a $500 check to the County’s Parks and Recreation Department for use in their youth baseball program • “We are currently building a bathroom facility, players benches, bleachers, outfield fence, foul poles and installing a scoreboard to complete the project,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mitchell Haugh. “We are excited that Shelor Motor Group has also sponsored MCPR in 2009 for the second year in the Chevy Raffle program.” Visit the Parks and Recreation department for more information.
Former County Administrator Clay Goodman speaks at the opening of the new Motor Mile Park
16
The Huckleberry Trail extends six miles from the Montgomery/Floyd Regional Library in downtown Blacksburg, across the southern portion of the Virginia Tech campus, through Montgomery County, to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg.
Eastern Montgomery Park • The new Eastern Montgomery Park, located in Elliston on 8.3 acres, will include access for walk-in boating, kayaking and canoeing at the south fork of the Roanoke River • Just over $90,000 will go towards a shelter with lighting, 12 eight-foot picnic tables,
The Coal Mining Heritage Park is an outdoor science laboratory and nature center and an outdoor historic and archaeological museum. It is located at Merrimac and stretches for 0.6 mile south along the Huckleberry Trail.
two grills, and an accessible playground with borders and a safe ground cover • An additional grass court for volleyball/ badminton and horseshoe pits may be added in the future • Construction is expected to start in Spring 2009
A new boating launch at the Eastern Montgomery Park will provide access to the south fork of the Roanoke River
17
The 2009 Montgomery County Road Atlas is available on the Planning and GIS website.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and advises the Board on planning, zoning, and land use issues.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Planning who we are The GIS services department’s mission is to plan, create, organize, implement and administer the County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Land Development Office (LDO) and the E-911 street name and number ordinance. They do this via the creation of maps using advanced technology. Maps have been used for centuries, but when they are enhanced by the analytical and visual richness of geographic information systems (GIS), a new vision is created. This new vision builds links between governments, communities, and people by its ability to be universally understood. Montgomery County’s possibilities are virtually unlimited using GIS. With GIS, the County can easily view the effects of mass transportation, commerce, public works, the environment, and tourism. Major infrastructure and development projects can be conceived from the air. Discarded facilities are seen differently and new alternatives appear. Disasters are better managed and relief finds its way to the people who need it quickly. In the unincorporated areas of the County, the Planning Department administers the comprehensive land use plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision ordinance; provides geographical information and mapping services; and maintains official street names and addresses.
The Th GIS office worked with Virginia Tech, State and FEMA to update the 1978 FEMA Floodplains using the recently acquired LiDAR topography. y.
18
our accomplishments • U.S. Census 2010 Addressing Update (over 3,000 new County addresses were added) • Worked with the Planning office to enhance functionality of the Land Development Office, including subdivisions, code compliance, rezoning and special use permits; Worked with General Services to implement an Erosion and Sediment Control application • Provided GIS analysis and mapping of voting precincts • Worked with Virginia Tech, State and FEMA to update the 1978 FEMA Floodplains using the recently acquired LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) topography, a technology that uses lasers to measure the distance to an object • Worked with Virginia Tech Appalachian
Montgomery County Planning and GIS Services are working with the Towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg in preparation for the 2010 U.S. Census.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second and third Wednesdays of each month.
Studies and Civil War Center Census and citizens to identify and map cemeteries; built a GIS database and provided mapping and other support materials for Montgomery County School Boundaries and Bus Routing, and Student Census • Provided technical expertise to the Virginia Geographic Information Network for the next statewide aerial photography project • Published 2008 County Road Atlas • A total of 470 predevelopment letters were processed and 363 of those were approved as zoning permits • Completed training sessions offered by the County and various organizations throughout Virginia our partnerships The office regularly partners with area Towns for projects of mutual interest such as the FEMA Floodplain mapping, boundary annexations and oblique aerial photography. There are also partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions—such as Roanoke County/City and the City of Salem– for efforts such as the recent Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP - centers
responsible for answering calls from emergency numbers such as 911), oblique aerial photography grant. our grants • Regional grant ($300,000 total, $40,934 to Montgomery County) applied for by Montgomery County, Roanoke County, Roanoke City and the City of Salem, for a specialized type of aerial photography (Pictometry) to be used by the PSAP, First Responders, GIS and other users; the aerial photography provides all participants with visually enhanced 360-degree aerial views of their natural geography and manmade buildings and structures our 2009 The GIS department plans to complete its work for the U.S. 2010 Census; implement new GIS enterprise database and migrate data to provide enhanced GIS web capabilities; continue the FEMA floodplain mapping and cemetery mapping; enhance in-house and citizen usage; and facilitate and manage LDO revisions and enhancements for Planning and General Services.
Geography. Development. Maps. 19
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Blacksburg/Christiansburg Visitors Center received the Southeast Tourism Society’s Shining Example award as the “Best Chamber and Visitor Center of the Year.” Source: Roanoke.com, 2008
Economic Development who we are The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (MCDED) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the County through economic growth. The office works to recruit new businesses to the area, support the retention and expansion of existing businesses, develop sites and buildings and provide liaisons between existing businesses and State sponsored workforce development services. Their success means more jobs, financial security and a brighter future for the residents of Montgomery County.
In I 2008, seasonally-adjusted home purBlacksburg, a town in Montgomery County, ranked 43rd in the nation by CNNMoney.com on its list of 100 “best places to live and launch.”
chase prices in the BlacksburgChristiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statiscial Area (MSA) rose 0.49 percent while national prices declined by 8.2 percent. Source: Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 20088 our accomplishments • Successfully completed 10 projects that resulted in either a business relocating to or expanding within Montgomery County • Recruited and retained businesses are having a profound impact on the local economy, with a total capital investment of $18.7 million and the creation of 547 new jobs • New Jersey-based Inorganic Ventures, Inc., announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility to the Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg; the business is investing approximately $3 million into its Christiansburg facility and expects to employ 47 workers
20
our partnerships The MCDED organized an alliance between New River Community College, the Montgomery County Public School System, members of the Workforce Investment Board and several
Falling Branch Corporate Park is home to several businesses, including EchoStar Communications
local industries to address issues facing local industries. The initiative was successful and programs were implemented to simplify the recruiting, interviewing and hiring process for local participating industries. The MCDED also established relationships with several commercial real estate developers and
Inorganic Ventures relocated from another state to Christiansburg’s Falling Branch Corporate Park.
VT KnowledgeWorks named “Most Promising New Incubator” at the Science Alliance Conference on Best Practices in Science-Based Incubation, held in Paris. Source: Roanoke.com, 2008
Virginia Tech KnowledgeWorks, a high-tech business incubator and accelerator, is home to several promising high-tech startup companies, including TORC Technologies, LLC and Schultz-Creehan, LLC
investors from outside the County. They believe these relationships will induce capital investment and expand the inventory of buildings and sites available for future business expansions and relocations. our 2009 In 2008, the MCDED committed to a five-year goal of inducing $100 million in capital investment and 795 jobs by 2013. The First & Main development just outside downtown Blacksburg is home to businesses like Books-aMillion, Ann Taylor Loft, Cold Water Creek, Bull & Bone Brewhaus and Grill and Sake House of Japan
Business.
Success.
Future. 21
The County has a media page with video from County events and occasions: montva.com/media.
The “Frequently Asked Questions” and “How Do I...” links on the County media page provide citizens convenient information.
Public Information who we are The Public Information Office is the primary resource for information about County government. The office encourages citizen input into the local government process and improves the accessibility of County government to its citizens. The office links County residents, the media and other groups to County government.
‘‘Montgomery M County Today,’ the County’s monthly newsletter, debuted in November. It is available to those who sign up for the t. general email list. our accomplishments • Citizens may subscribe to e-mail lists to receive news releases and notices about public meetings and agendas, recreational activities, tax deadlines, holiday closings, emergency services and more—www.montgomerycountyva.gov • “Montgomery County Today,” the County’s monthly newsletter, debuted in November; it is available to those who sign up for the general e-mail list • The Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Summary is available by subscribing to the Board of Supervisors e-mail list • Board of Supervisors’ meetings are broadcast on Blacksburg’s WTOB Channel 2 on Tuesday at 1 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.; copies of the meetings may be requested by calling 382-2120, ext. 4031 • “Montgomery County Minute” radio announcements and videos produced by the County are linked to the media page on the County’s website • Radio announcements are broadcast as a public service by local radio stations; the County also posts video on YouTube at www. youtube.com/montgomeryva
Inform. 22
The Public Information Office assisted the Parks and Recreation department in getting the word out about the Halloween Open House for County children
our partnerships The County partnered with the News Messenger to produce “Living Here...New River Valley,” which was printed Nov. 1. our 2009 Public Information continues to explore ways to bring more information to citizens. Future plans include providing videos on demand for Board of Supervisors meetings on the County’s website.
Assist.
Connect.
Eastern Montgomery County Public Safety Building/Elliston Firehouse • Located in the Shawsville-Elliston area, the Eastern part of Montgomery County • Grand Opening was held April 26, 2008 • Elliston’s original station was built more than 50 years ago • The community has nearly 10,000 residents and the station answered more than 460 emergency calls last year, covering nearly 90 square miles • Eastern Montgomery has a mutual aid agreement with Roanoke County to provide service as needed to our neighbors • The station has 10 fire and rescue vehicles, including two boats that are garaged in the 1,600-square-foot state of the art facility
• There are six double bays, a heated floor that will increase the vehicles’ lifespan, bunk rooms for men and women, a fitness room and a full-service kitchen • The facility has a sophisticated dispatch center that will be helpful if the Sheriff ’s Office is overwhelmed with calls during floods or other disasters • The volunteer crew consists of 28 firefighters, who range in age from 18 to 76 • In addition to fighting fires, many of the volunteers are also trained in emergency medical service, rescue diving and swiftwater rescue
Montgomery County rescue squads and fire departments received over 9,000 calls last year.
There were approximately 380 emergency service volunteers in 2008, serving rescue squads and fire departments.
The Elliston Volunteer Fire Department crew poses for a group shot at the grand opening of the new Eastern Montgomery County Public Safety Building/Elliston Firehouse
23
Organized recreation plays a significant role in making Montgomery County a desirable place to live and work.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation brochures can be picked up at the Government Center, the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library or downloaded at www. montgomerycountyva. gov/parks
Parks and Recreation who we are The Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to providing community recreation for children, youth and adults. The services of the department contribute immensely to the building of sound physical and mental health, citizenship and character, and to reducing crime and delinquency within the county. The department promotes educational and emotional growth as well as the social, cultural and moral well-being of families and communities.
P Parks and Recreation will host the 2009 Dixie League 11-12 t. district tournament. our accomplishments • Opened the Motor Mile Park • Began plans for the Eastern Montgomery Park • 2008 registrations increased for all programs: 1,075 in Senior trips and tours; 1,230 in athletics; 640 in outdoor recreation; 215 in youth and adult wellness and education; 110 in swim lessons • Had many repeat participants in programs • Approximately 19,000 visitors came to the County pool (The Frog Pond) in 2008 our grants • Playground equipment grant ($5,000 from Game Time) for the new Eastern Montgomery Park • Joint grant ($125,000 from the Department of Conservation and Recreation) with Blacksburg Parks and Recreation for the Ellett Valley Loop Trail • Earth Day Celebration grant ($150 from the Eastern Montgomery Garden Club) presented to the Active Adult Day Program at Meadowbrook to provide incentive to implement a plant-based project that celebrated Earth Day
Play. 24
The Frog Pond County pool, located at 390 Cinnabar Drive in Christiansburg.
our 2009 Parks and Recreation will strive to complete both the Motor Mile Park and the Eastern Montgomery Park. They plan on having a successful season at the Frog Pond and will work on increasing registrations in all areas. Parks and Recreation will host the 2009 Dixie League 11-12 district tournament.
Explore.
Grow.
Western Virginia Regional Jail • The new regional jail is located on 42 acres off West River Road in Roanoke County and it opened on March 9, 2009; the jail will employ approximately 200 people • “The regional jail is the result of an unprecedented effort in regional cooperation,” said Western Virginia Regional Jail Superintendent Charles Poff. “All four of the participating localities have worked together to ensure the project’s success. It will alleviate the overcrowded conditions in the local jails of the member localities which are currently operating at two to three times their rated capacity. The new jail also will continue to serve the region’s public safety needs well into the future.” • This project is a regional partnership between the City of Salem, and Counties of Franklin, Montgomery and Roanoke • The approximate total cost of the jail is $122 million • The regional partnership established between the four jurisdictions is a historic and unprecedented cooperative effort between the Roanoke and New River Valleys • The facilitys’ approximately 264,000square-feet will provide a rated capacity for 605 inmates; 200 cells are double bunked to provide a total of 805 general purpose beds • The regional jail will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as the building includes green features that are environmentally friendly and will reduce energy costs over the life of
Approximately 250 people attended the Western Virginia Regional Jail dedication ceremony on March 6, 2009.
An open house was held following the dedication ceremony and an additional 500 to 600 toured the facility.
The Western Virginia Regional Jail opened on March 9, 2009
the building • Remote video from other jails will be used for visitors to contact inmates in the regional jail. This will minimize traffic to the facility and enhance jail security • The facility will house both male and female inmates who are sentenced, waiting for release or transfer to the Department of Corrections; it will also house overflow inmates from the existing three jails, to include those with segregation, medical or mental health needs • More than 100 correctional officers graduated from the regional jail’s criminal justice academy
The jail is located in the foothills of Roanoke County
25
According to the Montgomery County Public School’s Annual Report published on their website, www.mcps. org, there were 9,591 students enrolled in the County for the 20072008 school year.
The Workforce Development Program, within the Human Services Department, helps develop/enhance skills necessary to be successful in the workplace.
26
Elliston-Shawsville-Lafayette Area Elementary School • The Elliston-Shawsville-Lafayette Area Elementary School will be located on 20 acres in the Elliston-Shawsville area of Montgomery County • The school will serve children from the County’s Shawsville strand in Eastern Montgomery County who currently go to Elliston Lafayette Elementary and Shawsville Elementary Schools • The groundbreaking for this new County school was Dec. 9, 2008 • The school will open in fall 2010 • The school will be 106,000 gross square feet • Inside the building will be 41 classrooms: • 2 pre-kindergarten • 6 kindergarten • 6 first grade • 6 second grade • 5 third grade • 5 fourth grade • 5 fifth grade • There will be two art classrooms with an exterior art court, two music classrooms, two computer classrooms and numerous in-
dividual and small group instruction spaces • A Library Media Center will provide a computer instruction/research area • The Cafetorium will seat 300 for lunch or 600 when used as an auditorium • A full size basketball court gymnasium with bleachers will not only be used by the school, it will also be available for afterhours use by the County’s Parks and Recreation department • Storage rooms, teacher work rooms, custodial equipment rooms, mechanical rooms, bathrooms and administration spaces with guidance rooms complete the school’s layout • Outdoor amenities will include a multipurpose play field, playgrounds, paved and lighted parking areas and playground fencing • The construction contract was granted to Branch and Associates for a total of $18.6 million; Architects for the building are Spectrum Design PC Architects and Engineers • The school was designed with input from administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members
The groundbreaking for the new Elliston-Shawsville Area Elementary School took place on Dec. 9, 2008
Voter Registrar who we are
The office of the General Registrar/Electoral Board is required by the Constitution and Code of Virginia to provide registration and election services to eligible citizens. These services include support and training to individuals and groups holding registration drives; providing in-house and high school voter registration; maintaining the Virginia Election and Registration System; purchasing, maintaining, testing and loading ballots on voting machines; and preparing for and conducting fair elections within the guidelines of Virginia Elections Laws, including Officer of Election training (200-plus citizen volunteers), processing candidate filings and petitions, printing ballots and processing absentee votes.
Citizens can check their voter registration status and find their polling place by visiting www. montgomerycountyva. gov/vote.
Voter registration deadlines are 29 days prior to any primary or general election, and seven or 14 days prior to any special election.
As of Nov. 25, 2008, Montgomery County had 55,856 registered voters. This number grew 8,252 or 17.3 percent from July 31, 2008 (47,604) due to registration drives preparing for the Presidential Election. During this four month period, the office conducted 19,077 transactions, including new registrations, re-registrations, transfers in and out of the County, removal of deceased and felonies, name and address changes.
This whole year was spent T preparing for the largest election in our history. y. our accomplishments • Prepared for the largest election in the history of the United States • Made and maintained successful partnerships to assist with that election and upcoming elections our partnerships In preparation for the 2008 Presidential Election, the Voter Registrar’s office partnered with local and state law enforcement, fire and rescue departments, Blacksburg and Christiansburg Town administrations, Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and the Virginia Department of Transporation.
Register.
During heavy registration, the Montgomery County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Montgomery County League of Women Voters played a significant role in assisting the Registrar’s office with entering data into the Virginia Election and Registration Information System. our recognition Registrar E. Randall Wertz received an Award of Excellence for his presentation at the 2008 State Board of Elections Annual Training Conference held in Richmond, Virginia. our 2009 The Registrar’s office will prepare for the upcoming redistricting that will take place after the 2010 census is completed.
Vote.
Elect. 27
The Community Restoration Program, part of the Human Services Department, allows participants with larceny related offenses to examine the impact of theft on the merchant community, their family, and the community.
The County Health Department has anonymous HIV counseling and testing, breast and cervical cancer screening, and immunizations for children and adults.
Human Services who we are
The Human Services Division keeps citizens, agencies, and County government informed about services and programs, both public and private, in the areas of human services delivery, monitors and evaluated expenditures and placements of at-risk-children and youth through the Comprehensive Services Act; provides service to the community through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); administers the County’s Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) Program; identifies gaps in prioritized services and coordinates interagency efforts to develop programs or approaches to address unmet service needs.
RSVP volunteers performed R over 44,000 hours of service in the community ty y our accomplishments • In Dec. 2008, Montgomery County Human Services hosted a Systems of Care Summit to create a comprehensive approach to coordinating community-based service delivery. • RSVP enrolled 232 volunteers in the County and the City of Radford • RSVP volunteers performed over 44,000 hours of service in the community • An FY09 bullying prevention grant in the amount of $64,060 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services was presented to New River Valley Community Services, Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery County Human Services
human service resources in the area. RSVP’s plans for 2009 include a second annual Walk-a-Thon to raise money for homebound seniors, instituting several “Going Green” projects, awarding RSVP scholarships to two area high school seniors and providing volunteer support to local non-profit and health-related organizations.
our partnerships Human Services continues to partner with many other resources in the New River Valley who also focus on at-risk children, volunteer opportunities and community development. our 2009 Human Services will continue work towards the personal growth of at-risk youth and troubled families. They will utilize an approach called Systems of Care - a collaboration of all available
RSVP’s 2008 Walk-a-Thon raised $1,888 to purchase supplies for 235 homebound seniors (Pictured: Jean Taylor-left and Mary Miller-right)
Community. Support. Growth. 28
Shawsville, VA Photo by K. Kullman
Bradley W. Finch is the Commonwealth’s Attorney. He has served in the Montgomery County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office since 2001. He graduated from the William and Mary School of Law.
The Public Service Authority provides public water to 10 community systems and sewage treatment to 10 systems in the rural areas of Montgomery County.
Did You Know ... • During 2008, the Montgomery County Department of Social Services (DSS) continued to be among the top three local DSS agencies in the state in assisting customers to find employment. • The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation policymaking organization serving the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery area. It is directed by Dan Brugh.
• The Financial and Management Services Department manages the County’s budget, risk management program, data processing, and purchasing. • The General District Court hears civil and traffic cases involving amounts under $10,000 as well as suits involving misdemeanor crimes; preliminary hearings on felonies; and commitments for the mentally ill.
Main entrance of the Montgomery County Government Center, 755 Roanoke St., Christiansburg
30
• The County operates 10 staffed recycling and collection sites, where all County citizens (including residents of Blacksburg and Christiansburg) may deposit household waste and recyclables, appliances, mattresses, furniture, etc. • The Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority provides a transfer station, recycling, and state-of-the-art technology. • The County’s Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance governs issuance of Land Disturbing permits, review of erosion and sediment control plans, inspection of land disturbing activities and administration of County construction projects. • The Purchasing Department performs procurement services, insures compli-
ance with the Public Procurement Act, and insures that purchasing processes and decisions are competitive and costeffective. • The Information Technology department is responsible for management and support of the technology architecture, hardware, software, and the respective resources to County departments and agencies. • The Mongomery County Building Inspectors perform inspections on all construction in the unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. • Juvenile courts differ from other courts in their duty to protect the confidentiality of all juveniles coming before the court, and in their statutory mission.
The Sheriff’s Office offers a 13-week Citizen’s Academy to educate patrons on what local law enforcement does. For more information, call 382-6915, ext. 4407.
Dogs can be adopted from the County Shelter for a minimal fee, plus spaying or neutering. For more information, call 382-5795.
Montgomery County Government Center entrances on Roanoke Street.
• The General Services Division includes the County Engineer, Building Inspections, Buildings and Grounds, the Garage and motor pool operations, Recycling, Litter Control, Solid Waste Collections, and Animal Control. • The Commissioner of the Revenue’s
Enjoy.
office receives an average 3,800 calls and 1,700 walk-in taxpayers per month. • In May 2008, 254 acres of forestland in Montgomery County were sprayed by aerial pesticide contractors (via state bid) to suppress the heaviest infestations of gypsy moths in the County
Thrive.
Be. 31
The Montgomery County Annual Report Editor: Leigh Anne Correll Public Information Specialist
This is a publication of the Montgomery County Department of Public Information. 755 Roanoke St., Suite 2G Roanoke, VA 24073 www.MontgomeryCountyVA.gov/PubInfo