News Releases
The latest new releases from the Office of Public Information appear below. Past news releases are posted in Adobe PDF format.
For more information, contact:
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Director
Office of Public Information
(540) 772-2010
thall@roanokecountyva.gov
Roanoke County Encourages Citizens
to Support the 2010 U.S. Census
ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (Mar 9, 2010) – Roanoke County is working in cooperation with the U.S. Census Bureau to help raise awareness about the 2010 U.S. Census. The County, like other localities, has formed a Complete Count Committee – a group of county and school employees and citizens dedicated to encouraging residents to complete and return the census forms that will be arriving in mailboxes this month.
It is in everyone’s best interest to make sure an accurate census is taken so that communities can receive representation and funding according to their population base. Federal dollars to local communities are based on population. The higher a community's population, the more money a locality receives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Roanoke County benefitted from $292,861,994 in federal funding in 2008. That's approximately $3,222.97 per Roanoke County resident or $7,593.98 per household. This information, as well as additional details about the census and a direct link to the U.S. Census Bureau’s website, can be found on Roanoke County’s website www.RoanokeCountyVa.gov.
The U.S. Census Bureau counts every person in the United States every ten years, as required by the Constitution. Census data are used to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and directly affect how federal funds are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments. These funds, totaling more than $400 billion, may be used for hospitals, senior centers, schools, emergency services, bridges and tunnels, or other public projects. In December, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation declaring their support of the U.S. Census efforts. Since that time, the County’s Complete Count Committee has worked to raise awareness by making group presentations, circulating flyers, and placing posters in high-traffic areas. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and segments dedicated to educating the public about the 2010 Census are also airing on Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV-Channel 3). Information about the census has also been included in the County’s various newsletters.
This year’s census form will be mailed in March and includes 10 short questions pertaining to the individuals who live at the mail recipient’s residence as of April 1, 2010. The form is to be completed and returned in a postage paid envelope. It cannot be completed online. All personal data provided to the Census Bureau are protected under federal law.
Interestingly, two extremely influential people in American and census history were residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Widely considered the father of the census, Virginia resident and fourth President of the United States, James Madison, advocated in Congress for accurate data so the legislature could more effectively govern the country. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, managed the first census in 1790 in his capacity as Secretary of State for President George Washington. Our founders understood that the census could become an important instrument to ensure fairness as our democracy evolved.
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News Release: Roanoke County Encourages Citizens to Support the 2010 U.S. Census
For more information, contact:
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Director
Office of Public Information
(540) 772-2010
thall@roanokecountyva.gov
VDEM Warns of Dangers From Heavy Snow On Roofs
Back-to-back storms create extra stress, especially on flat roofs
RICHMOND, VA – The unprecedented snow load on roofs in Virginia has led to some building damage and collapse. According to reports from several localities, schools, churches, commercial and residential buildings, carports and awnings have been affected.
As the next in a series of winter storms moves into the Commonwealth, property owners and residents should be aware of the weight loads that these storms may be creating, especially on flat roofs.
Take the following precautions to protect life and property:
- Watch for falling snow and ice from roofs.
- Don’t put untrained individuals on roofs to clear snow. Falls from roofs and possible exposure to electrical wires while on the roof are serious hazards.
- Inspect roofs for leaks or structural deficiencies that may develop during the storm.
- Make certain gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of ice and debris.
- Clear snow and ice away from exhaust vents that go through exterior walls.
- Clear decks of snow to reduce stress on them.
After the storm:
- Clear areas around downspouts so that water from melting snow has a path to flow away from the house or building.
- Have a professional licensed contractor remove all snow immediately from every roof surface, including roof overhangs and covered porches.
- Remove snow from side walls to prevent high snow mounds from pushing them in.
- Temporarily shore up and brace dipping or sagging roofs or walls.
- Improper operation of doors or windows, deflection of ceiling finishes or exposed beams, roof leaks or sprinkler heads moved from their normal positions could be signs of roof failure.
Also consider that barns and other agricultural out buildings could present safety hazards. Be careful when entering such buildings and in deciding about housing animals in them. If you are concerned about the structural integrity of a building, contact a structural engineer, building inspector or other qualified individual. Consider moving out of the building if appropriate.
Owners and residents of flat roof buildings in particular are urged to be aware of the possible snow load danger. The threat from heavy snow weight will remain for some time after the storm ends because cold temperatures expected for the rest of the week won’t allow much melting to occur.
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News Release: VDEM Warns About Dangers of Heavy Snow on Roofs
CONTACT:
Laura Southard, Virginia Department of Emergency Management
(804) 674-2400
Note: This information was gleaned from several sources, including the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
Board of Supervisors Receives Budget Update
Board Members Told to Brace for More Cuts
ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (Feb 9, 2010) – The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors received a brief budget update during an afternoon work session with staff.
Brent Robertson, the County’s Management and Budget Director, shared with the Board that the news out of Richmond does not look promising. He says that information from the Virginia Municipal League, an organization representing County and City Governments, indicates that Governor Bob McDonnell wants to reimburse localities for the Car Tax Relief Program, which amounts to $12 million for Roanoke County. This reimbursement was eliminated in former Governor Tim Kaine’s December budget. While this would seem to be positive news, Mr. Robertson told the Board that in order to reimburse for the Car Tax, localities have been told they should brace for reductions in funding at least 50 percent greater than those that already were proposed in Kaine’s budget.
Diane Hyatt, Assistant County Administrator, also shared some news that she had received. She told the Board that the County Schools had been notified that they may lose an additional $900,000 in state funding this fall. She said this cut is due to changes in the Composite Index, which determines the amount of funding public schools receive from the state. With this new information, Roanoke County and Roanoke County schools combined are currently looking at a budget reduction for next fiscal year in the amount of $11 to $14 million. Ms. Hyatt and Mr. Robertson caution everyone that these projections are subject to change because they are calculating numbers using a state budget that has not yet been finalized.
Mr. Robertson also shared with the Board the dates for the upcoming Crossover, which is February 16. He explained that the House and Senate are working on their individual budget bills at this time and on the 16th, the House and Senate will exchange their budget bills in hopes of reaching a final budget. A vote on a final version is expected to occur sometime in mid-March.
Mr. Robertson and staff also updated the Board on some of the measures they are taking to address next year’s budget reductions. Roanoke County Departments have been asked to present operating budgets that reflect a 10% reduction over last year’s funding. In the coming weeks, the County’s Budget Team, comprised of administrative, finance, and budget staff, will meet with the Department Managers to find out if they are able to effectively absorb the cuts. Mr. Robertson also shared with the Board that informational letters were recently mailed to local Human Service and Cultural and Tourism organizations that receive funding from the County. He says the letters outline the Board’s directive that any requests for funding be at least 10-percent less than what the organization received last year.
In other news, Mr. Robertson reminded the Board that a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. to adopt tax rates for real estate, personal property, and machinery and tools. The real estate tax rate is currently $1.09 per $100 assessed value. Personal property is $3.50 per $100 assessed value. And machinery and tools is currently $3.00 per $100 assessed value. Immediately following the public hearing, the Board can vote to adopt the current tax rates or could choose to lower them.
The County has created a webpage where citizens, employees, and the media can easily access information pertaining to the County’s effort to balance the current and upcoming budget. The site can be accessed at the following link: www.roanokecountyva.gov/budgetinfo .
For additional information, contact Director of Management and Budget Brent Robertson at (540) 772-2021.
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News Release: Budget News Release for February 9, 2010
For more information, contact:
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Director
Office of Public Information
(540) 772-2010
thall@roanokecountyva.gov
Fitch Ratings Gives County AA Bond Rating, Stable Outlook
The rating agencies periodically review the bond ratings of all municipalities. Roanoke County was recently reviewed by Fitch Ratings and received affirmation of our AA bond rating with a stable outlook. This is great news for Roanoke County as many other entities are being downgraded during these challenging economic times.
Below is the press release Fitch issued in regard to this affirmation. The statement reflects favorably upon the County's prudent financial policies, healthy reserve levels, financial conditions, economic development initiatives and management practices.
We are very pleased with the report provided by Fitch Ratings. Should you have any questions or need additional information, you may contact our Finance Director, Rebecca Owens at 772-2023.
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News Release: Fitch Gives County AA Bond Rating, Stable Outlook
For more information:
Rebecca Owens,
Roanoke County Finance Director
(540) 772-2023
Roanoke County Sheriff Gerald Holt Announces His Retirement
Chief Deputy Mike Winston to Assume Sheriff’s Responsibilities
ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (Jan 20, 2010) – Gerald Holt will retire as Roanoke County Sheriff effective March 1, 2010, following 18 years of service. Sheriff Holt made the announcement this morning at a press conference outside the Roanoke County Courthouse in Salem.
Sheriff Holt began his career with the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office in June 1970 as a Jailor under the administration of former Sheriff O.S. Foster. Holt worked through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office, later holding the positions of Patrol Deputy, Supervisor, and Crime Prevention Deputy. He became a County Police Officer with the formation of the Roanoke County Police Department in July 1990. Holt, who is 67 years old, took office on January 1, 1992.
Under Holt’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office was Nationally Accredited by the American Corrections Association in April 1999 and has remained accredited since then. During the press conference Sheriff Holt commended the community for its support of the Sheriff’s Office, commenting, “It has been a pleasure to serve as your Sheriff and I wish to thank everyone throughout the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia for all the support and encouragement you have given me through the years.”
Sheriff Holt also praised his successor, Chief Deputy Mike Winston, who will assume the responsibilities of Sheriff on March 1. Winston began his career with Roanoke County in 1970. He became Chief Deputy when Holt was elected Sheriff. Winston holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Radford University. An investiture ceremony – where Chief Deputy Winston will take the oath of office - will be held February 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Roanoke County Courthouse in Salem.
Sheriff Holt has served on numerous committees throughout his tenure and led the way for the creation of the Western Virginia Regional Jail that serves Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke counties and the City of Salem.
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News Release: Roanoke County Sheriff Holt Announces Retirement
For more information, contact:
Roanoke County Sheriff Gerald Holt
Office: 540.387.6139
Roanoke County Supervisors Elect Butch Church as Chairman for 2010, Ed Elswick Selected as Vice Chairman
ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (Jan 12, 2010) – During their annual organizational meeting today, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors elected a new Chairman for 2010.
Supervisor Joseph B. “Butch” Church, who represents the Catawba Magisterial District, was elected to serve as Chairman. During the afternoon special meeting, newly elected Supervisor Eddie “Ed” Elswick, who represents the Windsor Hills District, was chosen as Vice Chairman.
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News Release: Board Elects Chair, Vice Chair for 2010
For more information, contact:
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Director
Office of Public Information
(540) 772-2010
thall@roanokecountyva.gov
Roanoke County Census Road Tour
Advertised for Jan 12 Has Been Postponed
Updated: January 11, 2010 - 12:30 PM:
Roanoke County Census Road Tour Scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2010 has been Postponed. The U.S. Census Bureau hope to reschedule the tour at a future date.
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ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (Jan 11, 2010) – On Tuesday, January 12, the U.S. Census Bureau will bring its traveling Portrait of America Road Tour to Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County. The striking blue cargo van with matching 14-foot trailer is marked with the Census 2010 logo and will be parked in the mall parking lot from 3 to 5 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to visit the Road Tour vehicle during this time and learn more about this year’s census and its impact on the Roanoke County community.
The U.S. Census Bureau counts every person in the United States every ten years, as required by the Constitution. Census data are used to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and directly affect how federal funds are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments. These funds, totaling more than $400 billion, may be used for hospitals, senior centers, schools, emergency services, bridges and tunnels, or other public projects.
It is in everyone’s best interest to make sure an accurate census is taken so that communities can receive appropriate representation and funding according to their population base. Roanoke County, like other localities, is working in cooperation with the U.S. Census Bureau to form a Complete Count Committee, or group of employees and citizens to help raise awareness about the census in Roanoke County.
The 2010 Census Road Tour is designed to educate the public about the 2010 Census, inspire interest in the process, and encourage participation. During the Portrait of America Road Tour, participants have an opportunity to talk with census staff about the 2010 Census and see a sample census form like the ones that will arrive at more than 130 million households in early spring. This year’s census form will be mailed in March and includes ten short questions pertaining to the individuals who live at the mail recipient’s residence as of April 1, 2010. The form is to be completed and returned in a postage paid envelope. It cannot be completed online. All personal data provided to the Census Bureau are protected under federal law.
Interestingly, the vehicle visiting Roanoke County from the Census Bureau’s Charlotte Region is named Founders because two extremely influential people in American history were residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Widely considered the father of the census, Virginia resident and fourth President of the United States James Madison advocated in Congress for accurate data
so the legislature could more effectively govern the country. Thomas Jefferson, the third President, managed the first census in 1790 in his capacity as Secretary of State for President George Washington. Our founders understood that the census could become an important instrument to ensure fairness as our democracy evolved.
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For more information, contact:
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Director
Office of Public Information
(540) 772-2010
thall@roanokecountyva.gov
SALEM - The Virginia Department of Transportation has rescheduled a previously announced bridge replacement on Route 649 (Dry Hollow Road) in Roanoke County for Tuesday, Dec. 8.
SALEM - On Tuesday, Nov. 17, a section of Route 649 (Dry Hollow Road) in Roanoke County will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Route 649 will be closed starting 0.7 mile north of Route 639 (West River Road) and extending to 1.3 miles from the end of state
maintenance.
The road will be closed so the bridge over Dry Hollow Branch can be replaced. This work was previously announced in October but had to be rescheduled.
In addition, motorists should expect delays and watch for flaggers directing traffic in this area during daylight hours on Tuesday, Nov. 18 while crews pave.
SALEM – On Thursday, Nov. 5, the first roundabout in Roanoke County is expected to open on Route 720 (Colonial Avenue) at the intersection with Route 687 (Penn Forest Boulevard). The roundabout is part of a larger road improvement project that is designed to improve traffic flow on Colonial Avenue.
The first phase of the construction project started in June and included the replacement of the Route 720 bridge over Mudlick Creek with a 72-inch pipe, the installation of the roundabout, utility work, paving and grading. Subsequent work will include the straightening of curves on Route 720 (Colonial Avenue) and realigning the intersection of Route 720 and Girard Drive, as well as some grading and drainage work. The project is expected to be completed in August 2010.
Roundabouts have been shown to reduce fatal and injury crashes by as much as 75 percent. The reduction in crashes is attributed to slower speeds and reduced number of conflict points.
Roundabouts have also been found to increase capacity and reduce delays, as intersections with high volumes of left turns are often better handled by a roundabout than a traffic signal. Additionally, roundabouts eliminate maintenance and electricity costs associated with traffic signals, which could possibly be as much as $5,000 per year per intersection.
The North County Fire and Rescue Station will accommodate a total of 18 firefighter/emergency medical technicians working in 
shifts. The station is just over 16,000 square feet and includes living and office space for three round-the-clock shifts, three drive-through bays for emergency vehicles, training and exercise rooms and a back-up emergency generator.
The new station was also designed with many environmentally friendly and energy efficient features, including:
The station's exterior, including the stone facade and red metal roof, were designed to complement the nearby historic Samuel Harshbarger House that is featured on the National Registry of Historic Places.