Reese Peck County Administrator State of the Union Presentation

 

Reese Peck has now been administrator for one year and has become a permanent resident of Essex County. Reese throughout his careers has been an agent of change and was brought in by the supervisors to bring the county forward into the 21st century. Property tax base, education demographics, declining sales tax base, loss of businesses, are gravely impacting Essex County. Future problems such as storm water management, ground water protection, conserving the aquifer are very evident. On the positive side the supervisors are fully committed to progress, supporting the county modernization and encouraged by community support, including the EDA initiatives.

Budget and taxes are the key issues for 2014, total compensation for teachers, health care insurance, and retirement benefits are major issues.

Budget issues are heightened by a 35% of the  property taxes collected allocated to tax debt service, and 10% to supporting land use tax relief.

Tax policies are key to the deciding tax impact in this community... these options are to be subject of public debate. Growing our way out of the situation is one positive option, noting that in many counties at least 80% of economic development is generally driven from within the community.

Pictured above Bill Croxton, chairman of the Essex County Economic Development Authority, Reese Peck - county administrator, and Norman Wood - Tappahannock Rotary Club President.

Certificate of Appreciation from Relay for Life

King George-Dahlgren Rotary Club Accepts Tappahannock Rotary Gift

 

Holly Graf, the President of the King George-Dahlgren Rotary Club accepts a $500 check from Norman Wood, President of the Tappahannock club. Over the last two weeks, the Tappahannock Rotary Club passed the hat each week for the Colonial Beach school system's fire relief to support teacher supplies and other non-insurable educational items that were lost in the fire.  This is a testament to the power of giving by club members and ability to rise to the occasion when non-budgeted funds are needed.

Bobby Watkins - ABC Agent in Action!

Tappahannock Club member Francis Carneal introduced Bobby Watkins (who needed no introduction to most members) who regaled us with interesting stories from his career as an ABC Control Agent. This was a very humorous presentation and highly enjoyed by the membership. 

Sandy Longest Speaks for The Haven

Sandy Longest, Community Relations and Development contact for The Haven was guest speaker tonight.  The Haven provides services and shelter to victims of domestic and sexual assault in Essex, Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, covering 1,003 square miles.  There is no distinction made between gender, class, racial issues for assistance.  There are 9 part-time and 5 full-time staff.  There is room for 32 women and children.  There is a 24-hr hotline.  The Haven Thrift Store in Warsaw is a wonderful resource for income.  In the past 24 months, donations are down and requests for shelter are for a longer length of time.  Last year 13 people were denied services.  This year's budget is set at $723,000 with 48% from grants and 52% from community funding.  In addition to financial support, every day items are needed such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies.  They have bake sales and yard sales and special events each year.