County Administrator's BLOG

REC Notifies the Public of Application for Rate Hike

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) issued the following public statement on September 30 regarding an upcoming application to raise rates to its customers:

“On October 31, 2022, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative ("REC" or "Cooperative") expects to file with the State Corporation Commission ("Commission'') an application requesting approval of a proposed increase in rates and charges for bills rendered on and after January 1, 2023, and approval of revised depreciation rates effective with the implementation of the proposed rates (''Application''). The Cooperative is filing the Application pursuant to§§ 56-231.33, 56-231.34, 56-235, 56-236, and 56-585.3 of the Code of Virginia and under 20 VAC 5-200-21(C) of the Commission's Rules Governing Streamlined Rate Proceedings and General Rate Proceedings for Electric Cooperatives Subject to the State Corporation Commission's Rate Jurisdiction ("Streamlined Rate Case Rules"). 

“REC has continued to invest in its system and the requested revenue increase will allow it to recover the investments that it has already made and related operations and maintenance expenses. Additionally, the increase in revenues will permit the Cooperative to continue to meet its financial obligations and to provide high levels of reliability and customer service. Specifically, the proposed rates are designed to increase the Cooperative's revenues by approximately $14.95 million per year, an overall increase of total revenues for the Cooperative of 3.90%. Impacts on individual member bills may vary based on usage. Based on pro-forma year results, the proposed rates will produce a TIER (Times Interest Earned Ratio) of 2.50.

“Under the proposed new rates, an average residential member using 1,347 kWh per month will see an increase of approximately $7.78 per month, which would be a 4.1 % increase to the member's monthly bill based on the current Power Cost Adjustment rate. 

“The Application does not propose any wholesale power cost riders be rolled-in to base rates. Additionally, the Cooperative is not proposing revisions to its rate structure as part of the Application. 

“On September 21, 2022, the Cooperative's Board of Directors approved revisions to the Cooperative's line extension policy. These revisions will become effective with the implementation of the proposed rates and the Cooperative has included the revised Terms and Conditions reflecting the changes approved by its Board. 

“The Cooperative intends to file the Application with the Commission on October 31, 2022. Any person subject to the change or changes proposed by REC has the right to request a hearing within 30 days of the Application's delivery to the Commission, or by November 30, 2022. Requests for hearing should be directed to the Clerk of the Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218. If the Commission receives objections from fewer than (i) 150 of the Cooperative's members; (ii) one-quarter of the members within a rate class that is the subject of a revision or increase; or (iii) all of the members within a rate class that is the subject of a revision or increase if the rate class contains 20 or fewer members, REC may petition the Commission to make rates permanent without hearing within 30 days after the Application is filed with the Commission. 

“The Commission may convene a hearing to consider the Cooperatives Application, and if a hearing is held, the Commission may order rate relief, redesign rates or adopt tariff revisions which differ from those appearing in REC's Application. 

“Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals and may download unofficial copies from the Commission's website: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. Copies of the Cooperative's Application also may be inspected during regular business hours at each of the Cooperative's business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies of these documents also may be obtained, at no charge, by submitting a written request to counsel for the Cooperative: Timothy E. Biller, Esquire, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Riverfront Plaza East Tower ,951 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074.”

REC has 170,000 connections throughout 22 counties in Virginia, which includes over 17,000 miles of power lines. REC shares King William County with Dominion Energy in providing service to County residents.

Tevis Begins Tenure as Director of Social Services

Amanda Tevis took over the reigns of King William County Social Services on October 3 after previously serving as Deputy Director. She left to serve as Director of Westmoreland County before accepting the position in King William.

The experienced professional will have her plate full after five months since the previous director left. I served as Interim Director while the search for a new Director was successfully completed.

Also during that time, the Board of Supervisors changed the governance structure and replaced a Citizens Governing Board with a Citizens Advisory Board. That leaves the County Administrator as the oversight of the Agency, similar to other departments in the County.

Among the pressing issues Tevis will tackle:

1. Working with County Finance on state and local funding passing through the Agency.
2. Filling vacancies.
3. Stabilizing activities with both the Court system and law enforcement.
4. Involving King William County again with many community partners.

A variety of services are available to eligible citizens.

King William County in Step with Commonwealth Technology Vision

Government Technology Magazine recently published an article reporting the results of all 50 states on their technological priorities for 2022.

The summary of those priorities were:

1. Cybersecurity
2. Constituent Engaging
3. IT Staffing
4. Modernization of legacy technologies
5. Networks, broadband, connectivity, digital divide

Those priorities match very closely with those of County Government and the vision of the Board of Supervisors.

County Government currently has one IT professional dedicated to cybersecurity. Already systems are much safer and suspicious behavior has been intercepted.

Moving forward, the County would certainly like to move toward a larger IT Staff and have less reliance on IT consultants, which include contracts with Code Blue, Qualys, and Timmons.

Offering broadband throughout the County through a public-private partnership will certainly enhance community engagement, increase connectivity, and narrow the digital divide that exists in many parts of King William County. 

Upgrades to hardware and software will also be an important investment for the Board of Supervisors to consider to allow County Staff to be more mobile and offer greater efficiencies. One example is improved software so builders and contractors can schedule inspections online with the Building Official’s Department. 

It is good to see King William County is marching in step with other localities in the Commonwealth to hold a vision to serve its residents with the best technology possible.

King William County Now Showing Low Exposure for COVID-19

The latest numbers from the Three Rivers Health District show that King William County is now low for COVID-19. After months of being high and medium, the County is matching numbers from across the United States that have seen a sharp drop in cases.

Also, Monkeypox is considered a very low risk to the general population at this time, according to the VDH.

West Point Elementary Receives Blue Ribbon Honors

A big congratulations to the West Point School Division for one of its schools receiving national honors.

On September 20, WPSD Superintendent Dr. Larry Frazier notified the West Point School Community with the following news:

“Today was a big day for West Point Schools! It is with great pleasure and pride that I share with our community that earlier today U.S Secretary of Education, Miquel Cardona, announced that West Point Elementary School has been named one of the best schools in the country as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are on education’s cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices from professional learning communities and project-based learning to social and emotional learning and positive behavior systems. Schools are nominated by the state department of education, data is collected from several successful years, and then schools complete a comprehensive application about school practices. We are excited to continue our tradition of excellence in education with West Point Elementary School earning a Blue Ribbon in 2022 and with West Point High School designated a National Blue Ribbon School in 2012.

School officials will represent West Point Elementary School at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they will hear from Secretary Cardona and other esteemed educators, share best practices with each other, and celebrate their hard-won achievements. WPES will be working on and planning ways for our students and staff to celebrate this recognition throughout the year.

Many thanks go to our amazing faculty, staff, and administration for keeping us “Pointed in the Right Direction” with teaching and learning! Thank you to our school board for their continued support in making sure we have the tools for success! Also, thank you to our amazing students and families, who keep us growing, innovating, and achieving!”

The heart of a community is always its school system. This honor brings attention to the hard work and dedication poured into the West Point School Division by everyone involved. 

Pearls and Chicks Boutique Voted Top Clothing Store

A King William business recently beat out the “big boys” to be voted a top clothing store.

Pearls and Chicks Boutique, located at 1377 Acquinton Church Road, was voted the Richmond Times-Dispatch award for BEST Local Women’s Clothing Store at a ceremony on September 15 at the Hippodrome Theater in Richmond.

Pearls & Chicks beat out Chico’s in Richmond and For Posh Sake in Hanover to capture the top honors.

“I owe so much to my family and customers,” commented owner Lindsay Robinson. “King William is such an amazing place to live and own a small business. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years.”

The competition accepted nominations earlier this year for local businesses all over the Times-Dispatch circulation area. There were 100 different categories.

Robinson started her business six years ago online and it quickly expanded to a stand-alone facility.

“We turned a family barn into a dream,” Robinson said. “It has grown into something more than I could have ever imagined.”

Pearls and Chicks will be celebrating six years of business with a special event on Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. On display is more than women’s clothing, according to Robinson. Other items include home décor, jewelry, t-shirt lines, and seasonal items.  

Store hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also, King William Florist finished third in the competition for BEST florist.

Halloween Safety Alert and Trick-or-Treat Hours in King William County

To help keep children safe, maximize their Halloween "haul", and give parents a little break, County-wide trick-or-treating hours have been set at 5-8pm for vehicles and pedestrians.

Safety Alert: The Drug Enforcement Administration is advising the public of an alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. In August 2022, DEA and our law enforcement partners seized brightly-colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people. Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Every color, shape, and size of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.

A few other tips for a safe & fun Halloween:

• If you are giving out treats, turn on your porch light to let folks know you're participating. If you are not participating, keep your outdoor light off.
• Remember to keep pets indoors for their safety and the safety of trick-or-treaters.
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights if it's dark outside. Put reflective tape on costumes.
• Make sure masks don't obscure children's vision.
• Make a rule - no eating any treats until they've been inspected. Watch out for allergens, choking hazards, and any open candy. (See Safety Alert above.)

Get more tips from:

parents.com

National Safety Council

Safe Kids Worldwide

Special Election for Office of Treasurer Set for March 7, 2023

A Special Election for the Office of Treasurer in King William County has been ordered by Presiding Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Elliott Bondurant for Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

The filing deadline for candidates wanting to run for the office of Treasurer is Friday, January 6. For details on running for office in Virginia, visit the County website or contact the Registrar’s Office at (804) 769-4952. Early voting will begin January 20.

Future of the King William Farmers Market

After two successful pilot events this summer, the King William Economic Development Authority (EDA) is looking for a citizens’ board to organize and operate the Farmers Market for the future.

EDA members voted unanimously to turn the operation over to interested citizens and provide advice and guidance as necessary.

The citizens’ board would be responsible for deciding where and when the markets will be held; recruiting and securing vendors; publicizing the events; deciding on how to financially support the market; and the coordination setup, trash pickup, etc.

If you are interested in helping to keep the Farmers Market active in the central region of the County, please contact deputyclerk@kingwilliamcounty.us for further information. We are happy to share information gathered during the two pilot events with anyone who’d like to take over operations of the Farmers Market.

We invite those who visited the pilot events or participated as a vendor to give us your feedback, which we’ll share with the citizens’ board to help them along.

King William to be Part of Garden Club Week in 2023

Community advocate Nancy Hubbard sent along this notice as planning begins for 2023:

The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula (GCMP) will host the Club’s tour in King William County on Friday, April 21, 2023 when four private homes and two historic churches will open their doors for a Day of Celebrations, History, Conservation and Faith.

The Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) will roll out the welcome sign to visitors from around the nation and even the world for Historic Garden Week (HGW), April 15-22, 2023.

The Garden Club of Virginia is made up of 47 clubs throughout the state and has over 3400 members.

The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula (a member of GCV) is made up of members from the four surrounding counties of King William, King and Queen, Essex, and Middlesex.

Each year for eight days, the GCV welcomes visitors to tour 120-200 private and public sites throughout the State of Virginia.

2023 will be the 90^th anniversary for HGW. In all those years the tour has been cancelled just two times … once for WWII and once for the COVID pandemic.

The proceeds from the tour help fund the ongoing restoration and preservation of nearly 50 of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes; fund a landscape architecture research fellowship program; and provide grants supporting projects at Virginia State Parks. Historic Garden Week in 2022 brought in more than $655,000 to fund these projects.

More information will follow in local publications and online ticket sales will be available February 2023 at VAGardenWeek.org.

The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula hopes local businesses will support its efforts as well.

Eight King William Employees Reach Service Milestones

King William County Government employees who reached milestones for public service were the guests of honor at the annual Employee Recognition Banquet held September 15 at the 360 Recreation Center.

Eight employees were recognized for their years of service:

5 years – Kristin Haynes, E911 Dispatcher; Robbie Sparks, E911 Dispatcher; Ann Porter, CSA Coordinator; and Michelle Hunt, DSS Benefit Program Specialist.

10 years – Anthony Hedgepeth, Utilities Operator; and Angie Resnick, DSS Benefit Program Specialist & Fraud Investigator.

20 Years – Scott Hamilton, Sheriff’s Office Captain of Administration.

Chairman Ed Moren, Vice Chairman Bill Hodges, and District 3 Supervisor Stephen Greenwood were in attendance.

General Election In-Person Voting Begins September 23.

In-person voting for the November 8 General Election will begin Friday, September 23.

King William County Registrar Alison Fox announced Monday through Friday hours will be 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. through November 5.

Accommodations for curbside voting can be made by calling the Registrar’s Office at (804) 769-4952. For more information and important dates, visit the County website.