ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTJANUARY - DECEMBER 2010

We hope you enjoy reading about Roanoke County’s many accomplishments in 2010. This is Roanoke County’s second online Annual Progress Report and we are extremely pleased to be able to share this information with you. Nearly 30 departments deliver services to Roanoke County residents and each works hard to meet the day-to-day needs of the more than 90,000 people who make their home here.

Like many localities, we have felt the impact of rising energy prices, dips in local revenue collections, and cuts in state aid. However, the County’s fiscally conservative practices, diverse economy, and team-oriented approach by employees to reduce the budget have allowed us to preserve the services vital and important to the community.

The needs of our citizens are foremost in our mind. In 2010, thanks to years of careful financial planning by the Board of Supervisors and some good fortune we officially announced plans for a new library in Glenvar using a combination of funds remaining from previous capital construction projects and reserves. This is possible because the Board of Supervisors adopted policies years ago to set aside money each year for the future needs of our community, whether that need is for a new garage, fire station, or library. This forward thinking will result in a new branch library for the citizens of Glenvar. Construction is expected to begin in 2011.

I became part of the Roanoke County family in 2009. We live in a beautiful area but it’s the people – the citizens, our elected officials, and our employees – who make Roanoke County a truly wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s a pleasure to serve Roanoke County.

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ROANOKE COUNTY AT A GLANCE

Roanoke County Administrator B. Clayton “Clay” Goodman.

Message from the 2010 Board Chairman.................... 3

2010 Roanoke County Board of Supervisors .............. 4

Roanoke County Administration .................................. 5

Roanoke County History.............................................. 6

Financial Overview ...................................................... 7

Capital Project Updates .......................................... 8-13

Roanoke County Departments .................................. 14

Clerk of Circuit Court ............................................... 15

Commissioner of the Revenue ................................ 16

Communications & Information Technology ............ 17

Community Development ........................................ 18

Criminal Justice Academy ....................................... 19

Economic Development........................................... 20

Select a link below to view each section:

Elections .................................................................. 21

Fire and Rescue ...................................................... 22

General Services .................................................... 23

Parks, Recreation and Tourism ............................... 24

Police ....................................................................... 25

Public Information Office ......................................... 26

Public Library ........................................................... 27

Real Estate Valuation .............................................. 28

Roanoke County Schools ........................................ 29

Sheriff ...................................................................... 30

Social Services ........................................................ 31

Treasurer ................................................................. 32

Regional Authorities and Services ............................. 33

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2010 was a challenging and very busy year for Roanoke County. My immediate goal as Chairman was to make our local government transparent…I wanted our citizens to not only know what we were doing…but to join us in making good decisions that will af fect their daily lives. Open discussion and community meetings around the county became the routine method of working with our citizens. Although there were signs that the economy was improving, the recession continued to shape how all local governments operate and Roanoke County was no exception. During these times, the Board of Supervisors worked with Roanoke County staff to thoughtfully address any concerns. W e adjusted our systems and the way we do business to cause the least amount of impact on our citizens as possible.

Although the economy around us was unstable, we were able to proceed with some very important projects. This was made possible by our good financial planning and the lower cost of construction during this time. While other localities were having more difficult times, Roanoke County was moving ahead with new construction and exciting projects…such as

• Green Ridge Recreation Center grossing $2.1 million in revenues during its first year, which was enough to cover its operating expenses. Green Ridge also earned LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient facility.

• Construction of the South County Library continuing and plans for the new Glenvar Library taking shape. The South County Library is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011; construction of the Glenvar Library will start in 2011.

• Corridor studies in the Glenvar-Dixie Caverns areas and along Peters Creek Road and Route 419. In 2010, five corridor plans were approved and adopted, including Plantation and Williamson Road area in Hollins, Route 221 South in Poages Mill-Bent Mountain area, Mt. Pleasant community, Route 220 South to the Franklin County line, and Vinton-Hardy Road corridor to East County.

• Continuing progress by the Catawba Sustainability Project and the first ever Catawba Valley Farmers’ Market.

• LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the Fleet Service Center.

• Growing participation in an international program with visitors from our Sister City, Opole, Poland.

I want to take this time to thank our “employers”…the 93,000+ citizens living in Roanoke County. We think that we have a very unique and special place to live, work, and grow a family. It is because of our citizens…and for our citizens…that we are in business.

If you’d like to know more, read on. This annual report is packed with pages of information about County departments you work with most often. For highlights of the year, you can read a transcript of my November 5 State of the County Address on our website. And, of course, the staff and Board of Supervisors are here to answer your questions and respond to your needs.

Joseph B. “Butch” Church, 2010 Chairman Roanoke County Board of Supervisors

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MESSAGE FROM THE 2010 BOARD CHAIRMAN

2010 Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Joseph B. “Butch” Church, as he delivers the State of the County Address at the Green Ridge Recreation Center, November 5, 2010.

Chairman Church presents Honorary Citizenship Certificates from Roanoke County to (l to r) Doctor Donata Kurpas, from the Higher National Medical School in Opole and the Family Medicine Department at Wroclaw Medical University and Janusz Karpinski, Head of International Relations in Opole, Poland.

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Regularly Scheduled Public Meetings are usually held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018. Public hearings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to attend the Board of Supervisors meetings.

Agendas can be found at www.roanokecountyva.gov/bos each Friday afternoon before a scheduled Tuesday Board meeting.

Televised Board of Supervisors meetings are broadcast live on Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV) Channel 3 and are usually rebroadcast the following Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Visit www.roanokecountyva.gov/bos to:

• Download current agendas.• View and download Board Records online.• Watch live Board meetings online.• Sign up to speak at the Board meetings.• Apply to serve on Board-appointed commissions and

committees.• View annual meeting schedule.

Michael W. Altizer Vinton Magisterial District3108 Valley Stream DriveRoanoke, Virginia 24014

Ed “Eddie” Elswick 2010 Vice ChairmanWindsor Hills Magisterial District8550 Willett LaneBent Mountain, VA 24059

Joseph B. “Butch” Church2010 ChairmanCatawba Magisterial DistrictP. O. Box 344Salem, Virginia 24153

Richard C. FloraHollins Magisterial District 6112 Grey Holme LaneRoanoke, Virginia 24019

Charlotte A. MooreCave Spring Magisterial District 5415 Bandy RoadRoanoke, Virginia 24014

The Board of Supervisors sets policies that govern Roanoke County and ensures high quality delivery of services at reasonable costs to the citizens of Roanoke County.The Board of Supervisors is comprised of five Board members including a chairman and vice chairman who are elected by the Board members annually. Each Board member serves a four-year term. The County operates under a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly.

Each Board member represents a magisterial district of approximately 17,000 citizens.

The Board enacts ordinances, establishes policies, sets tax rates, and approves the budget in accordance with the desires of the residents and applicable state and federal laws.

Contact the Board of Supervisors through the Clerk’s Office at (540) 772-2005 or email bos@roanokecountyva.gov.

Meeting Information

Board of Supervisors Online

2010 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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County Administrator B. Clayton Goodman III

Board of Supervisors Elected by the Citizens of Roanoke County

County Attorney Paul Mahoney

Clerk to the Board Deborah C. Jacks

Assistant County Administrator Daniel R. O’Donnell

Departments:

• Fire and Rescue

• Parks Recreation, & Tourism

• Police Department

• Social Services

Serves as liaison for these outside agencies and Constitutional Offices:

• Clerk of Circuit Court

• Court Services

• Commonwealth’s Attorney

• General District Court Judges

• Health Department

• Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court

• Sheriff

Assistant County Administrator Diane D. Hyatt

Departments:

• Finance

• General Services

• Public Library

• Real Estate Valuation

Serves as liaison for these outside agencies and Constitutional Offices:

• Elections

• Commissioner of the Revenue

• Roanoke County Schools

• Treasurer

• Western Virginia Regional Jail

• VA Cooperative Extension

The following departments report directly to the County Administrator:

• Community Development

• Economic Development

• Human Resources

• Communications and Information Technology

• Management & Budget

• Public Information Office

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors is elected by the citizens of Roanoke County to govern on issues of policy. The Board appoints a County Administrator to carry out its directives and attend to the duties of day-to-day government. The Board also appoints a County Attorney, who provides advice and legal services to the Board of Supervisors and County staff. The Constitution of Virginia mandates the independent election of five local constitutional officers — Clerk of Circuit Court, Commissioner of the Revenue, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer — who are directly accountable to the voting public. The Town of Vinton is part of Roanoke County, but the Town also elects a separate Town Council to address issues specific to Vinton residents.

Roanoke County Organizational Chart

ROANOKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION

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Magisterial Districts

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, the Roanoke County of today is the product of a long and varied history. The land itself was carved out of an ancient mountain range, which left a great basin of fertile ground at the foot of Appalachia. In time, the region attracted herds of game and, with them, the valley’s first residents — the Totero Indians. These Siouan speaking people settled what was to become the Roanoke Valley and created an agricultural society along a winding river. The name Roanoke likely originated from rawrenoc, a native word for the smoothed shells these early settlers used as a medium of exchange. The first European settlers ventured into the valley around 1740; they were primarily Scots-Irish immigrants, a hearty lot who pushed the boundaries of the western frontier but often clashed with Native Americans and the English settlers who claimed the land as their own.

The population of Western Virginia, especially Botetourt County, continued to grow in the years following the American Revolution, burgeoned by an influx of German immigrants who followed the Great Road. In 1802, the Town of Salem was founded along this road. Sustained at first by westward travelers, the town was officially incorporated by the General Assembly in 1836. Two years later, in 1838, Roanoke County was carved out of portions of Botetourt and Montgomery counties; Salem became the County seat.

The arrival of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in 1852, the decision to locate Norfolk and Western Railroad headquarters in the valley, and the accompanying birth of the Town of Vinton and City of Roanoke in 1884 and 1888 respectively gradually changed the character of Roanoke County from rural and agrarian to suburban, industrial, and commercial. The latter half of the 20th century saw the effects of this transition — rapid population growth, residential and corporate expansion, and a demand for increased services that expanded the scope and mission of County government.

Today, Roanoke County remains dedicated to promoting a high quality of life and ample opportunity for more than 90,000 residents. Maintaining excellent schools, ensuring public safety, and promoting economic development remain top priorities for the County. Adaptive administration, regional cooperation, and public-private partnerships are leading the way.

Roanoke County is located in Western Virginia and includes approximately 250 square miles.

The County is divided into five magisterial districts. The boundaries of each magisterial district are determined by population according to the most recent U.S. Census.

ROANOKE COUNTY HISTORY

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The General Fund is Roanoke County’s primary operating fund. Major sources of General Fund revenue include:

General Property Taxes - annual taxes on real and personal property within the County,

Other Local Taxes - including Sales, Lodging and Meals taxes,

Intergovernmental - grants from state or federal governments,

Charges for Services - fees collected for services rendered (e.g. court costs, rescue fees, park fees, and library charges),

Use of Property and Money - money earned by the County by investment of funds,

Fines and Forfeitures - amounts collected by the County for violations of local ordinances and regulations (e.g. parking tickets, etc.),

Permits and Licenses - issued by various County departments (e.g. building permits, dog/cat licenses, etc.),

Miscellaneous - are amounts received from other sources, such as donations, and other miscellaneous sources of funds.

The major components of General Fund expenditures are:

Education - Roanoke County Public Schools expenditures.

Public Safety - includes support of Police, E911 Communications, Sheriff, Fire & Rescue, Correction & Detention, and Animal Control,

Health and Welfare - Social Services administration, Public Health and Assistance, and Comprehensive Services Act,

Public Works - maintenance of existing facilities and sanitation and waste removal,

General Government - conducting the legislative, financial, and election activities of the County,

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural - maintenance of parks and other recreation facilities and maintenance and operation of Libraries throughout the County,

Debt Service - the principal and interest payments due for long-term borrowings of the County,

Community Development - long-range and short-range planning for physical, social, economic, and environmental issues,

Judicial Administration - support of the Courts, including the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court and the Commonwealth’s Attorney,

Non-Departmental - amounts paid for tax relief for the elderly and disabled, employee benefits, and other miscellaneous expenditures

Roanoke County’s finances are overseen by the Finance Department, which compiles the County’s award-winning Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. According to the report, fiscal year 2010 presented the most challenging economic times Roanoke County has ever faced in the delivery of local government services while maintaining the County’s traditionally high standard of living and quality of life. Unemployment rose to 6.3% as of June 30, 2010 as compared to the previous fiscal year of 4.6%, though it still compares favorably with the state average of 7.0%. Economic conditions continued to worsen and many of the County’s major revenue sources continued to decline over the previous fiscal year.

Even under these continued difficult and declining times, the County continues to maintain its excellent fiscal status as evidenced by the unqualified opinions by independent auditors of the County’s financial statements, compliance with major federal and state grants, the current AA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s Corporation, AA+ from Fitch Ratings, and Aa1 from Moody’s Investor Service.

ROANOKE COUNTY FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATES

GLENVAR LIBRARY

SOUTH COUNTY LIBRARY

GREEN RIDGE RECREATION CENTER

NORTH COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE

STATION #1

FLEET SERVICE CENTER

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GLENVAR LIBRARY

Glenvar Library 3917 Daugherty Rd. Salem, Virginia 24153 Main Number: (540) 387-6163

On June 8, 2010, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with plans to design and construct a new Glenvar Branch Library. The new $6 million library will be built on property at the existing site, located along Route 460 near Richfield Retirement Community and Fort Lewis Fire and Rescue. The current library in Glenvar is just 5,000 square feet, cramped, and outdated. It was constructed more than 30 years ago when the community was much smaller. Today there are more families in the area who use the library, as well as residents of the nearby Richfield Retirement community.

The firm Holzheimer Bolek + Meehan | Architects (“HB+M”) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, will design the new library. The firm has a 34-year national architectural practice specializing in the planning and design of libraries. HB+M utilizes both the experiences of its past as well as new concepts and ideas for the future to complete each project while maintaining a respect and concern for the human environment. HB+M is also providing architectural and design services for the South County Library, which is under construction with an anticipated opening in late fall of 2011.

Construction of the Glenvar Library is expected to begin in 2011 and conclude in December 2012.

Planning a 21st Century Library for Glenvar

Current Conditions at Glenvar Library:• No renovations since opening in 1979• Poor lighting• No separate children’s or teen areas• No quiet places to sit and read• Insufficient number of computers to meet demand• No computer lab so no computer classes as at other

branches• Meeting room is too small for some programs or civic

uses• Inefficient work spaces

Proposal for Glenvar Library Includes:• Replaces existing building with a 15,000 square foot

library on the same site.• Extensive browsing space and readers’ seating• Display areas• Enough shelving for books• Attractive children’s area• Separate teen area• Larger meeting room and a conference room • More computers and an instructional lab. • Self-checkout station• Drive-through book pickup and return lane• Larger parking lot with improved traffic flow• Sustainable elements; LEED™ certification• Flexibility to allow for future growth and changes in

services

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South County Library 6303 Merriman Road Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-7507

SOUTH COUNTY LIBRARY

After serving the public for 40 years, the Route 419 Headquarters Library will close in late fall 2011 and library operations will be moved to the new South County Library on Merriman Road. Work to construct the new full-service library branch began following a ground breaking ceremony in October 2009.

Directly across from Penn Forest Elementary School and less than three miles from the current location, the South County Library will be a library like no other, making available state-of-the-art features and services in a modern, sustainable building. Situated in a tranquil setting conducive to learning and other leisure-time activities—such as strolls on raised walking paths in the nearby reclaimed wetland, soaking in breathtaking mountain views from comfortable seating within the library, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea at the café—you will soon realize this new library is a destination in its own right.

Although the cramped spaces, outdated fixtures, and limited parking of the 419 Library will change, one thing that won’t is the staff’s attention to serving the library needs of Roanoke Valley citizens in a kind and courteous way.

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GREEN RIDGE RECREATION CENTER

Green Ridge Recreation Center 7415 Wood Haven Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 777-6300

Splash Valley - Summertime Success!

Roanoke County’s Green Ridge Recreation Center officially opened to the public on New Year’s Day 2010. Green Ridge is a project unlike any other in the Roanoke Valley and in its first year of operation more than 300,000 walked through the doors of the facility. Located at the intersection of Valleypointe Parkway and Wood Haven Road, the new center provides recreational opportunities, programs for all ages, and community meeting space.

The 76,000-square-foot building includes a double gymnasium, fitness center, two aerobics rooms, three multi-purpose program rooms, and an indoor aquatics center with an adjoining birthday party room. The building also includes an indoor walking track that offers sweeping vistas of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Green Ridge Recreation Center Highlights

Green Ridge Recreation Center generated nearly $2.5 million in revenue, allowing the facility to cover its first year of operating costs well ahead of schedule.

Number of Visits ......................................... 300,000+

Memberships.....................................................3,611

Membership Visits ........................................ 224,867

Day Passes .................................................... 32,885

Rentals (serving 20,000 people) ......................... 597

Programs Offered per Semester ....................... 200+

More than 40,000 visitors came to Splash Valley during its first season. This outdoor water park features a 20,000-square-foot outdoor leisure pool, water slides, a lazy river and a child-friendly “sprayground.”

LEED Gold Certified Facility

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NORTH COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE STATION #1

North County Fire and Rescue Station #1 150 Hershberger Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 777-8701

A Lifesaving Year for Station #1...

Roanoke County’s newest fire and rescue station began operating in October 2009. Since that time, it’s achieved its goal. Located near the intersection of Hershberger and Plantation roads, the $4.2 million North County Fire and Rescue Station #1 was constructed to help to improve emergency response times across the County - and that’s exactly what it’s achieved.

The North County Fire and Rescue Station, along with the Hollins Fire and Rescue Station #5, serve North County along the Peters Creek Road corridor to Williamson Road and out to Hollins and along Plantation Road. The district includes numerous nursing homes, five public schools, a university, and thousands of homes and businesses. In 2010, the new station answered 185 fire calls and 1,260 rescue calls – representing 11.3 percent of the total calls in the County.

Prior to construction of the new North County station, these calls were handled by the Hollins Fire and Rescue Station, which was answering 31 percent of all fire and rescue calls in the County. In 2010, the Hollins station answered 19 percent of all calls in the County; thus, proving the need and value placed on the new station.

The exterior features of the North County Fire and Rescue Station, including the stone façade and red metal roof, were designed to complement its neighbor, the Samuel Harshbarger House. Built in 1797, this home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Fleet Service Center 5235 Hollins Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 362-2132

FLEET SERVICE CENTER

Maintaining the Fleet...

LEED Certified Facility

The Fleet Service Center on Hollins Road is one of Roanoke County’s newest facilities. Roanoke County and the Western Virginia Water Authority celebrated the completion of construction in October 2009. Since that time the Fleet Service Center has achieved a number of successes.

One of the concerns addressed in previous fiscal years was the Fleet Service Center’s ability to fund its own operating expenses. A committee comprised of Finance personnel and General Services’ staff worked together to develop a plan to assist the Fleet Service Center achieve this goal. In fiscal year 2009-10, the Fleet Service Center was able to fully fund its own operation.

The Fleet Service Center features eight heavy equipment and truck bays and an additional six bays for cars and other light-duty vehicles. The added space has allowed staff to prioritize repairs, ensuring that police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, garbage trucks, and other County vehicles stay serviced and on the road. In Fiscal Year 2009-10, staff at the Fleet Service Center repaired 783 vehicles, opened 3,461 work orders, and produced 10,212 hours of billable labor.

In 2010, Roanoke County was notified that the building has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as a “green” building. The Fleet Service Center was designed with a variety of environmentally friendly features that will help decrease the operating cost of the facility and reduce the building’s impact on the environment. Some of the sustainable features which helped the building achieve LEED status include extensive natural lighting, computerized light and HVAC controls, water efficient landscaping, a white roof for reduced heat island effect, and recycled content building materials.

Roanoke County’s ongoing commitment to the environment includes use of fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles. In fiscal year 2010, the County’s fleet contained 11 hybrid vehicles.

DEPARTMENTS

& SERVICES

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The Clerk of Circuit Court is one of five constitutional officers elected by Roanoke County voters. The Clerk serves an eight-year term. The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office is responsible for establishing and maintaining records on all civil and criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court of Roanoke County. The Clerk’s office also provides assistance to Roanoke County’s Circuit Court judges as requested.

In addition to maintaining court records, the Clerk’s office also records deeds and other real estate-related documents; issues marriage licenses and concealed weapons permits; processes adoptions, divorces, and name changes; and administers probate and estate matters.

The Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk’s office now has real estate records online via Secure Remote Access (SRA) provided by the Virginia judicial system’s Web-enabled Records Management System (RMS).

For a subscription fee of $50 per month, payable in minimum quarterly installments and subject to approval by the Clerk, business users and individuals can have online access to real estate-related documents and other important records on file in the Clerk’s office. Many of these records were previously only available by visiting the Clerk’s office at the Roanoke County Courthouse.

The Clerk’s office has continued to improve its record keeping and duplicating processes, primarily via the Supreme Court of Virginia’s (SCV) “Reflections” computerized imaging and indexing system. The “Reflections” system and other technological improvements have been funded via the office’s accumulated Technology Trust Fund (TTF) fee account, thus costing Roanoke County taxpayers nothing.

Clerk of Circuit Court Roanoke County Courthouse 305 East Main Street, Second Floor, Room 200 Salem, Virginia 24153 Main Number: (540) 387-6205

Steve McGraw, Clerk of Circuit Court

CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT

Clerk of Circuit Court’s HighlightsBelow is a snapshot of the Clerk of Circuit Court’s activities in fiscal year 2010:

Deeds recorded ........................................... 15,149

Civil cases commenced .................................. 1,088

Criminal cases commenced .......................... 1,703

Concealed weapons permits issued ................. 937

Judgments docketed ...................................... 2,703

Marriage licenses issued .................................. 365

Wills probated .................................................... 661The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office is located on the second floor of the Roanoke County Courthouse at 305 East Main Street in Salem.

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Nancy J. Horn, Master Commissioner of the Revenue

Commissioner of the Revenue Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, First Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-2046

The Commissioner of the Revenue’s primary responsibility is to assess the value of personal property and business personal property; issue and renew business licenses; and process Virginia state income tax returns. The office also maintains the land and personal property books; administers the Real Estate Tax Relief program for the elderly and disabled; and collects local fiduciary taxes, such as admissions, prepared food and beverage, utilities, and hotel lodging taxes.

In fiscal year 2010, the Commissioner’s office made 128,139 assessments of personal property and business personal property. Roanoke County taxes personal property used in a business located in the County or the Town of Vinton, including furniture, fixtures, machinery, and tools. All owners of vehicles, including boats and boat motors, are required by state law to report this personal property to their local Commissioner of the Revenue’s office. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office utilizes the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) program and books to assess cars, light weight trucks, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats, boat motors and manufactured housing (mobile homes) for Roanoke County and Town of Vinton. While the Commissioner’s Office assesses the value of personal property, the Board of Supervisors sets new tax rates on the assessed value each year in the spring.

Business Licenses are also a large part of the office’s day-to-day work. Staff issued or renewed 5,922 business licenses across the County in fiscal year 2010. Business licenses are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed each year by the first of March. The Commissioner’s office is also responsible for auditing business license applications and renewals.

The Commissioner of the Revenue’s staff handles real estate transfers and administers the Real Estate Tax Relief program for elderly and disabled citizens of Roanoke County who qualify. In fiscal year 2010, the office processed 5,276 real estate transfers and applications for Real Estate Tax Relief.

The Commissioner and staff participate in a professional career development program through the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, a career development plan approved by the General Assembly. This program for Master designation is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff to ensure excellence in service to County taxpayers. To date, eight staff members in the Commissioner’s office have earned their Master certification.

The Commissioner of the Revenue is one of five constitutional officers elected by Roanoke County citizens. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s term of office is four years.

COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

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in the Cities of Salem and Roanoke to share services and collaborate on technology and communication projects of mutual benefit, including criminal information data sharing, shared fiber connections and shared radio communication services.

In 2010, Roanoke County once again ranked highly in a national technology survey of counties across the nation. The Digital Counties Survey looks at all aspects of technology, from infrastructure to delivery of e-services and new technology initiatives. Roanoke County ranked in the top five counties in its population category and this placement continues nearly a decade of consistently high recognition in the survey.

The Department of Communications and Information Technology (CommIT) provides emergency communications and technology that enhances citizen safety and ensures access to Roanoke County government services and information. The department focuses on providing the technology tools, resources, services, and information needed to assist the County’s other departments in achieving their goals. Additionally, the department provides 24-hour response to 9-1-1 emergency calls for service from Roanoke County citizens and businesses.

Emergency 9-1-1 calls are received at the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). The ECC, which answers about 230,000 calls a year, is nationally-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Roanoke County’s ECC is one of only 63 public safety communications centers nationwide with this distinction. 100% of ECC personnel are certified in CPR and have their Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification by the time they finish their extensive initial training program. EMD enables a Communications Officer to assist citizens over the phone with medical instructions until a first responder arrives on scene. This certification saves lives.

In 2010, the department consolidated Emergency 911 services for the County of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton. This project involved the addition of equipment, positions and personnel to serve multiple jurisdictions for first responders. Transition of staff members and operations from the Town of Vinton to operations in the County was accomplished with no interruptions of service to Town or County citizens. This project was not only activated on schedule but will also serve the municipalities approximately $150,000 per year in operation and personnel costs.

CommIT worked closely with the Public Information Office and content experts in each County department to deploy a completely redesigned website in early 2011. The new County web presence provides a significant improvement over the previous site.

The Department continues a regional approach to service delivery and cost efficiencies via technology. In 2010, the department worked closely with our technology neighbors

Communications and Information Technology Roanoke County Public Safety Center 5925 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 777-8500 Emergency: 9-1-1

COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Emergency Communications Center is a critical link in connecting citizens with police, fire and rescue, and other essential public safety services.

CommIT staff manages a host of technology tools that enable County departments to offer services to citizens.

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Community Development Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, Second Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-2080

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Development Highlights

The Department of Community Development works with Roanoke County citizens to facilitate the orderly growth and development of Roanoke County while working to preserve and protect our natural environment for future generations. The department has four divisions – Building Safety, Engineering/Environmental Management, Planning Services, and Zoning Administration.

• Completed two major construction projects identified in the Storm Water Maintenance Program

• Administered construction of the Merriman Road Roundabout

• Utilized an online database system for building inspectors to enter inspection results in real-time from the field

• Completed the Vinton Area Corridors Plan as a component of the County’s Comprehensive Plan (adopted by the Board of Supervisors)

• Continued with work on the Glenvar Community Plan and Peters Creek/Hollins Community Plan - both to serve as components of the County’s Comprehensive Plan

• Submitted a $2.5 million Federal Transportation Enhancement program application for bicycle, pedestrian and streetscape improvements to Plantation Road

• Provided technical assistance to the Catawba Sustainability Center at the Virginia Tech Catawba Farm

• Continued to work on the County’s Statistical Abstract and posted county-wide demographic, land use and housing data on the department’s website.

• Improved the GIS system’s capabilities to produce Search and Rescue and Appalachian Trail maps to help the Fire and Rescue Department locate missing or injured persons.

Community Development also provides information to the public and its customers on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to environmental issues and programs, mapping/geographic information, development policies and procedures (building, zoning, subdivisions, site plans, erosion and sediment control, stormwater), transportation programs, long-range planning studies, and local and regional demographics. For convenience, this information is provided through a variety of print and electronic media.

In 2010, Community Development staff hosted several community meetings to receive input from citizens about future development in the Glenvar Community and along the West Main Street Corridor.

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Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy Roanoke County Public Safety Center 5925 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 777-8642

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY

Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy (RCCJA) is certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a premier public safety training resource for the Roanoke Valley. During the 2010 fiscal year, the academy held two Basic Jailor classes graduating 16 Jail Officers and two 22-week Basic Law Enforcement classes graduating sixteen Police Officers. The Academy also held a two-week transition school for 6 certified corrections officers hired by the Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority.

The academy was also successful in providing a sufficient number of in-service training sessions to help Roanoke County Police Department officers obtain their required in-service credits. Included were two classes taught by speakers held in high regard in Law Enforcement, Verbal Judo with Dr. George Thompson and Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin.

Established in 2007, the Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy has continued to refine its policies and procedures for a future bid for national accreditation through the Commission for the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Above: Physical training exercises are a part of every recruit’s Academy experience.

Above: Group training and drills build both teamwork and leadership skills that are vital in today’s law enforcement arena.

Above: Academy recruits learn a variety of survival skills as part of their training. The recruits above are shown during their water survival training.

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Economic Development Highlights

Economic Development Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, Fourth Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-2069 www.yesroanoke.org

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Announcement of the new $22 million Walmart Super Center in Clearbrook,

• Mennel Milling Company’s $4.5 million expansion with the addition of new grain silos and maintenance facility,

• Plastic One’s 5,000 square foot addition to its manufacturing facility,

• RDS Recycling & Disposal Solution’s opening of a new recycling operation off of Plantation Road,

• Announcement of a new Advance Auto facility in the Town of Vinton,

• Received the 2010 Community Economic Development Award for Green Ridge Recreation Center as a business park anchor and economic catalyst for the County,

The mission of the Economic Development Department is to attract and retain in Roanoke County quality jobs and investment that diversify the economy, broaden the tax base, and provide long-term employment opportunities for residents. This mission is accomplished, in part, by creating and maintaining a business climate that encourages the retention and growth of local enterprise and participating in regional workforce development initiatives that link the needs of the business community with the existing workforce.

Cultivating cooperative relationships with higher education institutions such as Roanoke College, Hollins University, and Virginia Tech is also a priority. In 2010, staff worked in partnership with the Virginia Tech College of Outreach and International Affairs to develop the Catawba Sustainability Center.

• Completion of Saint Francis Service Dogs $1.2 million kennel and administrative office expansion,

• Construction of a new Bojangle’s Restaurant at Colonial and Brambleton Avenue,

• Completion of a new CVS Pharmacy at Valley Gateway,

• Adams Construction’s selection of a site for an asphalt plant in West County.

The Catawba Sustainability Center offers opportunities for education, training, business development, and research in sustainable land management and low impact living. A spinoff from this initiative is the Catawba Farmers Market, which got its start in 2010. Abundant produce from area growers, combined with the enthusiasm of local consumers, combined to make the market a big success in its first year.

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The office of Elections is committed to providing each citizen of Roanoke County with the opportunity to exercise his or her right to vote in an efficient and equitable manner in accordance with federal and state election laws. It is the responsibility of the General Registrar, who oversees the Elections office, to maintain accurate and current records according to state and federal laws and conduct accurate and fair elections.

Elections Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, Third Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-7500

Voting Requirements and RegistrationTo vote, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a citizen of the United States of America.

• You must be at least 18 years of age by election day.

• If you have been convicted of a felony, your voting rights must be restored and you must provide proof of restoration.

• You must not be currently judged by a circuit court to be mentally incompetent.

• Registrations must be completed 21 days prior to an election.

Voter registration applications are available at voter registration offices in Virginia and various government agencies, including:

• Post Offices

• Public Libraries

• Division of Motor Vehicles locations

• Social Services

Visit Roanoke County’s Elections website for additional information. Registrations cannot be transferred from another state for you to vote in Virginia. If you change your name or local address since the last election, you must inform the Elections office in writing or in person.

ELECTIONS

Elections Fast FactsThere are approximately 66,000 registered voters in Roanoke County. Two elections were held during the 2009-2010 fiscal year: the Gubernatorial Election in November, and the Town of Vinton election in May. The November 2009 election generated a voter turnout of 46.3%, and a total of 1,312 absentee ballots were processed for the November election.

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FIRE AND RESCUE

Fire and Rescue Roanoke County Public Safety Center 5925 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 777-8701 Emergency: 9-1-1

Fire and Rescue Highlights• Successfully expanded EMS coverage at the Read Mountain

station, which serves both Roanoke and Botetourt counties

• Awarded several matching grants from the Virginia Department of Health to purchase, update, or replace equipment

• Awarded a pass-through grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Department of Homeland Security to support the area’s Regional Technical Rescue Team. The team is responsible for providing emergency response to most of Southwest Virginia.

• Received three Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Fire Services for the RoCo PASS public education program, the Roanoke Valley Fire-EMS Hiring Process, and Outstanding Fire Department Response for Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire Company’s Interstate 81 snow rescue efforts in 2009.

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue is recognized as a superior fire and rescue department committed to providing quality fire and emergency medical services to the citizens and visitors of Roanoke County. The department is a combination of both career and volunteer personnel operating out of 13 stations and one administrative office. During fiscal year 2010, the Fire and Rescue Department answered 11, 373 calls for service, issued nearly 260 fire permits, and conducted 128 fire investigations.

During this period, Fire and Rescue was able to reach 42% of Advanced Life Support emergency calls within the six-minute standard of service goal adopted by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the Fire and Rescue Department.

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Recycling in Roanoke County Roanoke County residents can take their recycling to any of the following drop-off locations.

• Roanoke Valley Resource Authority at Tinker Creek Transfer Station. This location also offers monthly Household Hazardous Waste Day opportunities.

• Cox Communications — Located at the Cox building on Fallowater Lane in southwest Roanoke County, this site accepts mixed paper, aluminum, and plastic

• Hollins University — Follow the recycling signs to the drop-off site. This site currently accepts mixed paper, aluminum, and plastic

The Roanoke County schools listed below also host recycling trailers for public use and accept mixed paper, plastic #1, plastic #2, and aluminum. Place only appropriate items in the designated bins, as other material will contaminate the load and it will not be usable.

• Cave Spring Middle School

• Oak Grove Elementary School

• Glenvar Middle School

• William Byrd Middle School

GENERAL SERVICES

General Services Roanoke County Public Service Center 1216 Kessler Mill Road Salem, Virginia 24153 Main Number: (540) 387-6200

General Services Highlights • Roanoke County achieved Green Government

status under the VML/VACo Go Green Virginia Challenge

• Continued work on the third of five Milestones for Sustainability, as outlined by ICLEI. Milestone three involves working with RCCLEAR, a group of volunteers appointed by the Board of Supervisors, to develop a community-wide plan to orchestrate the reduction of the County’s carbon footprint

The Department of General Services is responsible for the maintenance of County facilities; comprehensive public solid waste services; County vehicle maintenance; and environmental monitoring.

Facilities Management operates and maintains County-owned facilities to provide a safe and productive working environment for County employees as well as citizens while protecting the County’s investment.

Solid Waste provides curbside trash, bulk garbage, and brush collection for more than 30,000 homes and businesses in a manner that is sanitary and cost-effective for the citizens and employees and safe for the environment.

Fleet Services oversees all aspects of fleet management, keeping vehicles and equipment in the highest state of readiness and safety for the County, the Western Virginia Water Authority, and other regional agencies.

Environmental Management is responsible for implementation of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives standards — also known as ICLEI or Local Governments for Sustainability — and is responsible for tracking County-wide energy use and suggesting ways of reducing the community’s carbon footprint.

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PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Roanoke County Public Service Center 1206 Kessler Mill Road Salem, Virginia 24153 Main Number: (540) 387-6078

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism provides recreation programs, special events, and facilities for all ages and abilities throughout Roanoke County.

In fiscal year 2010, the Recreation Division offered nearly 2,000 recreation programs and processed more than 23,000 registrations, including year-long after school recreation programs through the After School for Kids and Kids in Camp programs, week-long summer camps, and four full seasons of recreational athletic leagues for children and adults.

In January 2010 Green Ridge Recreation Center officially opened to the public. The facility is Roanoke County’s first center built specifically for family recreation programs, fitness, and athletics.

The department also offered the community seven major County-produced special events and numerous co-sponsored events, including the successful Touch-A-Truck, Wheels, Wings and Water. Children of all ages were able to climb, explore and learn about over 150 vehicles of every shape, size and function. Public response was overwhelming, with over 7,000 people in attendance.

The inaugural Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure raised more than $284,000 towards the fight to end breast cancer. Seventy-five percent

of the raised funds support programs in our community, with the remainder helping to fund national breast cancer research. More than 2,078 runners and walkers participated in the event held at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park.

The Parks Division staff manages the outdoor maintenance of 77 sites throughout the County, including parks and outdoor amenities, portions of schools, libraries, County offices, industrial parks, fire and rescue stations, and other facilities.

In fiscal year 2010, the department co-hosted 29 sports tournaments representing 1,420 teams. During that period, tourism and sports marketing efforts contributed an estimated $11.5 million to the Roanoke Valley’s economy.

Inaugural year success for the 2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, with more than 2,078 runners and walkers participating in the event at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park.

More than 7,000 people came out for the 2010 Touch-A-Truck event, featuring over 150 vehicles of every shape, size and function. Children were invited into the driver’s seats, cockpits and helms of emergency vehicles, aircraft, and boats on display at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park.

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2010 Police Department ActivitiesVehicle Stops ................................................ 28,631Building Checks ............................................ 14,467Disabled Vehicle Checks ................................ 1,997Arrest Warrants Served .................................. 2,809Animal Control Calls ....................................... 2,882Sobriety Checkpoints........................................... 36License Checkpoints ........................................... 25

Police Roanoke County Public Safety Center 5925 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Non-Emergency: (540) 562-3265 Emergency: 9-1-1

POLICE

Roanoke County Police Department provides a high level of public safety and services to the citizens of Roanoke County. Currently 140 sworn officers are assigned to various duties within the department to engage, educate, and better serve the community. The department is fully accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

A major undertaking in fiscal year 2010 was the installation of in-car cameras for Uniform Patrol officers. Nearly half of all patrol vehicles are now equipped with these cameras, which increase accountability for both officers and the community.

Officers continued with the department’s “Partnering for the Privilege” presentations, including five crash car presentations and 25 golf cart DWI simulations.

From January 2010 through September 1, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was assigned 166 burglaries, a 43% reduction in burglaries for the same time period in 2009. The drop is largely attributable to the arrests of several burglars previously operating in the County in 2009.

In December 2010, the department worked its most high profile case in recent memory with the Tina Smith murder investigation. After finding the 41-year-old mother dead in her home, police quickly realized her daughter was missing and issued an Amber Alert, fearing 12-year-old Brittany Mae Smith was abducted by her mother’s boyfriend, Jeff Easley. To find Brittany, the Department and Public Information Office managed a communications plan that kept the search in the national news. Five days later a woman who saw the story on CNN recognized Brittany

panhandling in California. Four detectives traveled there to bring Brittany and Easley back home where the girl was reunited with her family. At the end of December, Easley was in jail on abduction charges with additional charges pending.

Roanoke County’s Police Department took the lead on the case, coordinating the efforts of many agencies that contributed to the search, including the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, the Secret Service, the Virginia State Police, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Above, from left to right: Roanoke County Police Lieutenant Chuck Mason, VA State Police Captain George Austin, and the FBI’s Kevin Foust join Police Chief Ray Lavinder for a press conference during the search for Brittany Mae Smith.

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PUBLIC INFORMATION

Public Information Roanoke County Public Safety Center 5925 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 772-2010

The Public Information Office issued wanted posters, continual social media updates and news releases to support the search for Brittany Mae Smith.

Roanoke County’s Public Information Office (PIO) works to promote information to the community and employees through the county website, news media, government access television, publications, civic leagues, email correspondence, and intergovernmental relationships.

In 2010, staff began working toward a redesign of the County’s website that would allow the County to present information in a smart and efficient way. For example, a new “Notify Me” option on the home page allows visitors to sign up to receive emergency alerts, news flashes, bids and calendar notifications, via email or text message, from a variety of county departments. Another significant change is that the new website is now accessible from smartphones.

In December 2010, staff assisted the Roanoke County Police Department in the search for 12-year-old Brittany Mae Smith and her alleged abductor. To find Brittany, PIO staff managed a communications plan that kept the search in the national news. The plan included message development, media relations, news releases, press conferences, and social media. The results in this case surpassed expectations. Within hours of the Amber Alert, social media promotion, and first press release, CNN picked up the case as part of its news coverage and the search was profiled that night on the Nancy Grace program. The search for Brittany ended five days later when she was found safe in San Francisco, California. A woman who saw the story on CNN recognized Brittany panhandling outside a supermarket and alerted authorities. In addition, her alleged abductor was arrested.

Over the five day campaign, 800 tips were phoned in or emailed to police. The primary message “Find Brittany” was picked up and sustained by Fox News, CNN, Nancy Grace, local and national ABC, CBS, and NBC stations, the Associated Press, radio stations, and countless newspapers as far away as the Daily Mail in London.

Public Information Office Highlights• Partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to achieve

a complete and accurate census count in 2010. The collaborative plan resulted in an 80% return rate - the highest Census return rate in Roanoke County history.

• Promoted ongoing public awareness of Roanoke County news and current events with the production of 12 Roanoke County Today episodes, 12 RoCo Register e-newsletters, and compiling Board Meeting Summaries after each Board of Supervisors meeting.

• Supported the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary efforts with parkway symposiums in April and October as well as the Anniversary Festival in September.

• Created and maintained a distinct section on the County website to disseminate updates on the budget process from January through July for public and employee benefit

• Researched and prepared the Roanoke County Annual Progress Report and annual State of the County address delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

• Awarded the 2010 Gold Marketing Communication Award for E-Annual Reports in the Government category for the 2009 Annual Progress Report publication.

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PUBLIC LIBRARY

Public Library Headquarters 3131 Electric Road Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-7507

The Roanoke County Public Library is the community’s primary resource for lifelong learning and the place people turn to for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information. There are six libraries in Roanoke County: Headquarters/419, Bent Mountain, Glenvar, Hollins, Mount Pleasant, and Vinton.

Among its goals are that the library:

• Should function as robust and active community and information centers, with a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, offering information resources and social activities that reflect the interests and needs of its patrons.

• Creates an environment that enables quality library services to flourish by maintaining and improving facilities that are safe, accessible, cost effective, and comfortable.

• Provides and expands the range of relevant, innovative technologies to make library resources more accessible to the community and to attract new library users.

Library Highlights• Construction continued at the site of the new South

County Library, with an anticipated opening date of November 2011.

• Planning officially began for a new Glenvar Branch Library, with construction expected to begin in 2011.

• As citizens relied more on library services the system issued 4,921 new library cards for a significant increase of 7.5% over the previous year.

This year, the library’s 73,339 registered patrons...

• Made nearly 890,000 visits to six branches, an average of approximately 13 visits per person.

• Borrowed 1,227,716 items, or 13.4 items per capita.

• Received answers to nearly 162,000 reference questions.

• Searched online resources and downloaded 178,402 pages of information.

• Logged nearly 151,000 hours of computer use among the six branches.

• Contributed 10,698 hours of volunteer time.

Information Age: Roanoke County Public Library patrons logged nearly 151,000 hours of computer use among the six branches.

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Real Estate Valuation Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, Second Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-2035

REAL ESTATE VALUATION

The Department of Real Estate Valuation is responsible for assessing all taxable real property in Roanoke County at 100 percent of fair market value, while assuring equalization and uniformity, according to Virginia law; administering the County’s Land-Use Program to encourage the preservation of land, natural beauty, and open spaces; and ensuring an effective appeal through the Board of Equalization, when necessary.

All real property in Roanoke County is subject to taxation, except those properties that are specifically tax exempt. Annually Roanoke County appraises approximately 45,000 parcels. The appraisal staff is responsible for identifying, locating, and estimating the value of these properties. The appraiser does not create the value — citizens establish the value by buying and selling real estate in the open market. The appraiser has the responsibility to evaluate those transactions and appraise property equitably with similar surrounding properties.

Real estate assessment notices are sent to property owners in January. The informal appeals process also occurs in January, when property owners may speak with an appraiser about their recent assessment notice. The Board of Equalization begins its formal appeals process in March and continues through December. Each year, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors establishes the real estate tax rate. Taxes are due to the Roanoke County Treasurer in June and December.

During 2010, the Real Estate Valuation office appraised 45,076 parcels, or about 5,000 properties per appraiser, with a total market value of $9,210,892,800.

There are nine appraisers in the Real Estate Valuation Office. Each is responsible for conducting approximately 5,000 appraisals annually.

Real Estate Fast Facts• In 2009, there were approximately 950 home sales.

• In 2009, the median home sale price for a single family home was $193,000.

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ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Roanoke County Public Schools provides award-winning, top-quality instruction for more than 14,000 students of all abilities.

More than 2,100 full-time teachers and staff provide instruction in 26 schools across the County. The Roanoke County School Board and Board of Supervisors remain committed to providing the best learning environment possible for students. This was again demonstrated in 2010 as Roanoke County was named one of the “Top 100 communities for music instruction” by the NAMM Foundation. In addition, AdvancED, a nationwide educational accreditation organization again has re-accredited Roanoke County Public Schools for another five years.

In summer 2011, Roanoke County Public Schools will complete major renovations to three elementary schools: Cave Spring, Green Valley, and Mount Pleasant, as well as renovations to William Byrd High School. Construction will be completed on a new Masons Cove Elementary School, which will seek LEED certification and will be the most energy-efficient school building in Roanoke County. In Summer 2011, work will begin to build a new Cave Spring Middle School.

The mission of Roanoke County Public Schools is to ensure quality learning experiences designed to equip all students with skills to adapt and thrive in a changing global environment. Our dedication to this mission shows in many ways, including:

• Every school in Roanoke County was once again fully accredited by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Three schools earned the prestigious Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence in early 2011.

• Approximately 91 percent of high school students graduated on time, according to the Virginia Department of Education - one of the highest on-time graduation rates in the region.

• More than 84 percent of graduates pursued some form of post-secondary education.

Major renovations will soon be completed at Mount Pleasant Elementary School (above) and William Byrd High School (left).

At bottom left, an artist’s rendition of plans for the new Masons Cove Elementary school currently under construction.

Roanoke County Public Schools Administrative Office 5937 Cove Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Main Number: (540) 562-3900

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Sheriff’s Office Roanoke County-Salem Jail 301 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153 Main Number: (540) 387-6140

Sheriff’s Office BenchmarksInmates Committed to Jail ..................... 4,726

Civil Process Papers Served ................. 39,666

Court Sessions/Court Security ............. 1,200+

Miles Driven in Prisoner Transports ...... 91,202

Medical Care Cases for Inmates ........... 21,940

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Mike Winston, Roanoke County Sheriff

At left: The Inmate Work Force is comprised of low risk and highly-screened inmates who conduct mowing, landscaping, snow removal and painting at various Roanoke County public facilities. An assigned Deputy Sheriff manages the crew’s work.

The Sheriff’s Office primarily provides court security, serves civil process and houses inmates awaiting trial. Fiscal year 2010 saw the reaccreditation of the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office through the American Correctional Association, which requires compliance with 382 standards of service. The Sheriff’s Office operates one of only eleven jails in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be accredited nationally and one of 153 accredited jails nationwide. In 2010, the Sheriff’s Office also received additional accreditation with the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, which requires meeting 180 standards in the categories of administration, operations, personnel, and training. Roanoke County is only one of three Departments in the state to achieve both accreditations.

The Sheriff’s office typically provides deputy-supervised inmate roadside trash collection every weekend. In 2010, that program was expanded to include a pilot inmate work program in partnership with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation to help maintain and improve the grounds and landscaping at selected facilities in the County.

The Sheriff’s Office continually updates security for the courthouse and jail complex, including the installation of x-ray machines and metal detectors at the courthouse entrances. A group of Emergency Response Team deputies is continually trained to quickly respond to trouble in the jail and the courthouse complex. All Court Services deputies wear bulletproof vests, with 50% of the funding provided by a Bulletproof Vest Grant program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Above: A Roanoke County Sheriff’s Deputy performs a security screening on a person entering the courthouse complex. Cameras and recording devices, including cell phones, are prohibited in the courthouse.

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The Department of Social Services provides public assistance within state and federal guidelines; preserves, protects, and restores family and individual stability; and promotes self-reliance with support for employment, education, and training to citizens of Roanoke County, the Town of Vinton, and the City of Salem.

In fiscal year 2010, applications for benefits increased in most, if not all, program areas including in the SNAP (Food Stamp) and Energy Assistance programs. The Energy Assistance program saw a 26% increase in cases and the SNAP program increased an additional 2%, following a 27% increase the previous year. The length of time clients remain on public assistance has increased also, adding to the department’s overall case load.

Social Services continues to focus on keeping children out of foster care by strengthening families with community support and in-home services, yet the need for foster care and adoptions continues to grow. The department continues recruitment and matching efforts for approximately 1/3 of those children who do not have an identified home.

Fiscal year 2010 also saw extensive changes in child welfare that involve additional duties and resources, including Family Partnership Meetings, increases in mandated training, required use of the Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool and collection of federally mandated data for older youth in foster care. Another change to foster care requires providers to meet standards for both foster care and adoption for all placements, including foster care by relatives.

Roanoke County’s Department of Social Services continues to rank high in Virginia’s employment program statistics. The Virginia Independence Program Report, Outcome Measures for State Fiscal Year 2010, reflects that the Roanoke County Department of Social Services once again achieved the Federal Program Measure for Employment for its clients.

Roanoke County’s Department of Social Services administers the following programs for families, children, and adults in need of assistance:

Comprehensive Services Act The 1993 Comprehensive Services Act for At Risk Youth and Families (CSA) is a Virginia law that provides for the pooling of funding sources to purchase services for high risk youth. The local CSA office serves Roanoke County and the City of Salem. CSA funds are managed at the local level by interagency teams to provide high-quality services to high risk youth and their families.

Benefit Programs• Aid to Families With Dependent Children-Foster Care

(AFDC-FC) • Auxiliary Grant Program • Emergency Assistance to Needy Families’ Children • Food Stamp Program • Fuel Assistance Program • MEDICAID • Nursing Home Care • Refugee Resettlement Program • Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)

Service Programs• Adoption Services• Adult Protective Services and Adult Services• Child Protective Services• Child Care Services• Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

(EPSDT)• Employment Services• Foster Care Prevention Services• Foster Care for Children & Foster Parent Education

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Services 220 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153 Stellar One Building, Third Floor Main Number; (540) 387-6087

Additional Programs• Child Support Enforcement Programs• Community Service Block Grant Program

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F. Kevin Hutchins, Treasurer

Treasurer Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive, SW, First Floor Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Main Number: (540) 772-2056

TREASURER

The mission of the Treasurer’s Office is to ensure the fiscal integrity of Roanoke County’s treasury.

Recent changes in the Treasurer’s Office have improved the customer service environment and allowed the department to implement statewide best practices and state-of-the-art technologies.

In addition to traditional collection methods, the Treasurer’s office works jointly with the Commissioner of the Revenue and County Attorney’s offices along with state agencies to collect delinquent payments for Roanoke County.

Annually the Treasurer’s Office:

• Bills and collects real estate and personal property taxes. Real estate statements are sent semi-annually to 46,000 households. More than 120,000 personal property statements are mailed each year.

• Bills and collects delinquent real estate and personal property taxes twice a year.

• Pursues all other delinquent debt owed to the County.

• Reconciles all depository bank accounts for the County, various departments, and external auditors.

• Serves as the County’s chief investment officer, overseeing the County’s investment policy of striving for the highest and safest investment returns.

• Maintains compliance with the Security for Public Funds Investment Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Collects fines and fees from animal licenses, parking tickets, and business licenses.

The Treasurer’s Office has also made strides in making tax payments easier for citizens. Citizens can pay from the comfort of home or office using the 1-800-2PAY-TAX phone payment service, or pay over the Internet with American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard. Payments made over the Internet are assessed a convenience fee by Official Payments Corp. in addition to the tax payment.

The Treasurer’s Automated Prepayment Plan (TAPP) allows citizens to make tax payments through regularly scheduled automatic debits from their checking accounts. Citizens using TAPP save time by paying a predetermined, budgeted tax payment automatically from their checking account without the worries of lost or delayed mail. The Treasurer is one of five constitutional officers elected by Roanoke County voters every four years.

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Roanoke Valley Resource Authority www.rvra.netResidents and businesses in the County of Roanoke, City of Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton generate 700 tons of waste every day. To more effectively handle this volume of trash, these valley localities created the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority in 1992 and joined forces with Norfolk Southern in an innovative public-private partnership. The Authority owns and operates the Tinker Creek Transfer Station, where trash is received, and the Smith Gap Landfill, where trash is taken. Norfolk Southern operates the Waste Line Express train, which transports trash between the Tinker Creek Transfer Station and Smith Gap Landfill. This regional public-private partnership is the first project in the United States that used rail as the sole transportation link between a solid waste transfer station and a landfill.

Roanoke Valley Television www.rvtv.orgRoanoke Valley Television, RVTV Channel 3, is a government and education access station serving the governments and school systems of the City of Roanoke and the County of Roanoke as well as the Town of Vinton government. These local governments administer RVTV’s budget with funds collected through a franchise agreement with Cox Communications. No federal, state, or local tax dollars are used to operate RVTV. Roanoke Valley Television offers a wide variety of programming choices, including monthly television shows, live government meetings, and standalone informational videos.

Western Virginia Regional Jail www.westernvaregionaljail.orgLocated in Western Roanoke County near Dixie Caverns, the Western Virginia Regional Jail is a partnership between the Counties of Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke and the City of Salem. This state-of-the-art jail facility is approximately 264,000 square feet and provides a rated capacity for 605 inmates with another 200 beds double-bunked for a total of 805 inmates. This facility has alleviated the overcrowded and potentially unsafe conditions that existed at the local jail facilities of the four partnering jurisdictions prior to the Western Virginia Regional Jail opening in April 2009. Because of its many green features, the regional jail is seeking LEED certification, which will make it the first LEED-certified jail in Virginia and one of the first in the United States.

Western Virginia Water Authority www.westernvawater.orgOn July 1, 2004, the water and wastewater operations of the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County consolidated to become the Western Virginia Water Authority, providing water service to 155,000 citizens and wastewater service to more than 120,000 citizens in the city and county. Both water and wastewater issues are multi-jurisdictional in nature. Water and wastewater capacity and resources are determined by drainage basins, not boundaries of local governments, making the Western Virginia Water Authority services the most efficient and effective way to manage and utilize the basin’s water and wastewater potential. On November 24, 2009, Franklin County officially joined the Western Virginia Water Authority.

REGIONAL AUTHORITIES AND SERVICES

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www.roanokecountyva.gov

For more information about the departments and services highlighted inside this Annual Progress Report, please visit

www.RoanokeCountyVA.gov or call (540) 772-2010.Email questions or suggestions to Teresa Hamilton Hall,

Public Information Director, at thall@roanokecountyva.gov. ©2011 County of Roanoke, Virginia