VGFOA 2015 Summer Conference May 21, 2015

Moderator

Dr. Sheryl Bailey, Deputy County Administrator, Chesterfield County

Panelists

Wayne Bowers, Director of Economic Development, City of Roanoke

Brian DeProfio, Director of Budget and Strategic Initiatives, City of Hampton

Kim Hynes, Executive Director, Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA)

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Many community service needs extend beyond jurisdictional borders

Since great recession, local governments have seen citizen needs rise while revenues decline

Collaborative service delivery is a tool to meet increasing demands efficiently and effectively

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Many benefits to regional approach, including:

Coordinating overlapping service areas

Greater operational efficiency

Improved service delivery

Attracting and retaining staff expertise

Solving problems that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries

Advancing regional objectives

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Many challenges also to regional approach, including:

Voluntary participation

Coordinate multiple jurisdictions with different governing bodies

Limited resources

Complex by design

Maintain operational and financial oversight

Maintain healthy relationships and sense of trust

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Session Format:

Brief presentations – 3

Tabletop exercise

Report out/discussion

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Wayne Bowers Director of Economic Development City of Roanoke

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Lack of broadband availability in region

Hole in the donut

State limitation on local governments providing service

Virginia Wireless Service Authorities Act, (Chapter 54.1, Title 15.2, Code of Virginia)

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Private sector initiative—2011

Consultant Study—April 2012

Public-private task force formed—June 2012

Task force recommendations—February 2013

Local government resolutions—October 2013 Roanoke & Salem Cities, Roanoke & Botetourt Counties

Charter for Authority issued—December 2013

First authority board meeting—January 2014

www.highspeedroanoke.net 9

Basic requirements contained in Act

Five member board: managers and administrators plus one citizen

Annual budget and audit required

Regional Commission staff serves finance role

Appropriations from participating governments until reaching financial sustainability

Virginia Resources Authority loan

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46 mile carrier grade open access fiber network

Greater broadband accessibility, more dependable service, and lower costs

Anticipate deficits for first five years--$1 million

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Regional cooperation takes time and patience—two counties dropped out of project

Keep elected officials informed

Hire a knowledgeable consultant

Start up costs can be significant “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Teddy Roosevelt

Be willing to take a risk

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Brian DeProfio Director of Budget and Strategic Initiatives City of Hampton

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Establish “one-stop” center to meet workforce training needs

Support economic development

Enhance the opportunities for citizens

Training for high-wage jobs

Bridge for displaced workers from traditional manufacturing, ex-military personnel & former welfare recipients

Provide the skilled workforce businesses need to stay globally competitive

Provide a One-Stop Career Resource Center for easy access to available resources

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Co-locate existing service providers

Thomas Nelson Community College

Old Dominion University

Virginia Employment Commission

Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium

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Peninsula Mayors & Chairs established Workforce Development Commission in early 1990s

Commission recommended development of regional Center

Hampton took the lead for the Peninsula localities to construct the Center on TNCC’s Hampton campus

6 Hampton Roads Peninsula Localities

3 State Agencies

Workforce Development Consortium

PWDC Service Area

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Thomas Nelson Community College (land & lease funds)

Peninsula localities (TNCC 1/3 lease matching funds)

Old Dominion University (tenant lease)

Virginia Employment Commission (tenant lease)

Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium (tenant lease)

Peninsula business community (various)

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Funded initial development costs (approx. $700K - reimbursed)

Led efforts to obtain General Assembly funding of ODU’s & TNCC’s full participation

Led efforts to fulfill TNCC local match requirement

Facilitated inter-agency collaboration & State lease process

City Limited Moral Obligation pledge for the Construction Note & Permanent Bonds (20 years)

IDA issued note & bonds secured by 4 tenant leases

Dedicated staff to manage planning & development of Center

Completing facility on time & under budget

Turned it over to service providing agencies to run

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Someone needs to take the lead to get it done

Trust and fairness are key

Approval process for changes

Cost sharing built into leases

History of strong regional cooperation among Peninsula localities continued

Regional Animal Shelter

Regional Jail

Coastal Resiliency, etc.

Stay vigilant -- Keep an eye on the finances 19

Supports regional workforce development efforts

Serves existing and new businesses

Established a true “one-stop shop” for workforce service providers on the Peninsula

Comprehensive training resources

Job banks - local & nationwide positions

Career assessments

Career counseling

Intensive career services

Resume assistance

Job preparation workshops 20

Facility meets need for flexible workforce training facility

Customized business training services

Technology/Industrial & Flexible Manufacturing Labs, Training Rooms & Conference Center

Comprehensive Career Counseling & Professional Development Services

Resource Rooms (staff & materials - job searches)

Resource Orientation Workshops (job skills)

Re-employment & retraining services for displaced workers

Synergistic collaboration among providers 21

Dealing with multiple state agencies is a challenge

Stick with it

Set parameters/expectations/ground-rules

Create checks and balances

Be fair to all parties

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Kim Hynes Executive Director

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CVWMA provides valuable efficient, cost-effective and creative recycling and solid waste initiatives through public-private partnerships to 13 member local governments that best fit their individual needs and the needs of their residents, while meeting and exceeding local, state and federal goals.

To “plan, acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, extend, operate, contract for and maintain any garbage and refuse collection, transfer and disposal program or system including waste reduction, waste material recovery, recycling as mandated by law or otherwise, resource recovery, waste incineration, landfill operation, ash management, sludge disposal from water and wastewater treatment facilities, household hazardous waste management and disposal and similar programs or systems, within one or more of the Member Localities.” [per Articles of Incorporation]

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Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (Chapter 51, Title 15.2 of the Code of VA)

Formed in Dec. 1990

Legislation in 1988 requiring solid waste planning and 25% recycling mandate

13 Localities

Population > 1.1 million

2500 square miles

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13 Localities – urban, suburban and rural

20 member Board of Directors Appointed by local governing bodies - # of members based on population

Local Government Funded – Operating Assessment of $.48/capita

Staff of 11FTEs (9FT & 4PT) Administrative 3; Operations 2.5; Public Information 2; Customer Service 3.5

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Pooled Resources to achieve common goals and initiatives

Volume based contracting

Menu of Services – can pick and choose to best fit individual needs

Negotiation, Administration and Monitoring of Contracts

Reduces locality staff time for procurement, contract performance, customer service, education etc.

Authority serves as an extension of locality staff

Example: Largest locality pays $157,000 annually (benefits include 11 staff) 27

One size does NOT fit All

Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural – how do you please everyone?

Recognize differences

Determine common needs amongst multiple localities

Be flexible

Public/Private Partnership – successful approach

Services procured and contracted with the private sector

One challenge is competition for certain services

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Best practices for successful regional solutions

Potential challenges to regional efforts

Strategies to address potential challenges

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