Augusta County residents organize against pipeline

By David Karaffa
Supervisor, Beverley Manor District, Augusta County

Saturday, September 6th, saw a great number of Augusta County residents at the Verona Government Center. The topic of discussion was the Dominion Virginia Power Natural Gas Pipeline that ... (continue reading here)

Karaffa: Augusta County's Mill Place Commerce Park in Verona

By David Karaffa
Supervisor, Beverley Manor District, Augusta County

The Mill Place Commerce Park in Verona, is Augusta County’s industrial park and is in the Beverley Manor District. One of my campaign promises when running for the Board of Supervisors was to work toward filling Mill Place with new business. Since taking office, the park has seen a lot of activity and growth.

In March of 2013, Shamrock Farms out of Phoenix, AZ, decided to invest $50 million in a state of the art dairy. Once completed it will employ 60 people in a 130,000-square foot facility. It was a year-long process for Augusta County as we competed against locations up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States. Shamrock complements the valley with our culture and sense of community along with utilizing local materials and local source milk.

In June of 2013, Dascom Printing announced their purchase and investment in Mill Place. Their 23,000-square foot facility will add another 15-20 jobs in the printing industry with excitement about expanding into other technologies.

In 2014, private investment started moving dirt for more office space in Mill Place because the first building was filled. I am excited to see both small and large business coming together in the park.

Lastly, a yet-to-be-named business is poised for their announced coming to Mill Place and we will be happy to announce who they are once everything has been settled.

In all, Mill Place Commerce Park is on the move and doesn’t look to be slowing down. Augusta County and the Board of Supervisors are always introducing and touring the park with visitors and look forward to continued success.

You can learn more about Mill Place by clicking here or about Augusta County Economic Development Office by clicking here.
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David Karaffa, 30, represents the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County on the Board of Supervisors. A registered nurse, he is the Director of Nursing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home. He and his wife, Katie, have three daughters. Supervisor Karaffa can be reached at DavidKaraffa@comcast.net or by contacting the government center in Verona at (540) 245-5600.

Karaffa: Augusta County's real estate assessment

By Supervisor David Karaffa
Beverley Manor District
Augusta County Board of Supervisors

Augusta County, like all counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia, must conduct an assessment of all real estate. According to the Code of Virginia this must be done every four years for a county of our size. However, Augusta County has a special provision in the code that allows for us to assess every fifth or sixth year if the Board of Supervisors desire.

Most folks in Augusta will remember the reassessment of 2009. Some didn’t mind the assessment. Many did, so much so that it became a part of my campaign when I ran for supervisor. I told folks that I would engage in the reassessment and work to get a new one off the ground as soon as possible. That is exactly what the new board did when we took office in January 2012.

That first month that the new Augusta County Board of Supervisors was seated, we voted to begin the reassessment process and put together the reassessment committee. I was one of the supervisors selected. As a committee we were responsible to select the next company that would conduct the county assessment.

The committee met for the first time in February of 2012 and a request for bids was sent out. In March of 2012 bids were submitted by companies across the Commonwealth and interviews took place later that month. Some options were good, others not so much. In April of 2012 the committee decided on Wingate & Associates of Roanoke to perform the reassessment of Augusta County. (Click here for the Frequently Asked Questions that the Board responded to about the new assessment.)

Wingate & Associates went to work immediately setting up an office inside the Government Center with space for meetings and files. Field work began on July 1, 2012, and finished up in August of 2013 (11 months). Then the company went to work with their calculations and verification.

The process would take more than a year to complete.

As a member of the reassessment committee, we had monthly meetings that kept us up to date with their overall progress and they were able to demonstrate their process for evaluating and setting a value to property. We discussed property types and county ordinances that would affect property. We discussed federally owned land, state owned land, county owned land, non profit land (schools, hospitals, churches, etc). We as supervisors also asked about random properties to evaluate the company’s process and procedure. This all went very well. The company also gave a number of updates to the entire Board of Supervisors during their work and met individually with supervisors to discuss and explain what the real estate market was doing in their districts. I found this information extremely helpful.

The total reassessment process wrapped up in November of 2013 (16 months in total). The new real estate assessments were compiled and submitted to the county (the Land Book) and on January 1, 2014, they became the official values of real estate for taxation in Augusta County.

We are currently going through the Board of Equalization process. This process is set forth in the Code of Virginia to allow for property owners to appeal the value placed on their property by Wingate & Associates. If you have any questions about your assessment you should contact the Government Center at (540) 245-5600 and ask to speak with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office.

I hope this post has shed light on the issue of reassessment and what the current Board of Supervisors did in response. I am proud to have been on the reassessment committee that selected Wingate & Associates and am satisfied with the work they performed. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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David Karaffa, 30, represents the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County on the Board of Supervisors. A registered nurse, he is the Director of Nursing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home. He and his wife, Katie, have three daughters. Supervisor Karaffa can be reached at DavidKaraffa@comcast.net or by contacting the government center in Verona at (540) 245-5600.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell 

Karaffa: Technology in our schools

By Supervisor David Karaffa
Augusta County

The desire for computers in the classrooms of the Augusta County Public School system is a significant discussion this budget season. The issue points are cost, maintenance, integration, and impact on our children’s education.

This school year (2013-2014), a pilot program was started in Stuart Middle School (SMS) with Apple MacBook Air laptops networked with Apple TVs mounted in the classroom. I had the opportunity to visit SMS, meet the students, speak with teachers, and see first hand how the technology has been integrated into their classrooms. What I witnessed was an overall positive in the classroom. However, let's review the topics of debate over this issue.

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors has agreed to fund the school system with $1 million per year for three years to implement a technology program in our public schools. This will involve the continuation of the technology in Stuart Middle School along with all of the other middle schools, and Fort Defiance High school next year. The second year will see the integration in all the high schools across the county. In the third year, elementary schools will be brought online with the computers. The $3 million is coming from the sale of Ladd Elementary school; therefore, it will not impact the taxpayers in the initial three-year roll out.

It's important to understand that it isn’t just the laptops that need upkeep, but also the wired/wireless system and other components that make the system work that will need upkeep and replacement as they age or become obsolete. Each school will have its challenges and the School Board will need to start planning and putting money away for replacement of these components in their budgets now in order to keep up. That would mean hundreds of thousands per year that needs to be put away. This will be a new expense.

In order for the technologies impact to be significant, teachers will need to be assisted and coached on how to use the technology in the classroom to enhance the learning experience for each student. As a county, we need to be able to see and measure the positive impact this technology is having. Most notably, through SOLs, SAT, and other current measures of student performance.

The debate points are as numerous as the opinions on whether technology in the classroom actually helps education. The argument has been made that a perfectly good education can still be had with a knowledgeable teacher and a chalkboard. However, it is too basic to be practically applied in today’s world and in our current public school system. It is important to face a few realities. Discipline, special needs students, and the constantly evolving digital world have a real affect on public school.

Other learning institutions are able to be picky about which children they accept and teach but public schools cannot. An individual computer for each student in the classroom allows for students to learn at their own pace. It enables a student who understands a subject material to accelerate ahead of the rest of the class and allows for other students who are still struggling to be given more guidance by the classroom teacher. I saw this in practice at Stuart Middle School during my visit. It is important to point out that since the computers have been put in place discipline issues have gone down, according to SMS’s principal.

Technology also aids in educating special needs students. Currently, Augusta County has over 700 special needs students. Some computer programs have been specially made to offer assistance to teachers who are educating these young people. They offer different avenues or approaches to these students' different needs.

Lastly, technology is here to stay, and as much exposure we can give young people to it as possible will help with their ability to assimilate into our digital culture. And while many of our young people do get an adequate exposure to this technology at home, it is not uniform or consistent. Having this technology in a controlled atmosphere will give that experience of uniformity and consistency along with accomplishing the task of enhancing our students' education and exposure to technology.

In my opinion, this technology should be cautiously embraced in our public school system. Computers shouldn’t just replace paper and pen and technology shouldn’t replace a teacher -- to do so would be inappropriate. We need to make sure that teachers are trained to use the technology to their fullest and that they are used to enhance our children’s education. That administration shouldn’t let the computers just sit in the corner of the classroom with their screens dark. The three-year roll out will allow for the teachers to be trained and administration to measure the usefulness of the technology before another group of our kids are exposed to it.
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David Karaffa, 30, represents the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County on the Board of Supervisors. A registered nurse, he is the Director of Nursing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home. He and his wife, Katie, have three daughters. Supervisor Karaffa can be reached at DavidKaraffa@comcast.net or by contacting the government center in Verona at (540) 245-5600.  

Augusta Supervisor Chairman Larry Wills: Reasons county needs 5-cent tax hike

By Larry Wills (Middle River District)
Chairman, Augusta County Board of Supervisors

The recent decision by the Board of Supervisors to advertise a five-cent tax rate increse was not an easy one nor was it a decision that was undertaken without a thorough examination of the proposed county budget and a review of the county's current and upcoming needs. Each member of the Board is also a taxpaying citizen and landowner in Augusta County. Two of us are retired and know what it is like to live on a fixed income.

Augusta County public schools
The money that will be raised from the increase in taxes has been designated for key and essential county services. The schools will get a two (2) cents of the increase or approximately $1.39 million to address salary needs that were unfunded in their balanced budget along with $1.29 million permanent funding that had been year-to-year since the change in the composite index two years ago. Over those two years, this money was taken from the fund used to address roof and major equipment repairs and replacements on county-owned structures. In addition to this, the county will also advance to the schools $1 million per year for three (3) years to address the technology initiative for the children of Augusta County. This money will come back to the county coffers when Ladd Elementary School is sold.

Sheriff's Department
With the additional money raised by the tax increase, the county will provide enough funding to the Sheriff's Department to hire four (4) additional deputies along with funding for active shooter training for the department. The Fire and Rescue operations of the county will receive one (1) cent or $697,000 for personnel, subsidies to the volunteers, and to save for future equipment purchases.

Emergency responders communications equipment
The county has many other needs that remain unfunded and will have to be funded in the future either by growth in revenues or through bonding out of the projects. These projects include many that are required by the federal or state governments but must be funded locally. The most pressing is $4 million to complete the upgrade of our equipment for emergency response brought about when the Federal Government sold the bandwidths for phone communication and now requires emergency responders to operate on a narrower bandwidth.

Storm runoff requirements
The new state and EPA regulations will require a more refined handling of storm water runoff in our populated areas. Augusta County is now an MS4 community which means storm water runoff must be controlled for both flow and quality. Populated areas such as Stuarts Draft, Fishersville, and Verona will fall under the same regulations as the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. Each of those cities are now charging an additional fee to each of their landowners to cover their cost. That fee is not practical or fair in the county since the majority of county residents do not live in our MS4 designated areas.

New road construction and maintaining existing roads
Another major expense that will eventually be the responsibility of the county is the building of new roads and the major upgrades to existing roads. We have a major backlog of needed projects. We are currently receiving only $540,000 per year to address these needs. This compares to receiving over $2 million for secondary road improvements in 2003. I believe the future for major road improvements on secondary roads will require a 50/50 split in the construction costs of the improvements with the state.

An example of this is the Rt. 636 project in Fishersville where the county has provided over $6 million to provide a road that was badly needed to alievaiate traffic congestion associated with the hospital and the new Murphy Demming College along with the growth that is occurring in the area because of those institutions.

 Miscellaneous needs
Those are only a few of the future projects. We will also have upfront cost related to industrial recruitment for economic development, upgrades of water and sewer facilities to meet the county's fire flow requirements, upgrading the current Courthouse or building a new one, closure of cells at the landfill, along with other capital needs when they arise.

Real estate tax rate
I would note that from 1983 until 2009 the tax rate in Augusta County was 58 cents. That rate, along with the natural growth, funded the county needs quite well. As reassessments occurred, the increased revenues funded the increasing operational costs along with providing savings to pay for capital needs when they occurred.

In 2009, because of a disputed reassessment and the state of the economy, the rate was dropped to 48 cents. While this rate served the citizens of the county well for a short time and forced the county and the schools to economize and downsize staff, it is not a rate that can be sustained in the future if the county and the schools to economize and downsize staff, it is not a rate that can be sustained in the future if the county is to provide a quality educational experience for our children and the level of services from our Sheriff's Department and from our Fire and Rescue agencies that our citizens expect and deserve.

Public hearing
The Board of Supervisors of Augusta County takes seriously the responsibilities that the citizens gave to us in the election of 2011 to spend money wisely and to make decisions that are in the best interest of the citizens of Augusta County for the long term. We look forward to hearing from you at our budget hearing on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Government Complex in Verona.

Karaffa: Augusta County budget 2014

By Supervisor David Karaffa
Beverley Manor District of Augusta County

The Augusta County Budget this year is extremely challenging. As a county we face a General Assembly that is unable to pass a budget to fund their share of our core services such as schools and emergency services, an increased demand on Fire and Rescue in terms of manpower and equipment, an on-going need for more Sheriff’s Deputies, and an ever increasing need for public school funds. On top of those items are hundreds of other increasing expenses which are significantly driving up the cost of running this great county for our residents.

The General Assembly
The General Assembly is wrestling with the idea of Medicaid Expansion and whether or not it is the right thing for the Commonwealth. I have my own thoughts on this issue, but they are beside the point. I have sent a letter to the Governor, adding to a chorus of local representatives across Virginia, asking for the Governor to separate the issue of Medicaid from the budget. Richmond needs to pass a budget so that counties and cities can be prepared for the next fiscal year that starts July 1st. Without that budget in place the government shuts down. This would be catastrophic for emergency services that have paid staff across Virginia. Hopefully, the General Assembly will come together next week and pass a budget so that we can continue to serve and protect our citizens.

Fire and Rescue
Fire and Rescue services are in a constant state of change. Across the United States safety and insurance regulations have gotten so tough that it is strangling the ability for someone to become a volunteer. It takes one year of training in order to prepare a firefighter or rescue worker for service. While the intentions of the regulations are to have a safe and well trained crew, it is taking its toll on those who are willing to commit. This has caused an overall decrease in our volunteer force in Augusta and has forced the county to invest in a large career staff to maintain the fire and rescue service. This year the Board of Supervisors has approved for an additional four career staff to be hired.

Fire and Rescue equipment costs are always on the rise. Any piece of fire apparatus that needs to be purchased is discussed in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and sometimes a million. Due to regulations, most of the fire engines can only stay in service for a certain number of years regardless of their condition, therefore causing a need to replace well operating equipment. This year we are having to put more money aside to prepare for purchasing a new ladder truck which will cost just over $1 million. In addition to apparatus, we have a county-wide radio system that has been federally mandated to be replaced. This mandate alone will cost our county $4.5 million.

Law enforcement
Augusta County is spread thin with Sheriff’s Deputies. It has been difficult for them to be everywhere they are needed; however, they have done a fine job. I commend the Sheriff for his efforts in making sure that Augusta County citizens are safe. In consultation with the Sheriff, it is pertinent to hire four additional deputies. These additional deputies will be front line personnel that will be on the streets and in our schools.

Public schools
“Augusta County Public Schools need additional funds.” That is what the Augusta County School Board is telling us with their proposed budget where they have cited a shortage of $4 million. They have a plan for saving Verona Elementary, funding technology in the classroom for all county schools, and for raising teacher salaries in order to continue to attract good teachers. I believe these are all laudable goals. I very much support Verona Elementary school and understand what it means to have it in the community so I will continue to fight to keep it open. This year’s budget will allow $1 million per year for new technology, three percent increase in teacher’s salaries, funding to keep Verona open and operating along with necessary repairs, and further fund elementary art and the middle school band. Overall, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors will be funding four million additional dollars to the public schools.

Proposed tax increase
There are other costs that are going up dramatically, not only for the county government, but also for all of our residents. Healthcare insurance premiums are mushrooming in cost. This year alone will see a 19 percent increase in insurance premiums that the county government and public schools will have to pay for their employees. Combined, this increase is over $2 million in local funds. This is just one example of how the cost of doing business is skyrocketing.

It is for these reasons that it is prudent to consider raising real estate taxes in Augusta County. Our current rate is $0.51 for every $100 of assessed value for a home. The proposed budget and tax rate would go up to $0.56, which would mean about $75.00 annually for a house that is worth $150,000. That means my mortgage will go up $6.50 per month.

Public hearing
I hope that this article has been helpful for you to understand the decisions that face the Board of Supervisors and what we are up against. Please know that what has been written here represents my view alone and is in no way represents the entire board.

If you wish to attend, the Public Hearing on the County Budget will be held on April 9, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona.

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David Karaffa, 30, represents the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County on the Board of Supervisors. A registered nurse, he is the Director of Nursing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home. He and his wife, Katie, have three daughters. Supervisor Karaffa can be reached at DavidKaraffa@comcast.net or by contacting the government center in Verona (540) 245-5600. 

Karaffa: Augusta County supervisors will begin staggered terms

Beverley Manor Supervisor David Karaffa 

By Supervisor David Karaffa
Beverley Manor District

Voters always wonder if someone who has been elected has lived up to their campaign promises. When I ran for the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, one of my campaign promises was to push for and support changing the way we elect our local board.

Traditionally, the board was elected all at once every four years. That is seven districts all going to the polls every four years to elect seven representatives to the board.

I didn’t believe this was a good system for electing representatives because it left open the possibility of electing a completely new board all at once, wiping out any institutional memory from the board. Now that I am on the board and have had daily dealings with past issues, I am even more convinced that this was a vulnerability for the board and the county.

Additionally, electing the whole board every four years meant that the public couldn’t have any direct control over the board except for every four years at election time. I believe that is too long for the public to be disconnected from the board in terms of election.

During my first year on the Board of Supervisors, I voted to institute staggered terms, as allowed by state law, for our board. That change passed and three board members, including myself, volunteered to start the process at our next election.

That means that in 2015, when all of the county goes to the polls to elect representatives from their districts, three districts, mine included, will have supervisors running for a two year term. The other four supervisors will be running for four year terms.

In 2017, the three members who ran for two year terms will be up for election. Those who prevail will serve a four year term, thereby beginning the new tradition of staggered term elections for our Board of Supervisors.

This change will allow the citizens of Augusta to make their voices heard through elections every two years, will maintain institutional memory for each board from now on, and will begin the staggered term process for the Augusta County School Board, as well.

I am very proud that, with the support of the current board, we were able to bring this very important change to the Board of Supervisors and School Board in Augusta County.

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David Karaffa, 30, represents the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County on the Board of Supervisors. A registered nurse, he is the Director of Nursing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home. He and his wife, Katie, have three daughters. Supervisor Karaffa can be reached at DavidKaraffa@comcast.net or by contacting the government center in Verona (540) 245-5600. 


Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Faces at Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting

 Newly sworn-in South River Supervisor Carolyn Bragg and Augusta Clerk of Court John B. Davis at the Augusta County board of supervisors meeting on March 12, 2014. (See post about Carolyn Bragg's appointment here.)

 Frank Deckert (left) and Supervisor David Karaffa (Beverley Manor District). Frank and I serve together on the Augusta County Library Board where he serves as vice chairman.

 David Karaffa and Dennis Burnett (Shenandoah Valley Partnership).

 David, Dennis, and Supervisor Larry Wills (Middle River District).

The board discussed the school board's proposed closing of Verona Elementary School.

Library Board vice chairman Frank Deckert gave the annual report.

Library Director Diantha McCauley (to the right of Frank).

Dennis Burnett talking about jobs and economic development, something I could listen to all day long. What a dream job ... promoting the Shenandoah Valley.

 The formerly all-male board now has a lady representative. Supervisor Bragg was appointed to an interim position until November in the seat left open with the death in February of David Beyeler.

Links to the meeting:
- Political reporter Bob Stuart: Draft businesswoman selected as interim supervisor
- Political reporter Bob Stuart: Shenandoah Valley Partnership head offers report
- Reporter Calvin Trice: Live blogging Augusta supervisor meeting

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 12, 2014

Augusta supervisors appoint Carolyn Bragg to fill vacancy

 Augusta County Clerk of Court John B. Davis swears in new Supervisor Carolyn Bragg

The newest member of the Augusta County board of supervisors is a lady.

On Wednesday night the formerly all-male board appointed Carolyn Bragg to fill the South River District seat left open with the death of long-time supervisor David Beyeler. It is an interim appointment that will last until November 2014.

Ms. Bragg owns the 7-Eleven in Stuarts Draft and has been active in the community.

Augusta County: 3-cent real estate tax increase passed by supervisors

 It was a full house at Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting.

 Supervisor David Karaffa (I-Beverley Manor) talked with Beverley Manor school board member Lee Godfrey before the meeting.

 Nick Collins, chairman of the school board, signed up to speak.

School Superintendent Chuck Bishop addressed the board.

Speakers lined up to address the board.

Augusta County supervisors faced a packed room of 250-300 people Wednesday night when they voted to raise the real estate tax rate by three cents, a compromise from the previously-discussed five cents.

Out of 41 speakers who addressed the board, 39 spoke in favor of the tax increase and two spoke against during the "matters to be presented by the public" session that ran for almost two hours even though an advertised public hearing had been held the week before. That meeting was attended by over 400 people, most in favor of the tax increase.

In a surprise move, Supervisor Mike Shull made a motion for a 3-cent raise in the tax rate. The Republicans on the board voted for it: Jeff Moore, David Beyeler, Mike Shull, and Larry Wills. The Independent supervisors voted against it: Tracy Pyles, David Karaffa, and Marshall Pattie.

Teachers and school employees organized to attend meetings for two months to ask for the tax increase that they said would ease the crunched school budget.

Tea party advocates had spoken out against the increase, sticking to a no-tax policy.

Interesting in this is the fact that the tea party did not support the independent candidates when they ran in 2011 but, instead, threw their support behind the Republicans. What a difference two years makes. Those tea party people are now backing the very candidates they worked against during the 2011 campaign, and they appear to have turned on the Republicans. However, school advocates that included teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, showed up in record numbers.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 24, 2013

Augusta County BOS meeting ... packed room for budget vote

 Packed room at Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss the budget.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 24, 2013

Photos: Overflow crowd turns out for Augusta public hearing on real estate tax increase

WVIR NBC-29: Augusta supervisors hold public hearing on proposed tax hike

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Augusta County Government Center
April 17, 2013

Augusta County supervisor meeting: Schools come out to urge tax increase

The public meeting room at the Augusta County Government Center was full Wednesday night when employees of the school system turned out to support a proposed real estate tax increase. Supervisors voted two weeks ago to hold a public hearing next week for a 5-cent increase but a petition circulating through the school system has urged a 10-cent increase.

The majority of the crowd backed those members of the public who spoke on behalf of raising taxes. One tea party representative spoke against the tax increase.  Four supervisors are in favor of increasing taxes, and three are against.

Supervisors David Beyeler (South River), Michael Shull (Riverheads), Larry Wills (Middle River), and Jeff Moore voted to advertise the 5-cent increase to be heard at a public hearing. Supervisors Tracy Pyles (Pastures), Marshall Pattie (North River), and David Karaffa (Beverley Manor) feel the time is not right to raise taxes.

Augusta County School Superintendent Chuck Bishop attended tonight's meeting as well as various school board members and numerous teachers and students.

The public hearing for the budget discussion is next Wednesday at 7:00 at the Government Center's public meeting room. Those interested in the 2013 budget are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday: Town hall meeting with Augusta Supervisor David Karaffa

Supervisor David Karaffa (Beverley Manor) has announced he will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Verona Fire Department on Rt. 11. He will talk with voters about the upcoming budget, the current needs of the county and district, the general reassessment, and other topics, and will be joined by Lee Godfrey, Beverley Manor School Board member, who will have input on schools.

On Wednesday, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 during a work session to set up a hearing for public input about the possibility of raising taxes to meet budget shortfalls. The proposal would add a 3-cent increase on the real estate tax rate and a 32-cent hike on the personal property tax rate for vehicles.

Chairman Tracy Pyles (Pastures) and Supervisor Marshall Pattie (North River) were the two "no" votes, preferring to use money from the county's savings to cover shortfalls. Because it is a recurring cost, the other supervisors felt they needed to look at the possibility of a tax increase.

With a need for more sheriff's deputies and firefighters, salary increases for teachers who have not received raises in three years, and meeting the Virginia Retirement System contribution mandated by the General Assembly, supervisors have explored various options to make ends meet. For most, a tax increase is a last resort.

For more information about Wednesday's work session, check out:
- Waynesboro News Virginian article by Bob Stuart 
- Staunton News Leader article by Calvin Trice
- NBC-29 report by Ken Slack

If you're going:

WHAT: Town Hall meeting
DATE: Tuesday, April 10, 2012
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Verona Fire Department, Rt. 11

Augusta Supervisor David Karaffa to hold town hall meeting April 10

Supervisor David Karaffa (Beverley Manor) has announced he will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Verona Fire Department on Rt. 11. He will talk with voters about the upcoming budget, the current needs of the county and district, the general reassessment, and other topics, and will be joined by Lee Godfrey, Beverley Manor School Board member, who will have input on schools.

On Wednesday, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 during a work session to set up a hearing for public input about the possibility of raising taxes to meet budget shortfalls. The proposal would add a 3-cent increase on the real estate tax rate and a 32-cent hike on the personal property tax rate for vehicles.

Chairman Tracy Pyles (Pastures) and Supervisor Marshall Pattie (North River) were the two "no" votes, preferring to use money from the county's savings to cover shortfalls. Because it is a recurring cost, the other supervisors felt they needed to look at the possibility of a tax increase.

With a need for more sheriff's deputies and firefighters, salary increases for teachers who have not received raises in three years, and meeting the Virginia Retirement System contribution mandated by the General Assembly, supervisors have explored various options to make ends meet. For most, a tax increase is a last resort.

For more information about Wednesday's work session, check out:
- Waynesboro News Virginian article by Bob Stuart 
- Staunton News Leader article by Calvin Trice
- NBC-29 report by Ken Slack

If you're going to David Karaffa's town hall meeting:

WHAT: Town Hall meeting
DATE: Tuesday, April 10, 2012
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Verona Fire Department, Rt. 11

David Karaffa has support of family, friends in role as supervisor

 Supervisor David Karaffa, Beverley Manor District, Augusta County, Va.

Bob and his wife witnessed David's swearing-in.

Thank you, David, for being willing to serve the citizens of Augusta.

Bob Kirchman, who was instrumental in David Karaffa's campaign for Augusta County supervisor, and played a big part in his victory, had some words of wisdom about this new, young leader. Bob wrote:

On January 3rd, Augusta County history was written as David Karaffa took the oath of office. Supported by his family and friends, David took on the huge task of running an independent campaign. He knocked on a lot of doors. He taught more than he campaigned, showing citizens how the process worked so that they would understand how government works, how essental services are provided and paid for, and how representative government requires the involvement of informed constituents.

David asked people to get involved in their own government and they did, propelling him to office as Beverley Manor's newest supervisor.

Along the way he had great support from four generations of family. His Grandmother Lucille worked at the polls. His young daughters watched him teach the ultimate civics lesson. His father, Dr. David Karaffa, proudly stumped for his son's campaign.

As we gathered to celebrate, I could not help but echo Santiago's sentiment: "I live in a good town." Many of us had been touched by this fine family. My daughter found her best friend and soulmate in Kurt Michael's Governors' School class, she is the daughter of David's uncle. One of the greatest joys of the evening was in hearing just how many of us had been blessed through our association with the Karaffa family.

I feel that the legacy I speak of is still in its opening chapter.

Indeed. Some are called to serve early. David, from a family that provided a strong foundation and sat around the dinner table discussing issues and events, learned early-on to work with others, listen to those who could offer answers, and above all to work hard while achieving his goals.

More photos of the swearing-in can be found here.

The journey continues....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
3 January 2012

David Karaffa, other new Augusta County supervisors to receive transition briefings

There will be five new faces on the new Augusta County Board of Supervisors when it convenes in January, due in part to the botched 2009 real estate assessments.

New supervisor David Karaffa (I), 28, is already somewhat ahead of the game. During the past year, Karaffa spent hours at the Government Center learning the ins and outs of local government, talking with employees and supervisors, attending meetings, and reading endless documents, meeting notes, and informational sources as he researched the job he was running to win. In November, he beat incumbent Jeremy Shifflett to become Beverley Manor supervisor.

Incumbents Tracy Pyles (I) and David Beyeler (R) are the only returning members of the seven-member board. Larry Wills (R), newly elected, once served on the board in the 1990s.

Bob Stuart at the Waynesboro News Virginian talked with Karaffa about the meetings designed for newly elected supervisors to learn more about various county departments, budgets, and more. “For me, it will be a lot of review of things I already know,” [Karaffa] said. “But it is also an opportunity to fill in holes that exist. It would be nice to get those gaps filled.”

Karaffa became interested in county government after watching the supervisors' handling of the botched real estate assessments and he has attended supervisor meetings on a regular basis for the two years since that time.

He also became involved in the 2010 fire issue, attending meetings along with Kurt Michael (I), who barely lost his bid in November for Wayne District Supervisor, as both talked with firefighters, read the fire plans that date back to 2000, and listened to boots on the ground. Both men, with young children, were concerned for the welfare of not only their own families but those of all county residents. The lack of fire coverage had caused homeowners insurance to increase and even double for some residents.

While learning more about the internal workings at the Government Center, Karaffa also sought counsel from Supervisor Pyles whose 16 years of experience on the board offered a wealth of information and background. At the age of 28, Karaffa is the future of Augusta County and the country.

Augusta BOS prediction for Beverley Manor

Word comes this afternoon that Jeremy Shifflett, who covers Beverley Manor district, will hold a press conference at the Augusta County Government Center at 4:00 p.m.

Prediction: He will announce that he's running for re-election as supervisor of Beverley Manor.

More on this candidate later....

Update 7:25 pm: My prediction was true. Shifflett announced that he was running for re-election.

Reading from a prepared statement, he abruptly ended and, after a few moments of awkward silence as the five people listening seemed to be waiting for a warp-up "thank you for coming out," reporter Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian asked questions followed by reporter Calvin Trice from the Staunton News Leader.

His opponent will be David Karaffa, a critical cardiac RN at the local hospital who recently participated in the first of a series of townhall meetings to listen to citizen concerns and offer a vision for the county.  Karaffa would represent a fresh, new voice on a board that has lost the confidence of many Augusta County residents.

A third candidate who ran four years ago and appeared to be preparing to run again told me she will not be challenging either candidate.

Shifflett is part of the old board, four of whom have now announced their retirement.

That leaves David Beyeler, 72, from South River, as the only one who hasn't announced his intentions. My prediction: he will not run again and has hand-picked someone to step into his place, holding out as long as possible to announce to avoid giving others the opportunity to adequately prepare for the upcoming July GOP mass meetings.

It's time for some new blood on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors who will listen to the people and work together to solve issues facing the county. Candidates so far are  Kurt Michael (Wayne), popular Pastures District Supervisor Tracy Pyles, David Karaffa (Beverley Manor), and Marshall Pattie (North River) as well as Michael Shull (Riverheads) and Larry Wills (Middle River).

Augusta Board of Supervisors breaking news ... Coleman and Sorrells will not seek re-election

Update 6/9/11: Reporter Megan Williams with the Staunton News Leader has a good article about Coleman and Sorrells stepping down, and writes, "... running for the Wayne district seat is former county GOP Party chairman, Kurt Michael. Michael, president of the Emerald Hills Home Owners Association, has pushed the county to boost the number of paid firefighters at Yancey. A teacher at the Shenandoah Valley Governor's School, Michael is a teacher sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes."

It's official and my prediction was true: Supervisor Wendell Coleman (Wayne District) will not seek re-election to the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. That leaves two candidates so far ... Dr. Kurt Michael, a teacher with the Shenandoah Valley Governors School in Fishersville, and Jeff Moore, school board member who works for a local trucking company.

Supervisor Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads) also announced she will not seek a third term on the board. That leaves the door open for school board member Chad Shomo who is the only school board member who has not announced his intentions. No one else has announced yet for Riverheads.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles (Pastures) has announced he's running for re-election. Supervisors Larry Howdyshell (North River) and Gerald Garber (Middle River) have announced they are not running for re-election. So far candidates for those districts are Dr. Marshall Pattie and Steve Morris (North River), and Larry Wills (Middle River).

Only supervisors David Beyeler (South River) and Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor) have not announced their intentions. Candidate David Karaffa has announced for Beverley Manor).

Predictions: Beyeler and Shifflett will both announce they are seeking re-election. No one has come forward to challenge Beyeler; Shifflett may face up to two challengers.

After the 2009 real estate assessment issue caused negative reaction from the public who felt they were not listened to by the board, and after the fire issue from the past year in which Wayne District was disappointingly left needing in fire and emergency coverage, there's a definite shake-up on this board.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles, who has sometimes found himself the conscience of the board and often at the short end of a 6-1 vote, hopes to bring about a positive change, lining up with candidates Pattie, Karaffa, and Michael to bring a positive vision for Augusta County. They have announced the first of a series of townhall meetings to be held Wednesday, June 15, at 7:00 pm at the Government Center.

Augusta BOS prediction: Coleman will not seek re-election - UPDATED

Updated: Supervisors Wendell Coleman and Nancy Sorrells announced at the June 8, 2011, Board of Supervisors meeting that they would not be seeking re-election. I was correct on my prediction about Coleman, and at least half right on prediction #2. Time will tell if School Board member Chad Shomo (Riverheads) will announce he is running for BOS. (All other school board members have announced their plans except Mr. Shomo.)

Dr. Kurt Michael, an Augusta County school teacher, announced in April that he was running for the supervisor seat in Augusta County's Wayne District. With the announcement this week of Jeff Moore as another Wayne candidate and the newspaper reporting that the current supervisor would make his decision soon, I'm going to make a prediction about this race.

I predict that Wayne District Supervisor Wendell Coleman will announce at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday that he will not be seeking a third term. In the past two years he has come under fire during the 2009 real estate assessment issue and the fire issue when the failed ISO rating was right in his front yard at Yancey Fire Department which, more than likely, has made him unelectable.

Out of seven supervisors, one has announced he will seek re-election (Tracy Pyles in Pastures District), two have said they will not run for re-election (Gerald Garber in Middle River District and Larry Howdyshell in North River), and a third (Coleman) will probably announce his retirement on Wednesday.

Candidates who have announced they are running are David Karaffa (Beverley Manor), Dr. Marshall Paddie (North River), Jim Warren (Pastures), and Steve Morris (North River).

That leaves three incumbent supervisors up in the air: South River, Beverley Manor, and Riverheads.

Prediction #1: All three will run for re-election.

Prediction #2: Nancy Sorrells in Riverheads calls it quits and Chad Shomo, current School Board member, runs.

Prediction #3: Nancy Sorrells announces for a third term and runs against Chad Shomo.