Let me begin by saying that it is my opinion that both Riner and Blacksburg should get new schools. Riner because they have been patiently waiting with some upgrades/repairs being withheld due to the plan to build a new school, and Blacksburg for the obvious reason that I don’t believe many people will trust...
Blacksburg
Issues relative to Blacksburg, VA
Information Sources for the Budget-wise People.
Looking at one year's budget tells you little. How can you find information that shows budget changes over time or to compare two similar jurisdictions. Here is what can be found on the Auditor of Public Accounts site (focus on Christiansburg since I am here!)
STORM WATER RAINS SUPREME IN CHRISTIANSBURG! (again)
Storm water problems again plague Christiansburg. Perhaps something has been done in some areas of town to correct the situation, but there are still a lot of areas where the problems are simply getting worse. Cambria is one such area.
FOIA did you know: Public Meetings Information
Did you know? § 2.2-3707. Meetings to be public; notice of meetings; recordings; minutes H. Any person may photograph, film, record or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting required to be open. The public body conducting the meeting may adopt rules governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for broadcasting, photographing, filming...
Taxes and Fees: Blacksburg and Christiansburg Compared
If the Town of Christiansburg has all of those homes in the low end of the price scale and the property tax is so low (see previous blog article), how does it manage to provide the services that it does? Well, first off, it seems to pick and choose what projects to work on....
The Economy and Jobs in Montgomery County VA
Some interesting information can be found on the Montgomery County Economic Profile provided by the Virginia Employment Commission. (http://www.alex.vec.virginia.gov/lmi/pdfs/communityprofiles/5104000121.pdf) Unfortunately, it does not differentiate between Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County proper, but it doesn’t take too much imagination to put two and two together.
