Category Archives: Local Government

Sticking-up for Judge Dillon

Posted on February 17, 2010 by matt ohern

Despite its critics, the Dillon Rule is a key part of the fundamental legal structure that makes Virginia such a pro-business state and not something we should change. Continue reading →

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A Unique Opportunity

Posted on December 16, 2009 by matt ohern

The recently released Composite Index of Local Ability to Pay should provide the impetus for the General Assembly to conduct a long over-due investigation of how to calculate ‘Local Ability to Pay’ and reform local public finance in Virginia. Continue reading →

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Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Examining Impact Fees

Posted on August 25, 2009 by matt ohern

Since the entire community presumably benefits from, for example, new schools, it would not be fair to assign the full cost of new community services to new residential development. But it is imminently fair to assign something to new development. Continue reading →

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Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Part III

Posted on August 11, 2009 by matt ohern

A five percent real estate transfer tax would allow for comprehensive reform of the Composite Index and provide an alternative source of local revenue allowing the annual levy to be reduced and more open space land to be preserved. Continue reading →

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Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Part II

Posted on July 28, 2009 by matt ohern

Last issue we looked at the perversity of the Composite Index with regards to preserving open space in Virginia. This week we take a look at a possible solution. Continue reading →

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