Representation
WVACo has considerable state and federal government relations experience. We work to protect counties from legislation harmful to their dutiful service to citizens. Knight Consulting provides WVACO with expert property tax law analysis. WVACo delivers the very best in government-legislative relations.
Support
WVACo offers many programs to better serve counties, including: risk and workers compensation insurance with the WVCorp risk-pool program; retirement planning with NACo-affiliated partner Nationwide; various personal insurance options provided by Assured Partners and AFLAC; professional training via WVACo Academy; and our Dental/Vision Program administered by Benefits Assistance Corporation and Assured Partners.
Education
Where does one get marriage and business licenses? Who provides public safety? What support is available to provide local services or recreational needs? The people can find those answers and more on this site and by contacting WVACo and learning Why county government matters.
Counties make WV go!
We contribute to the un-matched quality of life that is West Virginia. A rich history of coal, glass, natural gas, and timbering, America was built on the backs West Virginians. Tourism is now a growing industry, from hiking & biking, whitewater, skiiing and more…West Virginia Counties have it all.
WVACo is a resource for county government officials and staff to keep “in the know” about each other, about state law and its impact on counties and their citizens, and learn about national trends and issues facing counties across the country to help West Virginia grow and prosper.
COVID Executive Orders
GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS effective February 20,2021
Restaurants and Bars
Gov. Justice has signed Executive Order 6-21, increasing the capacity limit for all restaurants and bars from 50 percent of their seating capacity to 75 percent seating capacity.
Click here to view updated guidance for restaurants and bars
Click here to view all guidance documents
For small businesses and retail stores, capacity will be permitted to increase from 2 people per 1,000 square feet to 4 people per 1,000 square feet. For grocery stores, capacity will be permitted to increase from 3 people per 1,000 square feet to 6 people per 1,000 square feet. These businesses must still continue to follow all applicable safety guidelines, including, but not limited to, mandatory face coverings and social distancing.
Click here to view all guidance documents
Executive Order 6-21 also raises the social gathering limit from 25 people to 75 people.
This limitation applies only for any gathering of people for purely social purposes. The limitation does not apply to any activity, business, or entity that has been deemed essential, such as religious services, weddings, or group meetings, conferences, or other special events held for essential businesses and operations, as defined by Executive Order 9-20, as amended.
Those partaking in such purely social gatherings must continue to social distance, wear face coverings, and follow all other applicable safety guidelines.
Click here to view all guidance documents
Schools and Sports
Gov. Justice went on to note that, by next week, all teachers and school service personnel over 50 years of age, who requested to be vaccinated, will be complete with their second dose. As such, the Governor announced today that he is calling on the West Virginia Board of Education to make it mandatory that all counties send their students in grades Pre-K-8 back full-time. Gov. Justice also signed Executive Order 7-21, clarifying that all Pre-K-8 students in all counties statewide should be in school.
The Governor went on to add that he has been working with the WVSSAC regarding the upcoming winter sports season, which is currently set to commence on the spring sports calendar. The Governor announced that he has asked WVSSAC officials to work with all county school boards to ensure they have occupancy rules or attendance limitations that meet all social distancing requirements and all other guidelines.
Click here to view all guidance documents
Live Music
The Governor also issued a reminder that, following his briefing on Wednesday, he issued Executive Order 5-21, clarifying the existing prohibition on live indoor music performances. Live music performances, except for those incorporating vocals or using wind instruments, may take place indoors, so long as the event is held in accordance with all applicable safety guidelines.
Live music incorporating vocals or using wind instruments may be performed indoors only for simulcast or other broadcast to remote audiences where no audience is physically present.
Click here to view updated guidance on hosting live performances
Click here to view all guidance documents
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