INSIDE Celebrating Goochland’s Class of 2017
Volume 62, Number 25 • June 22, 2017
Cat lovers need not banish feline friends from the garden. See page 8
Treasurer’s office earns accreditation Clean audits, focus on staff training are among factors that distinguish department Contributed report
Here come
THE BRIDES
With wedding season underway, local venues stand ready to make sure each couple’s day is picture perfect By Roslyn Ryan Editor
The dollars and cents of ‘I do’
A
fter over a decade of hosting weddings ranging from small intimate affairs to over-the-top galas, Clover Forest Plantation owners Sebastian and Deidre Volcker know a thing or two about handling unforeseen circumstances. There was the time that a minister failed to arrive, and they had only minutes to find a replacement (they did). There was the time a key member of the wedding party forgot his shirt, and was quickly and discreetly offered one of Sebastian’s. see Brides > 3
According to a recent survey by the wedding website The Knot, the cost of the average wedding in the United States hit an all-time high of $35,329 in 2016, up from $32,641 in 2015 and $31, 213 in 2014. What else has changed? The average age of brides (29) and grooms (31) continues to rise, while the average number of wedding guests drops: in 2016 the average guest list was down to 141 (compared to 149 in 2009) while the cost per wedding guest is up to $245 (compared to $194 in 2009).
For the third consecutive year, the Treasurer’s Office of Goochland County has been awarded Office Accreditation by the Treasures’ Association of Virginia. Treasurer Pamela Johnson accepted the award at the Annual Treasurer’s Conference on June 20. Only 54 out of approximately 130 Treasurer’s offices in Virginia achieve accreditation, which is awarded for excellence in treasury management to treasurers who “voluntarily demonstrate that their offices meet an established set of high performance standards.” Performance standards include successfully completing required Johnson educational courses as well as the ethics course. In addition, Goochland surpassed the minimum standard for deputies enrolled in the certification program or pursuing re-certification. The office must have policies regarding the timely mailing of tax bills and delinquency notices, and policies for the timely deposit of funds with their banking institution. The office must also meet established percentages of tax collection and have no findings of material financial weakness in their most recent outside audit. Goochland County exceeded these and other standards both required and optional. Treasurer Pam Johnson said she and the deputies share the credit for this achievement. “I am proud of the deputies’ efforts on behalf of the citizens of Goochland County,” Johnson said. “Their dedication and consistent effort make it possible for us to bring positive recognition to Goochland County.”