It’s budget time – The Board of Supervisors opened the pre-budget public hearing for the FY 2013/14 biennial budget at their meeting on Jan. 10.

They will meet on Jan. 21 at 8 a.m. at the County Government Center, 101 F Mounts Bay Rd. for the annual Budget Retreat. Additional public hearings and work sessions will be held in the upcoming months before the Budget’s anticipated adoption in May.

Let us know what you think. Contact your Board member or post your comments on the County’s Facebook page.

Get ready to REC Connect – Registration forms for the REC Connect 2012-13 Before and After School Program and for Summer Camp 2012 will be available on Jan. 30 at the Community Centers, Satellite Services or online.

James City County and Williamsburg residents can return their forms by mail beginning Feb. 3. Non-residents can send in their forms beginning Feb. 10. Dropped-off forms will not be accepted. Discounts up to 75 percent are available to any qualified resident based on total income. Call 757-259-5414 for details. For general information, call 757-259-3170.

Free smoke alarms/assist devices available – The County has received a Federal Fire Prevention and Safety grant to provide smoke alarms and smoke alarm assist devices to County residents who:

• Are 55 or older, or
• Have children, or
• Have any disability, or
• Who live in older homes without interconnected smoke alarms

Smoke alarm assist devices are a new and more effective type of smoke alarm. The device listens to the traditional smoke detectors already installed in a home and emits a low-frequency alarm and optional vibration which is proven to more effectively awaken children, people over 55 and anyone with hearing disabilities. For more information, call 757-564-4793.

It’s that time of year – Even before the first snowflake falls, County officials monitor local weather forecasts; mobilize staff to be on standby for public safety, public information and other services; and participate in conference calls with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service in Wakefield.

JCC offers plenty of ways to get up-to-date, factual information about County closings or delays. Sign up, log on or phone in…you can choose one or all:

• Sign up for JCCAlert.org
• Follow the County on Facebook and Twitter
• Visit jccEgov.com
• Watch JCC TV online or on Cox Cable Channel 48
• Call the Emergency Hotline – 757-875-2424 and the Parks Hotline – 757-259-5360

County staff also updates the following local media: wydaily.com, Daily Press, The Virginia Gazette, WAVY, WVEC, WTKR, WMBG AM 740, The TIDE 92.3 FM and Bach FM 107.9. However, the volume of information can result in a delay in posting County information. Your best bet is to use JCCAlert.org, Facebook and Twitter, jccEgov.com, JCC TV or the hotlines.

Connect with James City County! Visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

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