Metro Briefs

VIRGINIA

RICHMOND

Local governments face budget woes

County and municipal governments across Virginia are facing the grim prospect that 2010 might not be much better than 2009.

A survey conducted by the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League found that nearly 60 percent of local governments instituted hiring freezes or cut funding.

About 45 percent dipped into reserves to close budget gaps, and 70 percent reduced or eliminated capital projects.

Cities and counties hope their budgets will balance come June 30, the end of the fiscal year, but a crucial piece of the puzzle - whether state funding will be further slashed - is still unknown.

Jim Campbell, executive director of the association of counties, said the strain will likely last for several years.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Jefferson’s estate open to functions

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is swinging open its historic doors to private functions.

Although Jefferson’s home is not part of the new policy, his library, portions of the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and other areas are now available for corporations and other organizations to use for various functions.

Ann Taylor of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns and operates Monticello, said the new policy is in the Jeffersonian tradition. The nation’s third president was known for his hospitality and also designed Monticello as well as the historic center of the nearby University of Virginia.

Miss Taylor said Monticello might some day book weddings or wedding receptions.

The estate covers 2,400 acres overlooking Charlottesville.

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