Two Loudoun County programs have been recognized for excellence and innovation by the Virginia Association of Counties. Loudoun’s “Busy Buddies” program and the county’s implementation of billing and collection of taxes for incorporated towns have received 2020 Achievement Awards from VACo.
Busy Buddies
Loudoun County launched the Busy Buddies program to meet the challenge caused by the increased number of dogs arriving at the Loudoun County Animal Shelter in need of additional medical and/or behavioral intervention prior to adoption. The volunteer-driven, in-kennel enrichment program was created to reduce stress in dogs, which has been linked to behavioral decline, increased rates of contagious disease and euthanasia. As a result, over the past four years, euthanasia has dropped 21%, disease outbreaks have dropped by 60% and the length of stay at the shelter has dropped by nine days. The program has since been expanded to provide enrichment for animals of all species needing temporary refuge and care from the Department of Animal Services. In addition to the VACo award, this program received the highest level of recognition from the National Association of Counties with a 2020 Best in Category Achievement Award. More information about the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services is online at loudoun.gov/animals.
Implementation of Billing and Collection of Taxes for Incorporated Towns
To improve the efficiency of tax billing and collection, Loudoun County has assumed responsibility for billing, collecting and administering personal property and real estate taxes for five of Loudoun County’s seven incorporated towns: Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg and Round Hill. Taxpayers who live in the towns no longer receive two separate bills with separate due dates for county and town property taxes. Instead, residents and businesses receive one bill listing both the county and town taxes. Taxpayers now make a single payment to the county, which in turn remits the appropriate amount to each town. Loudoun is the first jurisdiction in Virginia to partner with town governments to implement a centralized tax billing and collection program. In addition to the VACo award, this program was recognized by the National Association of Counties with a 2019 Achievement Award. More information about taxes in Loudoun County is online at loudoun.gov/taxes.
The Loudoun County programs were among 21 recipients of the 2020 Achievement Awards for which VACo received 76 submissions. More information about the awards program is available at www.vaco.org.
The Loudoun County government has a number of award-winning programs and services. Find out more at loudoun.gov/awards.
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