In October, The County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia launched its annual Regional Roundtable meeting series. The meetings run from October through mid-December and are hosted by eight counties across the state.

They provide an opportunity for commissioners, legislators, and other elected officials to sit down and discuss issues that affect their particular region. Held prior to the legislative session, they are also a good chance for commissioners to review the CCAWV legislative agenda.

One of CCAWV's legislative priorities for 2014 is identifying and acting on any legislation that could help counties rein in regional jail costs. We support more efficient methods of collecting court costs, redistribution of the real property transfer tax back to the collecting county, and changes to allow ancillary revenue streams to be considered in calculating RJA per diem. Additionally, any legislation that encourages cost-sharing with arresting entities will be supported. We hope to work with the Regional Jail Authority and the Legislature to continue seeking new ways to drive down costs.

CCAWV will maintain the same position as last year on a number of issues that are likely to resurface during the 2014 Legislative session: We support the Simple Majority Amendment for passage of local levies, 911 fees staying in counties, a study resolution to review the entire mental hygiene process, VFD funding mechanisms when the revenue is neutral to counties, and the concept of a future mineral trust fund.

Some issues that CCAWV opposes include: The Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption and Rate Reduction amendment without a replacement revenue source; any increase in the Homestead Exemption that could be detrimental to counties' tax base; any salary increase for 2014.

As these meetings continue, we hope commissioners and lawmakers will continue to use this forum to come together and talk about common issues.

It has been a very productive season of roundtables, and we look forward to continuing the conversation!