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Town of Bridgewater 2016 Budget Report

This has been a good year for the Bridgewater community and it looks like the coming one might be even better.

It will be hard to top a year that saw the construction of Generations Park, improvements to

the water system and a state championship by the Turner Ashby High School Girls Basketball team, but consider the following events that are likely to take place in the new fiscal year that begins July 1st.

• Generations Park will open on the 4th of July with our first ever farmers’ market.

• Serious negotiations are underway with Sentara RMH to bring a medical clinic to Bridgewater. An announcement could be made sometime this summer.

• The Oakwood Drive Sidewalk Project should start by July and finish before winter arrives.

• The 50th Anniversary of Bridgewater Retirement Community will be celebrated this year.

• Ice skating will begin Thanksgiving Day at Generations Park.

• Miniature golf may be open by the summer of 2016 if the Council and Recreation Commission agree on location and funding.

• The Office of the Attorney General has awarded us funding to purchase three police cruisers. This 100% grant will save all of us money over the next few years since we won’t have to use local funds to replace aging vehicles.

• We have an application with VDOT that, if approved, will allow for repaving of sections of primary streets such as Main Street and Dinkel Avenue. This grant is funded on a 50/50 basis.

Looking over that list you can see that a lot will be happening over the next year. Maybe the best news of all is that we aren’t raising taxes to accomplish these goals and that our utility increases will once again equal the cost-of-living estimate of 1.7%. For those of you using the minimum amount of water, that will be an increase of $.70 per month while the average family will see a jump of $1.38 in their bill.

On Tuesday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m. we’ll be holding a public hearing on the new budget. Please stop by if you have a chance. It will give you the opportunity to learn more about our community as well as discuss the contents of the proposed budget.

Respectfully submitted,

Theodore W. Flory Finance Committee Chairman

An open letter to the citizens of Bridgewater


Budget Highlights • No new taxes are imposed nor are existing ones raised.

• Utility fees such as water, sewer, and trash collection will increase by the Department of Labor’s Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2014 of 1.7%. For the average customer (5,000 gallons) this will mean an additional $1.38 per month. For the minimum user (1,000 gallons), it will be $0.70 per month.

• We expect to complete the Oakwood Drive sidewalk project in the coming year and will need to finance $200,000 for that purpose.

• Capital financing in the amount of $400,000 has been allocated for the completion of Generations Park.

• A pool of 3% has been set aside for employee raises. As is our custom, all raises are based on merit instead of an across-the-board increase.

• We are moving funds in the amount of $82,000 forward that were received from Dynamic Aviation for the removal of trees from Sandy Bottom Golf course. The Recreation Commission will have this amount to use for Sandy Bottom Park improvements, a miniature golf course, or other appropriate recreational needs.

• If the Revenue Sharing grant is approved, we expect to spend about $400,000 in additional paving projects in 2016.

• At some point in the next year we will be retiring our 40-year-old trash truck and entering into a lease for a new one.

• Payments to Harrisonburg Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority may cross the million dollar mark this year. Just a decade ago it was $250,000 per year.

• For the first time, you’ll see a separate budget for the Industrial Development Authority. In the past the IDA has sponsored loans for other organizations, but in the coming year it will have its own revenue and expenses related to Generations Park.


Year 2016 Budget SummaryBudget Category Revenues Expenditures Surplus/(deficit)

General Fund $4,899,000 $4,761,000 $138,000

Sanitation Department 480,000 543,000 (63,000)

Sewer Department 1,690,000 1,575,000 115,000

Water Department 1,007,000 1,197,000 (190,000)

Stormwater Management 80,000 80,000 0

TOTAL $8,156,000 $8,156,000 $ 0

Public Hearing for comments on 2016 Budget

Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.Bridgewater Community Center at 201 Green Street

Number of Citizens Served Per Employee:

Number of Citizens Town Population Employees Per Employee

Broadway 3,900 20 195:1Big Stone Gap 5,548 39 142:1Smithfield 8,220 59 139:1Purcellville 8,300 68 122:1Ashland 7,289 60 121:1Bridgewater 5,879 51 115:1Orange 4,855 43 113:1Strasburg 6,489 58 112:1Warrenton 9,862 91 108:1South Boston 7,989 75 107:1Culpeper 17,145 172 100:1Woodstock 5,189 53 98:1Herndon 24,446 260 94:1Tazewell 4,543 51 89:1Front Royal 14,899 168 89:1Clifton Forge 3,866 44 88:1Christiansburg 21,533 248 87:1Pulaski 8,948 106 84:1South Hill 4,588 63 73:1Richlands 5,671 78 73:1Rocky Mount 4,830 67 72:1Bluefield 5,392 75 72:1Marion 5,905 85 69:1Farmville 8,079 129 63:1Blackstone 3,574 58 62:1Altavista 3,490 60 58:1Wytheville 8,235 158 52:1

Government Efficiency

How do you tell whether a local government is running efficiently?

In our opinion, one of the best ways to do this is to calculate the number of citizens each employee is serving. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. Now please understand that we are not criticizing anyone lower on the adjacent list, because each locality has hired staff according to their perceived needs.

We do know that it’s easier to measure efficiency in an industrial setting because those involved in manufacturing are typically producing a commodity that can be assigned a ‘per unit’ cost. While we have the ability to calculate per unit costs for water, sewer, and sanitation, any attempt to do a similar calculation for services such as recreation or community development will fall flat on its face.

We don’t want to appear immodest, but we do take pride in the fact that we consistently perform our duties with less staff than our counterparts. It should also be noted that we have the same number of employees today that we had eleven years ago. It would be a difficult task to find another government in the United States that had not added a single employee over the past eleven years.


Year 2016 BudgetGeneral Fund Revenues

McDonald’s recent expansion has created a welcoming environment for locals to gather. Here Jack Wimer, Arnold Fishback, and Ron

Swadley enjoy their morning coffee.

General Fund Revenue FY 2015 FY 2016

General Property Taxes Real Property Tax 360,000 365,000 Public Service Corporations 5,000 5,000 Personal Property Tax 165,000 174,000 Personal Property Tax (State) 102,000 101,000 Penalties and Interest 3,000 3,000Total 635,000 648,000 Other Local Taxes Local Sales and Use Tax 160,000 185,000 Consumption Tax 25,000 25,000 Communication’s Tax 95,000 95,000 Consumer’s Utility Tax 395,000 386,000 Cigarette Tax 20,000 20,000 Business License Tax 207,000 217,000 Bank Stock Tax 101,000 107,000 Meals Tax 440,000 470,000Total 1,443,000 1,505,000

Local Fees Motor Vehicle License 87,000 87,000 Right-of-Way 14,000 14,000 Stormwater Management (Moved to Enterprise Fund)Total 101,000 101,000

Zoning, Building & Erosion Permits 4,000 5,000

Fines and Forfeitures 42,000 42,000

Revenue from the Use of Money and Property Interest on Bank Deposits 1,000 1,000 Rental of General Property 2,000 2,000 Rental of Recreational Property 16,000 18,000 Sale of Real Estate, Materials and Supplies 2,000 2,000 Public Service Communications Rental 50,000 70,000 Equipment Rental 1,000 1,000Total 72,000 94,000

Miscellaneous, Gifts and Donations Miscellaneous 4,000 4,000 Gifts and Donations 2,000 5,000 Town of Mt. Crawford 47,000 47,000Total 53,000 56,000

General Fund Revenue FY 2015 FY 2016

Categorical Aid VDOT Secondary Maintenance Funds 480,000 485,000 VDOT Primary Maintenance Funds 168,000 170,000 VDOT First Cities Program 40,000 50,000 Transportation Enhancement 645,000 645,000 (Oakwood Drive) Revenue Sharing Project 0 250,000 Law Enforcement Assistance 138,000 138,000 Litter Control Grant 3,000 3,000 Funds transferred from First Cities 25,000 25,000 (SAFTEALU & Urban Construction)Total 1,499,000 1,766,000

Capital Financing (Oakwood Drive) 0 200,000

Carried Forward 343,000 400,000

Carried Forward (Dynamic Aviation) 0 82,000

TOTAL GENERALFUND REVENUES 4,260,000 4,899,000


Year 2016 BudgetGeneral Fund Expenditures

General Fund Expenditures FY 2015 FY 2016

Police Department Personal Services 509,000 516,000 FringeBenefits 165,000 167,000 Administrative 30,000 60,000 Auto Repair 8,000 5,000 Gas, Oil and Tires 28,000 28,000 Other Charges 65,000 76,000 Capital Outlay 5,000 5,000Total 810,000 857,000

Donations to Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads 30,000 30,000

Public Works Department Personal Services 165,000 165,000 FringeBenefits 48,000 49,000 Administrative 0 50,000 Other Charges 24,000 24,000 Capital Outlay 0 3,000Total 240,000 291,000

Highways, Streets and Sidewalks Personal Services 170,000 170,000 FringeBenefits 57,000 58,000 Administrative 52,000 120,000 Contractual Services 60,000 85,000 Street Paving 200,000 150,000 Revenue Sharing Projects 0 400,000 First Cities Sinking Fund 20,000 20,000 Urban Construction Fund 20,000 20,000 T-21 Project (Oakwood Drive) 806,000 806,000 Other Charges 70,000 70,000 Capital Outlay (Equipment) 35,000 40,000 MainStreetBeautification 5,000 10,000Total 1,495,000 1,949,000

Street Lights 80,000 80,000

General Properties Personal Services 185,000 190,000 FringeBenefits 63,000 64,000 Administrative 30,000 56,000 Contractual Services 65,000 80,000 Other Charges 34,000 35,000 Capital Outlay 25,000 25,000Total 402,000 450,000

We mostly associate police duties with crime investigation

or traffic control, but sometimes they get to take part in fun events such as leading the

annual 5K race on Labor Day.

Carter Bowman (left) and Beb Sullivan (right) apply water and mulch to the butterfly garden at Wildwood Park. For sixteen years students, teachers, and volunteers have set

aside a day for a field trip to Wildwood Park to work in the flower beds, study plant and

animal life, and enjoy the beauty of our park.


Year 2016 BudgetGeneral Fund Expenditures (continued)

General Fund Expenditures FY 2015 FY 2016

Greenwood and Ames Cemetery Personal Services 5,000 5,000 FringeBenefits 1,000 1,000 Other 2,000 2,000Total 8,000 8,000

Parks and Recreation Personal Services 230,000 240,000 FringeBenefits 82,000 83,000 Administrative 31,000 57,000 Contractual Services 52,000 58,000 Other Charges 48,000 52,000 Capital Outlay 35,000 82,000 Capital Outlay (Equipment) 10,000 10,000Total 488,000 582,000

Stormwater Management Moved to Enterprise Fund, Page 9

Community Development Personal Services 26,000 26,000 FringeBenefits 9,000 9,000 Other Charges 65,000 70,000Total 100,000 105,000

Economic Development Personal Services 2,000 3,000 FringeBenefits 1,000 1,000 Capital Improvement 10,000 10,000 (Main Street Enhancement) Contractual Services 2,000 2,000 Other Charges 1,000 3,000 Total 16,000 19,000

Insurance 100,000 120,000

Debt Service Debt Retirement 265,000 220,000 Interest 40,000 50,000 Total 305,000 270,000

TOTAL GENERALFUND EXPENDITURES 4,140,500 4,761,000

The ‘Faithful Men’ choral group has become a popular part of our ‘Concert in the Park’ series.

Each week produces significant gains in the construction of Generations Park. Grand opening for

the farmers’ market is slated for Saturday, July 4th.

Anytime throughout the spring and summer you will find our mowing crew grooming the parks,

right-of-ways and other public property.


Year 2016 BudgetEnterprise Fund Revenues and Expenditures

All is not work or study for John Wayland students on their Wildwood field day. Here the kids are taking a break to capture in watercolor

some of the beauty of their surroundings.

There are many activities that take place on Wildwood field day when John Wayland students come to the park to work,

learn, and play. One can only imagine what Madison Kline saw through the microscope, but her reaction is worth a thousand

words. (Students from Ms. Sue Haley’s class, left to right) Peyton Liskey, Madison Kline, Noah Smith and Jose Jimerez.

Sewer DepartmentRevenues FY 2015 FY 2016

Charges for Services 1,575,000 1,595,000 Connection Fees 60,000 70,000 Penalties 20,000 20,000 Surcharge 3,000 5,000Total 1,658,000 1,690,000

Expenditures FY 2015 FY 2016

Personal Services 95,000 110,000 Fringe Benefits 34,000 40,000 Administrative 200,000 130,000 Contractual Services-HRRSA 960,000 1,000,000 Other Charges 35,000 50,000 Equipment Lease/Purchase 70,000 75,000 Capital Outlay 150,000 170,000Total 1,544,000 1,575,000

Sanitation Department

Revenues FY 2015 FY 2016

Refuse Collection Fee 360,000 370,000 Recycling/Vegetation Collection Fee 108,000 110,000Total 468,000 480,000


Personal Services 200,000 200,000 Fringe Benefits 70,000 70,000 Administrative 53,000 30,000 Equipment Lease 17,000 30,000 Contractual Services 72,000 68,000 Other Charges 12,000 10,000 Landfill Fees 130,000 130,000 Capital Outlay 5,000 5,000Total 559,000 543,000

Public Hearing Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.

Bridgewater Community Centerat 201 Green Street

for comments on 2016 Budget


Year 2016 BudgetEnterprise Fund Revenues and Expenditures (continued)

Revenues FY 2015 FY 2016

Charges for Services 925,000 935,000 Connection Fees 30,000 50,000 Funds Carried Forward 325,000 0 Penalties 22,000 22,000Total 1,302,000 1,007,000


Water Treatment Plant Operations Personal Services 266,000 275,000 Fringe Benefits 90,000 90,000 Administrative 102,000 55,000 Contractual Services 140,000 142,000 Other Charges 38,000 35,000 Capital Outlay 30,000 30,000 Sub-Total 666,000 627,000

Water Distribution System Personal Services 140,000 150,000 Fringe Benefits 62,000 65,000 Administrative 102,000 55,000 Contractual Services 100,000 130,000 Other Charges 50,000 65,000 Debt Service 0 65,000 Capital Outlay 325,000 40,000Sub-Total 779,000 570,000

Total Treatment andDistribution Expenses 1,445,000 1,197,000

Water Department

Stormwater ManagementRevenues FY 2015 FY 2016

Utility Fee 68,000 70,000 VSMP Permit Fees 0 10,000

Total 68,000 80,000


Personal Services 27,000 27,000 Fringe Benefits 8,000 7,000 Other Charges 21,000 18,000 Capital Outlay 10,000 28,000Total 66,000 80,000

Elvira and Mike Ivanenko enjoy bringing their children to Wildwood Park. While big brother,

Arthur (not pictured), busies himself on the slide, little Eric enjoys his first experience on the swing.

Nearly 150 participated in Bridgewater’s 2014 Labor Day 5K race. The winners of the 50-59 age bracket

were (left to right) Christine Auville (3rd place), Karen Clark (1st place), and Tracy Stover (2nd place).


Industrial Development

Authority Budget

While the IDA has existed for three decades, this is the first time we’ve prepared a budget for them. In the past their only function has been to serve as a “pass-through” for borrowed funds between a lending institution and local enterprises such as Good Printers, Bridgewater Retirement Community, or Bridgewater College.

With the development of Generations Park, the IDA will have an on-going stream of revenues and expenditures that will be documented from this point forward. Please note that they don’t own the park but do own the land and shell of the restaurant adjacent to it. So, they’ll have rent coming in each month and loan payments due as well. The budget shown above shows the estimated revenues and expenditures for the coming year.

Industrial Development AuthorityRevenues FY 2015 FY 2016

Fees 0 9,000 Lease proceeds 0 36,000 Capital Financing 0 300,000

Total 0 345,000


Personal Services 0 500 Contractual Services 0 300,000 Legal Services 0 10,000Total 0 310,500

Farmers Market Opens

July 4thThe popularity of fresh fruits,

vegetables, and baked goods created a boom in farmers’ markets across the nation over the last decade. Add to this products such as free-range poultry and eggs, organic meats, etc., and you have a combination that appeals to a large segment of the population.

For the first time ever, Bridgewater will host its own

farmers’ market at its newly constructed Generations Park located on North Main Street. Grand opening is set for Saturday morning, the Fourth of July, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Music will be provided by The Deanes, a popular local group specializing in Bluegrass.

Every effort is being made to attract the best growers of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. Added to this would

be a few providers of baked goods or specialty foods. The market will be open Thursday evening from 2 p.m. to

7 p.m. and Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.


(above left to right) Nora Schlabach, Neve Schlabach, and Analice Valentine enjoy the children’s

activities at North River Library.

Students from J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, Brennon Moyers, Madison

Lambert, Journey Bradfield, Samuel Soste, Josie Rao, and Emily Fear, managed a taco

stand at Bridgewater’s Labor Day event.

(right) Here are the winners of

Bridgewater’s 2014 Labor Day 5K race for 13-19 year old girls. (left to right) Brittany Rhorer (1st place), Kelly Rohrer (2nd place), Emma

Nicholas (3rd place)

(below) The Bridgewater 9-10 Year Old State Champion Girls Softball Team

proudly displayed their championship banner during the Christmas parade.

(right) John

Wayland students

Gael Baustia and Noah Smith, add

new plants to the butterfly

garden at Wildwood Park.

Josh Byler spends a spring afternoon with his children, Maggy,

Grayson and Lily, teaching them how to

safely ride bikes.

(left) Girl Scout Troop 1111 prepared this float for the Christmas parade

and below they are manning a drink booth at Labor Day festivities. (left to

right) Bailey Fulk, Abby Moyers.


Budget Notes

Two Ways to Show Administrative Costs

In our daily operations we show administrative costs as a separate item. When the auditors show up at the end of the budget year, they allocate it to various departments.

In this report we’re showing administrative costs both ways. The chart in this block shows you what we actually spend on administration. In the full budget document, administration is included in each department. To us, it makes sense to show administration in this manner so that you can get a full understanding of both the actual cost and how it is allocated.

As you might imagine, the Treasurer’s Office devotes a lot more time to water and sewer bills than most other duties. Other members of our administrative staff may spend the majority of their time devoted to street or other maintenance issues; therefore, their time is allocated accordingly.

FY 2015 FY 2016Town Council Personal Services 30,000 32,000 FringeBenefits 3,000 3,000 Other Charges 3,000 3,000Total 36,000 38,000

Superintendent’s Office Personal Services 154,000 156,000 FringeBenefits 50,000 50,000 Other Charges 15,000 15,000 Capital Outlay 3,000 3,000Total 222,000 224,000

Legal Services 50,000 50,000

Independent Auditor 40,000 45,000

Treasurer’s Office Personal Services 175,000 178,000 FringeBenefits 55,000 56,000 Other Charges 16,000 16,000 Capital Outlay 6,000 6,000Total 252,000 256,000

Total Administrative Expenditures 600,000 613,000

Administrator Salary Survey: Annual Years in

Town Population Salary Position Education

Herndon 24,446 $183,591 8 Master’s DegreeFarmville 8,079 $137,925 37 College DegreeCulpeper 17,145 $128,242 n/a n/aPurcellville 8,300 $128,160 24 Master’s DegreeChristiansburg 21,533 $123,165 3 Master’s DegreeFront Royal 14,899 $115,544 5 College DegreeAshland 7,289 $114,944 11 College DegreeWytheville 8,235 $112,262 31 College DegreeOrange 4,855 $108,857 6 College DegreeBridgewater 5,879 $108,629 42 Master’s DegreeSouth Boston 7,989 $108,000 1 n/aClifton Forge 3,866 $105,171 4 Master’s Degree Average - $103,870Smithfield 8,220 $103,846 19 Master’s DegreeSouth Hill 4,588 $96,400 10 Master’s DegreeBroadway 3,900 $95,940 15 College DegreeStrasburg 6,489 $91,160 4 Master’s DegreeTazewell 4,543 $90,450 3 Master’s DegreeRocky Mount 4,830 $88,619 7 Master’s DegreeWoodstock 5,189 $88,305 1 PHDPulaski 8,948 $86,694 1 College DegreeAltavista 3,490 $83,000 9 College DegreeBlackstone 3,574 $82,500 4 Master’s DegreeBig Stone Gap 5,548 $80,800 7 Prof. EngineerMarion 5,905 $80,325 2 College DegreeRichlands 5,671 $80,096 26 College DegreeBluefield 5,392 $78,000 6 College Degree

Bob Holton is the senior manager for Virginia towns with 42 years of experience. Additionally, for 23 years he

was an adjunct member of the faculty at James Madison University in the Public Administration Department.

Cherie Bowen has served as either Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer for the Town of Bridgewater

since 1987. Our auditors consider her to be one of the best they encounter throughout the state.

Treasurer Salary Survey:

Culpeper 17,145 $118,776 n/a n/a Purcellville 8,300 $107,515 17 Master’s Degree Christiansburg 21,533 $100,451 5 College Degree Front Royal 14,899 $96,304 10 Assoc. Degree Warrenton 9,862 $89,731 2 Master’s Degree Ashland 7,289 $82,282 9 Master’s Degree South Boston 7,989 $82,000 9 College Degree Wytheville 8,235 $78,781 29 College Degree Smithfield 8,220 $78,765 15 College Degree Farmville 8,079 $74,402 12 College Degree Strasburg 6,489 $74,000 27 H.S. Diploma Average - $73,156 Bridgewater 5,879 $72,500 20 College Degree Rocky Mount 4,830 $69,229 14 College Degree/CPA Clifton Forge 3,866 $64,996 13 Assoc. Degree Bluefield 5,392 $63,000 23 College Degree Broadway 3,900 $63,726 24 H.S. Diploma South Hill 4,588 $62,000 1 Master’s Degree Marion 5,905 $59,664 4 H.S. Diploma Big Stone Gap 5,548 $56,700 9 College Degree Altavista 3,490 $56,000 4 College Degree Pulaski 8,948 $54,018 2 College Degree Woodstock 5,189 $53,617 n/a H.S. Diploma Blackstone 3,574 $50,133 5 H.S. Diploma Tazewell 4,543 $47,142 39 Assoc. Degree

Annual Years in Town Population Salary Position Education


Police Chief Salary Survey:

Herndon 24,446 $149,687 3 College DegreePurcellville 8,300 $108,285 33 College DegreeWarrenton 9,862 $100,194 8 Master’s DegreeCulpeper 17,145 $99,276 n/a n/a Front Royal 14,899 $98,717 2 H.S. DiplomaSmithfield 8,220 $97,208 3 College DegreeChristiansburg 21,533 $96,110 7 College DegreeAshland 7,289 $88,886 8 Master’s DegreeSouth Hill 4,588 $88,600 30 H.S. DiplomaSouth Boston 7,989 $82,000 6 College DegreePulaski 8,948 $81,224 14 Master’s Degree Average - $80,530Orange 4,855 $79,481 14 College DegreeStrasburg 6,489 $79,328 8 College DegreeWoodstock 5,189 $76,639 2 College DegreeBluefield 5,392 $69,800 10 College DegreeAltavista 3,490 $69,000 1 College DegreeWytheville 8,235 $68,050 2 Master’s DegreeBridgewater 5,879 $67,754 3 Some CollegeClifton Forge 3,866 $65,324 18 Assoc. DegreeMarion 5,905 $64,252 1 H.S. DiplomaBlackstone 3,574 $62,184 12 Assoc. DegreeTazewell 4,543 $56,849 3 Crim. Just. Deg.Big Stone Gap 5,548 $56,100 n/a H.S. DiplomaRichlands 5,671 $54,995 4 n/aBroadway 3,900 $53,300 1 H.S. Diploma

Number of Citizens Served Per Police Officer:

South Hill 4,588 21 218:1Rocky Mount 4,830 20 242:1Ashland 7,289 26 280:1Wytheville 8,235 29 284:1Blackstone 3,574 12 298:1Bluefield 5,392 18 300:1South Boston 7,989 26 307:1Marion 5,905 19 311:1Altavista 3,490 11 317:1Pulaski 8,948 28 320:1Orange 4,855 15 324:1Richlands 5,671 17 334:1Farmville 8,079 24 337:1Woodstock 5,189 15 346:1Clifton Forge 3,866 11 351:1Christiansburg 21,533 60 359:1Big Stone Gap 5,548 15 370:1Tazewell 4,543 12 379:1Warrenton 9,862 26 379:1Front Royal 14,899 38 392:1Strasburg 6,489 16 406:1Culpeper 17,145 42 408:1Smithfield 8,220 20 411:1Herndon 24,446 55 444:1Purcellville 8,300 15 553:1Bridgewater 5,879 9 653:1Broadway 3,900 4 975:1

(table to the left) While Joe Simmons has been Chief only a short while, he has served the Bridgewater community for much longer

than that. Joe started as a patrolman in 1998 and rose through the ranks first as a

sergeant and later as a lieutenant before the Town Council appointed him Chief in 2012.

No one can accuse the Bridgewater Police Department of being a “bloated” organization. We consistently serve more citizens per officer

than any other community except for Broadway.

Bridgewater and Broadway continue to show some of the lowest crime rates in Virginia. It is a tribute not only to the police departments

serving these communities, but also to the citizenry who help keep a watchful eye.

Bridgewater Police Department Notes

and Statistics

Virginia State Police Crime Index Per 100,000

2013 Per Capita Crime Police Police Town Population Index Officers Officers

South Hill 4,588 4,908 20 229:1Rocky Mount 4,830 8,982 20 242:1South Boston 7,989 9,792 28 285:1Altavista 3,490 3,278 12 291:1Tazewell 4,543 5,003 15 303:1Ashland 7,289 8,725 24 304:1Wytheville 8,235 3,929 27 305:1Farmville 8,079 7,131 26 311:1Abingdon 8,188 5,936 26 315:1Bluefield 5,392 3,131 17 317:1Colonial Beach 3,550 4,648 11 323:1Orange 4,855 5,568 15 324:1Woodstock 5,189 5,125 16 324:1Blackstone 3,574 8,538 11 325:1Marion 5,905 8,434 18 328:1Richlands 5,671 8,992 17 334:1Pulaski 8,948 9,201 26 344:1Vinton 8,092 8,725 23 352:1Strasburg 6,489 3,452 18 361:1Big Stone Gap 5,548 7,240 15 370:1Christiansburg 21,533 6,212 57 378:1Clifton Forge 3,866 3,431 10 387:1Vienna 16,188 3,305 40 405:1Luray 4,869 4,839 12 406:1Culpeper 17,145 8,381 42 408:1Smithfield 8,220 4,797 20 411:1Front Royal 14,899 8,284 36 414:1Herndon 24,446 4,075 55 444:1Berryville 4,265 3,540 9 474:1Warrenton 9,862 5,468 20 493:1Leesburg 45,936 4,911 84 547:1Purcellville 8,300 1,639 14 593:1Bridgewater 5,879 1,524 9 653:1Blacksburg 42,627 3,085 63 677:1Dumfries 5,144 3,985 7 735:1Broadway 3,900 400 4 975:1

These numbers reflect the June 30, 2014 Virginia State Police Crime Index report.

Annual Years in Town Population Salary Position Education

Number of Citizens Town Population Officers Per Officer


$.70 Increase

$1.38 Increase

Currently $40.45

Currently $79.65

$8.40 Increase

$16.56 Increase

Currently $485.40

Currently $955.80

Water and Sewer Rates Depend

upon Where you Live

Prior to the Chesapeake Bay Initiative there was little variation in water and sewer rates throughout Virginia. Urban areas might have been higher but not so much that it made a noticeable difference.

This all changed with EPA imposed regulations that mandated stricter treatment at sewer plants within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In our case that meant $92,000,000 in improvements at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority which has nearly quadrupled our citizen’s sewer bills over the last ten years.

If you look at utility rates today, you’ll see that those outside of our watershed are much lower. This is simply a result of us facing different sets of rules and regulations than those in other watersheds.

Water Usage Continues to Decline

Those of us working at Town Hall didn’t need an economist to tell us when the Great Recession started. As the economy collapsed near the end of 2008, we noticed a rapid decline in the usage of water as both citizens and corporations made an effort to conserve.

While a dramatic decrease continued as the recession deepened, we had noticed a decline even before that. As regulations push the cost of water and sewer higher, conservation became more of a factor concerning the usage of water.

This only makes sense. If a product costs more, consumers are likely to use less. It is interesting to note that water consumption today is 18% less than it was ten years ago.


A Look At Government Debt

In the last decade federal debt has more than doubled from $7.7 trillion to $18.1 trillion.

Over the same period of time our state debt increased from $20.2 billion to $37.6 billion.

While Bridgewater debt increased to $2.5 million due to the development of Generations Park, our debt load is nearly a million dollars less than it was in 2007.

It’s been a long time since the Federal Budget was balanced (revenues=expenditures). In fact, only two presidents over the last fifty years have signed a balanced budget (Nixon, Clinton).

In the last Federal Budget, 7% of every dollar spent paid the interest on the national debt. Please understand that nothing was paid on the principal which has grown without interruption since 2001.

While economists argue over how much debt is too much, it’s obvious that the greater the debt...the less flexibility the Federal Government has to address other issues.

For assistance in research and proofreading, thanks to Ron Shirkey, Cherie Bowen, Megan Byler, Debbie Ours, Betsy Putney, John Ware, Robyn Weekley and Patrick Wilcox.

Bob Holton wrote this report.

Page layout: Carleen Loveless

Printing: Mid Valley Press, Verona, VA

Credits

Public Hearing

Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.Bridgewater Community Center

at 201 Green Street

for comments on 2016 Budget


Why did the settlers come here in the first place?

While you won’t find a document or

newspaper report explaining the reasons settlers located

in the Bridgewater area, it’s not too hard to figure out why. Most of the early settlers originally came to Delaware or Pennsylvania where they found the best land already occupied or too expensive to purchase. As they expanded south and west they found land in our area to be abundant and cheap. On top of that, game was plentiful, timber abounded, and ample water was nearby in what would later be known as North River. If you read the history of any society, one of the first things you realize is that people are seeking opportunity. Families are always striving to provide a better life for the next generation.

Bridgewater CollegeAround 1880

D.C. Flory established Virginia Normal School in Spring Creek just a few miles outside of Bridgewater. However, he soon realized that relocating to

Bridgewater would be advantageous to the success of his school.

Warm Springs Turnpike provided better transportation for students and teachers alike. In addition, anticipation of train services coming to Bridgewater cinched the deal. By 1882 he had moved the school from Spring Creek to Bridgewater and in 1889 the school name was changed from Virginia Normal School to Bridgewater College.

The cost of a 40-week session was $122.50. This included tuition, room and board, and other expenses. The school also opened an elementary branch for the children in Bridgewater at a tuition cost of about $12 for a three-term session.

C&W Railroad Comes to BridgewaterLiving in the day of the automobile, it’s difficult to imagine the excitement

created when the railroad came to your town. So it was in Bridgewater in the early fall of 1895. Although hard to believe, 10,000 showed up in Bridgewater to celebrate the arrival of the Chesapeake & Western train.

Suddenly a much bigger world opened to area residents. From Bridgewater you could catch a train that would take you anywhere in the continental United States. For little more than $13, a Bridgewater resident could purchase a 10-day trip to Niagara Falls and back. If your pocketbook couldn’t afford that amount of money, a few cents would buy a day trip to Harrisonburg.

In terms of the Bridgewater economy, the railroad opened up a route between Bridgewater and the major cities on the east coast. Soon goods were being transported back and forth which led to a boom in the Bridgewater business world.

The History of Our Economy. It all comes down to jobs. That, as much as anything, decides where we live and raise our families. When the mills opened in the 1800s, they brought jobs as well as woolen goods and grain. The day the railroad came to town the world opened up, but it also gave us the chance for better employment. The founding of Bridgewater College brought opportunity to thousands and gave them the chance to rise to levels their parents never dreamed of when they were young. Opening a small town water supply in 1913 doesn’t sound like much, but it helped create economic growth that would bring several factories to town. Each of those factories would feed, clothe and support hundreds of our citizens and neighbors.


Bridgewater’s First Public Water Supply

Although Bridgewater’s first water system was successfully built in 1913, the waterlines turned out to be a complete flop. The pipes were made with wooden slats held tightly together by iron bands. The first day the pumps were turned on, the pressure was too great for the wooden water lines and geysers popped up throughout Main Street. By 1921 the decision had been made to abandon the wooden water pipe and replace it with cast iron. Taxes were raised 400% to pay for the necessary changes.

Shickel CorporationThe name, Shickel Machine Shop, didn’t

appear until 1940. However, the Shickel family has operated on Dry River Road since 1938 when John and Fleta Shickel purchased one-half interest in a small repair business.

Their first years were busy helping the local farm community by sharpening tools, hammering mill saws, and making general repairs for both farmers and the Chesapeake & Western Railway.

After their son, Carlton, graduated from Virginia Tech in 1949, he returned to the business as a full-time employee. In the mid-50s John Shickel’s health declined to the point that it became necessary for Carlton to manage the business. Carlton and his wife Helen purchased the business in 1955 and it continues to this day as a family-owned and operated machine shop.

Carlton and Helen’s two sons, Gary and Mark, graduated from Virginia Tech in the mid-1980s and now take their turn leading this vibrant business. While Shickel Corporation still serves the agricultural and industrial community, it should be noted they’ve grown from a 900 square foot building to a modern complex containing 50,000 square feet.

Rockingham CooperativeThe Rockingham Cooperative Farm Bureau came to Bridgewater

in 1938. It started as a farm cooperative to benefit farmers in purchasing needed items as well as to help market farm goods. By 1950, they had opened a feed department and in 1966 built a grocery

and clothing store. While the Cooperative has been in Bridgewater 77 years, the original Cooperative in Rockingham County was started nearly 100 years ago.

Historical information on Shickel Corporation

was taken from “A Brief History of Shickel Corporation” written by

Helen Shickel.

The History of Our Economy. It all comes down to jobs. That, as much as anything, decides where we live and raise our families. When the mills opened in the 1800s, they brought jobs as well as woolen goods and grain. The day the railroad came to town the world opened up, but it also gave us the chance for better employment. The founding of Bridgewater College brought opportunity to thousands and gave them the chance to rise to levels their parents never dreamed of when they were young. Opening a small town water supply in 1913 doesn’t sound like much, but it helped create economic growth that would bring several factories to town. Each of those factories would feed, clothe and support hundreds of our citizens and neighbors.


Celanese is Today’s MarshallsEverybody knows this building as the Marshalls Distribution Center, but it didn’t start out by that name. At the end of World War II, Celanese Fibers Company built a clothing plant on this site. For decades hundreds of our

citizens found work at the Celanese plant. Years later it was purchased by Wedgewood Fabric and overtime evolved into Marshalls.

Bridgewater Retirement CommunityWith the closing of the Timberville Home in the late 1950s and growth

in the aging population, it became apparent to Dr. Jacob Huffman that it was time to consider opening a facility in our area. Seven years later the doors to Bridgewater Home were opened. Dick Stevens was appointed president of the newly organized facility and on May 1, 1965, he welcomed Effie Glick as their first official resident. That first year a total of nine residents were housed in the nursing facility.

No one could foresee the massive growth and changes that have taken place in the subsequent fifty years. Today, under the direction of Rodney Alderfer and his dedicated staff, Bridgewater Retirement Community is providing multiple levels of service to over 500 residents in the 55-plus age group. Accommodations range from independent living, to assisted living, nursing home, and Alzheimer’s care. Their impact on our community is not only their state-of-the-art facility, but also the fact that they are the third largest employer in the town.

Economic History of Bridgewater cont’dA young married couple purchases a small repair shop prior to the start of WWII and it turns into a booming family operation that employs hundreds of skilled craftsmen over the years. History is more than wars, treaties, exploration and

human suffering. It’s mankind’s struggle to create a better life for the men, women, and children of a community. On these pages we’ve encapsulated a small part of the economic history of Bridgewater. To tell the full story would take a book.

Johnson Funeral HomeWhile Johnson Funeral Home has been in Bridgewater 25 years, long-time residents know that funeral services have been available at

this site for generations. Prior to the 1949 flood it was known as Rosenberger Funeral Home. Although we don’t have the date, Mr. Rosenberger sold it shortly after the flood to Loving Funeral Service in Harrisonburg. In 1951 it became McMullen Funeral Home and operated under that name until 1990 when Mr. and Mrs. Johnson purchased it.

Dick Stevens welcomes Effie Glick, Bridgewater Home’s first official resident


Turner Ashby High School

Public education has been available in Virginia since 1870. Bridgewater opened its first school one year after that. Probably the most interesting part of our education history is “the

battle of Turner Ashby High School.” When the need for a new high school arose several

decades ago, the school board selected Dale Enterprise for its location. Those in the Bridgewater and Dayton areas protested this decision and waged a multi-year battle in an attempt to bring the new school closer to home. In the end, then Bridgewater resident Bill Kyger was elected to the Board of Supervisors and Gary Lineweaver appointed to the school board, thus becoming the key votes in locating Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater.

Why did we list a high school in the history of the economy? Because good schools attract good jobs and good jobs attract good families.

AnnexationsBy the mid-

1980s, the Bridgewater economy was becoming stagnant. While the national market was booming, on the local level there was no place for business and residential growth.

The Town Council decided that it was time for their first annexation in over 80 years. The end result was a voluntary agreement with Rockingham County that more than doubled the land area of Bridgewater and provided room for growth. This allowed a more diverse tax base and the creation of a stronger local economy.

The decision to annex was a difficult and unpopular one, but the 1985 Town Council had the courage to go forward with it much to the benefit of those who have followed.

Marshalls On page 18 you read some of the history on this building. Marshalls arrived on this site in the early 1980s and implemented a massive

expansion plan. Today it is the seventh largest employer in Rockingham County.

Perdue Originally owned and operated by ShenMar, Perdue took over the operation in 1984. Today the Bridgewater plant

processes ready-to-eat poultry products and employs over 700. They are considered to be the twelfth largest employer in Rockingham County.

Economic History of Bridgewater cont’dA young married couple purchases a small repair shop prior to the start of WWII and it turns into a booming family operation that employs hundreds of skilled craftsmen over the years. History is more than wars, treaties, exploration and

human suffering. It’s mankind’s struggle to create a better life for the men, women, and children of a community. On these pages we’ve encapsulated a small part of the economic history of Bridgewater. To tell the full story would take a book.


Town of BridgewaterPO Box 72Bridgewater, Virginia 22812

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