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West Jefferson adopts updated village flag/logo
(by Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor - January 10, 2009)
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West Jefferson has a new identity—at least when it comes to stationery, street banners and other promotional materials. The new logo, approved by council on Jan. 5, is an update of the village flag.
“When I first took office, I realized that there was no uniformity to business cards or letterhead or other things representing the village,” said Mayor Scott Hockenbery. “I then set out to find something that represents the village. What I found was a flag originally designed by the Kiwanis and adopted by council in 1976 that very few people even knew existed.”
From there, Hockenbery posted a request on the village Web site for ideas for a new logo/flag. A submission from local artist Josh Peters stood out among the submitted designs. Hockenbery and Peters worked through a few drafts and submit-ted them to council.
“The new design is based on the original flag. It is slightly different from the original design to give us more flexibility in its uses. A horseshoe was added as a way to show pride in our Roughriders, and it also never hurts to have a little good luck,” Hockenbery said.
Compared to the old flag, the new design is squarer in format, making it easier to apply to letterhead, business cards, uniforms, vehicles and street banners, he said.
Councilwoman Darlene Steele said the new logo comes at a good time, as West Jefferson is preparing for a new look through road improvements and other downtown revitalization projects in the next few years.
Council switcheroo
Every January, West Jefferson council elects a new president and vice president. This year was no exception, though the two office holders aren’t new to their jobs.
Steele, the new vice president, served as president in 2007-08. Ron Garver, the new president, served as vice president for the same two years. Their roles were reversed the two years before that.
“I really enjoyed the two years I was president of council,” Steele said. Addressing her fellow council members, she added, “I want to thank all of you because you made my job easier.”
Hockenbery said he is happy with council’s decision to elect Garver as president for 2009.
“Being a combat medic in the National Guard these days means that I have the potential to deploy at any time. I believe Mr. Garver is the most appropriate pick to be council president and most capable to fill the duties and responsibilities of mayor if I happened to be away for an extended period of time,” Hockenbery said.
“Councilman Garver has been a great help to me this past year and has played a large role in seeing that West Jefferson continues to thrive, even in today’s economy. His knowledge in financial matters is a great benefit to the Village of West Jefferson.”
Property taxes and P&Z appointment
In other business, council accepted the Madison County Budget Commission’s summary of property values, tax rates and estimated tax revenues for West Jefferson for 2008.
The report shows $51.6 million in residential and agricultural property and $22.8 million in commercial, industrial and railroad property for a total of $74.4 mil-lion in total real estate value. The village is expected to earn $74,460 in tax revenue, which equals 1 mill of the total value.
Garver said the valuations are roughly the same as last year’s, a surprise considering the development that transpired in 2008 in the Route 29 industrial park. Finance Director Jack Herrel said he would contact Madison County Auditor Jim Williamson about the figures.
Council reappointed James Kaufman to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The three-year term expires on Jan. 2, 2012.
The next West Jefferson council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 19.
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