Since April 2004, everyone entering Loudoun County has been greeted by new "Welcome to Loudoun" signs. Although they were installed shortly after the new Board of Supervisors took office, it was a project in the making for three and a half years with the previous Board.

On November 6th, 2000 I approached the Board of Supervisors with a presentation. Several photographs were shown of signs from other counties in Virginia, as well as information that had been collected about the origins of these signs. I asked other counties what their signs were made of, how much they cost, what funding source was used, and other pertinent questions.

The sign project was sent to the Finance/Government Services Committee on March 17th, 2003. Supervisor Burton put forth a Board Member Initiative, seconded by Supervisor Towe, which stated the Board of Supervisors approve the use of up to $24,000 of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funding for procuring and installing Loudoun County, Lucketts, Paeonian Springs, and Taylorstown entrance signs. It was further moved that staff be directed to work with the Town of Lovettsville on entrance signs into the town. The motion passed 9-0, and it was forwarded to the full Board with no recommendation. The final design had not yet been established.

A college intern contributed to some of the work, saving staff time. Placement of signs needed to be established, permits acquired if necessary, and the actual design of the sign. The first design was a horizontal striped design--using black, brown, yellow, orange, and lime green. The current signs were quite an improvement. Of the $24,000 allocated the final cost was $16,048. This provided for twelve signs (ten to be installed and two spare), materials, labor, equipment, and installation.

Not included in the cost were obtaining and maintaining easements, surveying and legal expenses to prepare and record the easement, but these costs were never accrued. The signs were installed in the VDOT right-of-way, therefore had to comply with their regulations. This could explain why they are posted so high.

The Town of Lovettsville paid for its own signs.

The new Board took office in January 2004. The signs were installed in early April 2004. After only a week, the issue was added to the agenda during a Board meeting by Supervisors Waters and Tulloch. It would be sent to the joint Economic Development/Land Use Committee, and the current signs would remain until a decision was made. The final vote was taken on July 6th, 2004 and it was decided there would be new signs. The current signs were allowed to stay in the meantime if the district so desired.

The concept is a great idea, and I realize that whether the current signs are well received or not is subject to personal opinion. In response to a comment quoted in the July issue, I say to Supervisor Waters—no need to sell any of these signs on Ebay. It was not the Loudoun Taxpayers' dollars if that is what you are interested in recouping. Regardless of what she says, I will still be proud of coming forward years ago wanting to give something back to the county where I grew up. I am also thankful to the people who made this project possible. It is nice to have the signs identifying entry into the county and villages.