reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1229. Petty cash funds

Whenever the governing body of any county determines that more efficient administration would be promoted thereby, it may by resolution establish one or more petty cash funds not exceeding $5,000 each for the payment of claims arising from commitments made pursuant to law. Any person into whose hands any such fund is placed may pay such claims therefrom, without necessity of prior receipt and audit of the claims by the governing body and without approval and issuance of the warrant of the governing body or the county treasurer. Such person shall render an account of the same and make a settlement thereof annually in form and manner prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Such person shall give bond with surety in the amount of $10,000; however, additional bond shall not be required of any person already bonded in the required amount.
Code 1950, § 15-254; 1962, cc. 399, 623, § 15.1-548; 1977, c. 227; 1983, c. 101; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1230. Monthly financial reports of officers and offices

The governing body of any county may require monthly financial reports from any officer or office of the county or of any district thereof and may investigate bills and receipts of any county or district officer, and for these purposes may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of books, papers and other evidence. Any witness who fails or refuses to obey any such lawful order of the governing body shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 15-263; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-556; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1231. Centralized competitive purchasing by chief administrative officer

A. The governing body of any county having a chief administrative officer may provide for the centralized competitive purchasing of all supplies, equipment, materials and commodities for all departments, officers and employees of the county, and for the county school board and the local board of social services. For counties not currently engaged in centralized competitive purchasing, the local governing body and the local school board may create a centralized competitive purchasing system only by mutual agreement. Such purchasing shall be done by the chief administrative officer under the supervision of the governing body of the county and shall be accomplished in accordance with Chapter 43 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) of Title 2.2.
B. Such governing bodies may establish and maintain such systems of bookkeeping, accounting and controls as are necessary to the proper operation of such system of competitive purchasing and to establish such storage facilities as are necessary therefor.
C. Such governing bodies may require all departments to obtain their supplies, equipment, materials and commodities from the chief administrative officer, on requisitions prescribed by the governing body and to charge such departments therefor.
Code 1950, §§ 15-551.12, 15-551.13, 15-551.14; 1950, pp. 444, 445; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-127, 15.1-128, 15.1-129; 1982, c. 647; 1997, c. 587; 2002, cc. 452, 747.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1232. Posting of bond not prerequisite to exercise of right by county

Whenever the law requires the posting of a bond, with or without surety, as a condition precedent to the exercise of any right, a county, without giving such bond, may exercise such right, provided all other conditions precedent are complied with, and no action shall be delayed or refused because the county has not filed or executed the bond that might otherwise be required, and the county shall be bound to the same extent that it would have been bound had the bond been given.
1980, c. 298, § 15.1-508.1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1232.1. Auctions; pawnshops; secondhand dealers; peddling; fraud and deceit in sales; weights and measures

A county may regulate the sale of property at auction; may regulate the conduct of and prescribe the number of pawnshops and dealers in secondhand goods, wares and merchandise; may regulate or prohibit peddling; may prevent fraud or deceit in the sale of property; may require weighing, measuring, gauging and inspection of goods, wares and merchandise offered for sale; and may provide for the sealing of weights and measures and the inspection and testing thereof.
2003, c. 448.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1232.2. Creation of local economic revitalization zones

A. Any county may establish by ordinance one or more economic revitalization zones for the purpose of providing incentives to private entities to purchase real property and interests in real property to assemble parcels suitable for economic development. Each county establishing an economic revitalization zone may grant incentives and provide regulatory flexibility. Such zones shall be reasonably compact, shall not encompass the entire county, and shall constitute one or more tax parcels not commonly owned. Properties that are acquired through the use of eminent domain shall not be eligible for the incentives and regulatory flexibility provided by the ordinance.
B. The incentives may include, but not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax, and (iv) waiver of tax liens to facilitate the sale of property.
C. Incentives established pursuant to this section may extend for a period of up to 10 years from the date of initial establishment of the economic revitalization zone; however, the extent and duration of any incentive shall conform to the requirements of applicable federal and state law.
D. The regulatory flexibility provided in an economic revitalization zone may include (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) the use of a special permit process; (iii) exemption from certain specified ordinances, excluding ordinances or provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.), and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.); and (iv) any other incentives adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the county for a period of up to 10 years.
E. The governing body may establish a service district for the provision of additional public services pursuant to Chapter 24 (§ 15.2-2400 et seq.).
F. This section shall not authorize any local government powers that are not expressly granted herein.
G. Prior to adopting or amending any ordinance pursuant to this section, a county shall provide for notice and public hearing in accordance with subsection A of § 15.2-2204.
2017, c. 384.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1233. Article not applicable until agent employed

The provisions of this article shall not apply to any county until the governing body employs a county purchasing agent or designates someone to perform such duties, as provided in § 15.2-1543.
Code 1950, § 15-549; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-113; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1234. Definitions

As used in this article, "supplies" means any articles or things, including equipment, which are used by or furnished to any department, institution, office, board or other agency of county government.
"Contractual services" means any telephone, telegraph, postal, electric light and power service and other similar services.
Code 1950, § 15-542; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-106; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1235. Rules and regulations to govern county purchases

A. Except as otherwise provided in this article, any supplies or contractual services needed by one or more departments or agencies of the county government shall be directly purchased or contracted for by the county purchasing agent, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this section.
B. The county purchasing agent, subject to the approval of the governing body of the county, shall promulgate regulations for the following purposes:
1. Prescribing the manner in which supplies shall be purchased, delivered, stored, and distributed;
2. Prescribing the dates for making requisitions and estimates, the future period which they are to cover, the form in which they shall be submitted, the manner of their authentication, and their revision by the county purchasing agent;
3. Providing for the transfer to or between county departments and agencies of supplies which are surplus with one department or agency but which may be needed by another, and for the disposal by sale, after receipt of competitive bids, of supplies which are obsolete and unusable;
4. Prescribing the amount of deposit or bond to be submitted with a bid on a contract and the amount of deposit or bond to be given for the faithful performance of a contract;
5. Prescribing the manner in which claims for supplies and contractual services delivered to the departments and agencies of the county shall be submitted, examined, approved and paid; and
6. Providing for such other matters as may be necessary to give effect to the foregoing rules and the provisions of this article.
Code 1950, § 15-543; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-107; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1236. Purchases and sales to be based on competition

A. All purchases of, and contracts for, supplies and contractual services shall be in accordance with Chapter 43 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) of Title 2.2.
B. All sales of any personal property which has become obsolete and unusable shall be based wherever feasible on competitive bids. If the amount of the sale is estimated by the county purchasing agent to exceed $5,000, sealed bids shall, unless the governing body provides otherwise, be solicited by public notice published at least once in a newspaper of countywide circulation at least seven calendar days before the final date of submitting bids.
Code 1950, § 15-544; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-108; 1977, c. 217; 1980, c. 16; 1982, c. 647; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1237. Legal review of contracts; filing

All contracts shall be approved as to form by the county attorney or other qualified attorney and a copy of each long-term contract shall be filed with the treasurer or other chief financial officer of the county.
Code 1950, § 15-545; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-109; 1977, c. 584; 1982, c. 647; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1238. Certification of sufficient funds

Except in emergency, no order for delivery on a contract or open market order for supplies or contractual services for any county department or agency shall be awarded until the chief financial officer has certified that the unencumbered balance in the appropriation concerned, in excess of all unpaid obligations, is sufficient to defray the cost of such order.
Code 1950, § 15-546; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-110; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1239. Orders and contracts in violation of article

If any department or agency of the county government purchases or contracts for any supplies or contractual services contrary to the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations made thereunder, such order or contract shall be void and the head of such department or agency shall be personally liable for the costs of such order or contract.
Code 1950, § 15-546; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-110; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1240. Violation of § 15.2-1238 or § 15.2-1239 a misdemeanor

Any violation of § 15.2-1238 or § 15.2-1239 shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided by § 18.2-12.
Code 1950, § 15-548; 1960, c. 360; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-112; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1241. Signing records when chairman has died, moved, etc., before signing them

When the chairman of any county governing body who should have signed the records of the proceedings of any meeting of the governing body has died, moved from the county, completed his term of office or for any other reason become incapacitated to perform the duties of his office, without having signed such records, the governing body shall have such records read at a regular meeting and if no error appears shall direct its then chairman to sign such record. The governing body shall thereupon enter on its records the fact of such reading and signing. Such records, when so signed, shall be as valid as if they had been signed by the chairman who presided at the time when such order or orders were made.
Code 1950, § 15-235; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-530; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1242. Minutes of meetings and proceedings

The governing body of every county shall cause to be recorded, in well bound books or by a microphotographic process which complies with standards adopted pursuant to regulations issued under § 42.1-82 for microfilm, microfiche, or such other similar microphotographic process, complete minutes of all their respective meetings and proceedings. All bids submitted on any building, materials, supplies, work, or project to be let to contract by any governing body may be incorporated by reference in such minutes, and the record of such bids shall be retained in a separate file. Such minutes and records of bids shall be kept open to public inspection at all reasonable times for a period of three years after they have been recorded. The minutes of regularly occurring workshop meetings at which no official action is taken may be recorded by tape or sound recording, which shall be retained and available for public inspection in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).
Code 1950, § 15-248; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-543; 1979, c. 209; 1980, c. 220; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 126.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1243. Governing body to receive, audit and approve claims; warrants

A. The governing body of every county shall receive and audit all claims against the county, except those required to be received and audited by the county school board, and shall, by resolution or recorded vote, approve and order warrants issued in settlement of those claims that are found to be valid; provided that a county administrator, county executive or county manager may sign and issue orders or warrants under such conditions as the governing body may prescribe. Every warrant issued pursuant to the provisions of this section shall bear the date on which the governing body orders it to be issued and shall be made payable on demand, signed by the clerk of the governing body or his deputy, countersigned by the chairman or acting chairman of the governing body, and recorded in the form and manner prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Such warrant may be converted to a negotiable check by the treasurer, or appropriately designated deputy treasurer, by affixing his signature thereto in conformity with the provisions of § 58.1-3162 and by designating thereon the bank by which it is to be paid.
B. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection A, the governing body of any county may provide, by resolution, for the drawing of special warrants on the county treasurer, payable out of county funds, in payment of compensation, when such compensation has been earned or is due for (i) all employees and officers under written contract, and all officers elected or appointed for a term of office and their deputies and employees, (ii) upon receipt of certified time sheets or other evidence of services performed, the payment of all other employees whose rates of pay have been established by such governing body or its properly designated agent, or (iii) for payment on contracts for construction projects according to the terms of such contracts. All such special warrants so authorized shall be signed by the clerk of such governing body and countersigned by the chairman of such governing body. Any special warrant may be converted into a negotiable check in the manner provided in subsection A. All such payrolls and contracts so paid shall be reviewed and approved by the governing body at its next regular meeting.
C. The governing body of any county may, in its discretion, destroy the papers constituting any or all claims allowed and paid, upon the expiration of five years after audit in accordance with retention regulations established pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).
Code 1950, § 15-253; 1952, cc. 16, 304; 1954, c. 183; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-547; 1968, c. 269; 1979, c. 206; 1982, c. 493; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1244. Limitations on issuance of warrants

No county governing body shall order any warrant issued for any purpose other than the payment of a claim received, audited and approved as required by § 15.2-1243. No clerk, deputy clerk, chairman or acting chairman of any county governing body shall sign or countersign any warrant not ordered issued by the governing body pursuant to § 15.2-1243. No county governing body shall expend in any year for any purpose an amount greater than the amount available for such purpose during the year or order issued against any fund at any time any warrant in excess of the amount available in such fund and in the treasurer's possession at the time such warrant is issued, taking into account all previously issued and outstanding warrants payable from such fund. No interest shall be paid on any county warrant. Any clerk, deputy clerk or member of any county governing body who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and in addition shall be guilty of malfeasance in office.
Code 1950, § 15-256; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-549; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1246. Appeal from disallowance of claim

When a claim of any person against a county is disallowed in whole or in part by the governing body, if such person is present, he may appeal from the decision of the governing body within 30 days from the date of the decision. If the claimant is not present, the clerk of the governing body shall serve a written notice of the disallowance on him or his agent, and he may appeal from the decision within 30 days after service of such notice. In no case shall the appeal be taken after the lapse of six months from the date of the decision. The appeal shall be filed with the circuit court for the county. No appeal shall be allowed unless the amount disallowed exceeds $10. The disallowance may be appealed by serving written notice on the clerk of the governing body and executing a cash or surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit to the county in the amount of $250, with condition for the faithful prosecution of such appeal, and the payment of all costs imposed on the appellant by the court.
Code 1950, § 15-259; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-552; 1983, c. 114; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 300; 2010, c. 668.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1247. When disallowance of claim final; exception; when no execution to be issued

The determination of the governing body of any county disallowing a claim, in whole or in part, shall be a bar to any action in any court founded on such claim, unless (i) the decision of the governing body disallowing the claim is appealed; (ii) the governing body consents to the institution of an action by the claimant against the county; or (iii) the governing body fails to act upon any claim within 90 days of the date the claim is received by the governing body or its clerk, provided that such time may be extended by mutual agreement of the claimant and the county. No execution shall be issued upon any judgment recovered against a county, board of supervisors, or against any officer of the county, when the judgment should be paid by the county. Any judgment against the county shall be provided for by the governing body in the next county levy and paid by the treasurer as other county charges.
Code 1950, § 15-260; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-553; 1997, c. 587; 2010, c. 668.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1248. No action against county until claim presented to governing body

No action shall be maintained by any person against a county upon any claim or demand until such person has presented his claim to the governing body of the county, unless the governing body has entered into a binding arbitration agreement or there is a provision in a written contract with the county to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising. When there exists such a provision in a contract or there is a written agreement to arbitrate, the provisions of the Uniform Arbitration Act, Article 2 (§ 8.01-581.01 et seq.) of Chapter 21 of Title 8.01, shall apply.
Code 1950, § 15-261; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-554; 1987, c. 483; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 12 - General Powers and Procedures of Counties › § 15.2-1249. Amounts allowed endorsed on claim; copies of record and accounts to be furnished

The clerk shall endorse upon every account on which any sum shall be audited and allowed by the governing body the amount so audited and allowed and the charges for which the same was allowed; every such endorsement, if found to be in order, shall be subscribed by the chairman or acting chairman of the governing body; and the clerk shall deliver to any person who may demand it a certified copy of any record in his office, or of any account therein, on receiving from such person the fees allowed to the clerk of the circuit court for similar services.
Code 1950, § 15-262; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-555; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1300. Joint exercise of powers by political subdivisions

A. Any power, privilege or authority exercised or capable of exercise by any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may be exercised and enjoyed jointly with any other political subdivision of this Commonwealth having a similar power, privilege or authority except where an express statutory procedure is otherwise provided for the joint exercise.
B. Any two or more political subdivisions may enter into agreements with one another for joint action pursuant to the provisions of this section. The participating political subdivisions shall approve such agreement before the agreement may enter into force. Localities shall approve such agreements by ordinance. Other political subdivisions shall approve such agreements by resolution.
C. The agreement shall specify the following:
1. Its duration.
2. Its purpose or purposes.
3. The manner of financing the joint undertaking and of establishing and maintaining a budget therefor.
4. The permissible method or methods to be employed in accomplishing the partial or complete termination of the agreement and for disposing of property upon such partial or complete termination.
5. All other necessary and proper matters.
D. The agreement, in addition to the items enumerated in subsection C hereof, may contain the following:
1. Provision for an administrator or a joint board responsible for administering the undertaking. The precise organization, composition, term, powers and duties of any administrator or joint board shall be specified.
2. The manner of acquiring, holding (including how title to such property shall be held) and disposing of real and personal property used in the undertaking.
3. How issues of liability will be dealt with and the types, amounts and coverages of insurance.
E. No agreement made pursuant to this section shall relieve any political subdivision of any obligation or responsibility imposed upon it by law except that to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by an administrator or joint board created by an agreement made hereunder, such performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility.
F. Any political subdivision entering into an agreement pursuant to this section may appropriate funds and may sell, lease, give, or otherwise supply the administrator or joint board created to operate the undertaking with such property, personnel or services therefor as may be within its legal power to furnish.
G. Any power, privilege or authority exercised or capable of exercise by any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may be exercised and enjoyed jointly with any political subdivision of any other state or the District of Columbia subject to the provisions of subsections A, B, C, D, E and F above, which shall apply mutatis mutandis.
Code 1950, § 15-13.2; 1958, c. 191; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-21; 1976, c. 583; 1991, c. 28; 1992, c. 370; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1300.1. Joint aid agreements by localities

A locality may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize its chief administrative officer to arrange for provision of aid to other localities or receipt of aid from other localities in situations where a locality does not declare a local emergency, including approval by the chief administrator of agreements with other localities, subject to availability of resources. In situations where localities declare a local emergency, the provision or receipt of aid may occur pursuant to § 44-146.20. The ordinance or resolution may include terms and conditions deemed necessary by the governing body for participation in such aid and shall set forth the scope of the chief administrator's authority, including the type of aid that may be provided or received, or may generally authorize participation in provision or receipt of any type of aid including personnel, equipment, or other resources for public purposes. Prior to providing or receiving aid, the chief administrator shall conduct an assessment of available resources and shall consider establishing terms for the supervision of personnel, the term of deployment, payment or reimbursement of costs, and verification of insurance coverage.
The ordinance or resolution may allow for the participation of volunteers and, with approval of the constitutional officer, constitutional officers and their staffs. Deployed personnel acting pursuant to the ordinance or resolution of the governing body shall have the same authority and immunity in other localities as in the locality where they are employed or volunteer.
2011, c. 267.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1302. Certain Commonwealth distributions to localities

Any state funds that were distributed to a locality, including a local school board, in support of a governmental program or function prior to a consolidation of such program or function or the governmental consolidation of the entities providing such programs or functions, shall continue to be distributed to the entity or entities carrying out the program or function after consolidation in accordance with the following schedule:
1. If the consolidation results in the governmental consolidation of the entities into a single locality, the state funds shall not be reduced below the amounts that would have been received by each entity from the Commonwealth for the governmental program or function computed on the premise that no consolidation occurred for a period of twenty fiscal years following the consolidation.
2. If the consolidation results in the consolidation of constitutional officers of the entities and the consolidation of school divisions and local school boards of the entities, the state funds shall not be reduced below the amounts that would have been received by each entity from the Commonwealth for the governmental program or function computed on the premise that no consolidation occurred for a period of fifteen fiscal years following the consolidation.
3. In all other consolidations, the state funds shall not be reduced below the amounts that would have been received by each entity from the Commonwealth for the governmental program or function computed on the premise that no consolidation occurred for a period of five fiscal years following the consolidation.
This section shall not prohibit the Commonwealth from terminating or modifying any program or function under which distribution to a locality, including a local school board, has been made, and if so terminated or modified all obligations hereunder shall cease or be reduced in proportion with such modifications, as the case may be.
If any such consolidations terminate prior to the end of the applicable period set forth above, the Commonwealth's obligation under this section shall cease.
For the purposes of this section, "consolidation" includes the transition of a city to town status.
The provisions of this section shall also apply to consolidations of a governmental program or function and governmental consolidations of entities, providing such consolidations take place after January 1, 1995.
1991, c. 189, § 15.1-21.1; 1994, c. 437; 1995, c. 728; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 708; 2001, c. 14.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1303. Associations to promote welfare of political subdivisions

The governing bodies of two or more of the political subdivisions of the Commonwealth may, in their discretion, and in addition to powers prescribed in § 15.2-940, form and maintain associations for the purpose of promoting, through investigation, discussion and cooperative effort, the interest and welfare of the several political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, and to promote a closer relation between the several political subdivisions of the Commonwealth. Any such association so formed shall be an instrumentality of the political subdivisions which are members thereof.
The provisions of this section shall be applicable to any such associations created prior to and in existence on June 29, 1956.
Code 1950, § 15-13.1; 1956, c. 246; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-20; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1304. Appropriating funds or supplying goods and services to certain regional organizations

A. The governing body of any locality which is a member, or hereafter becomes a member, of any organization or association including an organization or association having members outside of the Commonwealth which has as its principal objective one or more of the purposes set forth in subsection B hereof, is authorized to appropriate funds to such organization or to provide goods and services to such organization, all for the purpose of advancing the welfare and economic interests of such locality and the citizens thereof.
B. Funds may be appropriated or goods and services may be provided, only to an organization which has as its objective one or more of the following purposes: identification of problems hindering the growth, development and economic functioning of the region in which such locality is located; development of comprehensive plans for the growth and development of the region as a whole and the promotion of interjurisdictional cooperation; development of appropriate policies and cooperative mechanisms among the participating localities for improving the administration of public services; development of concerted action among participating localities for the benefit thereof and for the benefit of the region as a whole; defense and strengthening of local government; and taking of such other action in connection with the foregoing as will advance the best interests of the entire region and of the participating localities; however, all funds for the development of plans or planning in Virginia shall be expended through commissions created under Article 2 (§ 15.2-2210 et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2, and other related or existing agencies authorized by the Commonwealth, to the extent that such commissions or other agencies are authorized by law to develop such plans or planning. Provided further, that no locality shall appropriate funds, unless specifically authorized by the General Assembly, to any organization or association having members outside of the Commonwealth (i) when such association or organization possesses the power of taxation or the right of condemnation and (ii) unless the locality has the right to withdraw from such association or organization at any time.
1964, c. 30, § 15.1-20.1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1305. Review of appropriations to certain agencies; providing goods and services to such agencies in lieu of funds

The governing body of any locality may from time to time require of any board, commission or authority, hereinafter referred to as recipient agency, to which it has power to appropriate public funds and has appropriated such funds in the past or has received a request for appropriations, such information books and records of the recipient agency as the governing body deems necessary in order that it may be assured that an appropriation or proposed appropriation will not result in the dissipation of public funds and in order that it may determine the use of past and the proposed use of future appropriations, the method of management, control and organization of the recipient agency and its present and proposed programs. If the governing body determines that a particular administrative function or activity of the recipient organization duplicates the services provided by the governing body and that public funds may be conserved by combining, consolidating or coordinating the activities of the recipient agency with those of the locality, it may, in lieu of an appropriation of funds for that function or activity, provide the recipient agency with the necessary goods and services. The governing body may assign officers and employees to coordinate the functions and activities of the governing body and those of the various recipient agencies.
1968, c. 554, § 15.1-20.2; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1306. Policy of General Assembly

It shall be the policy of the General Assembly to encourage Virginia's counties, cities and towns to exercise the options provided by law to work together for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth.
1996, cc. 1045, 1055, § 15.1-1227.1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1307. Definitions

As used in this article, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
"Joint activity" means a governmental function which is carried out by, performed on behalf of, or contracted for two or more localities within a region and includes present and future activities.
"Locality" means all counties, cities and towns within a regional partnership.
"Region" means a planning district; however, by agreement of the localities of the planning district, localities which are not part of a planning district may be added to the region if the locality's governing body by vote agrees to become part of the region. In addition, localities may establish, with the approval of the Department of Housing and Community Development, a different regional configuration, provided that at least one of the localities is a city, if a city exists within the planning district, unless the city voluntarily agrees not to participate.
"Regional partnership" means an organization composed of government, business, education and civic leaders approved by the local governing bodies of the region to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The organization may be an existing or newly established regional planning or economic development organization serving the region.
1996, cc. 1045, 1055, § 15.1-1227.2; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1308. Incentives for certain joint activities by local governments

A. The General Assembly may establish a fund to be used to encourage regional strategic planning and cooperation. Specifically, the incentive fund shall be used to encourage and reward regional strategic economic development planning and joint activities as described in § 15.2-1309.
B. The fund shall be administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development and distributed to the qualifying localities in installments under the terms and conditions of applicable statutes and by procedures adopted by the Department.
C. All departments, agencies, institutions, and local governments of the Commonwealth shall make available such information and assistance as the Department may request in the performance of its responsibilities set forth in this section.
1996, cc. 1045, 1055, § 15.1-1227.3; 1997, c. 587; 2003, cc. 55, 77.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 13 - Joint Actions by Localities › § 15.2-1310. Assignment of weights for functional activities

In determining the eligibility of the region, the Department of Housing and Community Development may assign weights for each joint activity up to the number in parentheses below:
1. Job Creation or Economic Development (10)
2. Regional Revenue Sharing or Growth Sharing Agreements (10)
3. Education (10)
4. Human Services (8)
5. Local Land Use (8)
6. Housing (8)
7. Transportation (5)
8. Law Enforcement (5)
9. Solid Waste (4)
10. Water and Sewer Services (4)
11. Corrections (3)
12. Fire Services and Emergency Medical Services (3)
13. Libraries (2)
14. Parks and Recreation (2)
The assignment of values by the Department to any joint activity may be based upon the significance of the joint activity as measured by the fiscal resources committed to it, the number of regional localities participating, the significance of the activity as measured by the regional effort involved in developing joint activities, the complexity of the activity, the general impact on relations between the affected jurisdictions, or other factors deemed to be appropriate by the Department. A region may petition the Department to adjust the weights of the above criteria to reflect the relative importance of that criteria on the economic competitiveness of the region. Upon receipt of such petition, the Department may adjust the weight of any criteria; however, the weight of any one criteria shall not exceed ten. In addition to the weights listed in § 15.2-1310, the Department of Housing and Community Development may add up to a total of five points for regions that have taken successful actions to make governmental services or functions more efficient or successful actions in reducing the local property tax burden throughout the region.
1996, cc. 1045, 1055, § 15.1-1227.5; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1400. Governing bodies

A. The qualified voters of every locality shall elect a governing body for such locality. The date, place, number, term, and other details of the election shall be as specified by law, general or special. Qualification for office is provided in Article 4 (§ 15.2-1522 et seq.) of Chapter 15.
B. The governing body of every locality shall be composed of not fewer than three nor more than 11 members.
C. Chairmen, mayors, supervisors, and councilmen are subject to the prohibitions set forth in §§ 15.2-1534 and 15.2-1535.
D. A governing body may punish or fine a member of the governing body for disorderly behavior.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 24.2-222 and 24.2-222.1, any city or town charter, or any other provision of law, general or special, beginning with any election held after January 1, 2022, elections for mayor, members of a local governing body, or members of an elected school board shall be held at the time of the November general election for terms to commence January 1.
F. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, in a locality that imposes district-based or ward-based residency requirements for members of the governing body, the member elected from each district or ward shall be elected by the qualified voters of that district or ward and not by the locality at large.
1971, Ex. Sess., c. 199, § 15.1-37.4; 1982, c. 297; 1983, c. 595; 1995, c. 249; 1997, c. 587; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 103, 225.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1401. Powers granted localities vested in their governing bodies

Unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context in which the provisions relating thereto are set forth, all powers granted to localities shall be vested in their respective governing bodies.
1962, c. 623, § 15.1-7; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1403. Governing body to be continuing body

Every governing body of a locality shall be a continuing body, and no measure pending before such body shall abate or be discontinued by reason of expiration of the term of office or removal of any or all members of the governing body.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1404. How localities may sue or be sued; arbitration

Every locality may sue or be sued in its own name in relation to all matters connected with its duties. The process instituting suit against a locality shall be served as provided in § 8.01-300.
The governing body of any locality may enter into a written agreement to submit any existing controversy to arbitration and may execute a contract which contains a provision to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising.
Code 1950, § 15-3; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-508; 1968, c. 422; 1985, c. 416; 1987, c. 483; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1405. Immunity of members of local governmental entities; exception

The members of the governing bodies of any locality or political subdivision and the members of boards, commissions, agencies and authorities thereof and other governing bodies of any local governmental entity, whether compensated or not, shall be immune from suit arising from the exercise or failure to exercise their discretionary or governmental authority as members of the governing body, board, commission, agency or authority which does not involve the unauthorized appropriation or misappropriation of funds. However, the immunity granted by this section shall not apply to conduct constituting intentional or willful misconduct or gross negligence.
1987, cc. 261, 290, § 15.1-7.01; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1406. Compensation of governing bodies

The compensation of governing bodies and their chairmen, vice-chairmen, mayors and vice-mayors shall be determined as provided in Article 1.1 (§ 15.2-1414.1 et seq.) of Chapter 14 of Title 15.2.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1407. Administrative leave for certain members of governing bodies

Any duly elected member of a governing body who is an employee of that locality may receive administrative leave each year in addition to his annual and sick leave.
Code 1950, § 15-5; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-13; 1987, c. 432; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1408. Restrictions on activities of former officers and employees by certain counties and cities

A. The term "officer or employee," as used in this section, includes members of local governing bodies, county or city officers and employees, and individuals who receive monetary compensation for service on or employment by agencies, boards, authorities, sanitary districts, commissions, committees, and task forces appointed by the local governing body.
B. In the Counties of Bedford, Fauquier, James City, Pittsylvania, and Stafford and the Cities of Charlottesville and Virginia Beach, the governing body, by ordinance, may prohibit former officers and employees, for one year after their terms of office have ended or employment ceased, from providing personal and substantial assistance for remuneration of any kind to any party, in connection with any proceeding, application, case, contract, or other particular matter involving the county or city or an agency thereof, if that matter is one in which the former officer or employee participated personally and substantially as a county or city officer or employee through decision, approval, or recommendation.
C. In the City of Richmond, the governing body, by ordinance, may prohibit former officers and employees, for one year after their terms of office have ended or employment has ceased, from representing a client or acting in a representative capacity on behalf of any person or group, for compensation, on matters related to ordinances, contracts, proceedings, applications, cases, or other matters of any nature involving any agency, department, or office of local government in which the former officer or employee served or was employed during the one-year period immediately prior to the termination of employment or service. This prohibition shall be in addition to any other prohibition that may be provided by law.
1991, c. 582, § 15.1-29.22; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 945; 2005, cc. 257, 289; 2019, cc. 111, 472.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1409. Investigations by governing bodies

The governing body of any locality may make such investigations relating to its government affairs as it deems necessary, may employ financial, legal and other personnel it deems necessary to assist in such investigations, may order the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers and may administer oaths. Such governing bodies may apply to the circuit court for their locality for a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum against any person refusing to appear and testify or refusing to produce books, papers or records as ordered by such governing bodies and the judge of such court shall, upon good cause shown, cause the subpoenas to be issued. Any person failing to comply with any such subpoena shall be subject to punishment for contempt by the court issuing the subpoena.
Code 1950, § 15-394; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-801; 1980, c. 335; 1997, c. 587.