reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-625. Department of public works

The county engineer, who shall be head of the department of public works, shall be responsible for the construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges, county stormwater systems within public rights-of-way and public easements and all other public works. He shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by general law upon the county engineer and in addition shall perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.
Code 1950, § 15-321; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-641; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-626. Department and board of social services

The director of social services, who shall be head of the department of social services, shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by general law upon the county board of social services, not inconsistent herewith. He shall also perform such other duties as the board of supervisors imposes upon him.
The county board of social services shall consist of six members; shall have all the powers, duties, and authority set out in Chapter 3 (§ 63.2-300 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia; and shall be appointed by the board of supervisors, which may fix, within the limits set forth in § 63.2-310, the compensation of the members of such board. At all times one member of the county board of social services shall also be a member of the board of supervisors. The board of social services may at any time be abolished by the board of supervisors.
Code 1950, § 15-322; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-642; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-627. Department of education

The department of education shall consist of the county school board, the division superintendent of schools and the officers and employees thereof. Except as herein otherwise provided, the county school board and the division superintendent of schools shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon them by general law. Except for the initial elected board which shall consist of five members, the county school board shall be composed of not less than three nor more than nine members; however, there shall be at least one school board member elected from each of the county's magisterial or election districts. The members shall be elected by popular vote from election districts coterminous with the election districts for the board of county supervisors. The exact number of members shall be determined by the board of county supervisors. Elections of school board members shall be held to coincide with the elections of members of the board of county supervisors at the regular general election in November. The terms of office for the county school board members shall be the same as the terms of the members of the board of county supervisors and shall commence on January 1 following their election.
A vacancy in the office of school board member shall be filled pursuant to §§ 24.2-226 and 24.2-228.
In order to have their names placed on the ballot, all candidates shall be nominated only by petition as provided by general law pursuant to § 24.2-506.
The county school board may also have a position of tie breaker for the purpose of casting the deciding vote in cases of tie votes of the school board as provided in § 22.1-75. The position of tie breaker, if any, shall be held by a qualified voter who is a resident of the county and who shall be elected in the same manner and for the same length of term as the members of the school board and at a general election at which members of the school board are elected. A vacancy in the position of tie breaker shall be filled pursuant to §§ 24.2-226 and 24.2-228.
The chairman of the county school board, for the purpose of appearing before the board of county supervisors, shall be considered head of this department, unless some other person in the department shall be designated by the school board for such purpose.
Code 1950, § 15-324; 1956, c. 153; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-644; 1980, c. 559; 1981, c. 246; 1982, cc. 32, 75; 1995, c. 8; 1996, c. 873; 1997, c. 587; 2014, c. 772.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-628. Terms of school boards

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding sections, in any county which hereafter adopts the county manager form of organization and government under this chapter, the members of the county school board then in office shall be appointed or reappointed, as the case may be, for terms of four years each, except that initial appointments hereunder may be for terms of one to four years, respectively, so as to provide staggered terms for such members.
1966, c. 624, § 15.1-644.1; 1980, c. 559; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-629. Department and board of health

The department of health shall consist of the county health director, who shall be appointed as provided in the applicable provisions of Article 5 (§ 32.1-30 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 32.1 and who shall be head thereof, and the other officers and employees of such department. The head of the department shall exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed upon the local health director by general law, not inconsistent herewith. He shall also perform such other duties as may be imposed upon him by the board or, if the health department is operated under contract with the State Board of Health, as may be specified in such contract.
If the board appoints a local board of health as provided in § 32.1-32, it shall consist of two qualified citizens of the county, who shall serve without pay, and the county health director. Such board shall have power to adopt necessary rules and regulations, not in conflict with law, concerning the department. The board of health may at any time be abolished by the board of supervisors.
Code 1950, § 15-326; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-646; 1966, c. 304; 1975, c. 575; 1979, c. 719; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-630. Department of assessments

The department of assessments, if and when established, shall be headed by a commissioner of the revenue or supervisor of assessments, who shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed by § 15.2-619 upon the director of finance.
Code 1950, § 15-327; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-647; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-631. Department of extension and continuing education

The department of extension and continuing education, if and when established, shall consist of the county extension agent, who shall be head of the department, a home economics agent, a 4-H youth agent and such other extension agents and employees as may be appointed or employed. The county extension agent and the other extension agents shall be selected from a list of eligibles submitted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. They shall perform such duties as the board imposes upon them.
Code 1950, § 15-328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-648; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-632. Department of public safety

The department of public safety if and when established shall be under the supervision of a director of public safety appointed by the county manager. Such department shall consist of the following divisions:
1. Division of police, in charge of a chief of police and consisting of such other police officers and personnel as may be appointed, including an animal protection police officer who shall have all of the powers of an animal control officer conferred by general law and one or more deputy animal protection police officers to assist the animal protection police officer in the performance of his duties. In addition, the animal protection police officer and his deputies shall have all of the powers vested in law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101, provided they have met the minimum qualifications and have been certified under §§ 15.2-1705 and 15.2-1706.
2. Division of fire protection, in charge of a fire chief and consisting of such fire fighters, and other personnel as may be appointed.
Code 1950, § 15-328.1; 1956, c. 277; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-649; 1977, c. 326; 1997, c. 587; 2010, c. 621.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-633. Office of the county attorney

The board may create the office of county attorney. The county attorney shall be appointed by the county manager, and serve at a salary fixed by the board. He shall be accountable to the county manager.
No person shall be appointed a county attorney under the provisions of this section unless at the time of his appointment he has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia.
1964, c. 312, § 15.1-9.1; 1973, c. 287; 1977, c. 584; 1982, c. 30; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-634. Department of public utilities

The department of public utilities, if and when established, shall be under the supervision of a director of public utilities appointed by the county manager. The department shall be in charge of the construction, operation, maintenance and administration of public utilities, owned, operated and controlled by the county or any sanitary district of the county, including but not limited to water systems, sewer systems, sewage disposal systems, solid waste management, street lights and any other related functions not assigned to or administered by other departments. If the county has a division of fire and a fire chief under the provisions of § 15.2-633, then the division of fire shall not be under the department of public utilities.
Code 1950, § 15-328.2; 1956, c. 200; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-650; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-634.1. Background checks required for certain employees

As a condition of employment, any county having the county manager form of government shall require any applicant who is offered or accepts employment, whether full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary or contractual, at such county's water treatment facility after September 1, 2001, to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant. Such applicants shall, if required by ordinance, pay the cost of fingerprinting or a criminal records check or both.
The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the county manager or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. If an applicant is denied employment because of the information appearing in his criminal history record, the county shall notify the applicant that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.
2003, c. 202.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-635. Selection or appointment of certain officers and heads of departments; filling vacancies

The clerk of the circuit court, the attorney for the Commonwealth and the sheriff shall be selected in the manner and for the terms, and vacancies in such office shall be filled, as provided by general law.
The clerk of the circuit court shall be clerk of the board of supervisors unless the board designates some other person for this purpose. The clerk of the board shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed upon such officer by general law and shall be subject to the obligations and penalties imposed by general law. He shall also perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.
The directors or heads of all other departments of the county shall be appointed by the county manager. The county manager may, with the board's consent, act as the director or head of one or more departments of the county, provided he is otherwise eligible to head such department or departments and, in the case of those officers whose appointments must be approved, his appointment is likewise approved.
In case of the absence or disability of any officer, other than the attorney for the Commonwealth, the clerk of the circuit court and the sheriff, which offices shall be filled as prescribed by general law, the county manager or other appointing power may designate some responsible person to perform the duties of the office.
Code 1950, § 15-329; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-652; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-636. Examination and audit of books and accounts

The board shall require an annual audit of the books of every county officer who handles public funds to be made by an accountant who is not a regular officer or employee of the county and who is qualified by training and experience. An audit made by the Auditor of Public Accounts under the provisions of law may be considered as having satisfied the requirements of this paragraph.
Either the board or the manager may at any time order an examination or audit of the accounts of any officer or department of the county government. Upon the death, resignation, removal or expiration of the term of any county officer, the director of finance shall cause an audit and investigation of the accounts of such officer to be made and shall report the results to the manager and the board. In case of the death, resignation or removal of the director of finance, the board shall cause an audit to be made of his accounts. If as a result of any such audit, an officer is found indebted to the county, the board shall proceed forthwith to collect such indebtedness.
Code 1950, § 15-330; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-653; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-637. Schedule of compensation

The board shall establish a schedule of compensation for officers and employees which shall provide uniform compensation for like service. The compensation prescribed shall be subject to such limitations as made by general law.
Code 1950, § 15-331; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-654; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-638. Submission of annual financial plan by manager; notice and hearings thereon; adoption of budget

Each year at least two weeks before the board must prepare its proposed annual budget, the county manager shall prepare and submit to the board a budget presenting a financial plan for conducting the county's affairs for the ensuing year. Such budget shall be set up in the manner prescribed by general law. Hearings shall be held, notice given and the budget adopted in accordance with general law.
Code 1950, § 15-332; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-655; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-639. Compensation; fee system abolished

All county officers and employees shall be paid regular compensation. The fee system as a method of compensation in the county shall be abolished, except for officers not affected by the adoption of this form of county organization and government. All such officers and employees shall, however, continue to collect all fees and charges provided for by general law, shall keep a record thereof, and shall promptly transmit all such fees and charges collected to the director of finance, who shall promptly receipt therefor. Such officers shall also keep such other records as are required by § 17.1-283. All fees and commissions which, but for the provisions of this section, would be paid to such officers by the Commonwealth for services rendered shall be paid to the county treasury.
The excess, if any, of the fees collected by each of the officers mentioned in § 17.1-283 or collected by anyone exercising the powers of and performing the duties of any such officer, over (i) the allowance to which such officer would be entitled by general law but for the provisions of this section and (ii) expenses in such amount as allowed by the Compensation Board, shall be paid, one third into the state treasury and the other two thirds to the county.
Any county officer or employee who fails or refuses to collect any fee which is collectible and should be collected under the provisions of this section, or who fails or refuses to pay any fee so collected to the county as herein provided, shall upon conviction be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 15-334; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-657; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-640. Establishing times and conditions of employment, personnel management, etc.

The county may establish and prescribe for all employees of the county the following provisions applicable to such employees:
1. Normal workdays and hours of employment therein;
2. Holidays;
3. Days of vacation allowed;
4. Days of sick leave allowed;
5. Other provisions concerning the hours and conditions of employment;
6. Plans of personnel management and control.
The county may establish, alter, amend or repeal at will any provision adopted under this section.
Code 1950, § 15-334.1; 1952, c. 246; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-658; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-641. Bonds of officers

The county manager shall give bond in the amount of not less than $5,000. The director of finance shall give bond in accordance with general law. If the county manager also serves as director of finance, he shall give bond in the full amounts indicated above. The board shall have the power to fix bonds in excess of these amounts and to require bonds of other county officers in their discretion, conditioned on the faithful discharge of their duties and the proper account for all funds coming into their possession.
Code 1950, § 15-336; 1950, p. 107; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-660; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 6 - County Manager Form of Government › § 15.2-642. Officers not affected by adoption of plan

The following officers shall not, except as herein otherwise provided, be affected by the adoption of the county manager form:
1. Jury commissioners;
2. County electoral boards;
3. Registrars;
4. Judges and clerks of elections; and
5. Magistrates.
Code 1950, § 15-338; 1950, p. 974; 1952, c. 37; 1962, cc. 596, 623, § 15.1-662; 1973, c. 545; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-701. Adoption of county manager plan

Any county with a population density of at least 500 persons per square mile may adopt the county manager plan of government in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 15.2-300 et seq.).
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-702. County board; membership, terms, chairman, etc.

Under the county manager plan all of the legislative powers of the county, however conferred or possessed by it, shall be vested in a board of five members to be known as the county board ("the board"). The members of the board shall be elected in the manner hereinafter provided for terms of four years. The board shall elect one of its members as chairman, who shall preside over its meetings. The chairman shall be elected by the board annually and any vacancy in the office shall be filled by the board for the unexpired term. The chairman has the same powers and duties as other members of the board with a vote but no veto and is the official head of the county. With the exception of those officers whose election is provided for by popular vote in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, board members shall be the only elective county officials. The board shall be a body corporate and as such has the right to sue and be sued in the same manner as is now provided by law for boards of supervisors.
Code 1950, § 15-350; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-674; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-703. Interference by members of board in appointments and removals of personnel

Neither the board nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or removal of any county administrative officers or employees who are appointed by the manager or any of his subordinates. However, the board may express its views and fully and freely discuss with the manager anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees. Except for the purposes of inquiry and investigation, the board and its members shall deal with county officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the manager solely through the county manager, and neither the board nor any member thereof shall give orders either publicly or privately to any such county officer or employee.
Code 1950, § 15-350.1; 1952, c. 443; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-675; 1982, c. 108; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-704. Appointment of clerk of board; powers and duties; obligations and penalties

The clerk of the board shall be such qualified person as the board designates. He shall be compensated in an amount set by the board and may employ such deputies and assistants as the board authorizes. He shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties imposed upon such officers by general law and shall be subject to the obligations and penalties imposed by general law. He shall also perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.
Code 1950, § 15-350.2; 1962, c. 19, § 15.1-675.1; 1982, c. 108; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-705. Election of members of board; filling vacancies

A. In any county operating as of December 1, 1993, under the county manager plan provided for in this chapter, the members of the board shall be elected and vacancies on the board shall be filled as provided in this section. The members of the board shall be elected from the county at large.
B. Two board members shall be elected at the November 1995 election to succeed the members whose terms are expiring, and one member each shall be elected at the 1994, 1996, and 1997 November elections to succeed the members whose terms respectively are expiring. Thereafter at each regular November election one or more board members shall be elected to succeed the members whose terms expire on or before January 1 next succeeding such election. The members so elected shall be elected for terms of four years each, shall take office on January 1 next succeeding their election, and shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualify. The board may provide, by ordinance, for the nomination or election of candidates by instant runoff voting pursuant to § 15.2-705.1.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 24.2-226, when any vacancy occurs in the membership of the board, the judge of the circuit court of the county shall call a special election for the remainder of the unexpired term to be held not less than 60 days and not more than 80 days thereafter, and the local electoral board shall determine and announce within three business days after such call the candidate filing deadline for that special election. However, if any vacancy occurs within 180 days before the expiration of a term of office, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by a majority vote of the remaining members of the board within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy after holding a public hearing on the appointment. The appointment shall be for the duration of the unexpired term.
Code 1950, § 15-351; 1952, c. 591; 1954, c. 151; 1958, c. 207; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-676; 1975, cc. 517, 636; 1993, c. 731; 1997, c. 587; 1998, cc. 345, 369; 2014, c. 573; 2020, c. 713.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-705.1. Instant runoff voting

A. For purposes of this section:
"Instant runoff voting" means a method of casting and tabulating votes in which (i) voters rank candidates in order of preference, (ii) tabulation proceeds in rounds such that in each round either a candidate or candidates are elected or the last-place candidate is defeated, (iii) votes for voters' next-ranked candidates are transferred from elected or defeated candidates, and (iv) tabulation ends when the number of candidates elected equals the number of offices to be filled. "Instant runoff voting" is also known as "ranked choice voting."
"Ranking" means the ordinal number assigned on a ballot by a voter to a candidate to express the voter's preference for that candidate. Ranking number one is the highest ranking, ranking number two is the next-highest ranking, and so on, consecutively, up to the number of candidates indicated on the ballot.
B. Elections to nominate candidates for and to elect members to the board of supervisors in a county operating under the county manager plan may be conducted by instant runoff voting pursuant to this section.
C. The State Board may promulgate regulations for the proper and efficient administration of elections determined by instant runoff voting, including (i) procedures for tabulating votes in rounds, (ii) procedures for determining winners in elections for offices to which only one candidate is being elected and for offices to which more than one candidate is being elected, and (iii) standards for ballots pursuant to § 24.2-613, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection E of that section.
D. The State Board may administer or prescribe standards for a voter outreach and public information program for use by any locality conducting instant runoff voting pursuant to this section.
2020, c. 713.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-706. Duties of county manager; compensation; appointment of officers and employees

The administrative and executive powers of the county, including the power of appointment of all officers and employees whose appointment or election is not otherwise provided by law, are vested in the county manager, who shall be appointed by the board at its first meeting or as soon thereafter as practicable. The county manager need not be a resident of the county or of the Commonwealth. He shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed by the board. The officers whose election by popular vote is provided for in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, the school board and the superintendent of schools shall not be subject to appointment but shall be selected in the manner prescribed by law. The heads of all departments other than those hereinbefore referred to and excepted from the provisions of this section shall be selected by the county board. However, if a majority of the qualified voters voting in the election required by § 15.2-716 vote in favor thereof, then the heads of the several county departments, other than those hereinbefore referred to and excepted from the provisions of this section shall be appointed by the county manager.
Code 1950, § 15-352; 1952, c. 198; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-677; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-707. Bonds of county officers and employees

The county officers shall give such bonds as are now required by general law, except that the bond of the treasurer shall be in such penalty as the court or judge requires, but not less than fifteen percent of the amount to be received annually by him. In addition, the board may fix and require bonds in excess of the amounts so required, and may require bonds of other county officers and employees in the board's discretion, conditioned on the faithful discharge of their duties and the proper accounting for all funds coming into their possession.
Code 1950, § 15-352.1; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-678; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-708. Term of office of county manager; salary and performance of duties; acting manager in case of temporary absence or disability; removal or suspension

The term of office of the county manager shall expire on June 30 of each year. Except as hereinafter provided, he shall be notified at least sixty days before the expiration of his term if his services are not desired for the ensuing twelve-month period. He shall receive such annual salary as the board may prescribe payable from county funds. He shall devote his full time to the performance of the duties imposed on him by law, and the performance of such other duties as the board directs.
To perform his duties during his temporary absence or disability the manager may designate by letter filed with the clerk of the board a qualified administrative officer of the county to be acting manager. If the manager fails to make such designation, the board may, by resolution, appoint an officer of the county to perform the duties of the manager until he returns or his disability ceases.
The board may at any time remove the county manager for neglect of duty, malfeasance or misfeasance in office, or incompetency. If a majority of the qualified voters voting in the election required by § 15.2-301 vote in favor thereof, the county manager shall be appointed for an indefinite period and be subject to removal by the county board at any time, any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding. If the board determines to remove the county manager, he shall be given, if he so requests, a written statement of the reasons alleged for the proposed removal and the right of a hearing thereon at a public meeting of the board prior to the date on which his final removal takes effect. Pending and during such hearing the board may suspend him from office, provided that the period of suspension be limited to thirty days. The action of the board in suspending or removing the county manager shall not be subject to review.
Code 1950, § 15-352.2; 1952, c. 198; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-679; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 136.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-709. Investigation of county officers or employees

The board may inquire into the official conduct of any office, officer or employee under its control, and investigate the accounts, receipts, disbursements and expenses of any such office, officer or employee. For these purposes it may subpoena county employees as witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of books, papers and other evidence in their control. If any such witness fails or refuses to obey any such lawful board order, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 15-352.4; 1952, c. 162; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-681; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-709.1. Applicant preemployment information in Arlington County

Arlington County, having a local ordinance adopted in accordance with § 19.2-389, shall require applicants for employment with the county to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant. Such applicants shall, if required by ordinance, pay the cost of the fingerprinting or criminal records check or both.
The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the county manager or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to a position, the locality shall consider the following criteria: (i) the nature and seriousness of the crime; (ii) the relationship of the crime to the work to be performed in the position applied for; (iii) the extent to which the position applied for might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person had been involved; (iv) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the position being sought; (v) the extent and nature of the person's past criminal activity; (vi) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime; (vii) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last involvement in the commission of a crime; (viii) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal activity; and (ix) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release.
If an applicant is denied employment because of information appearing in his criminal history record, the county shall notify the applicant that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.
2002, cc. 670, 730; 2003, c. 739.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-709.2. County auditor

The board may appoint a county auditor for the audit and review of county agencies and county-funded functions. The county auditor shall have the power to make performance reviews of operations of county agencies or county-funded programs to ascertain that sums appropriated are expended for the purposes for which such appropriations were made and to evaluate the effectiveness of those agencies and programs. The county auditor shall make such special studies and reports as the board directs.
The board may provide staff assistance to the county auditor that may be independent of the administrative staff of the county. The county auditor and any such staff shall be hired on the basis of merit and shall be paid in conformity with existing pay scales. The county auditor shall serve at the pleasure of the board, and if removed, such removal shall not be subject to review by any other employee, agency, board, or commission of the county or under the grievance procedure adopted pursuant to § 15.2-1506.
2015, c. 282.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-710. Budget; county manager to be executive and administrative officer; financial condition of county

In addition to such other duties as are or may be prescribed by law or directed by the board, the county manager shall each year on or before April 15 prepare and submit to the board a tentative budget for informative and fiscal planning purposes. The budget shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of law in effect governing the preparation of the county budget and shall show in detail the recommendations of the county manager for expenditures on each road and bridge or for other purposes.
The county manager shall be the executive and administrative officer of the county in all matters relating to the public roads and bridges of the county, and other public work and business in the county, except public schools. He shall have general supervision and charge of construction and maintenance of the public roads, bridges and landings of the county, and of public work and business of the county, except public schools, and of the purchase of supplies, equipment and materials for the roads, bridges and landings and other public work and business of the county, and the employment of all superintendents, foremen and labor therefor. However, the board may, by ordinance, prescribe rules and regulations for the purchase of all supplies, equipment and materials for the roads, bridges and landings and other public work and business of the county.
The county manager shall keep the board advised as to the county's financial condition, and shall periodically, and upon board request, provide a report to the board on the status of expenditures and revenues for the current fiscal year. On or before October 31 of each year, he shall provide a report to the board at a regular board meeting on expenses and revenue for the preceding year, ending June 30.
Code 1950, § 15-353; 1952, c. 198; 1954, c. 102; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-682; 1997, c. 587; 2004, cc. 22, 510.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-711. Certification and payment of payrolls

The board by resolution may require the county manager to certify to the treasurer the payroll of the regular employees of the county for the successive payroll periods, and vouchers for the payment of bills for materials and supplies which have been received and for which discounts are allowed. Upon receipt thereof the treasurer shall pay the same as if they had been approved by the board. No payment shall be made hereunder when at any meeting of the county board a resolution opposing such method of payment has been adopted.
Code 1950, § 15-353.1; 1952, c. 610; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-683; 1976, c. 175; 1982, c. 108; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-712. Certification and payment of certain vouchers

The board may by resolution authorize the county manager to sign and issue an order or authorization to the treasurer for payment of vouchers for materials, supplies and services which have been received and the treasurer shall pay the same. The provisions of § 15.2-711 shall apply to actions hereunder.
Code 1950, § 15-353.2; 1954, c. 124; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-684; 1976, c. 175; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-713. Means of transferring funds

The treasurer or his duly authorized deputies may transfer public funds from one depository to another by wire. Such officers may also draw any of the county's money by check, by an electronic fund wire or payment system, or by any means deemed appropriate and sound by the county treasurer and approved by the governing body, drawn upon a warrant issued by the governing body. If any money is knowingly paid otherwise than upon the county treasurer's check, electronic fund wire or payment system or by alternative means specifically approved by the county treasurer and the governing body, drawn upon such warrant, the payment shall be invalid against the county.
1978, c. 460, § 15.1-684.1; 1986, c. 293; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-714. Depository for county funds

The board may designate one or more banks or trust companies as collecting or receiving agencies for county funds, which funds shall be deposited to the county's credit and be subject to the control of the county treasurer.
1978, c. 460, § 15.1-684.2; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-715. Abolition of offices and distribution of duties

The board, by a majority vote of all the members elected, may abolish any board, commission, or office of such county except the school board and school superintendent, and the officers elected by popular vote provided for in Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, and may delegate and distribute the duties, authority and powers of the boards, commissions, or offices abolished to the county manager or to any other officer of the county it may think proper. If any such board, commission, or office is abolished, those to whom the duties thereof are delegated or distributed shall discharge the duties and exercise the powers and authorities of the abolished entity. Both they and the county for which they were appointed, or by whom they were employed, shall enjoy the immunities and exemptions from liability or otherwise that were enjoyed by the abolished boards, commissions, or offices, prior to the adoption of the county manager plan of government, except insofar as such duties, powers, authority, immunities and exemptions have been or hereafter may be changed according to law.
Code 1950, § 15-354; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-685; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 839.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-716.1. Board of Equalization

A. The membership of the board of equalization of real estate assessments shall be composed of an odd number of not less than three nor more than 11 members, as determined by the governing body of the county. The circuit court of the county shall appoint a number of members equal to the lowest number that constitutes a majority of members, and the governing body shall appoint the remainder. In making appointments, the circuit court shall consider recommendations from interested entities, including but not limited to the chamber of commerce for the county, and from other representatives of the business community. After the initial appointments, vacancies on the board shall be filled by the appointing authority that appointed the person vacating the position.
The governing body may provide for terms varying in duration not to exceed four years. Such equalization board shall have the powers and duties provided by, and be subject to, the provisions of Article 14 (§ 58.1-3370 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1. Any person aggrieved by any assessment made under the provisions of this section may apply for relief to such board as therein provided. The provisions of this section shall not, however, apply to any real estate assessable under the law by the State Corporation Commission.
B. The board of equalization may sit in panels of at least three members each under the following terms and conditions:
1. The presence of all members of the panel shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
2. The chairman of the board of equalization shall assign the members to panels and, insofar as practicable, rotate the membership of the panels.
3. The chairman of the board of equalization shall preside over any panel of which he is a member and shall designate the presiding member of the other panels.
4. Each panel shall perform its duties independently of the others.
5. The board of equalization shall sit en banc (i) when there is a dissent in the panel to which the matter was originally assigned and an aggrieved party requests an en banc hearing or (ii) upon its own motion at any time, in any matter in which a majority of the board of equalization determines it is appropriate to do so. The board of equalization sitting en banc shall consider and decide the matter and may affirm, reverse, overrule or modify any previous decision by any panel.
2010, cc. 154, 199; 2017, c. 435.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-717. Time in which to contest real property assessments

Any person aggrieved by an assessment of real estate made by the department of real estate assessments may apply for relief to the circuit court of the county within one year from December 31 of the year in which such assessment is made for assessments made prior to January 1, 2005; within two years from December 31 of the year in which such assessment is made for assessments made on and after January 1, 2005, but prior to January 1, 2007; and within the time frame as provided by general law pursuant to § 58.1-3984 for assessments made on and after January 1, 2007. No person may make such application for a year other than the current year unless such person has provided to the assessor, commissioner of the revenue, or the governing body, written notice of disagreement with the assessment, during the applicable tax year. The application shall be before the court when it is filed in the clerk's office. In such proceeding the burden of proof shall be on the taxpayer to show that the property in question is valued at more than its fair market value or that the assessment is not uniform in its application, or that the assessment is otherwise invalid or illegal, but it shall not be necessary for the taxpayer to show that intentional, systematic and willful discrimination has taken place. The proceedings shall be conducted as an action at law before the court, sitting without a jury, and the court shall act with the authority granted by §§ 58.1-3987 and 58.1-3988.
1991, c. 143, § 15.1-686.01; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 1036.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-718. Postponement of payment of certain assessments

The board may provide for the postponement of the payment of assessments made pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 (§ 15.2-2404 et seq.) of Chapter 24 of this title by any property owner at the election of the property owner. Full payment of the assessment plus accrued interest shall become due and payable at the time of the death of the owner or the last surviving joint owner who made such an election or at the time the property or any divided part is sold, devised, subdivided, or transferred in any way. The board may impose interest on the unpaid balance of such assessments at a rate not to exceed the judgment rate, but at a rate which may be different from that imposed on property owners making installment payments under § 15.2-2413.
1988, c. 532, § 15.1-686.5; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-719.1. Naming U.S. Route 29

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-2019 or 33.2-213, the board may by ordinance name any section of U.S. Route 29 located within the boundaries of the locality. The Department of Transportation shall place and maintain appropriate signs indicating the name of such highway, and the costs of producing, placing, and maintaining these signs shall be paid by the locality.
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 261.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 7 - County Manager Plan of Government › § 15.2-720. Employee salary reduction agreements

In connection with some or all of its employee benefit programs, the board is authorized to enter into voluntary salary reduction agreements with its officers and employees when such agreements are authorized under the laws of the United States relating to federal income taxes. Any such voluntary salary reduction agreements entered into prior to July 1, 1988, are hereby validated.
1988, c. 532, § 15.1-686.7; 1997, c. 587.