reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2507. Amendment of budget

A. Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504. However, any such amendment which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the currently adopted budget must be accomplished by publishing a notice of a meeting and a public hearing once in a newspaper having general circulation in that locality at least seven days prior to the meeting date. The notice shall state the governing body's intent to amend the budget and include a brief synopsis of the proposed budget amendment. Any local governing body may adopt such amendment at the advertised meeting, after first providing a public hearing during such meeting on the proposed budget amendments.
B. Pursuant to the requirements of §§ 15.2-1609.1, 15.2-1609.7, 15.2-1636.8, and 15.2-1636.13 through 15.2-1636.17 every county and city shall appropriate as part of its annual budget or in amendments thereto amounts for salaries, expenses and other allowances for its constitutional officers that are not less than those established for such offices in the locality by the Compensation Board pursuant to applicable law or, in the event of an appeal pursuant to § 15.2-1636.9, by the circuit court in accordance with the provisions of that section.
1983, c. 319, § 15.1-162.1; 1984, c. 523; 1997, cc. 587, 602; 2007, c. 297.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2508. Governing bodies may require information of departments, etc.

A. Local governing bodies may require the heads or other responsible representatives of all departments, offices, divisions, boards, commissions and agencies of their localities to furnish such information as may be deemed advisable.
B. A constitutional officer, as defined in § 15.2-2511, for any such locality, to the extent information is required, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Code 1950, § 15-578; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-163; 1993, c. 681; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2509. Auditor to devise system of bookkeeping and accounting

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall devise a system of bookkeeping and accounting for use by local governments and others pursuant to § 30-137.
Code 1950, § 15-579; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-164; 1968, c. 602; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2510. Comparative report of local government revenues and expenditures

A. The treasurer or other chief financial officer of each locality shall file annually on or before December 15 with the Auditor of Public Accounts a detailed statement prepared according to the Auditor's specifications showing the amount of revenues, expenditures and fund balances of the locality for the preceding fiscal year, accompanied by the locality's audited financial report. The submittal to the Auditor of Public Accounts shall include a notarized statement from the chief elected official and the chief administrative officer of the locality that the locality's audited financial report has been presented to the local governing body.
B. If such annual statement is not filed with the Auditor of Public Accounts, he may perform such work as is necessary to comply with the provisions of this section or hire certified public accountants to do such work. In either event the expenses of such work shall be charged to and paid by the locality failing to supply the required information.
C. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall prepare and publish annually by February 15 a statement showing in detail the total and per capita revenues and expenditures of all localities for the preceding fiscal year. The statement shall contain such analytical tables, explanations and comparisons as may lead to a clear understanding of such information and make the information readily accessible to the readers.
The Auditor of Public Accounts shall mail or deliver by February 16 of each year a copy of the statement to the members of the General Assembly, to the members and clerks of the local governing bodies, and until the supply is exhausted to every citizen who may request a copy.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all counties and cities, to all towns having a population of 3,500 or over, and to all towns constituting a separate school division regardless of their population.
Code 1950, § 15-581; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-166; 1978, c. 725; 1981, c. 139; 1997, c. 587; 2017, c. 484; 2020, c. 17.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2511.1. Return of local surplus funds

Any locality may by ordinance develop a method for returning surplus real or personal property tax revenues, or both, to taxpayers who are assessed such taxes in any fiscal year in which the locality reports a surplus. The locality may reduce a taxpayer's refund by the amount of any taxes, penalties, and interest that are due from such taxpayer, or any past-due taxes, penalties, and interest that have been assessed within the appropriate period of limitations.
2001, c. 246; 2005, c. 835; 2022, cc. 165, 166.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2511.2. Duties of local government auditors

A. As used in this section:
"Abuse" means the excessive or improper use of something, or the employment of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use; the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated by the locality; or extravagant or excessive use so as to abuse one's position or authority.
"Fraud" means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to local government, that could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the locality or could cause detriment to others or the locality. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.
"Waste" means the intentional or unintentional, thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use, or squandering of resources owned or operated by the locality to the detriment or potential detriment of the locality. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.
B. Any fraud, waste, and abuse auditor appointed by the local governing body of any county, city, or town having a population of at least 10,000, or any town constituting a separate school division regardless of its population, who by charter, ordinance, or statute has responsibility for conducting an investigation of any officer, department or program of such body, shall be responsible for administering a telephone hotline, and a website, if cost-effective, through which employees and residents of the locality may report anonymously any incidence of fraud, waste, or abuse committed by any such officer, or within any such department or program, of that body. Such auditor may inform employees of the locality of the hotline and website, if any, and the conditions of anonymity, through the conspicuous posting of announcements in the locality's personnel newsletters, articles in local newspapers issued daily or regularly at average intervals, hotline posters on local employee bulletin boards, periodic messages on local employee payroll check stubs, or other reasonable efforts.
Such auditor shall determine the authenticity of every allegation received on the hotline or website and ensure that investigation and resolution activities are undertaken in response to any such authentic allegation in the most cost-effective and confidential manner available; provided, however, that the officer shall assign responsibility for investigation and resolution to other investigative and law-enforcement personnel where such responsibility is prescribed by general law and where appropriate to avoid duplicating or replacing existing investigation and resolution functions.
2006, c. 597.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2512. Audit of accounts of certain county officers, boards and commissions

Whenever, upon a petition filed in the circuit court for any county by at least fifty residents of the county, it is believed by the judge of the court that the public interests will be promoted by an audit or examination of the whole or any part of the financial transactions of any county officer, board or commission of the county, the judge may appoint one or more certified public accountants to make and report to the court the result of such audit or examination. The court shall fix the compensation to be paid by the board of supervisors to the accountants.
Code 1950, § 15-264; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-557; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 25 - Budgets, Audits and Reports › § 15.2-2513. Special budget provisions

Every locality having special budget provisions in general or special law may choose, by resolution, to comply with the budget provisions of this chapter rather than those special budget provisions.
Code 1950, §§ 15-584, 15-585; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 69; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-168, 15.1-169; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2600. Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Public Finance Act of 1991."
Code 1950, § 15-666.13; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-170; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2601. Chapter not to affect general, special and local acts and charters under which bonds are issued or validated

Unless expressly stated to the contrary nothing in this chapter repeals, amends, impairs or in any way affects (i) any act under the provisions of which bonds have heretofore been issued and are outstanding as of June 30, 1991, (ii) any act, general or special, validating bonds or any proceedings in connection with the issuance of bonds, or (iii) any special rights, privileges, restrictions or limitations now contained in any locality's charter. Nothing in this chapter repeals, amends, impairs or in any way affects any of the provisions of any charter or special or local act authorizing or regulating the issuance of bonds by a locality. The provisions of this chapter are in addition to the powers conferred by any charter or special or local act, and a locality may issue bonds, at the election of its governing body, under either (i) the provisions of this chapter without regard to the requirements, restrictions or other provisions contained in any charter or local or special act applicable to the locality or (ii) the provisions of such charter or local or special act; however, after July 1, 1992, notwithstanding the foregoing, any referendum requirement for the issuance of bonds or debt limit contained in any charter or local or special act shall control over the provisions of this chapter.
Code 1950, § 15-666.14; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-171; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.2; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2603. Disposition of unclaimed funds due on matured bonds or coupons

Any locality having bonds outstanding on which principal, premium or interest has matured for a period of more than five years may pay any money being held to pay the matured principal, premium or interest into the general fund of the locality. The locality shall maintain a record of the bonds for which the funds were held. Thereafter the owners of the matured bonds may look only to the locality for payment.
Code 1950, § 15-666.17; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-174; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.6; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2605. Collection of rents and charges; liens on real estate; discharge and enforcement of liens

The rates, rents, fees or charges when made for the use of any revenue-producing undertaking may be collected by distress, levy, garnishment, attachment or as otherwise provided by law. Any unpaid rate, rent, fee or charge shall become a lien superior to the interest of any owner, lessee or tenant, and next in succession to taxes, on the real property on or for which the use of any such undertaking was made and for which the rate, rent, fee or charge was imposed. However, the lien shall not bind or affect a subsequent bona fide purchaser of the real estate for valuable consideration without actual notice of the lien, until amount of the rate, rent, fee or charge is entered in the judgment records kept in the clerk's office where deeds are recorded with respect to the real estate against which the lien is asserted. It shall be the duty of the clerk in such office to keep, preserve and hold available for public inspection the judgment records and to cause entries to be made and indexed in them from time to time upon certification by the locality.
The lien on any real estate may be discharged by the payment to the locality of the total amount of the lien, plus interest at the judgment rate of interest provided for in § 6.2-302 from the date the rate, rent, fee or charge was due and payable to the date of payment. It shall be the duty of the locality to deliver a certificate of payment to the person paying the lien. Upon presentation of the certificate, the clerk having the record of the lien shall mark the lien satisfied.
Jurisdiction to enforce any lien shall be in equity, and the court may order any real estate subject to the lien, or any part of it, sold and the proceeds applied to the payment of the lien and the interest which may accrue to the date of payment.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prejudice the right of the locality to recover the amount of any lien, or of the rate, rent, fee or charge, and the interest which may accrue, by action at law or otherwise.
Code 1950, § 15-666.18; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-175; 1986, cc. 379, 468; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.7; 1994, cc. 432, 714; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2606. Public hearing before issuance of bonds

A. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, but subject to subsection B of this section, before the final authorization of the issuance of any bonds by a locality, the governing body of the locality shall hold a public hearing on the proposed bond issue. Notice of the hearing shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality, with the first notice appearing no more than 14 days before the hearing. The notice shall (i) state the estimated maximum amount of the bonds proposed to be issued, (ii) state the proposed use of the bond proceeds, and if there is more than one use, state the proposed uses for which more than 10 percent of the total bond proceeds is expected to be used, and (iii) specify the time and place of the hearing at which persons may appear and present their views. The hearing shall not be held less than six nor more than 21 days after the date the second notice appears in the newspaper.
B. No notice or public hearing shall be required for (i) bonds which have been approved by a majority of the voters of the issuing locality voting on the issuance of such bonds or (ii) obligations issued pursuant to § 15.2-2629, 15.2-2630 or 15.2-2643.
1987, c. 402, § 15.1-171.1; 1990, c. 175; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.8; 1994, c. 714; 1997, c. 587; 2011, c. 590; 2023, cc. 506, 507.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2608. Bonds for revenue-producing undertakings

The governing body of any locality may, in accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia, issue bonds for any revenue-producing undertaking.
Code 1950, § 15-666.21; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-178; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.10; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2609. Covenants relating to issuance of revenue bonds

The governing body of any locality proposing to issue bonds for any revenue-producing undertaking may covenant in the ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument providing for the issuance of the bonds that the rates, rents, fees or other charges for the services and facilities furnished by, for the use of, or in connection with the undertaking shall be fixed and maintained at the level that will produce sufficient revenue to pay the cost of operation and administration, the cost of insurance against loss by injury to persons or property, and the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the bonds when due and payable, and to provide reserves for such purposes. The ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument, in order to assure the faithful observance of such covenant, may provide for the creation of a commission, or the appointment of a receiver, vested with such powers as to the management of the undertaking, or the fixing of rates, rents, fees or other charges, or both, as the governing body may deem proper.
Code 1950, § 15-666.27; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-184; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.11; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2610. Request for referendum filed with court; order for election; notice

If voter approval of any bond issue by a locality is required by the Constitution of Virginia or this chapter or any charter provision, a copy of the resolution or ordinance adopted by the governing body of the locality, certified by the clerk of the governing body, requesting that a referendum on the question of the issuance of the bonds be held, shall be filed with the circuit court for the locality or in the case of a town the circuit court for the county in which the town is located. The circuit court shall order a special election, in accordance with § 24.2-681 et seq., requiring the election officers of the locality on the day fixed in the order to open the polls and take the sense of the voters of the locality on the question of contracting the debt and issuing bonds for the purpose or purposes set forth in the resolution or ordinance. When any town is situated partly in two or more counties, the certified copy of the resolution or ordinance may be presented to the circuit court for any of the counties and the court shall order an election to be held in the town in accordance with the provisions of §§ 24.2-601 and 24.2-681 et seq. Notice of the election in the form prescribed by the court shall be published at least once but not less than ten days before the election in a newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality.
Where voter approval is required by the Constitution of Virginia, this chapter or any charter provision, a locality may, at its option, provide in the ordinance or resolution that any two or more purposes and amounts of the bonds proposed to be issued for such purposes be combined into a single question for the election and referred to as "capital improvement bonds" in an aggregate principal amount equal to the sum of the amounts for the purposes so combined.
Code 1950, §§ 15-666.25, 15-666.30; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, §§ 15.1-182, 15.1-187; 1968, c. 579; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1975, c. 517; 1982, c. 181; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.12; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2611. Holding of election; order authorizing bonds; authority of governing body

The regular election officers of the locality at the time designated in the order authorizing the vote shall open the polls at the various voting places in the locality and conduct the election in the manner provided by law for other elections. At the election, each voter may cast his or her vote for or against the bond issue. The votes shall be counted, the returns made and canvassed and the results certified as provided in § 24.2-681 et seq. If it appears from the returns that a majority of the voters of the locality voting on the question at the election are against the proposed bond issue, an order shall be entered by the court to such effect. If a majority of the voters of the locality voting on the question approve the bond issue, the court shall enter an order to such effect, a copy of which shall be promptly certified by the clerk of the court to the governing body of the locality. The locality may then proceed to prepare, issue and sell its bonds up to the amount so authorized and in doing so shall have all of the powers granted to the locality by this chapter with respect to incurring debt and issuing bonds. Bonds authorized by a referendum may not be issued by a locality more than eight years after the date of the referendum; however, this eight-year period may, at the request of the governing body of the locality, be extended to up to ten years after the date of the referendum by order of the circuit court for the locality, or in the case of a town the circuit court for the county in which the town is located, entered before the expiration of the eight-year period. The court shall grant such extension unless the court is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the extension is not in the best interests of the locality.
Code 1950, § 15-666.31; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-188; 1982, c. 181; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.13; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2612. Dating; rate of interest; maturity; denomination; place of payment

The bonds of a locality may be dated, may mature at such time or times not exceeding forty years from their date or dates, may be subject to redemption or repurchase, at such price or prices and under such terms and conditions, and may contain such other provisions, all as determined before their issuance by the governing body or in such manner as the governing body may provide. The bonds may bear interest payable at such time or times and at such rate or rates as determined by the governing body or in such manner as the governing body may provide, including the determination by reference to indices or formulas or by agents designated by the governing body under guidelines established by it. The governing body may fix the denomination or denominations of the bonds and the place or places of payment.
Code 1950, § 15-666.41; 1958, c. 640; 1962, cc. 496, 623, § 15.1-200; 1984, c. 451; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.14; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2613. Form and manner of execution; signature of person ceasing to be officer

The governing body shall determine the form and the manner of execution of bonds. Any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, and any bonds previously or hereafter authorized to be issued by any locality under the provisions of any general or special law, if so authorized by the governing body of the locality, may bear or be executed with the facsimile signature of any official authorized to sign or execute them. If any law provides for the sealing of bonds with the official or corporate seal of the locality or of its governing body, a facsimile of the seal may be imprinted on the bonds, if so authorized by the governing body of the locality, and it will not be necessary in such case to impress the seal physically on the bonds.
In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds ceases to be such officer before the delivery of the bonds, the signature or facsimile will nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if the officer had remained in office until the delivery. Any bond may bear the facsimile signature of, or may be signed by, the person who at the actual time of the execution of the bond is the proper officer to sign the bond although at the date of the bond the person may not have been such officer.
When all signatures on bonds are facsimiles, the bonds must be authenticated by an agent appointed by the governing body of the locality issuing the bonds or in such manner as the governing body may provide.
Code 1950, § 15-666.42; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-201; 1983, c. 607; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.15; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2614. Bearer, registered or book entry form

The bonds may be issued in bearer, registered or book entry form, or any combination of such forms, as the governing body may determine.
Code 1950, § 15-666.43; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-202; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.16; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2615. Bonds deemed negotiable instruments

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this chapter or any recitals in any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, all bonds shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of the Commonwealth.
Code 1950, § 15-666.44; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-203; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.17; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2616. Interim receipts or temporary bonds exchangeable for definitive bonds

Before the preparation of definitive bonds, the governing body of a locality may, subject to the same provisions of this chapter as are applicable to the issuance of definitive bonds, issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds have been executed and are available for delivery.
Code 1950, § 15-666.45; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-204; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.18; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2617. Sale of bonds

Any locality may sell any bonds authorized under the provisions of this chapter in such manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as the governing body of the locality may determine.
Code 1950, § 15-666.46; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-205; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.19; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2618. Disposition of proceeds; separate fund

Unless otherwise specifically provided by the governing body of a locality or in the ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument authorizing the issuance of bonds, all proceeds received from the sale of the bonds of any locality issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid to, or at the direction of, the treasurer or chief financial officer of the locality who shall promptly deposit the funds in a bank or other depository to the credit of the locality as prescribed by general law or the provisions of the charter applicable to the locality. The treasurer or chief financial officer shall account for the money through a fund, separate from all other funds, in the system of accounting of the locality.
Code 1950, § 15-666.47; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-206; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.20; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2619. Investment of proceeds pending application to authorized purpose

Pending the application of the proceeds of any bonds authorized under the provisions of this chapter to the purpose or purposes for which the bonds have been authorized, all or any part of the proceeds may be invested, in accordance with Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2. Any security purchased as an investment of the proceeds of bonds shall be deemed at all times to be a part of the proceeds, and the interest accruing on the investment and any profit realized from it shall be credited to the proceeds; provided, however, if authorized by resolution of the governing body, the locality may apply the interest accruing on the investment and any profit realized from it to pay costs as defined by this chapter.
Code 1950, § 15-666.48; 1958, c. 640; 1960, c. 92; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-207; 1988, c. 834; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.21; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2620. Bonds made legal investments

Bonds issued under this chapter are made securities in which public officers and bodies of the Commonwealth, counties, cities and towns and municipal subdivisions of the Commonwealth, insurance companies and associations, savings banks, savings institutions, savings and loan associations, trust companies, beneficial and benevolent associations, administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries in the Commonwealth may properly and legally invest funds under their control.
Code 1950, § 15-666.49; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-208; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.22; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2621. Bonds mutilated, lost or destroyed

If any bond is mutilated, destroyed or lost, the governing body of the locality obligated to pay the bond may cause a new bond of like date, number and tenor to be executed and delivered in exchange and substitution for and upon the cancellation of the mutilated bond, or in lieu of and in substitution for the bond destroyed or lost, upon the owner paying the reasonable expense and charges in connection therewith. In the case of a bond destroyed or lost, its owner may be required to file with the person having custody of the funds from which the bond is to be paid evidence satisfactory to that person that the bond was destroyed or lost, and evidence of the ownership of the bond and may be required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to that person.
Code 1950, § 15-666.50; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-209; 1986, c. 468; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.23; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2622. Destruction of bonds and coupons after payment in full

A. Whenever the fiscal agent for any locality pays in full any bonds representing an obligation of the locality, the fiscal agent may, by agreement with the locality, destroy the bond and certify the facts of the payment and destruction to the treasurer or director of finance, as the case may be, of the locality.
B. The certification required by this section shall set forth the issue, series, number and maturity date of each bond, together with any additional facts as are necessary to specifically identify each bond paid and destroyed. However, the treasurer or director of finance may waive the requirement that the number of each interest coupon be supplied.
C. Every certification shall be in such form as is prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts and shall be acknowledged in the manner prescribed by law for the acknowledgment of deeds.
D. Whenever any certification, appearing on its face to have been executed and acknowledged as prescribed by this section, has been delivered to the treasurer or director of finance of any locality by the fiscal agent, the treasurer or director of finance shall, in the absence of actual knowledge of any misrepresentation or irregularity as to the certification, be relieved of all further liability for all the bonds represented in the certificate to have been paid and destroyed. For accounting purposes, every such certification which appears on its face to have complied with the requirements of this section shall constitute sufficient evidence of the facts set forth in it.
Code 1950, § 15-666.27:1; 1962, c. 310, § 15.1-184.1; 1966, c. 574; 1983, c. 30; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.24; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2623. Defeasance of indebtedness; rights of owners

The governing body of any locality is authorized to provide by resolution or ordinance for the defeasance of any bonds of the locality now or hereafter outstanding, to the extent that the defeasance of such bonds is not otherwise provided for in the resolution, ordinance, indenture or other document governing the issuance of such bonds. Bonds to be defeased pursuant to this section shall be deemed defeased and no longer outstanding when there has been established with a bank or trust company designated by the locality an escrow or sinking fund consisting of cash and noncallable obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America or noncallable obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the Commonwealth in an amount which together with interest to be earned on such obligations will be sufficient to pay all bonds to be defeased either at maturity or upon redemption; however, if such bonds are to be defeased either at maturity or upon redemption, notice of the redemption of such bonds shall have been duly given or irrevocable instructions to redeem such bonds shall have been given by the locality.
Any escrow fund established pursuant to this section shall be irrevocably pledged to the payment of the bonds to be defeased and shall be used solely to pay such bonds at maturity or upon earlier redemption. It is the intent that any escrow fund established pursuant to this section shall constitute a special fund for the payment of the defeased bonds and that the defeased bonds shall not be included for the purpose of determining any limitation upon the amount of indebtedness of the locality which is imposed by law.
The owners of any outstanding bonds to be defeased shall be divested of all rights and security relating to the bonds, except the right to payment due to principal, premium, if any, and interest, which shall be paid solely from the escrow fund.
1994, c. 714, § 15.1-227.24:1; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2624. Tax to pay principal and interest

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any charter provision, the governing body is authorized and required to levy and collect annually, at the same time and in the same manner as other taxes of the locality are assessed, levied and collected, a tax upon all taxable property within the locality, over and above all other taxes, authorized or limited by law and without limitation as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any general obligation bonds of the locality issued under the provisions of this chapter to the extent other funds of the locality are not lawfully available and appropriated for such purpose.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.25; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2625. Deposit of funds; security; investment of funds

Unless otherwise provided in the ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument authorizing the issuance of bonds, all money collected and required to be set aside for the payment of bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, whether from the proceeds of taxes levied for such purpose or from revenues or special assessments pledged for such purpose, shall be deposited in escrow with some solvent bank or trust company in the Commonwealth which is acceptable to the governing body and shall be secured pursuant to the Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act, Chapter 44 (§ 2.2-4400 et seq.) of Title 2.2. In lieu of retaining the money on deposit, all or part of the money may be invested in securities that are legal investments under the laws of the Commonwealth, which mature, or which are subject to redemption by the owner at the option of the owner, not later than the date upon which the money shall be required to make the payments for which it has been designated.
Code 1950, § 15-666.52; 1958, c. 640; 1960, c. 92; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-211; 1978, c. 389; 1988, c. 834; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.26; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2626. Contracts concerning interest rates, currency, cash flow or other basis

A. Any locality may enter into any contract which the governing body of the locality determines to be necessary or appropriate to place the obligation or investment of the locality, as represented by the bonds or the investment of their proceeds, in whole or in part, on the interest rate, cash flow or other basis desired by the locality, which contract may include without limitation, contracts commonly known as interest rate swap agreements, and futures or contracts providing for payments based on levels of, or changes in, interest rates. These contracts or arrangements may be entered into by the locality in connection with, or incidental to, entering into, or maintaining any (i) agreement which secures bonds or (ii) investment, or contract providing for investment, otherwise authorized by law. These contracts and arrangements may contain such payment, security, default, remedy, and other terms and conditions as determined by the governing body of the locality, after giving due consideration to the creditworthiness of the counterparty or other obligated party, including any rating by any nationally recognized rating agency, and any other criteria as may be appropriate.
B. Any money set aside and pledged to secure payments of bonds or any of the contracts entered into pursuant to this section, may be invested in accordance with Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2 and may be pledged to and used to service any of the contracts or agreements entered into pursuant to this section.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.27; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2627. Time for contesting validity of proposed bond issue; when bonds presumed valid

For a period of thirty days after the date of the filing with the circuit court having jurisdiction over the locality of a certified copy of the initial ordinance or resolution of the governing body of the locality authorizing the issuance of bonds, any person in interest has the right to contest the validity of the bonds, the taxes to be levied for the payment of the bonds, the rates, rents, fees and other charges for the services and facilities furnished by, for the use of, or in connection with, any revenue-producing undertaking, the pledge of the revenues of any revenue-producing undertaking, any provisions which may be recited in any ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument authorizing the issuance of bonds, or any matter contained in, provided for or done or to be done pursuant to the foregoing. If such contest is not begun within the thirty-day period, the authority to issue the bonds, the validity of the taxes or the pledge of revenues necessary to pay the bonds, the validity of any other provision contained in the ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture or other instrument, and all proceedings in connection with the authorization and the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to have been legally taken and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters and no such contest shall thereafter be instituted.
Upon the delivery of any bonds reciting that they are issued pursuant to this chapter and an election held or ordinance or resolution adopted under this chapter, the bonds shall be conclusively presumed to be fully authorized by all the laws of the Commonwealth and to have been sold, executed and delivered by the locality in conformity with such laws, and the validity of the bonds shall not be questioned by a party plaintiff, a party defendant, the locality, any taxpayer of the locality, or any other interested party in any court, anything in this chapter or in any other statutes to the contrary notwithstanding.
Code 1950, § 15-666.53; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-212; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.28; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2628. Notes in anticipation of bond issue

In anticipation of the issuance of bonds under the provisions of this chapter and of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of bonds, any locality may borrow money and issue its notes for any purpose for which bonds of the locality have been authorized in a principal amount not to exceed the principal amount of the authorized bonds. The notes shall mature and be paid within five years of the date of their original issuance. Any notes may be extended or refinanced from time to time, provided that no extension or refinancing matures later than five years from the date of the original issuance of the notes.
The locality may, in its discretion, retire any notes by means of current revenues, special assessments, or other funds, in lieu of retiring them by the issuance of bonds, provided that the maximum amount of bonds that has been authorized must be reduced by the amount of the notes retired in such manner.
Code 1950, § 15-666.64; 1958, c. 640; 1962, cc. 220, 623, § 15.1-223; 1966, c. 161; 1970, c. 144; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.29; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2629. Loans to meet appropriations for current year

Any locality may borrow money and issue its notes in anticipation of the collection of the taxes and revenues of the locality for the current year, but the principal amount of the notes may not exceed the anticipated revenues for such year. Such notes shall mature and be paid within one year from the date they are issued. No extension of such notes shall be valid and no additional notes shall be issued under this section until all notes issued during preceding years have been paid.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.30; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2630. Loans in anticipation of federal and state funds

Any locality may borrow money and issue its notes in advance of grants and reimbursements due the locality from the federal or state government for the purpose of meeting appropriations made for the then fiscal year. "Grants" means grants which the locality has been formally advised in writing it will receive and "reimbursements" means money which either the federal or state government is obligated to pay the locality on account of expenditures made in anticipation of receiving the payment from the federal or state government. The locality may borrow the full amount of the grant or reimbursement that the federal or state government is obligated to pay at the time the notes are issued. The notes shall be repaid by the earlier of thirty days after the grant or reimbursement is received or one year from the date of their issuance.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.31; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2631. Terms of temporary loans

The temporary loans authorized by §§ 15.2-2628, 15.2-2629, and 15.2-2630, shall be evidenced by bonds or notes issued under and governed by the provisions of this chapter insofar as they are applicable. The bonds or notes may be extended or refinanced from time to time, but shall mature within the time limits prescribed by §§ 15.2-2628, 15.2-2629, and 15.2-2630.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.32; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2632. Certain debts that may be contracted by city on transition from town

Any city may, within one year from the date of its transition from a town to a city pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 38 (§ 15.2-3800 et seq.) of this title, contract debts, borrow money, and authorize the issuance of its bonds in the principal amount of its proportionate share of all state, county, and district levies on property within the territory occupied by the city actually collected by the county treasurer pursuant to § 15.2-3828 in the year in which the transition takes place, and which does or would constitute credit against the amount of the assumption of county indebtedness by the city pursuant to § 15.2-3829.
Code 1950, § 15-666.18:1; 1962, c. 558, § 15.1-175.1; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.33; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2633. Borrowing by certain cities to pay expenses

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any city may contract debts by borrowing money and authorizing the issuance of its bonds maturing more than one year after their date to pay the expenses associated with it becoming a city, including without limitation, payments to any county for educational services pending the establishment of its school system, provided:
1. The debts shall not be created after five years from the date it became a city, and
2. The debts shall not at any time during the five-year period exceed one percent of the assessed valuation of the real estate in the city subject to taxation, as shown by the last preceding assessment for taxes.
1978, c. 524, § 15.1-175.2; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.34; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2634. Limitation on amount of outstanding bonds

Subject to §§ 15.2-2601 and 15.2-2635, no municipality may issue any bonds or other interest-bearing indebtedness which, including existing indebtedness, at any time exceeds ten percent of the assessed valuation of the real estate in the municipality subject to taxation, as shown by the last preceding assessment for taxes.
Code 1950, § 15-666.19; 1958, c. 640; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-176; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 224; 1985, c. 56; 1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.35; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 26 - Public Finance Act › § 15.2-2635. What indebtedness not included in determining limitation

In determining the limitation contained in § 15.2-2634, there shall not be included the classes of indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (4) of Article VII, Section 10 (a) of the Constitution of Virginia.
1991, c. 668, § 15.1-227.36; 1997, c. 587.