reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1410. Chairman and mayor may administer oaths

Every chairman and mayor shall have power to administer an oath to any person concerning any matter submitted to the board or council or connected with their powers or duties.
Code 1950, § 15-234; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-529; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1411. Appointment of advisory boards, committees and commissions; compensation and reimbursement of expenses

The governing body of any locality may appoint such advisory boards, committees, and commissions as it deems necessary to advise the governing body with regard to any matter of concern to the locality. Members shall be appointed to serve at the pleasure of the governing body.
The governing body may provide for (i) reimbursement of the actual expenses incurred by members while serving on such advisory boards, committees, and commissions and (ii) compensation to members for their services for attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, and for training in an amount determined appropriate by the governing body from available funds.
1981, c. 254, § 15.1-33.2; 1993, c. 894; 1994, c. 165; 1997, c. 587; 2002, c. 27; 2005, cc. 740, 879.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1412. Reproductions of records and documents and legal status thereof; destruction of originals

Any locality may provide for the photographing or microphotographing, or the recording by any other process which accurately reproduces or forms a durable medium for reproducing the original of all or any part of the papers, records, documents or other material kept by or in the charge of any department, agency or institution of such locality in accordance with such standards and retention schedules as may be issued in pursuance of § 42.1-82.
A reproduction thereof if substantially the same size as the original, when satisfactorily identified, is as admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding whether the original is in existence or not, and an enlargement or facsimile of such reproduction is likewise admissible in evidence if the original reproduction is in existence and available for inspection under direction of the court. The introduction of a reproduced record, enlargement or facsimile, does not preclude admission of the original.
Whenever photographs or microphotographs have been made and put in conveniently accessible files, and provision has been made for preserving, examining and using the same, the locality may notify the Librarian of Virginia that it intends to destroy the records and papers so photographed or microphotographed, or any part thereof. If within sixty days the Librarian of Virginia has not notified the locality that such records or papers should be retained, the locality may destroy them. A locality may also, in its discretion, consult with the locality's librarian with reference to the advisability of destroying any such records, papers, documents or other material because of any historical significance or value.
Code 1950, § 15-5.1; 1952, c. 289; 1958, c. 9; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-8; 1966, c. 303; 1970, c. 225; 1979, c. 155; 1983, c. 419; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 427; 2012, c. 802.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1413. Governing bodies of localities may provide for continuity of government in case of enemy attack, etc.

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, any locality may, by ordinance, provide a method to assure continuity in its government, in the event of an enemy attack or other disaster. Such ordinance shall be limited in its effect to a period not exceeding 12 months after any such attack or disaster and shall provide for a method for the resumption of normal governmental authority by the end of the 12-month period.
1964, c. 307, § 15.1-13.1; 1997, c. 587; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 295.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414. Governing bodies may have a legal enumeration of the population

Any locality wishing to have a legal enumeration of the population of the locality, or part thereof, may make application therefor to the circuit court for the locality. When the application is made, the judge shall forthwith divide the locality, or part thereof, into such districts, with well-defined boundaries, as may appear advisable and shall appoint for each of the districts one enumerator. Before entering on their duties, such appointees shall take an oath before a notary public or other officer qualified to administer oaths under the laws of this Commonwealth, for the faithful discharge of their duties. The enumerators shall at once proceed to enumerate the actual bona fide inhabitants of their respective districts. They shall report to the judge the result of their enumeration and a list of the persons enumerated by them within a reasonable time after their appointment, and a copy of the list of persons so enumerated by them shall be furnished by the enumerators to the clerk of the court, who shall receive the list and keep it open to public inspection. Upon evidence produced before him, the judge may add to the list the name of any person improperly omitted and may strike from the list the name of any person improperly listed. If it appears advisable to the judge, he may order that the enumeration for any or all of the districts be retaken under all the provisions of this section by other enumerators, who shall be forthwith appointed by him. The judge shall cause to be tabulated and consolidated the lists and return to the governing body the results thereof, in accordance with the application of the governing body. The judge shall allow each enumerator a reasonable fee for each day actually employed by him in making the enumeration. He shall certify the allowance and costs to the governing body for payment out of the local treasury, and the allowance shall be a legal charge upon the governmental unit requesting the enumeration.
Code 1950, § 15-19; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-17; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.1. Each member to be paid annual salary

Each member of the board of supervisors of each county shall be allowed and paid out of the county levy an annual salary, to be fixed as herein provided, for his services in attending the meetings of the board and in discharging the duties imposed by law upon him.
Code 1950, § 14-55; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-45; 1998, c. 872.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.2. Salaries to be fixed by board; limits; reimbursement in addition to salary

The annual compensation to be allowed each member of the board of supervisors of a county shall be determined by the board of supervisors of such county but such compensation shall not be more than a maximum determined in the following manner. Prior to July 1 of each year, the current board, by a recorded vote of a majority present, shall set a maximum annual compensation, which will become effective as of January 1 of the year following the next regularly scheduled elections.
Until the board is able to set a maximum compensation as provided above, the maximum compensations for the several counties shall be as authorized on July 1, 1981.
Any board of supervisors may fix a higher salary for the chairman, or the vice-chairman, or both, than for the other members of the board without respect to the limits herein set forth.
A member of the board of supervisors of any county may accept in lieu of salary, reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in maintaining an office and secretarial assistance necessary for the proper performance of his duties. Such reimbursement shall be subtracted from the amount of the salary due such official and the remaining sum shall be paid to him at his option; however, such expense shall not exceed the salary. In addition to the salary, members of each governing body may receive the same fringe benefits which are given to county employees generally, and all prior grants of such benefits are validated.
A county may provide a member of its board of supervisors in addition to salary, reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in purchasing, operating, maintaining and using a telephone, including a car telephone or other portable telephone, provided the expenses are attributable directly to the proper performance of the member's official duties.
No increase in the salary of a member of the board of supervisors shall take effect during the incumbent supervisor's term in office; however, this restriction shall not apply to boards of supervisors when the supervisors are elected for staggered terms nor to corrections to the above listed compensation.
1976, c. 590, § 14.1-46.01; 1977, cc. 391, 416; 1978, cc. 319, 435, 572; 1979, c. 256; 1980, cc. 3, 450; 1981, cc. 13, 623; 1982, c. 376; 1990, c. 518; 1996, c. 371; 1998, c. 872; 2000, c. 299; 2022, c. 616.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.3. Alternative procedure for establishing salaries of boards of supervisors; limits; fringe benefits

In lieu of other provisions of law, the boards of supervisors of the several counties may establish annually, by ordinance, and pay in monthly installments each of their members an annual salary pursuant to the following procedure and schedule:
1. On a date determined by the board of supervisors, not earlier than May 1 nor later than June 30 each year, the board, after public hearing pursuant to notice in the manner and form provided in §§ 15.2-1426 and 15.2-1427, shall establish by ordinance the salary of its members for the ensuing fiscal year not to exceed the maximums herein set out.
2. Counties within the following population brackets shall be allowed to set salaries for board members not to exceed the following amounts:
Population
Annual Salary
200,000 and over
$15,000
105,000 to 199,999
13,000
80,000 to 104,999
11,000
50,000 to 79,999
9,000
25,000 to 49,999
7,000
15,000 to 24,999
5,500
14,999 and under
4,000
The maximum annual salaries herein provided may be adjusted in any year or years, by ordinance as above provided, by an inflation factor not to exceed five percent.
3. Any board of supervisors may fix, by ordinance as above provided, annually an additional sum to be paid as hereinabove provided to the chairman and vice-chairman of the board not to exceed $1,800 and $1,200, respectively, without regard to the maximum salary limits.
4. In addition to and without regard for the salary limits herein set out, any board of supervisors by resolution may grant to its members any or all of the fringe benefits in the manner and form as such benefits are provided for county employees or any of them.
1984, c. 221, § 14.1-46.01:1; 1990, cc. 63, 854; 1998, c. 872.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.5. Each councilman to be paid annual salary; effect of charter

Each member of the council of each city shall be allowed and paid out of the city levy an annual salary in equal monthly installments, or in accordance with the payroll cycle of city employees, to be fixed as herein provided, for his services in attending the meetings of the council and in discharging the duties imposed by law upon him. Any city, however, whose charter imposes no limitation on salaries, may continue to pay its councilmen and mayor pursuant to such charter.
1981, c. 358, § 14.1-47.1; 1998, c. 872; 2004, c. 570.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.6. Permitted salaries; salary increases; reimbursement for expenses

Subject to the exception provided for in § 15.2-1414.5, the annual salary of each member of the council of any city shall be set by its members by ordinance notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special. The setting of such salaries by members of council shall include the salary of the mayor or president of the council whether such official is a member of council or not.
Cities within the following population brackets shall be allowed to set salaries for mayors, which include presidents of council, and council members not to exceed the following:
Population
Annual Salary
260,000 and over
Mayor
$30,000
Council
28,000
175,000 to 259,999
Mayor
27,000
Council
25,000
75,000 to 174,999
Mayor
25,000
Council
23,000
35,000 to 74,999
Mayor
20,000
Council
18,000
20,000 to 34,999
Mayor
13,000
Council
12,000
15,000 to 19,999
Mayor
12,000
Council
11,500
14,999 and under
Mayor
11,500
Council
11,000
No increase in the salary of a member of council shall take effect until July 1 after the next regularly scheduled general election of council members.
Every proposed increase in the salary of a member of council shall be adopted at least four months prior to the date of the next municipal election except in the case of a newly created consolidated city when the proposed increase shall be adopted at least two months prior to the date of its first municipal election.
Any member of council shall be eligible to be reimbursed for any personal expenses incurred by him for official business. However, all claims for reimbursement shall be for reasonable expenses to the extent permitted by law incurred in the conduct of official city business and shall be itemized and documented by stamped paid receipts to the extent feasible.
In addition to salary, each member of the council of any city may be compensated with such benefits as are provided city employees by the city.
1981, c. 358, § 14.1-47.2; 1982, c. 125; 1985, c. 111; 1986, cc. 111, 312; 1988, c. 213; 1996, c. 263; 1997, c. 592; 1998, c. 872.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1414.7. Salaries of town council members and mayors

Notwithstanding any provision of a charter of a town or any other law, a town council may establish the compensation to be paid to council members and the mayor. No increase in salary of a council member or mayor shall take effect during the incumbent council member's or mayor's term in office; however, this restriction shall not apply to councils or mayors when the council members are elected for staggered terms. In addition to salary, each member of the council and the mayor of any town may be compensated with such benefits as are provided town employees by the town.
1975, c. 253, § 15.1-827.1; 1985, c. 63; 1997, c. 587, § 14.1-47.3; 1998, c. 872; 2001, cc. 9, 254.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1415. At what meetings governing body may act

Unless otherwise specially provided, a governing body may exercise any of the powers conferred upon it at any meeting of the governing body, regular, special or adjourned at which a quorum is present. A majority of the governing body shall constitute a quorum except as may be otherwise provided in the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.). Meetings of governing bodies shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).
Code 1950, § 15-247; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-542; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 613.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1416. Regular meetings

A. The governing body shall assemble at a public place as the governing body may prescribe, in regular session in January for counties and in July for cities and towns. Future meetings shall be held on such days as may be prescribed by resolution of the governing body but in no event shall less than six meetings be held in each fiscal year.
B. The days, times and places of regular meetings to be held during the ensuing months shall be established at the first meeting which meeting may be referred to as the annual or organizational meeting; however, if the governing body subsequently prescribes any public place other than the initial public meeting place, or any day or time other than that initially established, as a meeting day, place or time, the governing body shall pass a resolution as to such future meeting day, place or time. The governing body shall cause a copy of such resolution to be posted on the door of the courthouse or the initial public meeting place and inserted in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or municipality at least seven days prior to the first such meeting at such other day, place or time. Should the day established by the governing body as the regular meeting day fall on any legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next following regular business day, without action of any kind by the governing body.
At its annual meeting the governing body may fix the day or days to which a regular meeting shall be continued if the chairman or mayor, or vice-chairman or vice-mayor if the chairman or mayor is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members to attend the regular meeting. Such finding shall be communicated to the members and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required.
C. Regular meetings may be adjourned from day to day or from time to time or from place to place, not beyond the time fixed for the next regular meeting, until the business before the governing body is completed. Notice of any regular meeting continued under this section shall be reasonable under the circumstances and be given as provided in subsection E of § 2.2-3707.
D. The governing body shall provide members of the general public with the opportunity for public comment during a regular meeting at least quarterly.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any city or town that holds an organizational meeting in compliance with its charter or code shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.
Code 1950, § 15-241; 1950, p. 8; 1954, c. 286; 1958, c. 291; 1960, c. 33; 1962, cc. 218, 623, § 15.1-536; 1964, c. 403; 1980, c. 420; 1994, cc. 371, 591; 1997, c. 587; 2004, c. 549; 2017, c. 616; 2020, c. 1144; 2023, c. 536.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1416.1. Actions prior to convening of meeting

During the time prior to the governing body's actual call to order or convening of business, any expressions by members of the governing body or members of the public shall be held consistent with the individual's First Amendment right of freedom of speech.
2005, c. 592.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1417. Special meetings

The governing body may also hold such special meetings, as it deems necessary, at such times and places as it finds convenient. It may adjourn such special meetings from time to time as it finds convenient and necessary.
Code 1950, § 15-242; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-537; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1418. Same; how called

A special meeting of the governing body shall be held when called by the chairman or mayor or requested by two or more of the members of the board of supervisors or council. The call or request shall be made to the clerk, and shall specify the matters to be considered at the meeting. Upon receipt of such call or request, the clerk of the governing body, after consultation with the chairman or mayor, shall immediately notify each member of the governing body and the attorney for the Commonwealth or the county or municipal attorney, as appropriate in writing delivered in person or to his place of residence or business or, if so requested by the member of the governing body, by electronic mail or facsimile to attend such meeting at the time and place stated in the notice. Such notice shall specify the matters to be considered at the meeting. No matter not specified in the notice shall be considered at such meeting, unless all members are present. The notice may be waived if all members of the governing body attend the special meeting or sign a waiver.
Code 1950, § 15-243; 1954, c. 181; 1960, c. 412; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-538; 1964, c. 249; 1966, c. 33; 1975, c. 575; 1979, c. 210; 1983, c. 403; 1994, c. 87; 1997, c. 587; 2011, c. 180.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1419. Meeting times of certain authorities, boards and commissions

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, the governing body of any locality may establish the regular meeting times (day and hour) of its authorities, boards and commissions so as to prevent conflict with other meetings.
1995, cc. 198, 240, § 15.1-37.3:14; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1420. How questions determined; tie breaker

All questions submitted to the governing body for decision shall be determined by a majority of the members voting on any such question unless another method of determination is required by the Constitution of Virginia or general law.
In counties which have designated a tie breaker pursuant to § 15.2-1421, in any case in which there is a tie vote of the board upon any question when all the members are not present, the question shall be passed by till the next meeting when it shall again be voted upon even though all members are not present; in any case in which there is a tie vote on any question after complying with the herein above procedure, the clerk shall record the vote and immediately notify the tie breaker elected by the voters as provided in § 15.2-1421, to give the casting vote in case of a tie, if that is practicable, and request his presence at the present meeting of the board; but if that is not practicable then the board may adjourn to a day fixed in the minutes of the board, or in case of a failure to agree on a day, to a day fixed by the clerk and entered by him on the minutes. At the present meeting or on the day named in the minutes the tie breaker shall attend. He shall be entitled to be fully advised as to the matter upon which he is to vote, and if not prepared to cast his vote at the time he may require the clerk to enter an order adjourning the meeting to some future day to be named in the minutes not to exceed thirty days and from time to time he shall have continuances entered until he is ready to vote, not to exceed thirty days. When he casts his vote the clerk shall record his vote and the tie shall be broken, and the question shall be decided as he casts his vote. If a meeting for any reason is not held on the day named in the minutes, the clerk shall enter on the minute book a day within ten days as a substitute day and duly notify all the members, and this shall continue until a meeting is held. After a tie has occurred, the tie breaker shall be considered a member of the board for the purpose of counting a quorum for the sole purpose of breaking the tie. Final votes on any ordinance or resolution shall be in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article VII, Sections 7 and 9 of the Constitution of Virginia.
Code 1950, § 15-245; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-540; 1972, cc. 734, 790; 1974, c. 550; 1980, c. 172; 1994, c. 550; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 833.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1421. Tie breakers

The governing body of each county may designate a tie breaker, whose duty it shall be to cast the deciding vote in case of tie, as set forth in § 15.2-1420. The designation of the tie breaker shall be by election by the voters of the county from the county at large. Every tie breaker shall serve for a period of four years from the date of his election and every tie breaker so elected shall serve the same term as a member of the governing body. No person shall be elected or serve as tie breaker who is not a resident of the county; who is not qualified to hold office as supervisor or who is an employee or officer of the county. Tie breakers heretofore appointed or elected shall continue in office until the expiration of the respective terms. Vacancies in the position of tie breaker shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies in the governing body.
Code 1950, § 15-240; 1952, c. 159; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 10; 1954, c. 91; 1962, cc. 595, 623, § 15.1-535; 1966, c. 280; 1972, c. 593; 1974, c. 550; 1981, c. 261; 1994, c. 550; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 833.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1422. Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor

Unless the presiding officer is elected by popular vote, every governing body, at its first meeting after taking office, shall elect one of its number as presiding officer. Such officer shall be called "chairman," "chairwoman," "chair," "chairperson," or "chair-at-large," in the presiding officer's discretion, if a member of a board of supervisors and "mayor" if a member of a city or town council. Such member, if present, shall preside at the first meeting and all other meetings during the term for which so elected. The governing body also shall elect a vice-chairman or vice-mayor, as the case may be, who shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman or mayor and may discharge any duty of the chairman or mayor during his absence or disability. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may be so elected to serve for terms corresponding with their terms as supervisors or councilmen or may be elected for such other period as determined by the governing body. Whenever any board or council at the time of such election, fails to designate the specific term of office for which a chairman or vice-chairman or a mayor or vice-mayor is elected, it shall be presumed that such officers were elected for a term of one year and shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualify. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may succeed themselves in office. In the case of the absence from any meeting of the chairman and vice-chairman or mayor and vice-mayor, the members present shall choose one of their number as temporary presiding officer.
1997, c. 587; 2020, c. 133.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1423. Powers of chairman or mayor

In addition to being presiding officer, the chairman or mayor, as the case may be, shall be the head of the local government for all official functions and ceremonial purposes. He shall have a vote but no veto.
In the event that there is no chief administrative officer, it shall be the duty of the chairman or mayor, as the case may be, to see that the functions set forth in § 15.2-1541 are carried out if the governing body has not acted otherwise.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1424. Vacancies in office

Vacancies in the office of board of supervisors or of council or an elected chairman or mayor, for whatever reason, shall be filled as provided for in Title 24.2. A member of the board or council may be elected or appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of chairman or mayor.
The person appointed or elected to fill the vacancy shall possess the same legal qualifications for the office as did the person whose position he is filling.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of chairman or mayor, the duties of the office of chairman or mayor shall be performed by the vice-chairman or vice-mayor until a chairman or mayor is appointed or elected and qualifies.
Vacancies in the office of vice-chairman or vice-mayor shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the appropriate governing body from its membership.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1426. Form of ordinances

The object of every ordinance, except an ordinance approving a budget, an annual appropriation ordinance or an ordinance which codifies ordinances, shall be clearly expressed in its title. All ordinances which repeal or amend existing ordinances shall identify by title the section to be repealed or amended.
Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-10; 1950, p. 113; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 190, 279; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-504; 1966, cc. 405, 612; 1968, c. 625; 1970, c. 581; 1972, cc. 41, 837; 1973, c. 380; 1978, c. 235; 1983, c. 11; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1428. Procedures for certain acts

No ordinance or resolution appropriating money exceeding the sum of $500, imposing taxes, or authorizing the borrowing of money shall be passed except by a recorded affirmative vote of a majority of all members elected to the governing body. In case of the veto of such an ordinance or resolution, where the power of veto exists, it shall require for passage thereafter a recorded affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected to the governing body.
Code 1950, § 15-412; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-819; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 35; 1991, c. 668; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1429. Penalties for violation of ordinances

Any locality may prescribe fines and other punishments for violations of ordinances, which shall be enforced by proceedings as if such violations were misdemeanors. However, no fine or term of confinement for the violation of ordinances shall exceed the penalties provided by general law for the violation of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and such penalties shall not exceed those penalties prescribed by general law for like offenses.
Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-77.64; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 279, 328; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-505, 15.1-901; 1974, c. 598; 1976, c. 582; 1978, c. 150; 1991, cc. 25, 609, 710; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1430. Bonds of persons convicted

Upon conviction for the violation of any ordinance, the court trying the case may require bond of the person so convicted with proper security in the penalty of not more than $5,000, conditioned not to violate the ordinance for the breach of which he has been convicted for the period of not more than one year.
Code 1950, § 15-77.65; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-902; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1431. Appeals; nonpayment of fine

An appeal from any fine or imprisonment shall be as in misdemeanor cases. Whenever any fine is imposed but not paid, the court trying the case shall proceed in accordance with Article 4 (§ 19.2-354 et seq.) of Chapter 21 of Title 19.2.
Code 1950, § 15-77.66; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-903; 1973, c. 342; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities › § 15.2-1432. Injunctive relief against continuing violation of ordinance

A court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to the penalty imposed for the violation of any ordinance, may enjoin the continuing violation thereof by proceedings for an injunction brought in any court for the county or municipal corporation having jurisdiction to grant injunctive relief.
Code 1950, § 15-77.68; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-905; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1500. Organization of local government

A. Every locality shall provide for all the governmental functions of the locality, including, without limitation, the organization of all departments, offices, boards, commissions and agencies of government, and the organizational structure thereof, which are necessary and the employment of the officers and other employees needed to carry out the functions of government.
B. Except as provided in § 15.2-2160 or Article 5.1 (§ 56-484.7:1 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 56, no locality shall establish any department, office, board, commission, agency or other governmental division or entity which has authority to offer telecommunications equipment, infrastructure, other than pole or tower attachments including antennas or conduit occupancy, or services, other than intragovernmental radio dispatch or paging systems shared by adjoining localities, for sale or lease to any person or entity other than (i) such locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities or (ii) an adjoining locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities, so long as any charges for such telecommunications equipment, infrastructure and services do not exceed the cost to the providing locality of providing such equipment, infrastructure or services. However, any town which is located adjacent to Exit 17 on Interstate 81 and which offered telecommunications services to the public on January 1, 1998, is hereby authorized to continue to offer such telecommunications services, but shall not acquire by eminent domain the facilities or other property of any telephone company or cable operator. Any locality may sell any telecommunications infrastructure, including related equipment, which such locality has constructed, and such locality may receive from the purchaser or purchasers, as full or partial consideration for the sale of such infrastructure, communications services to be used solely for internal use of the locality. The locality shall not be involved in any way in the promotion or marketing of services provided by any purchaser.
C. A locality, electric commission or board, industrial development authority, or economic development authority, may lease dark fiber. For purposes of this section, "dark fiber" means fiber optic cable that is not lighted by lasers or other electronic equipment. The locality, electric commission or board, industrial development authority, or economic development authority, shall not be involved in the promotion or marketing of the lessee as the provider of the services.
1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 906; 1999, c. 916; 2002, cc. 479, 489.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1500.1. Employment discrimination prohibited; sexual orientation or gender identity

A. As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Age" means being an individual who is at least 40 years of age.
"Military status" means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C. § 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the individual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged action that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this section instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.
"Religion" includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols.
B. No department, office, board, commission, agency, or instrumentality of local government shall discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status.
C. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit (i) discrimination in employment on the basis of sex or age in those instances when sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification for employment or (ii) providing preference in employment to veterans.
2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478; 2022, c. 799.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1501. Designation of officers to perform certain duties

Whenever it is not designated by general law or special act which officer or employee of the locality shall exercise any power or perform any duty conferred upon or required of the locality, then any such power shall be exercised or duty performed by the officer or employee of the locality so designated by the governing body. The governing body also may authorize the chief administrative officer to designate officers and employees to perform administrative duties and to exercise administrative powers.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1502. Employment of certain deputies and assistants; delegation of powers and duties

A. Local government officers may employ, when duly authorized by the governing body, deputies and assistants to aid them in carrying out their powers and duties. The provisions of this section and § 15.2-1503 shall not be applicable to the constitutional offices of treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, sheriff, attorney for the Commonwealth and clerk of the circuit court.
B. "Deputy" means a person who is appointed to act as a substitute for his principal, in the name of the principal and in his behalf, in matters in which the principal himself may act; such person shall be a public officer. Members of governing bodies may not have or appoint deputies for themselves.
C. "Assistant" means a person who is not a public officer or deputy but who aids or helps a public officer.
D. Subject to the limitations and requirements of the preceding subsections, an officer of a locality may delegate, to a person reporting to him, his powers and duties unless it is some power or duty the exercise of which by another person is expressly forbidden by law or requires the exercise of judgment for the public welfare. However, such delegation shall not act to relieve the officer making such delegation of his legal obligations for the exercise of powers and performance of duties of his office.
Persons employed by virtue of this subsection shall be designated either deputy or assistant and shall take such oath and post such bond as may be required by ordinance.
1978, c. 264, §§ 15.1-19.4, 15.1-19.5; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1503. Tenure of officers and employees; suspension or removal

A. All appointments of officers and hiring of other employees by a locality shall be without definite term, unless for temporary services not to exceed one year or except as otherwise provided by general law or special act.
B. Any officer or employee of a locality employed pursuant to subsection A of this section may be suspended or removed from office or employment in accordance with the provisions of §§ 24.2-230 through 24.2-238, if such sections are applicable. Otherwise, any such employee may be suspended or removed in accordance with procedure established by special act or by the governing body, if any.
C. In case of the absence or disability of any officer or employee, the governing body or other appointing power may designate some responsible person to temporarily perform the duties of the office.
1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1503.1. Background checks required for certain employees and licensees

Any locality having a local ordinance adopted in accordance with § 19.2-389 (i) shall require any applicant who is offered or accepts employment with the locality, (ii) shall require any prospective licensee for any categories of license designated by ordinance, or (iii) may require any individual who is offered or accepts employment with a contractor or public service corporation that provides public transit services to the locality to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's or licensee'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 or licensee. The locality may require such applicant or licensee to pay the cost of the fingerprinting or a criminal records check or both.
The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's or licensee's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the county, city or town manager, or chief law-enforcement officer or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. If an applicant is denied employment or a licensee is denied a license because of the information appearing in his criminal history record, the locality shall notify the applicant or licensee 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. 742; 2004, c. 160; 2010, cc. 189, 563.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1504. Use of tobacco products by government employees

No employee of or applicant for employment with a locality or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall be required, as a condition of employment, to smoke or use tobacco products on the job, or to abstain from smoking or using tobacco products outside the course of his employment, provided that this section shall not apply to those classes of employees to which § 27-40.1 or § 51.1-813 are applicable.
1989, c. 511, § 15.1-29.18; 1997, c. 587.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1505. Employment based on residency prohibited for certain employees

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of general or special law, no locality, or any agency thereof, including school boards, or any local housing or redevelopment authority created pursuant to § 36-4, that receives any funds from the Commonwealth, shall condition employment or any feature of employment, including promotion, on the basis of residency in a particular locality.
This section shall not apply to (i) appointees of elected groups or individuals, (ii) officials and employees who by charter or other law serve at the will or pleasure of an appointing authority, (iii) deputies and executive assistants to the chief administrative officer of a locality, or (iv) agency heads, department heads or their equivalents or chief executive officers of government operations.
1993, c. 789, § 15.1-29.23; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 375; 2000, c. 276; 2002, c. 37.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1505.1. Applicant preemployment information

A locality may by ordinance, and in accordance with § 19.2-389, require applicants upon offer of employment with the locality 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 chief administrative officer of the locality 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 locality 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. 739.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns › Chapter 15 - Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers › § 15.2-1505.2. Personnel policies related to the use of public property

Every locality, with the exception of towns having a population of less than 3,500 that do not have a personnel policy, shall establish personnel policies covering the use of public property by officers and employees of the locality. Such policies shall address the use of telephones, computers, and related devices and peripheral equipment that are the property of the locality for (i) personal use, to the extent that such use interferes with the employees' productivity or work performance, or (ii) political activities. As used in this section, "political activities" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 15.2-1512.2.
2014, c. 405.