HD10 - Study of Local Government

  • Published: 1978
  • Author: Virginia Advisory Legislative Council
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 135 (Regular Session, 1974)

Executive Summary:

The Virginia Advisory Legislative Council (VALC) study on local government pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 135(1974) started three and a half years ago. The study committee has met approximately fifty times during this period to discuss the charge of the resolution, to hear comments of interested persons and to compose its recommendations.

All meetings of the study committee have been open to the public and members of the audience have taken part freely in its discussions. Such audience participation has played a significant role in forming the committee's recommendations.

Three interim reports have been published. The last report (House Document No. 17, 1977) contained all of the study recommendations. Following its distribution three public meetings. in Abingdon, Alexandria, and Richmond, were held to discuss the report. The committee has amended such document to comply with many of the suggestions it received. The final committee recommendations are found in House Document No. 17, as amended. included herewith. Preceding the amended document is a summary of its more important points.

Briefly. the study committee recommends:

1. Powers of counties, cities and towns be the same to the extent permitted by law; recognizing, however. that towns are part of the counties in which they are situated.

2. Present optional forms of county government be repealed and be replaced by two simplified optional forms available to counties, cities and towns that relate to management of local government personnel.

3. Membership of local school boards be basically parallel with that of the governing body.