Types of Localities in VA Flashcards
“locality”
Means cities, towns, and counties
“municipal corporation”
Includes cities and towns, but does NOT include counties
Counties
- Unincorporated governmental districts of the Commonwealth created for the convenience of the sovereign.
- Considered units of the state govt
What types of services do counties provide?
Broad range - from schools to police and fire protection, water supply, and the like. Commonly funded by property taxes.
Purpose of cities, towns, and other municipal corporations
Corporations created to serve the interests and needs of particular populated areas
What powers do cities, towns, and other municipal corporations have? How are they defined?
- Given governmental and business powers and privileges
- Defined boundaries by charter provisions and Code sections governing local govt administration
Cities
- Communities within a defined boundary
- population of 5,000 or more
- incorporated by a charter, approved by legislature
- completely independent of counties
Do cities provide a full or narrow range of services to their residents?
A full range of services.
The county where the city is located will NOT provide common services absent negotiated agreements.
Towns
- More limited incorporated community within a defined boundary
- population of 1,000 or more
- towns are NOT independent from the county in which they are located
- residents are subject to county taxes and ordinances
Can a town ever become a city?
Yes. Towns that grow may apply to the legislature to become cities with independence and taxing powers.
Can a city ever become a town?
Maybe. Cities that wish to give up some responsibilities may apply for permission to REVERT to town status.
What are service authorities and other quasi-municipal corporations created for?
Defined purposes, such as publicly controlled sanitary districts; sewer, water, sanitation, and recreational authorities; airport authorities, and toll road authorities.
