Types of Localities in Virginia

Question 1

Powers are conferred upon counties, cities, and towns and a range of special purpose municipal-level entities by..

Answer 1

The Virginia constitution and statutes

Question 2

The term “locality” means…

Answer 2

cities, towns, and counties.

Question 3

The term “municipal corporation” includes…

Answer 3

cities and towns, but not counties.

Question 4

The general statutes prescribing powers of localities are amended from time to time by…

Answer 4

the General Assembly

Question 5

The General Assembly has the power to ______ and _______ charters of municipal corporations.

Answer 5

modify and dissolve

Question 6

_________ are unincorporated governmental districts of the Commonwealth created for the convenience of the sovereign.

Answer 6

Counties

Question 7

counties are viewed as units of…

Answer 7

the state government. The entire state is divided into counties.

Question 8

Counties provide a broad range of _______ to residents

Answer 8

services, such as schools, police and fire protection, and water supply.

Question 9

County services are commonly funded by…

Answer 9

property taxes.

Question 10

___________________________ are corporations created to serve the interests and needs of particular populated areas, which are given governmental and business powers and privileges within defined boundaries by charters and state statutes.

Answer 10

Cities, towns, and other municipal corporations

Question 11

________ are communities within a defined boundary, with a population of 5,000 or more, incorporated by a petition approved by the legislature.

Answer 11

Cities

Question 12

Cities are completely independent of…

Answer 12

counties. e.g. a county in which the city is located may not tax property in the city.

Question 13

Cities provide a full range of services to their residents, and the county where the city is located will not provide common services absent…

Answer 13

negotiated agreements.

Question 14

________ are more limited incorporated communities within a defined boundary having a population of 1,000 or more.

Answer 14

Towns

Question 15

Towns (are/are not) independent from the county in which they are located.

Answer 15

are not; town residents are subject to county taxes.

Question 16

Counties provide services such as the town’s schools, but towns may exercise…

Answer 16

zoning or other powers within their boundaries.

Question 17

Towns that grow may apply to be _______ with the legislature.

Answer 17

Cities; they will be independent if petition granted.

Question 18

Cities that wish to give up some responsibilities may apply for permission to…

Answer 18

revert to town status.

Question 19

______ _____________ and other quasi-municipal corporations are created for defined purposes, such as publicly controlled sanitary districts, sewer, water, sanitation, recreational authorities, airport authorities, and toll road authorities.

Answer 19

Service authorities

Question 20

Many service authorities and other quasi-municipal corporations are joint projects of two or more __________, and each entity must be created by ______________.

Answer 20

localities; the General Assembly