A. Every City Council meeting includes an
audience for visitors. This provides any
citizens with a concern, that may not
already be on the agenda for discussion,
with an opportunity to address City
Council. Citizens are also welcome to
address their concerns directly with the
City Administration.
Q.
What is the difference between the Mayor and
the City Manager?
A.
In a Council/Manager form of government; the
Mayor is the chief elected official for the
City. Policy is determined by the Mayor and
City Council. That policy is administered by
a professional city manager. The City
Manager is the Chief Executive Officer and
the day to day management of the City rests
with him. Typically in small municipalities,
the Mayor and members of City Council
receive little or no compensation for their
service to the City while the manager is a
full time paid employee.
Q.
How are my tax dollars spent?
A.
Each year the City prepares an annual budget
which determines exactly how all the
revenues coming into the City, including tax
dollars, are expended. The budget is
typically prepared in the spring of each
year and includes several opportunities for
citizens to voice their comments and
opinions on the budget. City Council is
charged with budget approval, which takes
place each year at a public meeting.
Q.
What is the difference between a City and a
Town?
A.
In Virginia, cities are separate and
distinct governmental units and are not part
of their surrounding County. Cities
typically provide for their own school
systems, constitutional offices, court
system, and health and social service
programs apart from the adjoining county.
Towns on the other hand are physically part
of the County in which they are located.
Town residents vote for county offices and
pay not only town taxes but county taxes as
well. Towns typically do not provide for
separate school divisions, constitutional
offices, court systems, or health and human
services.
Q.
How are “volunteers” used in the City?
A.
There are numerous opportunities for
individual citizens to volunteer their time
to the City. Most of the appointed city
boards and commissions are made up of
citizens who volunteer their time to serve
the community. In addition, there are other
opportunities to serve the City such as a
becoming a volunteer fireman or police
auxiliary officer. The City is always
looking for willing individuals who desire
to give back to the community.
Q.
How do I register a complaint and will it be
taken seriously?
A.
The City takes every complaint very
seriously and is committed to responding to
each and every individual citizen. Depending
on the type of complaint you have will
determine how the complaint will be handled
and by whom. If you are unsure on who within
the City to contact, you can always call the
City offices and someone will properly
direct your call. Remember the City cannot
respond to your concerns if we do not know
about them.
