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December 14, 1976
<br />
<br />The position of the Delinquent Tax Collector is inter~ae~d with that of the
<br />Finance Department. Since this department is such an integral part of the
<br />collection of delinquent taxes on real and personal property taxes, as well
<br />as liens on properties for grass cutting, demolitions, etc., it is my opinion
<br />and recommendation that this position should be part of the administrative
<br />staff.
<br />
<br /> This report is submitted in accordance with your request made at the previous Council
<br />meeting."
<br />
<br /> On motion of Mr. Early and seconded by Mr. Elliott, to concur in the recommendations of
<br />the City Manager, the following resolution was adopted, and by the following vote:
<br />
<br />"A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA TO AMEND THE CHARTER
<br />~ OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA.
<br />
<br /> WHBRBAS, Section 15.1-.835 and 15.1-912 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, pro-
<br />vide for the amendment of the City Charter upon the holding of a Public Hearing and the
<br />request of the City Council to the General Assembly; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the City Council is of the opinion that a certain amendment to the Charter
<br />of the City of Portsmouth is necessary and desirable at this time and has held such Public
<br />Hearing required by law to consider such amendment.
<br />
<br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia,
<br />that the City Attorney is hereby directed to prepare and transmit to the General Assembly,
<br />together with certified copies of this resolution, a draft of a bill amending the Charter
<br />of the City of Portsmouth, 1970, as follows:
<br />
<br />1. By amending Article II by adding thereto, Section 2.15 to read as follows:
<br />
<br />Section 2.15. Additional Powers.
<br />
<br /> in addition to the powers granted by other sections of this Charter, the City shall
<br />have the power to adopt ordinances not in conflict with the Constitution, this Charter or
<br />prohibited by general laws of the Commonwealth for the purpose of exercising police powers
<br />and for the preservation of the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort, convenience,
<br />morals and welfare of its inhabitants.
<br />
<br />2. By amending Article VI, Section 6.08 to read as follows:
<br />
<br />Section 6.08. Collector of Delinquent Taxes.
<br />
<br /> The City Manager shall appoint a collector for the purpose of collecting delinquent
<br />taxes due to said City and may prescribe his duties. He shall serve at the pleasure of
<br />the manager and shall be subject to the supervision of the City Manager.
<br />
<br />3. This resolution shall be effective from the date of its adoption."
<br />
<br /> 76-334
<br />to biennial
<br />
<br />Ayes: Barnes, Early, Elliott, Holley, Oast, Wentz
<br />!N~ys: None
<br />
<br /> The following report received from the Municipal Finance Commission pertaining
<br />budget was presented:
<br />
<br /> "At its meeting of August 10, 1976, the City Council referred to the Municipal Finanee
<br />Commission a proposal for the City to adopt a biennial budget process. Pursuant to the Council
<br />request, the Commission has explored this matter to considerable length, and has reviewed the
<br />City's budget process both generally and with reference to this specific proposal. It is the
<br />considered judgment of the Municipal Finance Commission that the City's fiscal administration
<br />will best be served by continuation of the present annual budget cycle; and accordingly, the
<br />Commission, at its meeting held December 7, 1976, voted unanimously to recommend to the Ports-
<br />mouth City Council that the City continue to prepare its budget on an annual basis.
<br />
<br /> Many factors were considered in the Commission's deliberations, and a listing of some of
<br />the advantages and disadvantages which were identified is attached hereto for your information
<br />Although the biennial budget is considered to be a plausible alternative to the present annual
<br />budget process and even though the City's management exhibits the degree of flexibility as
<br />would be necessary to adjust to a biennial budget cycle, nonetheless, the Commission feels tha
<br />
<br />the disadvantages of budgeting biennially outweigh the advantages.
<br />
<br /> Paramount among the Commission's considerations was the opinion that the present budget
<br />process is an effectively functioning one -- one which has been instrumental in the City's
<br />achieving a deficit-free financial position for the first time in many years. Although a sub
<br />stantial amount of time and effort are required in the annual budget process, the Commission
<br />feels that the time and effort are constructively spent in planning and coordinating activitie
<br />and should not be eliminated.
<br />
<br /> Further taking into account the current economic conditions existing in the City of
<br />Portsmouth, the Commission strongly recommends retention of the annual biudget process."
<br />
<br /> Motion of Mr. Oast and seconded by Mr. Barnes, the report to be received as information,
<br />was adopted by unanimous vote.
<br />
<br />
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