Minutes 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

December 13. 2011 . Unlike routine legislative requests, state law requires that a public hearing be conducted prior to any request to amend a charter. Council may consider adopting the resolution after the public hearing. Discussion: . Extensive research has revealed that there is no provision in the State Code of Virginia requiring local governments to adopt a balanced budget. Portsmouth desires that this should be a legal and not just a moral requirement. . It is the desire of the Portsmouth City Council to create the position of an independent City Auditor. This position shall be appointed by Council, will report solely to Council and serve at the pleasure of Council. . The City of Portsmouth wishes to seek approval from the 2012 Virginia General Assembly to make these changes in the City's current Charter. Financial Impact: . There is no financial impact in adopting the resolution. If approved by the General Assembly, there are staffing and operating costs associated with the creation of the Independent Auditor. Recommended Action: . Adoption of the resolution. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, A Robust and Prospering Economy, World Class Maritime Center, Lifelong Learning Community, Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, and Pride of Past, Promise of Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . If adopted, the Senior Legislative & Management Analyst will forward the resolution to its State Delegation for consideration by the General Assembly at its 2012 Session. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Edmonds, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION PROPOSING THAT CHARTER AMENDMENTS REQUIRING A BALANCED CITY BUDGET AND THE CREATION OF AN AUDITOR POSITION TO BE APPOINTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL BE ADOPTED BY THE 2012 VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: 1. That, as required by Section 15.2-202 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing concerning proposed amendments to the City Charter was held on December 13, 2011 in lieu of an election; and 2. That the General Assembly of Virginia is hereby requested to amend the Charter of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, by adding thereto the following provisions: Chapter 3. City Council Sec. 3.16. Balanced budget required. No later than June 30 of each year, the City Council shall adopt a budget in which projected revenues shall be equal to proposed expenditures for the fiscal year that begins on July 10f the year of adoption. Chapter 7.01. City Auditor Sec. 7.1.01. City Auditor. The City Council may appoint a city auditor who shall serve at the pleasure of the city council. The city auditor shall be chosen on the basis of his or her professional qualifications.