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Grayson
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tures and Relations has spent fhore than three years outlining a legislative package designed to eliminate hostile annexation. Also known as the Grayson Commission, the 14member commission, chaired by Del. George W. Grayson, D-97th District, is expected to submit proposals to the General Assembly that would revamp the "relationship between Virginia cities and counties.
As experience has shown, the current judicial annexation system is “fiendishly expensive” in time and taxpayers’ dollars, explained Grayson. The commission is seeking to simplify the process, taking it out of the courts and placing the responsibility of reviewing and certifying land adjustments into the hands of the five-member Commission on Local Government. By doing so, it also strives to remove the animosity between cities and counties.
While few oppose altering the annexation process, the commission’s legislative package includes proposals expected to spark fierce debate among legislators, for they strike at the core of Virginia’s local government structure.
Virginia is the only state in the union to use the independent city concept.
The key points of the legislative plan would make becoming a city more difficult for towns, annexing land more difficult for cities and would encourage joint ventures between counties and cities. Also, counties would essentially be given all powers now permitted to cities.
Under the current proposals, for a city to annex land and remain independent it must meet stringent guidelines. In some cases, a city may annex land, but must give up its independence and integrate into the county. Cities with a population of 125,000 or greater will remain independent, but will not be permitted to annex land.
Financial rewards would serve as the carrot for localities that entered into joint agreements. Local governments would be urged to consolidate school systems, law enforcement and other local ventures where possible. Grayson estimated a $10,000 to $25,000 bonus incentive fund derived from a proposal to return 25 percent of the lottery proceeds to lo
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