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1994 SESSION

LD6534613
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 116
Offered January 25, 1994
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study consolidation of Richmond area localities.
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Patrons--Benedetti, Calhoun, Holland, E.M. and Russell; Delegate: Watkins
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield and Henrico have many common features, interests and problems; and

WHEREAS, most of the traditional distinctions between the City and the counties are now no longer valid as the counties have become largely urbanized; and

WHEREAS, the current political boundaries serve primarily as artificial barriers between the localities and hinder cooperation on regional problems to the detriment of the region as a whole; and

WHEREAS, there is much unnecessary and inefficient duplication of services among the localities; and

WHEREAS, consolidation of Richmond area localities will save millions of dollars, thereby permitting a reduction in taxes and providing surplus funds for attacking the region's most critical problems; and

WHEREAS, such a consolidation of localities need not result in a loss of identity for purposes such as voting districts; and

WHEREAS, although state law currently provides many opportunities for regional cooperation, it appears that Richmond area governing bodies have generally been unable to rise above their parochial interests for the purpose of promoting cooperative efforts for the benefit of the region as a whole; and

WHEREAS, the entire Commonwealth has a strong interest in preventing the certain decline of its historic capital area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study consolidation of Richmond area localities. In particular, the joint subcommittee shall study whether such a consolidation is feasible between the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico, and if so, ways in which the localities can retain their individual identities after the consolidation.

The joint subcommittee shall be composed of eleven members as follows: two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, four members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House, and five citizen members to be appointed by the Governor.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $7,000.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1995 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.