Traditional Form 

The type of county government utilized by most Virginia counties throughout this century is commonly referred to as the “traditional form” of county government. Under this form of government, an elected Board of Supervisors is responsible generally for the legislative and administrative affairs of the county. Under this form of county government, however, the voters also elect five other officers who are responsible for the conduct and administration of various aspects of the county’s affairs. Since these officers – Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff - are identified by title in Virginia’s Constitution, they are commonly referred to as “constitutional officers.” Due to the expanding activities of county government in recent decades, virtually all Virginia county Boards of Supervisors still operating under the traditional form now appoint a County Administrator to assist in the daily administration of county affairs.

County Executive Form

In an endeavor to permit the state’s more rapidly developing counties to adopt a form of government better suited for their needs, the General Assembly enacted in 1932 the Optional Forms Act which permitted counties to adopt, by referendum, one of two new forms of government. One of the options permitted by the 1932 enactment was the establishment of the County Executive Form. Under this form of government, the appointed position of County Executive is established and given an increased administrative authority. A major feature of this form of government involves the abolition of the offices of Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer, with the duties of those offices placed upon a Director of Finance who serves under the administrative management of the County Executive. Also, under this form of government the County Executive is statutorily directed to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for persons to head the major administrative departments which he/she oversees.  At the current time, only two counties (Albemarle and Prince William) are organized under the County Executive Form.

County Manager Form

The County Manager Form was the second alternative form of county government authorized by the Optional Forms Act of 1932. While this form is quite similar to the County Executive Form, the County Manager is given stronger administrative authority. In particular, the appointed County Manager has the statutory authority to appoint all of the department heads who serve in his/her administration. Also, under the County Manager Form, the offices of Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer are abolished, with their duties being transferred to a Director of Finance who is appointed by the County Manager. Only Henrico County utilizes this form of government.

County Board Form

The 1940 Session of the General Assembly authorized Virginia counties to adopt, by referendum, an organization of county government known as the County Board Form. This type of county government closely parallels the traditional form. Unlike the traditional form, however, the County Board Form requires the county’s appointment of a County Administrator.  The County Board Form also calls for one member of the Board of Supervisors to be elected at large, with the other members elected from various election districts of the county.  Four counties (Carroll, Grayson, Russell, and Scott) currently utilize the County Board Form alternative.

Urban County Executive Form

In response to the continued development and urbanization of some Virginia counties, the 1960 Session of the General Assembly authorized certain counties in the state, by referendum, to establish a type of county governmental organization known as the Urban County Executive Form. In order to adopt the appointed Urban County Executive Form, a county is required to have a population of more than 90,000.  While this form of government is similar to the County Executive Form, it is intended specifically to meet the needs of heavily populated and urbanized areas. This form of government is designed to facilitate the provisions of varying levels of urban services throughout different portions of the county.  In addition, no new municipalities may be established within the jurisdiction of any county having adopted the Urban County Executive Form. Some of the other major characteristics of this form of county government are as follows:

• Towns located within the county that operates under Urban Executive Form are permitted to abandon their charters and be administered by the county on the same basis as the unincorporated areas of the county, depending on the choice of the town residents;

• The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is elected at large by the county voters;

• The Director of Finance is appointed to perform the duties of the Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer;

• Constitutional officers, such as the Sheriff, County Clerk, and Commonwealth’s Attorney continue to be elected by the voters.

Only Fairfax County is currently organized under the Urban County Executive Form.

County Manager Plan

In 1930 the General Assembly authorized qualifying counties to adopt, by referendum, the County Manager Plan.  This type of government, which should not be confused with the County Manager Form, was made available only to a county with a population density of at least 500 persons per square mile. This governmental form is specifically intended for densely populated and small counties. Counties adopting the County Manager Plan are exempt from annexation by adjacent cities unless the annexation of the entire county is approved by referendum of the county voters. This government is similar to the County Manager Form. Only Arlington County utilizes the County Manager Plan.