University of Virginia Library

New Charter Granted

On March 12th, 1904, an act was passed by the
General Assembly providing a new charter for the
town of Vinton, which repealed all other acts inconsistent
with same.

The administration and government was vested in a
mayor and council, the latter composed of six members,
a treasurer and town sergeant. All persons in office were
to continue in office until the first day of September,
succeeding the first election held. The election for
mayor and councilmen was to be held the second
Tuesday in June and every second year thereafter, and
all officers so elected must enter upon the duties of their
respective offices, the first day of September succeeding
their election. The council elects the treasurer and
sergeant and they serve two years.

The new charter provided that a head tax not exceeding
fifty cents could be levied on all male inhabitants
of the town over twenty-one years of age,
and a property levy not exceeding twenty-five cents on
the $100 of valuation could be assessed by the town
council for municipal purposes.

Under the new charter these provisions remained in
force until 1911, when by a freehold vote the tax levy
was increased to fifty cents on the $100 of valuation.

This increase carried by one majority and was so
ordered by the court. The doubling of the assessment
was demanded in order to raise sufficient revenue for
the maintenance of the lighting system recently installed
and for street improvements.

And such is the town of Vinton at the beginning of
1912.