Please explain, Roanoke, Roanoke City and (Richmond, Salem: appointed, public school, tax)

[vtnm]

Roanoke County. All Roanoke? What is the difference? Thanks!

[540_804]

I'm not sure if I 100% understand your question but:



The inner ring to the right is Roanoke City (the ring on the left is Salem).
The outer ring is Roanoke County.

In short, yes they are different...one is a city one is a county.

Not sure where you're from but Virginia is a bit odd in that cities and counties are independent of each other, two entirely separate municipalities. In most states the hierarchy of government goes from State to County to Local (city-level); counties are made up of incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. However, in VA cities are considered county-equivalent, so if you were to say Roanoke City was within Roanoke County you would only be speaking geographically, not politically.

The system can be a bit confusing for out of state visitors. They may be shocked to find that Richmond City is not a jurisdiction within Richmond County; in fact, the two are actually 53 miles apart. It can be even more confusing in areas like Roanoke where the city is actually geographically within the county, though the two are separate municipalities.

All that being said, Roanoke City and County are close enough (in every aspect) that to add "County" and "City" to the name is unnecessary. I would say the only significance that the distinction of city or county has to most people is the tax burden and school system. The separation has no real impact on life in the area, though im sure it can complicate relocation research (if thats what you are doing)

[roanoker 4]

Virginias' medieval government set up of cities/counties baffles economic development "experts" and most local residents. In the late 1960's the residents of the valley voted against consolidating all of these stupid jurisdictions, duplication of public services such as police, fire. I think the main sticking point at that time(and today I'm sure)was with the public school system. The measure would've passed if the town of Vinton didn't vote against it. I am amazed that the supreme court has not ruled against Virginias' government set up. I believe Roanoke City can give up its city charter and become a part of Roanoke County, then maybe the city and county governments will cease to be dysfunctional. LOL!

[seanpecor]

No lie! Roanoke should consolidate. Economies of scale, dontcha know.

Sean

[roanoker 4]

I think we will see North & South Korea reunite before Roanoke County and Roanoke City consolidate! LOL!

[vtnm]

Yes, that is exactly what I wanted to know.

[dapad]

Are you saying Roanoke City is not the county seat of Roanoke County?

[540_804]

Originally Posted by dapad

Are you saying Roanoke City is not the county seat of Roanoke County?

Correct. Salem was historically the county seat of Roanoke County which is why the county courthouse is still there. That was before Salem became an independent city so I'm not sure if Salem is technically the county seat anymore.

[ArizonaGirl]

I heard that Salem was also one of the reasons why the consolidation vote did not pass. And for good reason.. The City of Salem is by far, one of THE BEST run municipalities I've ever encountered.... and I rent. Moved here 2 years ago from Arizona and Salem has a stadium, a civic center, a great library, good schools, and a population of 26,000. The weird part is the mayor is not elected, but appointed by the City Council. And those who run for the Council, don't run on a party platform. They are all Independent.

[OuttaFlorida]

All 3 have their own public service agencies (police and fire-ems).