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City:  City Code and Charter

City:  City Charter [PDF]

City:  Land Use Log Book [links to City website]

City:  Easing the Tax Bite

City:  City Reduces Price of Natural Gas

City:  James River Advisory Council presents Guardian of the River award to Kathy

City:  Friends of James River Park Honor Donation of River Property to City

      

4th District:  Community Report-Section 312-1208

4th District: Meetings and Newsletters

4th District: South of the James Market

4th District: Forest Hill Lake Restoration Project

  

Easing the Tax Bite

 Real Estate taxes are due in June.  If you have a mortgage, that may not make much difference to you, since most people pay taxes through their monthly mortgage payments.  But for some, whose mortgage has been paid, the annual tax bite can be painful.  This year, there is a new plan going into effect July 1 that will help with those lump sum payments.  There is also a plan that has been on the books for several years, to permit homeowners top pay in installments.

          

First, real estate taxes will be paid in two payments in the future.  Beginning in January 2011, one half the tax bill will be due.  Then in June of 2011, the other half will be due.  This is a permanent change.

           

The existing plan permits homeowners to stage payments through the year.

Property owners can contact the city Finance Department and sign up for what’s called the Real Estate Escrow payment Plan.  Under this plan, owners can pay as many times as they wish through the year, up to ten times. The payment can be in any amount, and will be credited against next year’s taxes.  Overpayments will be refunded, and participants in the escrow program can actually earn a small amount of interest on their payments.

           

The plan is not for the current year’s taxes.  Those must be paid according to the schedule of the Finance Department.  Residents may then sign up for the escrow program for next year.  

           

Go to http://www.richmondgov.com/finance/index.aspx and select the “forms” link, or call 646-5690, and ask to enroll in the Escrow payment plan.  You will be mailed forms in June, for payments to begin as early is July.

 

  

Friends of James River Park Honor Donation of River Property to City

The Friends of James River Park Saturday presented a plaque to
the families and friends of two Richmond residents who donated major sections of the James Riverscape to form the foundation of the James River Park.

 
Beginning in the 1960s, James Keith and George Schaeffer began
to assemble tracts along and in the James River in Richmond, and in 1972, donated the parcels to the city for the development of what has become James River Park.

 
The Friends group donated a plaque that will be permanently
installed alongside the river below the 42nd Street access to the park.

    

  

Pictured are Fourth District Council Member Kathy Graziano, Mrs. Diane Keith Jones and Ms. Judy Keith, daughters of James Keith (now deceased).


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City Reduces Price of Natural Gas

Mayor Dwight C. Jones recently announced an 18 percent reduction in the purchased gas cost (PGC) rate charged by the City Department of Public Utilities.  Beginning with October bills, the average residential customer using 70 cubic feet of natural gas per month will pay approximately $91.75 compared to the current bill of $102.95, an 11 percent reduction.

Press Release [PDF]

   

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James River Advisory Council Presents Guardian of the River Award to Kathy
  

Kathy Graziano is pictured with Ralph Hambrick and Kim Donley, President and Executive Director, respectively, of the James River Advisory Council on the occasion of her receipt of the Guardian of the River Award.

Introduction for
2009 Stewards of the River Awards

The James River Advisory Council established the Stewards of the River Awards in 2006 to recognize outstanding community members who make measurable, positive impacts through their roles as leaders, community partners, guardians and spokespersons on behalf of the river as communicators of JRAC’s mission and vision, and as storytellers of the James River’s history and educators who raise public awareness about the river.  We appreciate the support and work of many individuals and organizations. Award categories: Leadership, Community Partnership, Historical Values, Communication, Guardian of the River, and Education.

  

Guardian of the River

The Guardian Award is presented to an individual who strives to protect the James River and its resources for all residents living within the James River watershed. This person promotes the care and respect of the river through his or her actions and leadership and is a great influence on others to do the same.

The Honorable Kathy Graziano

  • Supporter of environmental initiatives
     

  • Leading elected official in support for the protection and appropriate use of the James River
     

  • Successfully spearheaded efforts, as council representative for the 4th district and council president of the City of Richmond, over several years to place the James River Park System in a conservation easement
     

  • Commended for advocating partnerships to enhance the James River as a common resource and its surroundings
     

  • Initiated Riverside Drive (Richmond) being listed as a Scenic By-Way
     

  • JRAC appreciates Councilwoman Graziano’s motivation and energy as she continues to promote and protect the region’s unique resource, the James River

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