The governing body of any locality may make such investigations relating to its government affairs as it deems necessary, may employ financial, legal and other personnel it deems necessary to assist in such investigations, may order the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers and may administer oaths. Such governing bodies may apply to the circuit court for their locality for a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum against any person refusing to appear and testify or refusing to produce books, papers or records as ordered by such governing bodies and the judge of such court shall, upon good cause shown, cause the subpoenas to be issued. Any person failing to comply with any such subpoena shall be subject to punishment for contempt by the court issuing the subpoena.
Code 1950, § 15-394; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-801; 1980, c. 335; 1997, c. 587.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 15.2 - Counties, Cities and Towns
Chapter 14 - Governing Bodies of Localities
§ 15.2-1401. Powers granted localities vested in their governing bodies
§ 15.2-1402. Declared to be body politic of Commonwealth; seal
§ 15.2-1403. Governing body to be continuing body
§ 15.2-1404. How localities may sue or be sued; arbitration
§ 15.2-1405. Immunity of members of local governmental entities; exception
§ 15.2-1406. Compensation of governing bodies
§ 15.2-1407. Administrative leave for certain members of governing bodies
§ 15.2-1409. Investigations by governing bodies
§ 15.2-1410. Chairman and mayor may administer oaths
§ 15.2-1414. Governing bodies may have a legal enumeration of the population
§ 15.2-1414.1. Each member to be paid annual salary
§ 15.2-1414.2. Salaries to be fixed by board; limits; reimbursement in addition to salary
§ 15.2-1414.5. Each councilman to be paid annual salary; effect of charter
§ 15.2-1414.6. Permitted salaries; salary increases; reimbursement for expenses
§ 15.2-1414.7. Salaries of town council members and mayors
§ 15.2-1415. At what meetings governing body may act
§ 15.2-1416.1. Actions prior to convening of meeting
§ 15.2-1419. Meeting times of certain authorities, boards and commissions
§ 15.2-1420. How questions determined; tie breaker
§ 15.2-1422. Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor
§ 15.2-1423. Powers of chairman or mayor
§ 15.2-1424. Vacancies in office
§ 15.2-1425. Actions by localities
§ 15.2-1426. Form of ordinances
§ 15.2-1427. Adoption of ordinances and resolutions generally; amending or repealing ordinances
§ 15.2-1428. Procedures for certain acts
§ 15.2-1429. Penalties for violation of ordinances
§ 15.2-1430. Bonds of persons convicted
§ 15.2-1431. Appeals; nonpayment of fine
§ 15.2-1432. Injunctive relief against continuing violation of ordinance