Virginia § 21-117 - Merger of sanitary districts

Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 21-117 — Merger of sanitary districts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-117. Merger of sanitary districts

Any two or more sanitary districts heretofore or hereafter created in any county under the provisions of this article may be merged into a single district by the governing body of the county, by ordinance, upon the petition of not less than 50 qualified voters residing within the boundaries of each of the districts desiring to be so merged, which ordinance shall prescribe the metes and bounds and the name or other designation of the single district created by such merger. From and after the adoption of such ordinance, the governing body of such county shall, as to the single districts so created, have all the powers and duties, and be subject to all the conditions and limitations prescribed by § 21-118, and all funds then on hand to the credit of each of the districts so merged shall be merged into a single fund for the use and benefit of the consolidated district, unless otherwise ordered by the governing body of the county upon the hearing next herein provided for.

Upon the filing of the petition, a hearing shall be had before the governing body of the county, after notice as provided by § 21-114, which notice shall require all interested parties to appear and show cause, if any they can, (i) why the funds then on hand to the credit of each of the merged districts should not be merged into a single fund for the purpose above mentioned; and (ii) why a special tax should not be levied on all the property within the limits of the consolidated district, subject to local taxation, sufficient to pay the interest and create a sinking fund for payment of the principal at maturity of any then outstanding bonds theretofore issued by any one or more of the districts so merged.

Upon the hearing, such ordinance shall be adopted as to the governing body of the county may seem equitable and proper, concerning the combination of the funds on hand to the credit of each of the districts so merged and the levying of a special tax on all the taxable property within the limits of the consolidated district, for the purposes hereinabove mentioned, provided that such ordinance shall preserve and protect the rights of the holders of any such outstanding bonds, whose rights and interests shall not be limited or affected by any of the provisions of this section.

1942, p. 247; Michie Code 1942, § 1560s1; 2017, c. 14.

Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 21-117

What does Code of Virginia § 21-117 cover?

Section 21-117 ("Merger of sanitary districts") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Virginia § 21-117?

A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 21-117" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.

How does Virginia § 21-117 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.