Chap. 648.—An ACT to amend and re-enact section 7 of the charter for the
town of Stuart, in Patrick county.

Approved March 5, 1900.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That section
seven of an act approved November twenty-second, eighteen hundred
and eighty-four, entitled “an act to incorporate the town of Stuart
in the county of Patrick,” be amended and re-enacted so as to read as
follows:

§ 7. The said council shall have power to impose a tax not exceeding
twenty cents on the hundred dollars for all purposes: provided, however.
that a further tax not exceeding fifty cents on the hundred dollars mav
he imposed when authorized by a two-thirds vote of all the legally quali-
fied voters of said town, and whenever, by a like vote of said voters,
it shall be determined to bring water to said town and to construct water-
works for said town in or near the town under such terms and condi-
tions as the council may order, then said council may issue bonds of
the town for such sum as may be deemed necessary, not to exceed seven
thousand dollars, payable and bearing interest not to exceed six per
centum as the council may direct; which bonds shall not be sold for
less than face value, and with the proceeds erect suitable water-works in
or near the town, and to levy such sum annually to be known as water
tax as may be sufficient to meet the interest on the said bonds as it
falls due, and to provide a sinking fund for the retirement of the bonds
when they fall due; and in fixing this tax the water-rents shall be taken
into consideration and deducted from the required amounts. But if
the voters shall fail to vote the power to issue bonds for the construction
of said water-works, then the said council shall have power to grant
the franchise to individuals or a corporation, as it may seem best, on
such terms as may be reasonable and just to the citizens of the town;
and from time to time make such agreement as to payment for use of
water for fire and other public use as the circumstances may demand.
The said council or the person to whom they may grant franchise shall
have the right and power to purchase any lands or privileges over or
right of way through anv lands outside of or within the corporate
limits of said town for the purpose of bringing water to and establish-
ing said water-works in or near said town. And if private agreement
cannot be reached with the owners, for such lands and privileges as
council may deem necessary, then upon application to the county court
of said county the said court shall appoint commissioners to ascertain
the value of said land or the damages for the privileges over or right
of way through said land desired to be taken for said purpose, and
proceed as in like cases now provided by law. The vote herein provided
for shall be ordered by the council whenever it shall be deemed neces-
sary; thirty days’ public notice shall be given by the sergeant by printed
notices posted; the result shall be certified in writing to the council;
election to be held by those who conduct usual town elections in said
town and at same place at such time as council may order.