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Animal Services Unit

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1. How do I report animal-related incidents?

For any incidents of aggressive and/or at-large animals, or if an animal is believed to be a victim of cruelty, but these situations are non-life-threatening, please call the Animal Services Unit. For all life-threatening situations, please call the Hopewell Police non-emergency number at 804-541-2275.

2. I cannot keep my animal; can I turn them into you?

Yes. Residents of the city of Hopewell can turn in their animals Monday through Friday by appointment only. Owners of any animal being turned in are asked to provide vet records of the animal(s). Owners are also asked to bring a current identification showing proof of residence in the City of Hopewell.

3. When do I get my dog or cat rabies a shot?

Dogs and cats at the age of 4 months old are required to be vaccinated against rabies. A rabies shot can be given by any licensed veterinarian.

4. How long does the rabies shot last?

An animal's first rabies shot is good for 1 year. After the animal has received a 2nd-year shot, it will be valid for 3 years.

5. Do I have to get a animal license/city tag for my animal?

Yes. Cats and dogs are required to be registered with the City of Hopewell at the age of 4 months old.

6. Where do I get my animal license/city tag?

This service is available at the City Treasurer’s Officer at:
300 N. Main Street
Hopewell, VA 23860

You will have to provide a copy of your rabies certificate to the Treasurer.

7. How much does a animal license/city tag cost?

The cost is $3 per year for animal(s) that are fixed and $8 per year for animal(s) that are not fixed. Lifetime animal license/city tag for fixed animals is $10; not fixed is $20.

For more information, see our New Animal Licenses Fees (PDF).

8. Is there a leash law for dogs in the City of Hopewell?

Yes. If a dog is running loose off of its property and/or not under the immediate control of the owner, then it is considered to be at large.

9. My neighbor’s dog barks all night long, what can I do about it?

The first thing to do is talk with the neighbor who owns the dog. They may not be aware that their dogs are barking during certain hours, or that it is a disturbance. If the barking does not cease, animal services can visit the owner and advise them of the City's Ordinances against noise disturbances and legal actions that will be taken if it does not cease. It is helpful if you have made a log of the time of day when the dogs are especially noisy. We asked that if you are having a problem with a neighbor's dog still after speaking to them please contact an Animal Control Officer at 804-541-2204.

10. How many animals can I have in the City of Hopewell?

You may have 3 dogs 4 months and older and/or 4 cats 4 months and older.

11. Can I purchase a kennel license in the City of Hopewell?

No.

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Children’s Services Act (CSA)

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1. Who is eligible for services?

Services under CSA may be available to a child who meets at least one of the following descriptions:

• Has serious emotional or behavioral problems
• May need residential care or resources beyond normal agency services
• Needs special education through a private school program
• Receives foster care services as a ward of the court
• Is a ward of a state agency

Eligibility is determined by various laws (in education, juvenile justice, and social services) and by your local CSA office. Also, there must be funds available in your community.

2. How can I find out if my child is eligible?

Contact your local CSA office at 804-541-2466.

3. How does the CSA work?

The Family Assessment and Planning Team invites the family (and child when appropriate) to attend a meeting to discuss their needs. The child and family take an active part in the discussion and the decisions about what services should be provided.

If the family agrees with the service plan, they sign the plan, and services begin as soon as possible.

If the family disagrees with the service plan, they may ask for a review by the Community Policy and Management Team. (See "What Are My Rights?") Emergency services may begin immediately.

4. What are my rights?

Your rights are as follows:

• You have the right to notice
  • You will be notified before your child is assessed or offered services
• You have the right to understand
  • You have the right to understand the information you receive. The information you receive will be in your native language, when possible.
• You have the right to consent.
  • You must agree in writing before beginning any services that are part of the Individual Family Services Plan, except when ordered by the court, upheld by the court, upheld by the appropriate appeals process, or authorized by law.
• You have the right to records and confidentiality (unless otherwise authorized by law or ordered by the court).
  • You may read your child’s records, and may receive an explanation of these records.
  • You may challenge information that you believe is wrong, incomplete, not relevant, not timely or unnecessary.
  • You must give permission before any other person or agency can see the records.
  • You may have a copy of your records, unless prohibited by law.
• You have the right to assistance.
  • Someone will be assigned to help you get the services in your Individual Family Services Plan. If you wish, you can have other members of your family, a friend, an advocate or support person, or an attorney present during Family Assessment and Planning Team meetings.
• You have the right to review.
  • If you disagree with any part of your child’s assessment or service plan, you may state your disagreement in writing and will receive an answer in writing. Your Community Policy and Management Team can tell you how to do this. You may ask the Community Policy and Management Team to review the decision of the Family Assessment and Planning Team. You will get a written answer to your request within 30 days.
• You have the right to participate.
  • You may be present for the entire meeting at which the Family Assessment and Planning Team discusses your child or your family situation. You may take an active part in the discussions and the decisions that apply to you. All persons on the Family Assessment and Planning Team are responsible for taking an active part in team meetings.

5. What about children and youth eligible for special education?

If your child is eligible for special education, all the rights and protections of special education continue to be available to you and your child.

• You have the right to notice before your child’s educational services begin or change.
• You have the right to consent before certain evaluations or placements.
• You have the right to an independent educational evaluation if you disagree with the school’s evaluation.
• You have the right to participate in the preparation of your child’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
• You have the right to inspect and review your child’s education records.
• You have the right to file a complaint or request a due process hearing.

If you think your child may be eligible for special education, A Parent’s Guide to Special Education provides more detailed information about these rights. You can receive a free copy from the Virginia Department of Education by calling 800-292-3830.

6. What about children and youth receiving foster care?

If your child is in Foster Care, you can ask the social worker for help. Unless the court has taken away your rights, you have the right to be involved in making decisions about your child.

• You have the right to have contact with your child, including telephone calls, visits, and or letters, unless the court has determined that you cannot have contact.
• You have the right to be informed by the agency about how your child is doing.
• You have the right to be consulted when there are important decisions to be made about your child.
• You have the right to participate in service planning for your child.
• You have the right to be informed of and invited to all court hearings or reviews of your child’s case. You have the right to legal representation at court hearings.
• You and your child both have the right to confidentiality.

For more information about foster care services, contact your local Department of Social Services office.

7. How can I get more help?

The Children’s Services Act process can seem overwhelming and impersonal. Help is available at every step of the CSA process. Contact the local CSA Office at 804-541-2470 for assistance.

8. How can I get more information?

If you need more information, contact the following:

• Office for Children’s Services (OCS)
  1604 Santa Rosa Road
  Suite 137
  Richmond, VA 23229
  Phone: 804-662-9815
  Fax: 804-662-9831
• Office for Children’s Services Act
  316 E Cawson Street
  Suite 119
  Hopewell, VA 23860
  Phone: 804-541-2466

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Civil Process

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1. Why wasn’t I called and notified when service was made?

With the volume of papers served by the Sheriff, it would be impossible for us to notify all parties after service has been made. However, the plaintiff may attach a self-addressed, stamped postcard if he wishes to be notified after service. A sample copy of the postcard has been provided.

2. I had papers issued out of the Hopewell General District Court and want to know if they’ve been served yet?

An inquiry of your computer system indicates the Sheriff has not received any process for the individual in question. Territorial jurisdiction is very important here. The process will be served by the Sheriff where the person resides, regardless of which court issued the process. Let's say the person being served lived in Roanoke but the Hopewell General District court issued the process, the plaintiff would call the Roanoke Sheriff's Office to inquire about service.

3. Why does the Deputy keep coming back to my house when I have repeatedly told him the person he was looking for doesn’t live here?

There are a couple of reasons.

If the person to be served is a relative, we would have to go back to confirm the relative still doesn’t live there. In this day and age, many children move back in with their parents or siblings, so we cannot assume the relative no longer lives there. While a deputy is assigned a specific area (sector) of the county to serve, he or she may not necessarily work exclusively in that sector. Deputies often cross zones to provide timely, efficient service, especially when their partner is off.

Therefore, you may have told another deputy that the person he is seeking doesn’t live there but the current deputy would have no knowledge of the conversation. We very much appreciate it when the resident/occupant calls to provide us with this information.

4. I heard there was a warrant out for my arrest. Can you tell me if this is true?

If it is a Warrant for Arrest in a criminal matter, the Hopewell Police Department would handle that service. The Sheriff would also serve a civil Capias, usually for failure to appear in court or obey the court’s directives. In either case, the sheriff will not provide this information over the phone.

If you believe there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, it is better to go to the Sheriff’s Office to inquire.

5. I received a 72-Hour Notice to Vacate but I filed a Motion to Rehear, so how do I make sure the Sheriff will not come out on the date of the scheduled eviction to put my property out?

A motion to rehear does not stop the eviction process. There are a couple of remedies available to tenants. Therefore, the tenant should seek the advice of an attorney.

6. I have received my judgment in court for the money owed me, why haven’t I received my money?

Obtaining judgment and enforcing judgments are two different actions. While the plaintiff may have won his case in court, it is up to the plaintiff to pursue collection remedies. The method of collection will vary according to each case and the assets and information available. One method of collecting your money is through the Writ of Fieri Facias process also known as the Writ of Fieri Facias (FiFa). We refer to this as the levy process.

The Writ of FiFa authorizes the Sheriff to levy (inventory) property owned by the judgment debtor which is later sold at public auction to recover the debt. This is a time-consuming and sometimes costly process. If you know where the debtor works or where his bank account is located, you may ask the clerk of the court where you obtained judgment to issue a Garnishment Summons. This requires the third party debtor (employer or lending institution) to pay the money owed to the court which will later disburse to the plaintiff.

7. I need to have a divorce process served in another state but it is issued out of a Virginia court. How do I go about this?

Every Sheriff should have a directory of all Sheriffs in the United States. You could contact your local sheriff either by phone or by email and request the address for that jurisdiction. Additionally, via the Internet, you can contact the National Sheriffs' Association by calling 703-836-7827 or writing to:
1450 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3490

For locating Virginia Sheriff's, you can contact the Virginia Sheriff's Association:

• Virginia Sheriff's Association
  701 E Franklin Street
  Suite 706
  Richmond, VA 23219
  Phone: 804-225-7152
  Fax: 804-225-7162
  Virginia Sheriff's Association Website

8. My child support payments are taken out of my paycheck but the Deputy came by with Department of Child Support Enforcement papers. I'm not behind on my payments; why is DCSE serving me with papers?

From time to time the Department of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) updates its files. They use the Sheriff’s services for notification because it is free. If you have questions about your payments or notice a discrepancy in the amount of payments, you should contact your local DSCE office for correction.

9. A notice was left on my door for my relative who doesn’t live here. What’s this all about?

As much as we would like to tell you, we are prohibited from discussing the process with anyone other than the person to whom it is issued.

Think of it this way, would you like the Sheriff discussing a process for you with a neighbor or separated spouse? What you can do is either provide us with a phone number and address so that we can contact them, or have the relative call us.

10. I thought when I filed bankruptcy I wouldn’t have to deal with collection matters anymore. Why do I have to go to court now?

Filing of bankruptcy protects the debtor from any creditor process, i.e., collection of debts. However, the court would not have any knowledge that a debtor filed bankruptcy. This is why it is important to appear or notify the court that bankruptcy has been filed.

Once a show cause has been issued for failure to appear, the process now becomes a criminal matter (contempt of court) and the deputy must serve the process, unless the court recalls the order. If the debtor fails to appear on the show cause, a Capias for the defendant’s arrest will be issued. This could be avoided by taking care of the problem in the beginning.

11. Why can’t I come down to your office to pick up papers for my spouse?

The laws relating to the service of process are specific. If the person to be served is a party to the suit, they must be served in person at a business. Additionally, it may be a process that requires personal service, regardless of where it is served, and service at our office may be more convenient to the individual being served.

12. If I pay the debt before the court date, do I have to still go to court?

If the process indicates the debtor does not have to appear in court, the debtor may elect to pay the debt and forego going to court. However, the debtor takes a risk in doing so. If for some reason the payment gets lost and the debtor fails to appear in court, judgment will be obtained by default. It is more difficult to reverse a judgment than it is to simply appear in court to ensure the debtor’s rights are protected. For this reason, all deputies will encourage a person to appear in court when requested to do so.

13. I paid my late rent but the landlord had a Deputy post a notice to vacate on my door. Can the landlord still evict me?

There are several remedies available to both the tenant and the landlord. Therefore, it is suggested each party seeks the advice of an attorney. From the Sheriff’s perspective, however, once the Writ has been placed in his hand, it is considered a valid writ and the eviction can take place, even if the rent has been paid. Of course, those remedies mentioned could stop an eviction from proceeding.

14. I am a landlord who has a delinquent tenant. I went to court and obtained my judgment to have the tenant evicted. However, today the tenant told me he filed bankruptcy. Why can't you evict them?

Filing of bankruptcy stops all civil actions against the tenant. This includes the eviction process because the debtor’s estate, personal or real, is protected by the bankruptcy court.

In order for the landlord to go forward with the eviction, he must obtain from the bankruptcy court, an order granting relief from stay. Without this, the Sheriff will not evict.

15. I found this paper on the door and this person doesn’t live here. What do I do with the paper?

It is important to understand that the Sheriff is not the only person who serves processes. Private process servers are also permitted to serve process. However, if you should find a process on your door for someone who doesn’t live there, regardless of who may have served it, call our office at 804-541-2300 and we may send a Deputy to pick it up.

When calling us we will need some information, such as who you are, the address where the process was left, if you are related to the person to be served, if there is any forwarding address or phone number, and how long ago the person moved away.

16. I moved out of the place where I was living and left some of my things there. The person won’t let me in to get them. How can I arrange for law enforcement to go with me to get my things?

Unfortunately, the Sheriff does not assist in the recovery of specific personal property unless he has a court order in hand. If the person will not return the property, the owner of the property may have to go to the court to obtain an order called a Writ of Possession in Detinue to have the Sheriff assist in the recovery of the withheld property. This takes time, but if the owner believes the property will be sold or removed from the Commonwealth, the owner can go to the magistrate to request a Detinue Seizure Order. This process is more expensive and the party should seek the advice of an attorney to determine if this is the best route for recovery of the property.

17. I have been given custody of my child but other parent refuses to return the child to me. Will a Deputy go with me to help me get my child back?

Unless there is a specifically worded order in the Officer's hands directing him or her to take custody of a child, he will not. Any custody order obtained in another state other than Virginia is not recognized here and must be filed with a Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to ensure the foreign order complies with Virginia law.

18. My neighbor was evicted yesterday and there is a mess in the yard. Who do I contact to get the mess cleaned up?

Any property which is placed to the curb during the eviction process is the property of the tenant.

It is considered theft to take that property once placed to the curb. If the property has been there for more than 24 hours, the neighbor should contact the Land Owner for disposal. This is usually the responsibility of the landlord. If, however, the property is placed to an area where it is considered private property, such as condos or apartments, a person may contact that association or rental office to request clean-up.

19. How do I stop a Deputy from coming into my home to recover furniture on behalf of a furniture company that my friend, family, or I own?

Once the Writ has been issued, the Sheriff has the authority to use force to execute the order. It is not necessary that you be there; simply have someone available to let the Sheriff and the furniture company in to confirm what you have told him. This should stop repeated contact from the furniture company.

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Employment

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1. Can I apply for a position any time I wish?

The City of Hopewell only accepts applications for vacant positions, that is, any position that has been announced and for which we are actively recruiting. General applications are not kept on file.

2. How will I know when to apply?

When a position becomes available for competitive recruitment, the department forwards information to Human Resources to post the position. Upon review and approval, the position is announced on our career page and you may apply during the posted time frame. In addition to current announcements, we have a feature called a “Job Interest Card.” This feature allows you to subscribe to email notifications for positions posted in the job categories you select.

To learn more see our Government Jobs webpage.

3. If I want to apply for more than one job, do I have to file more than one application?

Yes, you must submit a separate application for each job. You may apply for as many jobs as you wish, as long as the positions are currently being advertised.

4. What should I do if my address or phone number changes?

Notify Human Resources immediately. We will make the necessary changes to your records.

If we are unable to contact you because you have moved or changed your phone number, your name may be withdrawn from further employment consideration.

5. If I’ve previously completed an application, will I automatically be considered for other positions?

No, you must submit a separate application for each position.

6. What happens after I file my applications?

Your application is referred to the hiring department for further review and evaluation. If you are selected to move to the next step of the selection process, you will be contacted by email. Usually, applicants selected to move forward to the next step are contacted within four weeks of the closing date.

7. What are the steps or stages of the selection process?

The steps of the selection process vary depending upon the position.

8. What should I do if I am called for a selection interview?

Be sure that you know the following:

• Time and place you should appear for the interview
• Contact phone number
• Name of the person who contacted you
• To whom you should report for the interview
• How long the interview is scheduled to take
• The job for which you are being considered

9. How long does the selection process take?

Sometimes, it may be a month or longer between steps in the hiring process. We know this seems like a long time, but we want to evaluate everyone fairly in order to find the best person for the job. The time and effort are worth it; a job may be waiting for you!

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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Police

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1. What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

If you see a crime occurring:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Be observant and make mental notes.
   • Are there any weapons involved?
   • What is the address?
   • Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
   • Any clothing description?
   • How many people are involved?
   • Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Online Reporting (email address and phone number required)

2. Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential, just tell the Dispatcher.

3. How do I report a compliment or complaint?

A citizen can report a compliment or complaint in the following manner:

• In-person at police headquarters
• In writing, addressed to the “Hopewell Police Department, Office of Professional Standards”
• Via the telephone, speaking with a supervisor
• Online reporting 

See the Office of Professional Standards page for more information.

4. Must an individual identify themselves to report an allegation?

No, an individual need not identify themselves in order to report an allegation. However, if not identified, that individual must understand they cannot be contacted by the investigative unit for further information.

5. How do I employ off-duty police officers to work security for my activity/business?

Citizens/business owners may request to employ off-duty police officers to work on a long-term contract basis at a scheduled rate. For more information, visit Hiring Off-Duty Officers page.

6. How do I get a copy of an incident report or accident report?

You may obtain a copy of an Incident Report or Accident Report at the Administrative Services Division at police headquarters. Police Headquarters is located at:
150 W Randolph Road
Hopewell, VA 23860

A photo ID is required. There is a fee of $5 for each report.

7. I think I have a warrant for my arrest. How do I find out?

You can confirm an outstanding warrant in person at the Communications Center at Police Headquarters at:
150 W Randolph Road
Hopewell, VA 23860

For assistance in getting to the Hopewell Police Department, you can call the phone number 804-541-2222. You will not be told over the phone whether you or anyone else is wanted. They must come to the Police Department.

Report a Wanted Individual

If you know someone who is wanted, you can contact Crime Solvers at 804-541-2202.

8. Do you provide fingerprinting services?

Currently, the Hopewell Police Department provides fingerprinting services for sex offenders and taxi cab permits. However, the Hopewell Sheriff's Office has fingerprinting services available by appointment. Please call them at 804-541-2300 for more information.

9. How do I become a police officer?

For more information on Police Department Employment Opportunities, please see our Join the Team page.

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Property Value Reassessments

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1. What is reassessment?

Reassessment is the process of re-determining the value of property or land for tax purposes.

2. Why have reassessments?

Reassessments are required by law to insure that each property is valued fairly. As required by the Code of Virginia, the City of Hopewell conducted a general reassessment that will take effect on January 1, 2019. The Code of Virginia requires that all property is assessed at fair market value.

3. What should I expect from reassessment?

A reassessment will result in a new value being established for your property. This new value will replace the value currently on your property and will be the basis used for taxing property. An increase or decrease in property value does not automatically mean an increase or decrease in your property taxes.

4. What is the reassessment process?

The City is divided into smaller neighborhoods for market comparison. Each property is visited by a field inspector who verifies data and collects additional data. The field review is done with the homeowner if they are at home. Data collection is entered into the mass appraisal system and accuracy validated. Neighborhood sales, land values, yearly appreciation trends, and other data are analyzed throughout the process.

5. How will I know if someone has visited my property?

Field assessors had City-issued identification badges and cars using magnetic signs of the official City Seal. When property owners were not home at the time of the visit by the field assessor, a notice was left on the door saying the property has been inspected.

6. What causes property values to change?

The most frequent cause of change in value results from a change in the market. When market value changes, so do the assessed values. A property’s value can also change for other reasons, such as additions, garages, remodeling, or damage or destruction.

7. What is “Fair Market Value?”

Fair market value is defined as the amount a typical, well-informed purchaser would be willing to pay for a property, under the following conditions:

• The seller and buyer must be unrelated.
• The seller must be willing, but not under undue pressure to sell; the buyer must be willing, but not under any obligation to buy.
• The property must be on the open market for a reasonable length of time.
• The payment must be in cash or its equivalent, and the financing, if required, must be typical for that type of property.

If all these conditions are present, this is considered a market value, or “arm’s length,” sale.

8. What do my real estate taxes go towards?

Schools, law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, and other services are only a few of the amenities property taxes make possible.

9. How can I tell if my reassessment is fair and accurate?

Compare your property's value with other comparable properties. You may look at properties of similar:

• Age
• Lot and building size
• Construction
• Improvements
• Location
• Proximity to shopping centers, schools and other amenities

10. What do I do if I disagree with the assessed value?

A property owner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The burden of proof, however, is always on the taxpayer to prove why they should have their assessment changed. Simply saying: "My assessment is too high (or low)" or "My property value went up but my neighbors' all went down" is not sufficient; an appeal must be substantiated. There may be factors involved of which an owner may be unaware. You may appeal by either submitting a written appeal or by scheduling a face-to-face hearing.

Results of an Appeal

The following may happen on appeal:

1. The assessed value may be raised
2. It may be lowered
3. It may remain the same

Board of Equalization

Any appeals that are not resolved by the initial appeal hearing may be reviewed by the Board of Equalization.

A new appeal application must be submitted to the Board of Equalization in order for the Board to rule on the appeal.

The final appeal after the Board of Equalization would be to petition the City of Hopewell for judicial review. The Code of Virginia provides all property owners the opportunity to appeal an unfair reassessment through the Circuit Court system.