Frequently Asked Questions

Finance

• Where can I get a copy of the City’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)?
  
• Who can I contact regarding a past due invoice?  
  
• Who can I contact regarding jury payments?
  
• Who can I call about my taxes?

Debt Management

• What is an Official Statement?
  
• How do I buy bonds that are issued by the City of Norfolk?

Purchasing

• What do I need to do to be placed on the City’s bidder list?
  
• What is the City’s program for procurement from minority and women owned businesses?
  
• How do I get information regarding previous contracts?
  
• What is the limit for procurements requiring a competitive sealed bid?
  
• How does the City of Norfolk advertise goods or services being bid?
  
• Does the City of Norfolk provide bid results over the telephone?
  
• Does the City pay sales tax?
  
• Does the City of Norfolk participate in the use of Commonwealth of Virginia Contracts?
  
• What is the fastest way to obtain bids or proposals?
• Where is the office of the Purchasing Agent?

Risk Management

• What is risk management?
  
• How do I report or make a claim to the City for injuries I’ve received from an accident involving a City vehicle or from being injured on City property?
  
• How do I report or make a claim to the City for damages to my property?
  
• How do I resolve a claim or insurance issue involving the Norfolk Public Schools?
  
• Who do I contact regarding Occupational Safety matters?

Employees Retirement System

• What type of plan is the Norfolk Employees’ Retirement System?
  
• Who pays for retirement benefits?
  
• Who authorizes retirement benefit provisions?
  
• Can I use my sick leave to qualify me for retirement?
  
• Who is responsible for the administration and management of the System?
  
• When are the monthly Retirement Board meetings?
  
• What major factors are used to calculate my retirement allowance?
  
• How much money will I make if I retire as of a certain date?
  
• Will my unused annual leave be added to my retirement benefit?
  
• What is my accrual rate?
  
• Does the cap include sick leave?
  
• What are the eligibility requirements for retirement?
  
• What are the qualifications to apply for Ordinary Disability Retirement?
  
• What are the qualifications to apply for Accidental Disability Retirement?
  
• Does the City of Norfolk provide a death benefit after retirement?
  
• If I die while in active service, is there a death benefit payable?
  
• Does the City of Norfolk have a mandatory retirement age?
  
• When should I submit my application for retirement?
  
• Where is the Retirement Office located?
  
• What is Pension Portability?
  
• Can the City or I take a loan on my retirement contribution refund or my vested retirement allowance?
  
• What happens if I return to work after retiring?
  
• Can I receive my retirement allowance through direct deposit?
  
• Is my retirement allowance taxable?
• Will I receive a tax form at the end of the year to file my taxes?
  
• What type of personal information should I continually report to the Retirement System?
  
• Why do I have to submit a copy of my birth certificate?
  
• When will my retirement checks be mailed out?
  
• Does the Retirement System automatically register me for Medicare?
  
• Can the Retirement System assist me with my health insurance, VRS Life Insurance, or ICMA questions?