WHEREAS, Joseph A. Horbal, a dedicated public servant respected for his integrity and commitment to excellence, retired as commissioner of the revenue of Chesterfield County on January 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Horbal joined Chesterfield County government as a field auditor for the commissioner of the revenue in 1980; an exceptional employee, he generated more than $1 million in audit revenue in his first year; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, Jospeh Horbal was promoted to chief deputy commissioner of the revenue; in 2003, he became commissioner of the revenue after the retirement of his predecessor, and he was elected to the position later that year; and

WHEREAS, throughout his 36-year career, Joseph Horbal was proud to serve the residents of Chesterfield County and worked to ensure that the office was executed with consistency and fairness, pursuing the letter of the law when making assessments and other determinations; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Horbal made customer service a hallmark of his office, implementing processes to ensure that taxpayers were able to reach a live person on the phone or receive a personal response by mail when contacting the office for support; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Horbal strengthened the office by providing career development programs and creating a culture of professionalism among his employees; he oversaw the development of a comprehensive new tax management system to ensure that the office is poised to continue operating at a high level in the future; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Horbal was recognized by the University of Virginia Center for Public Service for his outstanding professional achievements as a constitutional officer of Chesterfield County and served as president of the Central District in the Virginia Commissioners of the Revenue Association; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Horbal is an exemplar of the tireless commitment and work ethic demonstrated by local public servants throughout the Commonwealth and was a devoted champion for all the residents of Chesterfield County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Joseph A. Horbal on the occasion of his retirement as commissioner of the revenue of Chesterfield County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joseph A. Horbal as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his tireless service to the residents of Chesterfield County and best wishes on a happy retirement.