PORTSMOUTH — City Council has appointed a new permanent city assessor.
Members voted unanimously this week to appoint Victor S. Edwards III, who has been serving as interim since January, to the role immediately, at a salary of $130,000.
The city assessor is one in a handful of positions appointed by City Council, and is responsible for identifying and appraising all real property within the city.
Edwards began working for the city in 2022 as deputy city assessor, according to data previously provided to The Virginian-Pilot by the city.
The process to find a permanent assessor was bumpy.
In January, City Council appointed Edwards to replace outgoing interim city assessor Janey Culpepper after council members raised allegations of unspecified questionable behavior. Culpepper held the interim role since March 2023 following council’s dismissal of Patrick Dorris, who has since filed a lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination.
Edwards’ permanent appointment also comes after council rescinded an offer in January to a different individual who had a widely reported controversial past.
A teary-eyed Edwards thanked council for the appointment at Tuesday’s meeting, along with all of his staff and family in attendance.
“I’m very humbled,” Edwards said. “Thank all of you for the trust you’ve put in me.”
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
