If a town becomes a city under this chapter, the town council shall be the city council and discharge the duties and exercise the authority imposed on it by the charter and by general law. If in the order granting city status the special court prescribes a greater number to compose the city council than the number composing the town council, then the council shall, within thirty days after the date of the order of the court, or as soon thereafter as practicable, proceed to elect the additional members of the city council necessary to fill out the number prescribed in such order. The members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.
Va. Code § 15.2-3815