Neither the board nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or removal of any county administrative officers or employees who are appointed by the manager or any of his subordinates. However, the board may express its views and fully and freely discuss with the manager anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees. Except for the purposes of inquiry and investigation, the board and its members shall deal with county officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the manager solely through the county manager, and neither the board nor any member thereof shall give orders either publicly or privately to any such county officer or employee.
Va. Code § 15.2-703