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287 <br /> <br />COUNCIL CHAMBER - March 18, 2002 <br /> <br /> Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: <br />Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. <br /> <br />AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS: VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK <br />PROCLAMATION; POISON PREVENTION WEEK PROCLAMATION <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati presented the Virginia Festival of the Book proclamation to Mr. <br />Robert Vaughan of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati presented the Poison Prevention Week proclamation to Dr. <br />Christopher Holstege of the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br />There were no matters by the pUblic. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: ANNUAL TAX LEVY <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell gave an overview of the proposed budget and reviewed State <br />budget cuts. Mr. O'Connell said that the real estate tax rate is proposed to remain the <br />same. He noted that Council would like to hear from the public on proposals to increase <br />the following fees: Egl 1 fee from $1:04 to $2.00; automobile decal sticker by $5; and <br />trash sticker fees by 25%. <br /> <br />The public hearing on the annual tax levy was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert Myers, a County resident whose mother lives in the City, said he <br />understands that assessments, not the tax rate have increased, but said there is no reason <br />that the tax rate has to stay the same. He said it is hard on people on fixed incomes to pay <br />the tax and it threatens their ability to stay in their homes. Mr. Myers said Council <br />should consider increasing the level of tax relief. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she appreciates the comments about the assessments, and noted <br />that Council did increase the levels for eligibility for tax relief last year. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that Council may want to look at the eligibility levels for the tax <br />relief programs again this year. <br /> <br /> Mr: Cox said he is interested in re-evaluating what changing levels of eligibility <br />did last year. <br /> <br />Ms. Richards said it would be helpful if assessment increases could be indexed. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 02-03 BUDGET <br /> <br />The public hearing on the City Manager's proposed budget was opened. <br /> <br /> Ms. Virginia Amiss of Watson Avenue referred to a study conducted by the <br />Thomas Jefferson Economic Partnership on the cost of living in Charlottesville which <br />found that Charlottesville is the second most expensive place to live in Virginia. Ms. <br />Amiss said that if Council has to raise taxes and fees to provide a service, they cannot <br />afford the service. Ms. Amiss asked that Council not increase fees, especially in light of <br />increased assessments. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ruth Stone, 718 Lexington Avenue, asked for Council's support for the <br />Commission on Children and Families which provides welt planned service delivery. <br />Ms. Stone said priority needs to be placed on prevention services and services for <br /> <br /> <br />