1979-04-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Work Session re: Continued Budgets BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM-APRIL 9, 1979 A work session was held on this date with the following members present: Mr. Albro, Mr. Brunton, Mr. Buck, Mr. Ganewood and Mrs. O'Brien. Absent: None. The Mayor announced that this work session was continued from April 5, 1979 and the first item to discuss was the suggestion to delete $7,500 from the School Budget earmarked for Community Education. The Mayor stated that he feels that as a City we are doing enough, but he would like to have a full report on this program. Dr. Jennings was asked what $7,500 means to the Community Education Program. Dr. Jennings stated that the $7,500 is needed to continue the present program at Jackson-Via. He stated the School Board is seeking outside funds to expand the program. He stated this is basic money for the program to keep th~ CETA employee. Mr ' '! · s. 0 Brzen stated very emphatzcally she was opposed to cutting an existing via~te program without giving the public a chance to comment. Mr. Gatewood remarked that this was equivalent to a new program. Mr. Buck stated it was a small investment of City funds for a very good program. He stated that after evaluating the program, the School Board feels it is a very good program and he would suggest leaving it in. Mr. Gatewood stated he was willing for the facilities to be used, but does not want to fund it. Mrs. 0'Brien asked Mr. Gatewood where the funds would come from and he answered from private sources, including the users of the program. The Mayor stated that he had talked to a number of people about the program and he got one good evaluation. Mr. Buck stated that maybe it is a feeling that the program has not proven itself. He would like to try it for another year with Council setting its own standards.for performance and see what happens. Mr. Gatewood remarked that to the extent money is spent for the Community Education Program it takes funds away from other functions and if this program is expanded to another school year and funds run out then the City must pick up the tab. The Mayor stated that he would vote to extend the program for one year and ask the School Board for a complete evaluation of the program. Mr. Buck stated that at the last meeting Council voted to cut the contingency fund for possible additional instruction personnel. He stated he did not like the idea of a contigency fund, but based on pro)ections that the office has, the principals are predicting that s~me classes will have thirty to thirty-two pupils. He stated that the only way to relieve this situation is to leave the $40,000 in the budget and suggested that if funds are so tight then cut the funds budgeted for Council travel and give it to the schools.