1978-09-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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422 Request re:Utility Relief Fund Proposal - MACAA Staff report re: Progress on City Building Energy Studies Staff Report re: Biennial Real Property Assessments $28,534. He stated that the original library budget was under funded by $12,666 from local sources and that the library board had requested that this amount be used to off-set deficit in the operating budget for fiscal year 1978-79 and that any surPlus~ in local revenue over expenditures at the end of the year be refunded to the jurisdications. He stated that the staff recommends that the request of the Library Board be granted. Mr. Buck expressed some concern over using this money to apparently subvert the City's budgeting process and stated he thinks the money should be returned to the funding jurisdictions. Mrs. O'Brien suggested~that the staff investigate the possibility of the state keeping federal funds in the future and report to Council so that it can be discussed with the proper state officials. On motion by Mr. Gatewood, seconded by Mrs. O'Brien the staff recommendation was adopted by the following recorded vote. Ayes: Mr. Albro, Mr. Brunton~ Mr.Gatewood and Mrs. O'Brien. Noes: Mr. Buck. A communication was presented from Monticello Area Community Action 'Agency requesting an appropriation of. $15,000 to fund a Utility Relief Program for low income residents for the coming winter. Mrs. O'Brien recommended that this matter be referred to the Social Development Commission for recommendation and report back in October. Mr. Buck also requested that .the commission give some consideratiOn to options which are available if this program is not funded. Mr. John Gr'eene, Director of Public Works, reported that he has requested proposals, from the S~hool of Engineering and from the School of Architecture at the University, for site specific energy use evaluations of the top ten City owned buildings listed in his report of June 27, 1978. He stated that he has received answers from the Mechanical Engineering DePartment and the School .of Architecture and there is interest in doing at least some of the work. He stated that he needs more time to pursue these contacts and will probably have a firm recommendation for Council by November. A report was presented from the City Assessor stating that the Code of Virginia confers upon the City the authority to adOpt a biennial general reassessemtn ordinance. The report stated the Office of Real Estate Assessments could be reduced by three persons resulting in a savings of appropriately $40,000 per year. The report stated that under a biennial assessment program the revenue loss would amount to $571,000. Mr. Branham addressed the Council and stated that a biennial assessment progam would affect the State Corporation Commission Assessments and also in his opinion affect the City's Bond rating. A work session to discuss tax rates, assessments, and other aspects of financial management was set for October 9th at 8:15 p.m.