2003-01-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 pr ovided to localities in the areas of education, police, social services, and jail. Mr. Lynch said he agrees that the budget is balanced too much on residential property owners, and said if fees are increased, he would support reducing real estate taxes by an equal amount. He said he would support the meals tax increase. Ms. Richards agreed with Ms. Amiss' suggestion to increase real estate tax relief, and noted that the City is proposing to increase the amount for this program. She said, however, that current State law prevents the City from freezing real estate taxes. Mr. Cox added that the ceiling for eligibility for real estate tax relief is also proposed to increase. Mr. Schilling said he is hearing justifications for moving the meals tax and decal fees up to that in the County, but said if we do that at the same time we should reduce the tax rate down to the County's rate. Ms. Richards said that the City would then have to reduce the services provided to those provided by the County. COUNCI L CHAMBER - January 21, 2003 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. PUBLIC Ms. Sylvia Milner, 1948 Thomson Road, a member of the Center for Peace and Justice, presented Council with a petition signed by 2041 people supporting Council adopting a resolution opposing a war with Iraq. Ms. Milner said a war will drain our country's economy and will add to the suffering in Iraq. Mr. William Anderson, Quince Lane, supported the peace resolution. Ms. Sue Chase, a member of the board of the Center for Peace and Justice, read a portion of the proposed peace resolution. Ms. Sarah Lanzman, representing the Center for Peace and Justice, continued reading the proposed peace resolution. Mr. Paul Priest, a resident of Albemarle County, said that the peace resolution is not only an anti - war resolution, it is a pro - United Nations resolution. Ms. Helena Cobban, 200 Alderman Road, said she has professional ex pertise in Middle Eastern studies, and to unilaterally launch a war will bring disaster to Iraq and the United States, with all costs being borne by U. S. taxpayers. Mr. Charles Weber, 601 Locust Avenue, said he is interested in serving on the proposed H ousing Policy Task Force. He said he feels there is a disconnect between the broad policies and specific charges proposed, and the charges are too narrow. Mr. Weber said he also feels the size is too large and unwieldy. He encouraged Council to broaden the charge. Mr. Bob Hoffman, a resident of Batesville and member of the Center for Peace and Justice, said Council has the ability to pass a peace resolution that will impact hundreds of thousands of people. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, express ed concern about the economics and environment of the City, and with shifting the entire cost of trash collection and disposal to residents. He said he would prefer that the cost continue to be shared by residents and the City as it will help assure that the City is efficient.