2003-03-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2 Mr. Al Rennolds, 1502 Holly Road, asked for clarifica tion that the ordinance regarding Sunday exemption for permit parking in zone 1 will be approved on second reading, and Mr. Cox said it will. PRESENTATION : CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 03 - 04 BUDGET PRESENTATION : SCHOOL BOARD'S PROPOSED FY 03 - 04 BUDGET M r. O'Connell presented an overview of the proposed FY 03 - 04 budget; reviewed State budget impacts to both the City and community agencies; provided a ten - year financial forecast; outlined Council's long - term budget policies and the City Manager's budget st rategies; and reviewed dates for work sessions and approval of the budget. Mr. O'Connell said that the budget proposes a two - cent reduction in the real estate tax rate; a one cent increase in the meals tax; doubling of the trash sticker fee; and an increa se in the automobile decal fee. Five police officers are proposed to be added, and four positions throughout the City will be eliminated. Mr. Ron Hutchinson, Superintendent of City Schools, and Mr. Ed Gillespie, Finance Director for City Schools, review ed the School Board's proposed FY 03 - 04 budget. Information was provided on student demographics and the number of students eligible for free/reduced meals; teacher salary tables; classroom size; position changes; and capital needs. The total general fun d budget is $43,840,492, with $29,495,025 coming from the City. st Mr. Cox said that the Council will discuss the School's budget on March 21 . He th asked Councilors to submit any budget questions to staff no later than Friday, March 7 in preparation for the March 12 work session. Mr. Schilling noted that the total amount for unfunded capital projects over the next 20 years equals several cents on the meals tax or real estate tax. Ms. Richards said that the capital needs of the schools are way above th e funding available. Mr. Lynch said he feels capital needs are under funded, and said we can no longer depend on end of year surpluses to fund them. Mr. Cox said he feels it is a phenomenal feat to be able to propose a two - cent reduction in the real es tate tax rate and add five new neighborhood police officers. Mr. Cox said he feels the increasing reliance on real estate tax and sales tax difference in the City and County are alarming trends. Ms. Richards said this is exactly why the City puts so muc h emphasis on economic development. Mr. Lynch said he agrees with the emphasis on economic development, but only to a point. He said he does not think we can improve the transient lodging tax revenues by building more hotels, and would prefer to emphasi ze workforce development and training, and business development. Mr. Lynch expressed concern about $5 million for undesignated economic development projects. He also expressed concern about the small amount budgeted for green space which was shown to be a high priority for citizens in the recent citizen survey. Mr. Cox said he does not think the $5 million in economic development is undesignated. Mr. Cox asked for feedback on the agenda for the budget work session. Mr. Lynch said he would like to lo ok at the capital budget before having the meals tax discussion. Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Gillespie said that there is no increase in federal funds in the general fund, but said that most federal funds are in grants which are in a separate account.