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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Wednesday, March 10, 2004 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Budget Work Session BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - March 10, 2004 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Mr. O'Connell said constructing the proposed budget w as a balancing act between providing needed services (services the public wants) and what is affordable. He said the focus at this work session will be on the operating budget. The overall priority was an effort to maintain the high level of services we have. The proposed budget fully funds the School Board's request, provides $8 million for school capital projects; and provides Council with a $75,000 reserve which is meant to give Council some flexibility. Mr. O'Connell explained that the State of Virg inia is on a credit watch and staff took a hard look at the budget with this in mind and formalized the 12% fund balance. Other budget highlights include providing $5.3 from the general fund for capital improvements and funds for a 3% average pay for perf ormance pool and market rate adjustments. Mr. O'Connell said that there was a movement of dollars for reorganization of the Assessor's Office into the Finance Department and consolidation of Parks and Recreation. Mr. O'Connell said there is one less full time position in the general fund next year. The budget increases the tax relief fund by $150,000 and any further changes in eligibility will mean this amount will have to be increased. This budget also allocates actual costs for HVAC and Worker's Compe nsation to departments. Mr. Schilling asked for information about what the net impact on the general fund is of allocating these funds to departments. Mr. Aubrey Watts, Chief Operating Official, said this makes up the deficit this caused in the general fund. Ms. Richards expressed concern about the allocation for HVAC for McGuffey and the square footage versus the actual HVAC maintenance expenses. Mr. O'Connell acknowledged there are some discrepancies and said an average was used. Mr. Caravati re commended that a building by building analysis be done over the next year or two so the real HVAC cost can be determined. Mr. O'Connell said the proposed budget provides an additional $50,000 for debt service; increases funding for the Comprehensive Serv ices Act by $241,000; increases funding for the jail and juvenile detention center by over $700,000; and provides an average increase of 3% for agencies. On the revenue side, bank stock is down $400,000 and interest earned is down $140,000. The following user fee or tax increases are proposed: cigarette tax, E - 911 tax, trash fees, building permits, and consumer gas and electric tax. Mr. Lynch said he would like to hear Councilors' overall take on the proposed budget. He said we are looking at a 7% inc rease: a 3% general increase in the cost of doing business; 1% additional cost of doing business due to health insurance, retirement and Worker's Compensation increases; 2% increase due to unfunded state mandates; and