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4 VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY RETIREMENT SYSTEM nd (PORTABILITY)" (2 reading) ORDINANCE h. : "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REENACTING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP ICNORPORATED IN SECTION 34 - 1 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, 1990 (AS AMENDED) BY THE REZONING OF TM 29, PARCELS 52,53 AND 54, TH nd FROM R - 1S TO PUD" (20 6 - 208 5 Street, S.W.) (2 reading) ORDINANCE i. : "AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND DISCONTINUING AN ALLEY, LOCATED OFF RANDOLPH AVENUE ADJACENT TO PARCELS 63 AND 64 (709 RIVES STREET AND 707 RIVES nd STREET), CITY TAX MAP 56" (2 r eading) PUBLIC HEARING : ANNUAL TAX LEVY Mr. O'Connell presented an overview of the proposed budget. It fully funds the School's request; provides $8 million for School capital projects; $75,000 Council reserve; creates a fund balance target adjustment ; anticipates $10 million in bonds; provides $5.3 million out of the General Fund to the CIP; 3% pay for performance increase and market adjustments; provides for increases in health and retirement; and provides an increase in the tax relief program. It i ncludes cost allocations for HVAC and Worker's Compensation; funds for debt service; $241,000 additional for the Comprehensive Services Act; and $700,000 for the Jail. The real estate tax rate is proposed to remain the same, but recognizes that assessment s have gone up. Increases in the following user fees and taxes are proposed: cigarette tax; E - 911 tax; trash fees; building permits and consumer tax for electric and gas. Mr. O'Connell said the increase in the trash fees will help pay for cleanup at th e landfill. He noted that last year's operating budgets were cut by 5%. He said the question is what services do citizens want and are they willing to pay for them. Ms. Richards said that Virginia First Cities, a coalition of fifteen cities, has been w orking together for three years. She presented a comparison of tax rates for these cities which ranged from 72 cents to $1.42. She said some localities are having to increase their tax rates this year. She said people are asking why the budget is propos ed to increase by 7%. She said the service costs are not driven by inflation but by other factors, including emergency preparedness, information technology costs, retirement for teachers, and the Comprehensive Services Act. She said localities are also ha ving to make up State cuts to schools. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Charles Weber, 601 Locust Avenue, said he understands the stresses on the budget and appreciates City services. He said the notice regarding the tax rate that was published is m isleading. He said setting a rate at $1.09 is a vote to raise taxes. He asserted that tax increases are not necessary. He said not all increases have gone to unfunded mandates. He asked that the City show where all the money is going. Mr. Peter Kleem an, 407 Hedge Street, said he is disconcerted about the inequity of basing so much of the budget on the real estate tax. He said the burden of providing services needs to be borne by everyone. He said there is a differential in taxes paid. Mr. Jim Moo re, 1213 Hazel Street, spoke on behalf of three friends in Belmont. He said Rudy Chico of 705 Palatine Avenue has to work a second job in order to help support aging parents and will be paying $200 more in taxes and fees this year. Granville Gentry and h is wife of 707 Rockland Avenue, are retired and will be paying $215 more this year. Another friend with a small house saw a 30.9% increase in assessment. Mr. Moore said he likes brick paths and new computer systems, but said Belmont is bearing the brunt of the budget. He asked what can be cut. Mr. Kevin Kotlarski, 2316 Fontaine Avenue, expressed concern with the process. He said the rate stays the same but the amount people owe increases. He said it would