2004-03-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 guidance to staff to not increase the tax rate, Council should keep the amount of taxes the same, then if they cannot fund the needs it can be increased. He said the tax rate should float to keep a steady stream. Mr. Kenneth Jackson, 1437 Rugby Avenue, expressed concern that the funding request for the Quality Community Council was denied because they have done an excellent job in the community. He asked that programs not be cut that are proven to work. He said he has not heard about the profit share with Albemarle County. He said a 10% fund balance would work as well as 12%. He said needs come first and wants come second. He said a lot of expenses could be cut and we have to prioritize. He said the schools should be the first priority, then public safety, then neighborhoods. Ms. Bekah Saxon, 913 Blenheim Avenue, President of the Charlottesville Educa tion Association, said that teachers receive different benefits than City employees and pay higher rates. She said the City needs to send a message to the General Assembly to provide funding for education, but still needs to fund the schools. Mr. David Toscano, 628 Evergreen Avenue, said he is a parent of a Burnley - Moran student. He said the Spanish program is an attractor for City Schools. He said there are programs unique to other schools as well. He said he understands the dilemma since the Schools did not ask for more money, but Council could still put in the 40% of new money which would provide and additional $200,000. He said Council's $75,000 reserve could be designated for the Schools. Mr. Carl Ackerman, 1611 Market Street supported funding for the Spanish program and instructional aids. He said we are unique in that we have an appointed School Board and feels that the quality we have in the School Board is tremendously important because of that. He said he does not think the School Board s hould have to live within the amount of funding proposed by the City. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, expressed concern about relying more heavily on fees, such as the trash sticker. He said he would prefer that the fees not be changed and that the City accept responsibility for trash handling. He said the E - 911 tax would only be paid by land line phones which would mean that it is paid by an ever smaller portion of the population. Mr. Paul Moore, Riverside Avenue, commended the General Assembl y for fighting the Governor's budget. He asked how many times Council can go back to citizens for more money. He said the City should help people prepare to help themselves. He said more money is being spent on education in the country than ever before. He said the public school system is no longer working and we must starting working on vouchers. Mr. Kevin Kotlarski, 2316 Fontaine Avenue, expressed concern about increasing the burden on homeowners. He said the City should identify ways to reduce sta ff and look at ways to reduce the overall budget. Mr. John Stout, 1001 Cherry Avenue, said community policing is important. He said more police should be hired at better salaries. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Richards said she understands that principals at each school were asked to cut their budgets and that the recommendations for cuts were made by the principals. Mr. O'Connell said that is his understanding but he does not know for sure. Ms. Richards sa id principals may want to speak with parents, and suggested that parents, teachers and parents discuss how they can achieve the same end. Ms. Richards said that if the Spanish program is reinstated at Burnley - Moran then other programs may need to be reins tated at other schools.