2005-03-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Dr. Scottie Griffin, Superintendent of Schools, reviewed the budget highlights: 6% average teacher pay, 4.5% average increase for other employees, 3% average increase for central office administrators; duel enrollment program, curriculum alignment; match intervention teacher at CHS; math intervention at Walker; increased student participation in advanced level courses; half time pre-school family worker to full time; Dean of Students at Buford; and grant writer. Mr. Ed Gillaspie, Director of Finance for the Schools, reviewed the cost of the increases and the projected revenues. He said the total projected budget is $57,707,484, 65.3% of which comes from the City. Mr. Caravati asked how many students the budget is predicated on and Mr. Gillaspie said 4,200. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about the State's funding responsibility, Mr. Gillaspie said that JLARC did a study about the State's funding responsibility and found they are meeting part but not all of their responsibility. Mr. Caravati said he would support reserving a time for a work session to discuss the budget with the School Board. PUBLIC HEARING: ANNUAL TAX LEVY Mr. O'Connell said the proposal is to reduce the real estate tax rate from $1.09 to $1.05. He said the public notice has been published as required by State law. Mr. Brown said that the assessments are determined by the Real Estate Assessor and if they increase 101% from the previous year Council must either reduce the rate or publish a notice and hold a public hearing, which is now being done, in accordance with State law. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Jim Moore, 1213 Hazel Street, said there was confusion about what the law really says at the recent budget forum. He said he believes Council is supposed to state the necessity of the increase and the need for it. Mr. Kenneth Martin, 222 Lankford Avenue, said that two years ago Council increased tax collectors by one half a position to collect delinquent taxes. He said Council is being asked to increase the elderly tax relief program. He said citizens are increasingly finding taxes a burden. As there were no further speakers the public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 2006 BUDGET Mr. O'Connell gave a brief overview of the budget which has a total operating budget of $106 million: maintain high quality City services; $2.15 million departmental reductions which includes eliminating 14.25 positions; $32 million for City School; no tax and fee increases and no new services. The budget funds tax relief for the elderly, Comprehensive Services Act, retirement and health care costs, and a 4% salary increase. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Elizabeth Breeden, 981 Old Lynchburg Road, said she is speaking in support of art in general and Art in Place because of its value to the community. She said McGuffey Art Center's budget is in jeopardy. She said it provides city-wide art shows. She also supported funding the peer support program for mentally ill clients requested by On Our Own. Mr. Bert Schmidt, President and General Manager of WVPT, thanked the City for the $2,112 proposed to be funded for education programs.