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4 <br /> <br /> Regarding recycling, Mr. Lynch said he appreciates the public's priority and there <br />is an effort in progress to do more downtown. He said we also hope to increase the items <br />that can be recycled at the curb. He said it is important to acknowledge and support our <br />public safety officers. He said the City has been conscientious in bringing salaries up, <br />and said we are the best in the region. He agreed with the need for better fire response <br />times, and said it remains to be determined if we need another station. Regarding the <br />comment about the 6% growth in the budget, Mr. Lynch said that the general operating <br />budget increase is 5.53%, but if you include the capital budget it is an increase of 6%. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell noted that the salary increase is for 4% across the board which will <br />not make compression worse. He said the net result of position reductions will be 14.25 <br />positions. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said there needs to be greater education regarding recycling, <br />especially in low income neighborhoods. She said the financial argument for recycling <br />needs to be made, and she offered to help in the effort. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: ANNUAL TAX LEVY <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that the real estate tax rate is proposed to be reduced from <br />$1.09 to $1.05, and this rate is necessary to fund needed services and for the City to meet <br />its financial obligations. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Caravati, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the ordinance entitled <br />"AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL TAX LEVY ON VARIOUS <br />CLASSES OF PROPERTY FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST AND <br />RETIREMENT OF THE CITY DEBT, FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY <br />GOVERNMENT AND CITY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES" <br />was offered and carried over to the April 12th meeting for consideration. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that a member of the public has noted that when assessments rise <br />by more than 1% Council is required to reduce the rate unless they deem an increase <br />beyond 1% necessary for the operation of the City. He said the budget drivers required <br />an increase. He said there are substantial personnel costs, including health and retirement <br />benefits. He said the demographics of our students are changing and we need to decrease <br />the achievement gap and need to fund the schools adequately. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION: ANNUAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION <br /> <br /> Mr. O 'Connell said that the budget appropriation reflects the revenues and <br />expenditures discussed, with changes made by Council. <br /> <br /> Responding to questions from Mr. Caravati, Mr. O'Connell said that as of July 1, <br />$900,000 will be available in the capital improvement program for the fire department. <br />He said that Council will consider a resolution at their April 18th meeting authorizing a <br />working group to look at land acquisition for a fire station in the southern part of the City. <br />He said the group will also make sure that any new location would be good if there is a <br />merger with Albemarle County. <br /> <br /> Regarding the schools, Mr. Caravati said he would like to put $250,000 aside in <br />the CIP to address development of a strategic plan by the Schools Board and to create an <br />incentive fund directed at teachers. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that if one-time money is needed, the CIP or any year-end <br />surplus could be used, but he would not suggest using these funds for ongoing funding. <br /> <br />Mr. Caravati said he will lobby for a specific program. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that Council can discuss this when year-end adjustments are <br />made in November or December. <br /> <br /> <br />