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491 <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch noted that the cost for open space is $2 million and others are in the <br />$20 million range. He said that given the focus from the community he thinks we should <br />go after the $2 million piece first. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said the point must be made that the facilities, especially the pools, <br />are so bad that we have to do something. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said we should discuss anticipated staffing levels of new facilities and <br />upkeep issues at the work session. <br /> <br />Mr. Younger said that existing staff could be shifted. <br /> <br />REPORT: BUDGET GUIDELINES AND CALENDAR ADOPTION <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that the proposed budget guidelines were amended based on <br />comments made by Councilors at the last meeting. He said the proposed budget calendar <br />is also being presented for Council approval. <br /> <br />Councilors expressed agreement with all budget guidelines except #4, #9 and #16. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he would like to discuss guideline #4, dedicating 40% of new <br />revenue to the schools. He said he understands the Schools will be asking for more than <br />that. He said he would prefer to have a more wide open discussion with the School <br />Board, and would spur this discussion by reducing the amount from 40% to 20%. He <br />said he would like to discuss with the School Board their budget in detail. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said Council needs to give clear direction to the School Board in <br />the next two weeks. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said the focus should be what their needs are. He said the Virginia <br />Retirement System funding is an area they cannot change. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked Mr. Caravati to provide an example of areas where he feels the <br />School Board's budget is excessive. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said their fixed costs have largely become variable costs. He said <br />they could combine with Albemarle County in certain areas. He said the rate of teacher <br />salary increases concerns him. He said we need to broaden the horizons on how we deal <br />with issues, such as bus purchases and health costs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton asked if it would not be easier to combine the School health care <br />with the City' s. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that was looked at a year ago and there was no cost savings, <br />but it can be looked at again. He said that buses are on State contract and is the same <br />price for all localities. He said the Schools are looking at lots of changes because their <br />funding problems are so great. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is more inclined to go in the other direction and said perhaps <br />the guideline should be dropped. He said if the Schools can make significant <br />improvements he would be willing to spend more if there are tangible results. He said he <br />would not want to throw it out until we know what our needs are and their revenues are. <br />He agreed there are areas in their budget where there could be reductions. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said that Council has not provided a great deal of direction to the <br />School Board. She said we could look at not specifying a figure. She said she does not <br />know if she is comfortable cutting the amount. She suggested telling them Council' s <br />priorities and seeing what they come back with. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he would argue to keep the 40% figure to send a message that <br />Council is not backing off on support for the Schools now after a difficult year. He said <br /> <br /> <br />