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63 Mr. Lynch said he thinks the budget is a good start, but he thinks we have a way to go. He said he would like to see a reduction of an additional two cents, either in a broad reduction or more money in the tax relief program. He said he would like to consider including people who have houses over the mean value of $238,000 because of the history of appreciation of property. Mr. Caravati said that the legislation only allows the City to go to the VHDA cap of mean value. Mr. Lynch said he is a little concerned about money spent in a couple of areas, including the jail and public safety retirement, and he would look to these areas for savings. He said we may have to consider whether we can afford a 4% salary increase. Mr. Caravati said one primary issue this year is schools and how they can better perform. He said he will assist and prod the schools to do this. He said his energies will be put into a further tax rate reduction and schools. Mr. Lynch said that there are expenses and revenues in the budget that are counted twice, such as money given to Schools that they give back and tax relief. He said it does not look as bad if you just look at the bottom line. Mr. Schilling said he finds it remarkable and counterproductive that Councilors th are focusing on more of a tax decrease now rather than on January 26 when he suggested it and only Mr. Lynch went along with it. REPORT : PIEDMONT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT Dr. Frank Friedman, President of Piedmont Virginia Community College, said that enrollment has been stable, with 15% of the students coming from the City. He noted that the number of City students has been declining. He said there are three dual enrollment classes at Charlottesville High School and he would to see that number increase. He said there are over 700 distance learning students. He said major renovation of the main academic building is underway and they will go to bid soon on the new science building. He said discussions are occurring with the YMCA about locating a facility on PVCC grounds. He said $11.5 million has been raised for scholarships, student assistance, furniture, equipment and faculty. He said the Connected Community Technical Center is undergoing a transition and they want to bring in new tenants, and consideration is being given to moving the One Stop program there. He said PVCC is anxious to be part of the future of Jefferson School. He said a new initiative is offering classes in construction trades. Mr. Schilling said that Dr. Friedman’s enthusiasm is contagious. He expressed concern about City enrollment being down and asked for an historical perspective. Dr. Friedman said that a few years ago City students made up 20% of the total student population. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Dr. Friedman said that actual number of City students is now 1,160, down from over 1,600 in a 12 month period. Dr. Brown said he wonders if this decline is due to poverty and affordability of taking classes. Dr. Friedman said community college tuition has about doubled in the last four years and that could be one of the factors of the decline in City enrollment. He said the increase in tuition occurred to offset the loss of State revenues. He said the number of scholarships offered will be increased. Ms. Hamilton said it is time for serious discussions with PVCC regarding Jefferson School. REPORT : JEFFERSON SCHOOL