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68 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, March 9, 2006 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Budget Work Session BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – March 9, 2006 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Absent: Mr. Caravati. Mr. O’Connell said that the major focus of the work session will be major revenues and expenditures. General Fund Revenues Mr. Lynch asked if we can capture the fact that we are actually collecting less real estate taxes than shown in the budget because of tax relief. He said we are really not collecting $1.5 million and that makes it look like the taxes are growing faster than they are. Mr. O’Connell said staff has discussed this and will talk with the auditors. He said ultimately it is a matter of how we account for funds. Ms. Leslie Beauregard, Budget Manager, said that if tax relief was taken out there would be an increase of 7.5% to 7.75%. Dr. Brown asked what other localities do, and Ms. Beauregard said staff is checking on that. Mr. Lynch said he thinks it is important to get across to the public that the increase as not as substantial as it appears. Fee Increases Mr. Schilling asked questions about the increase in sign permits, and Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, responded that it applies to any permanent commercial signs, the fees are higher because more staff time is spent on residential signs, and the fee is being raised to equalize with Albemarle County. Mr. Schilling said his concern goes directly to affordable housing. He said he would rather not see the fee based on the County’s fee. Mr. Tolbert said the average increase is $21 and he does not think that will be a major hit. Dr. Brown asked if the changes in state law regarding personal property taxes will affect the City’s revenue or residents. Ms. Beauregard said the tax payer will be affected as the City will only get a fixed amount on what is already assessed. State Funding Mr. O’Connell said that the City and School budgets were based on the Governor’s proposed budget, and the General Assembly could change the budget which he said may have more of an impact on the Schools than the City.