2006-03-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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91 Ms. Hamilton said she thinks it is wise that the program only be asked to do a small expansion. Regarding his comments about the Municipal Band, Mr. Schilling clarified that the only funding portion he was discussing was the tax abatement not the other City contribution. Mr. Lynch said that the Urban Vision Program sounds like it is an area Council wants addressed. Mr. Caravati said he would support it, but he would look for 80% participation. Mr. Lynch asked about the possibilities of being able to get federal funds for the Drug Court, and asked if it is eligible for CDBG funds. He said it is a priority to him to find alternative funding for it. He said he would like information on other grants the Drug Court is applying for. Mr. Caravati asked about the increase in funding for the SPCA, and Ms. Beauregard said the formula is based on the number of animals picked up in the City. Mr. Lynch said he would like to have a work session with the County on the Juvenile Detention Center. He said funding is based on 18 beds, but we only have 6 kids there, which amounts to $200,000 a kid. Mr. Charles Edwards of the Juvenile Detention Center, said the formula is based on a 36 month running average to level out the cost. He said they are running below projections. Dr. Brown asked about the Center’s capacity, and Mr. Edwards said it is 40. He said outside jurisdictions are buying space which offsets local costs. Mr. Lynch said that in 2002/2003 the City averaged 8.39 at the Center, and it was down to 5.9 in 2004/2005. He asked if the County is also seeing declining numbers. Mr. Edwards said the trend is showing a decline in City occupancy and an increase in County occupancy. It was agreed that the issue of the Juvenile Detention Center would be back for discussion. Regarding the Jail, Mr. Lynch said the inmate population is down but costs are up. Mr. Lynch asked for more information about the proposed salary increase. Colonel Ron Matthews, Jail Superintendent, said that the Jail Board chose to implement the pay plan over a three year period at a cost of $628,000. He said they have been having a problem with staffing, and noted that most employees live outside of the City and Albemarle County. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Colonel Matthews said that starting salary is $30,234. He noted that there is a new regional jail in Verona that is pulling employees over there. He said that the pay plan had already had a major impact. Colonel Matthews said the jail has a total population of 489, 58% of which are from Charlottesville. Mr. Lynch said he thinks we need to look at the salaries for next year. He said he would like to look at the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center. Mr. Lynch asked for true numbers for the 36 month average at the Center. Mr. Caravati asked about the decrease for Piedmont Housing Alliance, and Ms. Beauregard said that was an error in their application and staff propose that it be adjusted.