2007-03-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Gillaspie said there is no change in the composite index this year. Responding to a question from Mr. Taliaferro, Mr. Gillaspie said that the composite index is a “wealth indicator,” and is based on real estate taxes, sales taxes and tax returns. Mr. Norris asked how the Schools are justifying an increase of this size without some sense of getting better outcomes and improved student performance. Ms. Atkins said an accountability system is in place this year and data analysis is being done school by school. She said they are seeing impressive results. Mr. Norris commended the School’s leadership team for their positive atmosphere this year. He said he remains concerned about the dropout rate, and asked what efforts are being undertaken to address this. Ms. Atkins said that at Charlottesville High School individual conferences have been held with parents and students, and conferences have been held with parents at the middle school. She said there is an in-school tutoring program, and staff has also been going to apartment complexes to meet with parents and students. Mr. Lynch echoed Mr. Norris’ comments about the positive work done this year. He said he appreciates the goals set out. He said he continues to be concerned about the increase proposed. He said he could justify about a 6% increase in the general cost of doing business, but more than that he would want to see new programs. He said he is in favor of the three-year old programs, but it seems expensive as it will only serve 16 children. He said we need to get away from the arms race regarding teacher salaries. He said we are not there yet on the evaluation side, but feels we are there on the salary side. He said we need to get together with school officials from other localities and work out the salary issue. He said he continues to be concerned about the reduction in the Book Buddies program. He said he thinks it could be run leaner with more volunteers. Mr. Taliaferro said we are in a real competitive environment regarding teacher salaries and feels we are compelled to be competitive. Dr. Brown agreed with Mr. Taliaferro. He said to boost achievement we have to have good teachers. He said he is glad to see at-risk kids addressed. He said he thinks the three-year old program will be a good pilot program. PRESENTATION : CITY MANAGER’S PROPOSED BUDGET Mr. O’Connell said he is proposing a very different budget this year, with an emphasis on better City services for all our residents. He said the Schools were a major priority in the budget proposal. He reviewed Council budget guidelines which were adopted in November, 2006. He said the proposed budget is tied to the Strategic Plan and Council vision themes. He listed the major initiatives in the budget: strong support for education; affordable housing and tax relief; public safety technology; investment in facilities and infrastructure; “Green City” initiatives; neighborhood traffic improvements; enhanced youth programs; expansion of transit service; focus on customer service; and continued support for the City as a good place to work. Mr. O’Connell reviewed revenues and expenditures for the proposed $122,973,541 operating budget and $22.3 million capital improvement program. Mr. O’Connell reviewed the major expenditure highlights as follows: Education - $38.3 million, an increase of $4.3 million; School CIP program - $1.6 million for capital program and $400,000 for accelerated School ADA improvements; Affordable Housing/Tax Relief - $4,058,500 total; Public Safety - $3,338,552 total; and General Services (downtown trash pickup/weed cutting; tree maintenance, parks and grounds and trails development; environmental remediation at landfill, stormwater, and Green City initiatives; city-wide signage/traffic improvements; expanded transit; enhanced youth workforce development programs; living wage). Mr. O’Connell said this is considered a year of investment for the capital improvement program which includes funding for: education and ADA projects; fire station; pools and