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5 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville, Virginiarequests assistance from ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign as it progresses through the milestones. PUBLIC HEARING : ANNUAL TAX LEVY Mr. O’Connell said that the current real estate tax rate of $.99 is proposed to remain the same. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said that middle class families are being driven out of the City by rising assessments. She said her assessment has increased 500% in eight years. She noted the $9.9 million surplus last year. She said the budget should reflect what we need, not what we want, and the tax rate should be lowered. nd Mr. Richard Berman, 205-A 2 Street, N.W. said he feels the assessment on his two bedroom apartment is grossly unfair. He said he cannot afford to live here anymore, and asked that the tax rate be lowered. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said that Council discussed reducing the burden on real property last year. He said the $9 million surplus equals $.20 on the tax rate. He said there is a 30% increase in the budget over what was spent last year and proposed this year. He said he thinks the tax rate can be reduced and still meet the needs of the community. Mr. John Pfaltz, 1503 Rugby Road, said last year there were 907 City employees and now there are 914, and the numbers were not reduced as the public was told. He referred to the cost of CityLink. He said no return on investment analysis was done on the use of the surplus. He said the funding for EMS is not needed and should be taken out. He said no meetings were held with Larry Claytor of the Rescue Squad about the proposal. He said there is no need to raise taxes. Mr. Robert Hodous, 1309 Lester Drive, said there is confusion about terms such as lowering the tax rate and lowering taxes. He said it is Council’s responsibility to decide if increases are necessary. He asked that Council be honest about the terminology. Mr. Mark Kavit, 400 Altamont Street, expressed concern that the City is spending more than it should, and said spending should at least be leveled off. He said people are getting concerned about tax increases. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch said he agrees with the majority who spoke. He said he can identify at least $4 million in savings, and would be in favor of taking half of that to reduce the tax rate across the board by 4 cents and putting the other half in tax rebate and deferral programs. He said the Governor’s proposal which would exempt 20% of homeowners’ assessment from taxes will require a Constitutional amendment and will not appear on the ballot until 2008. He said that until then we should reduce the rate by 4 cents and expand the limit on income and value of the house for the lower and moderate income tax credit. He said we have the power to have a deferral program and suggested that any increase over 5% be deferred. Mr. Taliaferro, referring to comments made by Mr. Pfaltz about not meeting with Mr. Claytor about the EMS proposal, said that six meetings were held with the Rescue Squad about the proposal. He said the proposal is not meant to be in competition with the Rescue Squad, but to improve services. He said the need for this is documented and he is happy to talk further with Mr. Pfaltz. Mr. Norris agreed with increasing targeted tax relief for middle class homeowners. He said having a deferral program and expanding the rebate program will