2008-02-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 dedicating funds, he said there are dedicated funding streams already, including 40% of new money for the Schools, lodging taxes for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Percent for Art program, and one cent of the meals tax for debt service. He said there have also been discussions about dedicated funds for stormwater and EMS. He said many cities in the country have dedicated funds for affordable housing. He said this issue requires a concerted long-term commitment. He said the concern about the City going it alone is legitimate, but said the broader region is being engaged, and noted the Housing Task Force that was formed with U. Va. and Albemarle County. He also noted that the development community is being asked to do more, and said the City is working on a proffer policy. He said the Housing Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the proposal. He said he understands that several Councilors are hesitant to commit without knowing more about the budget, and said he is willing to defer final passage until the budget is adopted. Mr. O’Connell said that the issue is not this budget, but future budgets. He said we need to look at long-term implications. Dr. Brown noted that last year Council adopted in the capital improvement program a $5 million, five year plan for affordable housing. He said he has heard concern that the amount is being decreased, and he asked if the schedule is being followed. Mr. O’Connell said the commitment is being followed, and with the surplus funds, additional money was put on top of what was approved for the five-year plan. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. O’Connell said that programs such as tax relief for the elderly, down payment assistance, etc. are separate from these funds. Dr. Brown asked if there are other ordinances that dedicate funds. Mr. Norris said he is not aware of an ordinance, but funds are dedicated by policy or tradition. He noted that the ordinance says funding will be subject to an annual appropriation. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Peg Campbell, 200 Douglas Avenue, said she has worked with many people over the years who have difficulty affording housing, and said she thinks Council should pass the ordinance. Ms. Elizabeth Kutchai, 1260 Bollingwood Road, said that she does not doubt the need for affordable housing, but does not think an ordinance specifying a revenue stream is the way to go. She said value judgments are made in every budget, and needs should compete every year on a level playing field. She said the City should pressure U. Va. to pay a living wage. She asked what other needs Council is willing to ignore in the budget. She said Council makes choices with annual input from citizens. th Ms. Rosa Kenney, 1011 5 Street, S.W., said people who make $15,000 a year cannot compete with those making $45,000. She asked that Council keep the Piedmont Housing program going. Ms. Lynn Wiber, 500 Park Street, said she lives in a homeless shelter. She said 25% of citizens live below the poverty level and cannot afford to pay $600 in rent. She said dedicated money is needed and there is not enough public housing. Rev. Tom Leland, Pastor of University Baptist Church, said the City has made a good first step, but a commitment for the future is needed. He said affordable housing should be made a priority and he urged Council to pas the ordinance and keep those who make less than 30% of the AMI a priority.