2008-03-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 ABANDONMENT OF STORMWATER AND SANITARY SEWER EASEMENTS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY PAVILION LLC ON 15TH STREET, N.W.” nd (2 reading) PRESENTATION : SCHOOL BOARD’S PROPOSED BUDGET Ms. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools, presented a power point on the proposed School Board budget. She reviewed the successes of the year, and said the budget was developed with input from staff, teachers, and the community, and has its foundation in the Strategic Plan. She said teacher salaries are proposed to increase an average of 4.48% and other staff salary increases average 4.25%. She reviewed staffing recommendations. Mr. Ed Gillaspie, Finance Director of the Schools, said that the total salary increase is 3.67%, and benefits will increase 2.19%. He said contractual obligations and the general operating fund will increase 4.87%. Revenues will increase 3.76% from the City, 6.77% from the State, and 2.14% from Federal. Revenues from fees and other sources will decrease 2.91%. He said there is an overall general fund increase of 4.09%. Responding to a question from Mr. Taliaferro about the total number of personnel increases, Mr. Gillaspie said that there are 12.1 in the general fund, and 11 from grant sources. Responding to a question from Mr. Huja about the drop-out rate, Ms. Atkins said that will be calculated after the end of the year. Mr. Norris said he was pleased with the recent presentation given on violence in schools, and said he would like to talk about opportunities for collaboration with Albemarle County. Ms. Atkins said she meets often with the Superintendent of Albemarle Schools, and their instructional teams meet on a regular basis for an exchange of ideas and materials. She said they have also talked about professional development programs that can serve both divisions. Responding to a question from Mr. Norris about raising the base salary of the lowest paid School employees, Ms. Atkins said a $11.74 base salary is included in the proposed budget. PUBLIC HEARING : ANNUAL TAX LEVY Mr. O’Connell explained that the assessments are determined by the Real Estate Assessor’s office, and Council is not involved in that process. He said the tax rate is in front of Council. He said there was an overall increase of 6.94% for all assessments, with the average residential assessment increased by 4%. He said the City budget has increased by 4.7%. He said the recommendation is to keep the tax rate at 95 cents. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Carl Shaw, 207 Surry, said there should be a differential tax rate on land and buildings, and Council should do all it can to reduce the price of land. He said land is common property and should not have a selling price. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said the tax levy is too high, otherwise why else would the City have hefty surpluses. Ms. Carolyn Belt, 1011 Little High Street, asked how many people apply for tax relief. She said a tax rate of 95 cents is a lot of money. Mr. Jim Moore, 1213 Hazel Street, said that in keeping with the spirit of State law, the tax rate automatically is reduced. He said Council is actually voting to raise the tax rate.