2008-03-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

5 As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, said that tax rates are set for calendar, not fiscal years. He said there is no tax rate right now, and it has yet to be set for next year. He said the notice published in the paper is required by State law, and the City has met both the letter and the spirit of the law. Mr. Norris noted that the utilization of the tax relief program is low, with only 16% of those eligible applying for the program. PUBLIC HEARING : CITY MANAGER’S PROPOSED FY 2009 BUDGET Mr. O’Connell presented highlights of the proposed $127 million budget, a 4.21% increase, with a capital improvement budget of $24.4. He said the budget is a strategic document that looks to the future. Schools are fully funded, and funds are proposed for affordable housing programs, youth recreation programs, transit system improvements, and major CIP projects. There is no increase in the number of employees funded in the general fund. He said one new employee is proposed to be funded by increased inspection fees and an executive staff position was eliminated in the City Manager’s office. He noted that the current budget is proposed by the City Manager. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Jacki Bryant, Executive Director of Children, Youth and Family Services, asked Council to restore full funding for the REAL Dad’s Program. She said 256 dads st have been served sine July 1. Mr. Eddie Harris said he works for the REAL Dad’s Program, and has been building relationships with five men. He said he feels it makes a difference. Mr. Bob Nicholson, a REAL Dad’s participant, said he is learning how to be a dad from the program. Mr. Rod Gentry, President of Union Bank and Trust, and a Board Member of the Piedmont Workforce Network, said a partnership is being formed with businesses and Piedmont Virginia Community College to administer the program. He asked Council to reconsider $6,000 for the program. Ms. Terry Grant, Vice President of the Board of Piedmont Council of the Arts, 1524 Oxford Road, thanked Council for the proposed funding for PCA. Ms. Maggie Gugenheimer, new Director for PCA, said she looks forward to working with the City to realize its arts vision. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said the person responsible for expending the strategic investment fund should resign. She questioned the philosophy and use of public money. She said a budget should be created without the County revenue sharing. She asked what was cut out of the budget in order to fund $500,000 for affordable housing. She said the budget should fund needs not wants. Mr. Jim Moore, 1213 Hazel Street, thanked Council for recognizing that the budget cannot continue to grow. He said performance measures are a good start. He asked that Council create a volunteer commission for a resource utilization review. He asked why the City’s retirement benefits are greater than market standards. He said $5 million could be reallocated if the City’s tax rate was lowered to the County level. Ms. Elizabeth Kutchai, 126 Bollingwood Road, said she has lived in the City for 25 years, and wonders what she is getting for her taxes. She said the City rate is 40% higher than the County. She said the budget is hard to understand. She said the City provides affordable housing for the whole region. She expressed concern about spending $5 million on Smith Pool when the majority of users are from Albemarle County.