2008-10-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, October 17, 2008 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon meeting with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – October 17, 2008 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris. Absent: Dr. Brown and Mr. Taliaferro. Mr. O’Connell said the meeting will focus on the City’s current and next year’s budget. Ms. Leslie Beauregard, City Budget Director, provided charts showing the percentage change in real estate assessment from 1998 – 2010; a comparison of local revenue sources from 2008 – revised 2009 (a reduction of $1,759,713); and real estate tax revenue from 2005 – 20010 (down to a 2.06% increase in 2010). Mr. O’Connell noted that the City has traditionally given the Schools 40% of new money, and continuing that formula would mean that the School will receive significantly less. Ms. Beauregard continued showing charts of personal property taxes from 2005 – 2010 (3.82% increase in 2010); BPOL taxes from 2005 – 2010 (1.72% increase in 2010); and meals and lodging taxes from 2005 – 2010 (2.99% increase in 2010). Mr. O’Connell said that budget development guidelines have been sent to City departments with instructions to prepare both a flat budget and one with a 10% reduction from the current year’s budget. Ms. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the Schools have the potential of being hit financially from both the State and City. Mr. O’Connell said that capital projects will be slowed down to help with operating budgets. Mr. Juan Wade, School Board member, said we need to be ready with a consolidated message to the public about the budget situation. Ms. Atkins said that budgets will actually need to decrease even if they are “flat” because expenses will go up. Mr. Norris asked for an update on the City’s and School’s efficiency reviews. Mr. O’Connell said the City has just started with data collection, then interviews will be conducted. He said the report ill be provided by February, but partial recommendations will be made by December so they can be included in the budget. Ms. Atkins said their data collection, interviews and the on-line survey have been completed. The consultants are in the process of reviewing the information and asking for additional information. She said a draft is expected in November, with the final th report due on January 8. Ms. Atkins said a budget review team will also be put in place.