2009-03-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, March 5, 2009 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Budget Work Session BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – March 5, 2009 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Mr. O’Connell said that we are moving into a totally new economy. He said the proposed budget has no tax or fee changes, no cuts in services, and Council priorities are funded. He said the total proposed operating budget is $127,085,950, a decrease of .23%. He said 14 full-time positions are reduced, there are $580,000 in departmental savings, a 1.28% increase to schools, and no salary increases for City employees. He said the proposed funding for capital improvements projects is $8 million less than this year, but it includes $1 million for affordable housing, $600,000 for the stormwater program, and $125,000 for home energy conservation. He said staff believes we can now do the Forrest Hills Park renovations this summer which will mean the spray pool will be closed during construction. He said that staff proposes to close the McIntire wading pool due to the significant cost to change the drains in all wading pools as required by federal law. He said Meade Pool can be used instead. He said Council can further discuss the Forrest Hills renovation at the CIP work session, but he recommended that we begin the bidding process. Councilors indicated that they support moving forward with the bidding process for Forrest Hills Park. Council asked staff for a graph showing all staffing changes, not just those in the general fund. Dr. Brown said he thinks next year’s budget will be even harder given that the State budget has been bolstered by the federal stimulus funds. Responding to a question from Mr. Norris about the purpose of the fund balance reserve, Mr. O’Connell said that it is for major emergencies and to maintain our AAA bond rating. He said the rating agencies look for a fund balance as a sign of good financial planning. Ms. Leslie Beauregard, Budget Director, reviewed the major revenue projections, including real property tax - +.13%; personal property tax - -3.33%; sales and use tax - - 3.83%;transit lodging tax - -8.27%; and meals tax - -2.14%. Dr. Brown said we may want to be even more pessimistic on our revenue projections. Ms. Beauregard reviewed revenues anticipated from the State, from intergovernmental sources, charges for service and fines. She said total revenues are expected to decline by .23%. She gave a State budget update, reviewed agency and non- governmental funding, and discussed staffing reductions. Dr. Brown expressed concern about reducing seasonal positions that are held by low income residents. Ms. Beauregard said she will check on the number of people employed in that category.