2009-03-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 PUBLIC HEARING : ANNUAL TAX LEVY The public hearing was opened. Mr. Bill Sampson, 609 Wine Cellar Circle, said that a lot of work has gone into the budget to keep it level and that is a step in the right direction. He said the surplus of the last few years is evidence that the tax rate is too high and he said the tax rate should be cut to 90 cents. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING : CITY MANAGER’S PROPOSED FY 2010 BUDGET The public hearing was opened. Ms. Cheryl Cooper, 289 Blackthorn Lane, said that the level funding proposed for JABA impacted three programs and will result in cuts. Ms. Jacki Bryant, Executive Director of Children, Youth and Family Services, asked that funding be reinstated for the Real Dads Program. She said 120 men have been reached. Mr. Eddie Harris, Parent Educator with the Real Dads Program said he does a lot of outreach. Mr. John Western, 674 Hillsdale Drive, a JABA volunteer that delivers meals, said that the Mary Williams Center is a good program. Mr. Frederick Schmidt, 312 Chestnut Street, a member of JABA’s Citizen Advisory Council, said he hopes Council will continue its support of JABA. Mr. Mark Marsh, 253 B Stribling Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Real Dads program which he said has helped him. Mr. Ronnie Anderson, 944 Rockcreek Road, said support for the Real Dads program is needed on a big scale. Ms. Michelle Bates, 5 Old Homestead Circle, Palmyra, Acting Director of TeenSight, spoke in support of funding for the Real Dad’s program. Mr. Bob Rannigan, 5825 Lexington Lane, Earlysville, a volunteer with OAR, said he works with men who have had no relationships with their fathers. He said the Real Dad’s program is an extension of the jail program. Mr. Albie LaFave, 2350 Castle Rock Road, Afton, a Sentencing Advocate in the Public Defender’s office, supported the Real Dad’s program. Mr. John Pfaltz, 1503 Rugby Road, said that a salary increase for City employees is shown in the budget, and he asked if they are being given raises. He said the $2.8 million in economic downturn funds should be funded when times are flush. Mr. James Moore, 1213 Hazel Street, a member of the Charlottesville Taxpayers Association, said he looks forward to learning more about how we can provide services with less money. He said there has been increased spending every year since 1996. He challenged Council to reduce spending by 5%. Ms. Karen Waters, Executive Director of the Quality Community Council, 1014 St. Charles Avenue, since QCC has not received funding from the City since 2003. She said she is not surprised they were not recommended for funding this year. She said no low income people weigh in on the agency review.