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213 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix summarized the proposed FY 94/95 budget: no <br />new programs are proposed~ the schools will receive an <br />additional $300,000, only building inspection fees are <br />proposed to increase, level funding is proposed for agencies, <br />and a 3% average performance based pay increase is proposed <br />for City employees. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jay Rostan, Route 1, Dillwyn, a member of the City <br />Market Vendor Committee~ stated that the Market is trying to <br />put together a permanent home and is in need of a location <br />with water, bathrooms, and shelters. Mr. Rostan asked Council <br />for financial assistance and for assistance in locating a <br />permanent site, perhaps on the CSX property or in Belmont. <br />Mr. Rostan added that the Committee felt that donations from <br />local businesses could be solicited to help toward the effort. <br /> <br /> Mr. Kirk Train~ President of Friends of the Jefferson- <br />Madison Regional Library, requested that Council provide full <br />funding for the Library and approximately six people showed <br />their support of Mr. Train's comments. <br /> <br /> Ms. Linda Wilson, Executive Director of JAUNT, stated <br />that JAUNT should be considered as a component of the City's <br />transit system and noted that funds have been returned to the <br />City from JAUNT for the past three years. Ms. Wilson <br />explained that costs have increased due to the following: <br />more people are using JAUNT~ more trips are being taken into <br />Albemarle County; and trips are taking longer to provide. Ms. <br />Wilson stated that she expects JAUNT to experience a deficit <br />in the current year. Ms. Wilson stated that if funding is not <br />increased then JAUNT fares could increase to as high as $3 for <br />a one-way trip or the number of people using JAUNT could be <br />limited. <br /> <br /> Dr. Susan McLeod, Director of the Health Department, <br />expressed disappointment that Council did not schedule a work <br />session with agencies during the budget process and stated <br />that a decrease in state funding will have an impact on <br />services provided to City residents and requested Council's <br />guidance on which services should be reduced. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jerold Barnes, 500 South 1st Street, stated that he <br />was speaking on behalf of residents of Crescent Halls wh© feel <br />that $6 for a round-trip fare for JAUNT is too high. Mr. <br />Barnes :stated that he could see a small increase of between <br />~0.25 and ~0.50. <br /> <br /> Mr. Richard Dinzel stated that he realizes the City's <br />budget is tight and urged Council to find a way around the <br />budget crunch such as seeking financial assistance from <br />Fridays. After Five or through a grant. Mr. Dinzel stated that <br />if the proposed JAUNT increase goes into effect many people <br />will be hurt and they may be forced to use City buses. <br /> <br /> Ms. Patsy Houchens of Midway Manor, stated that a JAUNT <br />fare increase would be hard on people on fixed incomes and if <br />the fares are raised it would be cheaper to ride City buses. <br /> <br /> Ms. Betty Lovelace of Midway Manor stated that she would <br />not be able to afford a JAUNT fare increase and she is not <br />able to ride City buses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jeff Tomlin, 1010 Wertland Street, stated that until <br />all City buses are wheelchair accessible disabled persons must <br />rely on JAUNT and the majority of JAUNT users are low income <br />and will not be able to afford a fare increase. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Ms. Linda <br />Peacock, Budget Administrator,. stated that all buses will be <br />lift equipped by the end of FY 94/95. <br /> <br /> <br />