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96 <br /> <br /> Ms. DiDi Smith, 2652 Jefferson Park Circle, parent of a <br />student at Jackson-Via Elementary School, stated that Council <br />has control over schools by appointing School Board members <br />and noted that only two of the seven current School Board <br />members live in the south side of the City. Ms. Smith added <br />that housing issues, particularly subsidized housing, can <br />affect and place burdens on schools and requested that <br />Council keep the schools in mind when such decisions are <br />made. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WEEK <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards presented a proclamation proclaiming NCAA <br />Women's Basketball Week to Ms. Debbie Ryan, Coach of the <br />University of Virginia woman's basketball team. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: ANNUAL TAX LEVY <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated'that no changes~ are proposed in <br />either the real estate or personal property tax rates for FY <br />92-93. <br /> <br /> The public hearing was opened but as there were no <br />speakers the hearing was closed. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 92-93 BUDGET <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that the operating budget for FY <br />92-93 is proposed to be $53.7 million, with $7.6 million <br />proposed for capital improvements and $19.8 million for the <br />schools. A solid waste fee will go into effect July 1, 1992 <br />but no new programs are proposed. A 3% pay adjustment for <br />City employees and additional health related costs are <br />proposed. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Ms. Susan Fragale, representing the Committee for <br />Accessible Parks and Playgrounds, requested that the City <br />provide $15,000 for the Five Senses Nature Trail which would <br />assure similar funding from Albemarle County. <br /> <br /> Mr. David Cole, President of the Charlottesville <br />Professional Fire Fighters Association, expressed concern <br />about staffing levels in the Fire Department and financial <br />reimbursement. Mr. Cole stated that emergency medical <br />technician skills are required for fire fighters which adds <br />to hazards and stress. Mr. Cole recommended that the fire <br />dispatching operation be moved to the 911 Center which would <br />free up five fire fighters. <br /> <br /> Ms. Wayne Harbaugh, 1930 Johnson Road, representing the <br />League of Women Voters~ commended the City for its budget <br />documents and process, particularly the Budget in Brief; <br />requested that more information be provided on agency <br />requests) requested that the role and criteria used for <br />budget review by the Social Development Commission be <br />clarified; requested that the budget reflect any decrease in <br />the tax base due to property tax relief granted for <br />charitable purposes~ supported user fees for solid waste and <br />recreation; supporting funding for schools and library needs; <br />and requested that the market used to compare school and <br />City employee salaries be clarified. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter noted that Council has a policy of not <br />granting property tax exemptions. <br /> <br /> Mr. Thane Kerner, 609 E. Market St., expressed concern <br />that the utility budgets were not included as part of the <br />City's budget and questioned why the discussion of the rates <br />was postponed until May. <br /> <br />Ms. Slaughter noted that the discussion of rates is <br /> <br /> <br />