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281 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix recommended that Council provide guidelines <br />and incentives to the schools for savings in certain areas. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano recommended that the Council talk with the <br />School Board in the fall about the upcoming budget. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever questioned whether there could be any <br />savings if ~the City and Albemarle County Schools worked <br />together. Mr. Hendrix replied that some areas for <br />consolidation of the schools have been'explored, but added <br />that he did not think any consolidation will occur unless the <br />Council and Board of Supervisors get together to discuss the <br />matter. <br /> <br />Expenditure Priorities <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that staff is assuming that the <br />upcoming budget should be developed within the current <br />revenue projections, with no tax increase. Mr. Hendrix <br />stated that he did not expect to recommended any new programs <br />in next year's budget and may recommend eliminating some <br />programs. <br /> <br />Downsizing <br /> <br /> Mr. Gary O'Connell, Deputy City Manager, stated that <br />City positions which have become vacant have remained that <br />way pending approval of a citywide downsizing plan, and added <br />that he is confident that the $500,000 goal for personnel <br />reductions will be met. Mr. O'Connell stated that staff are <br />looking into possibilities for combining positions, are <br />looking at all services and how they are staffed,; and are <br />prioritizing services. Mr. O'Connell stated that a <br />downsizing plan would be given to Council in October. <br /> <br />Budget Schedule <br /> <br /> It was agreed that a public hearing', radio call-in, <br />and/or some other public forum would be held in late fall to <br />discuss the upcoming budget. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever raised the issue of having audit teams look <br />at City programs and stated that he felt at some point it <br />would be good to have a built-in audit process. <br /> <br />Empowerment <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that efforts have been made to push <br />decision making to front line employees, but added that he <br />felt it will take several years to accomplish the goal. <br /> <br />Employee Compensation <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that he felt it was important to plan <br />some salary increases for City employees in next year's <br />budget, including those employees in management, noting that <br />with downsizing employees are having to work harder. Mr. <br />Hendrix stated that non-monetary rewards are being explored <br />for employees. Mr. Hendrix stated that health insurance <br />continues to cost more for the City and employees and some <br />benefits are due to be reduced as of October 1st. The city <br />has worked with the Wellness Center to provide low cost <br />service to City employees with the hope that in the long run <br />such a service will reduce insurance costs and staff are <br />exploring better ways to provide a fitness program. <br /> <br /> Combining health insurance programs with the Schools or <br />other businesses was discussed but Mr. Hendrix stated that it <br />was his sense that there would be no financial benefit for <br />the City if this was done. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix requested feedback from Councilors regarding <br />the salary issue. <br /> <br /> <br />