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Mr. Gary O'Connell, Deputy City Manager stated that two <br />new officers in the Patrol Division are recommended to deal <br />with increased calls and two additional police investigators <br />to be assigned to focus, on drugs and burglary are <br />recommended. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell stated that four additional firefighters <br />are recommended, with one to be funded through the contract <br />with Albemarle County, 1 1/2 positions to be funded through <br />overtime reduction, and ! 1/2 positions to be funded by the <br />General Fund. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell listed the following program or position <br />increases recommended to be funded out of the General Fund: <br />expansion of summer playground program, 1/2 time emergency <br />needs worker in Social Services, gardener in Parks and <br />Recreation~ increase in Handicapped Transportation Program <br />(assuming the handicapped fare remains at $0.50), and an <br />increase in the local contribution to the Social Services <br />Department. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell listed the following recommended <br />increases to be funded by other than the General Fund: <br />secretary in City Attorney's office to be funded out of Risk <br />Management Fund; addition of Data Processing Analyst/ <br />Programmer; Employment Services Program secretary, mostly <br />funded with State funds, Ivy Landfill Manager to be funded <br />by a Tipping Free on Construction debris, school bus <br />drivers, and the assumption of rescue squad dispatching by <br />the Joint Dispatch Center. <br /> <br /> Mr. Louie Chapman, Assistant City Manager, stated that <br />human service agencies had requested approximately a <br />$500,000 increase over the previous year due to Federal and <br />State cutbacks, and that a 11% increase is recommended by <br />staff. Mr. Chapman listed the following human service <br />agencies for which staff is not recommending funding: AIDS <br />Support Group (CDBG funds), Red Cross Home Health Care <br />Alternative, Virginia Relay Service, Northwestern Virginia <br />Health Systems Agency, Historical collection at Library, and <br />JABA Congregate Meal Expansion. <br /> <br /> Ms. Rita Scott, Director of Finance, reviewed the <br />financial trends for the City and reported that the City's <br />debt is approximately $500 per capita as compared with the <br />legal limit of $2,700 per capita. Ms. Scott stated that the <br />continued goal is to maintain 15% of the General Fund <br />balance. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scott states that the City's utilities are <br />self-supporting and a new part-time customer service <br />position will help with billing inquiries. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scott stated that water rates are expected to <br />increase by 8% to 9%, with no change in the minimum rate, <br />and wastewater charges are expected to increase 12% to 15%, <br />with no change in the minimum rate. Ms. Scott stated that <br />these increases are due to higher Rivanna Water and Sewer <br />Authority costs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scott stated that the average increase for gas <br />service is'expected to be 16% to 17% due to higher gas <br />prices. Ms. Scott explained that the City will need to <br />offer a transportation rate for gas and that a new two- <br />tiered interruptible rate is proposed. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mrs. Gleason, seconded by Dr. Hall, <br /> Council voted to meet in executive session to discuss <br /> acquisition of property as exempted by Section 2.1-344 <br /> (a) (2) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, with <br />  nes abstaining. <br /> <br />~eeting was adj ournedz~ <br /> President ~rk <br /> <br /> <br />