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24 Ewert recommended that the City establish a policy of devoting a minimum percentage of the general fund to the capital fund, use the surplus funds for one-time expenditures only, and suggested that Council look at reducing the fund balance to 5% to 10% and increasing the capital fund. Mr. Ewert said the measure should not be to compare City and County tax rates. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 2000-2001 BUDGET Mr. O'Connell reviewed the proposed $75 million budget, $13.2 million being in the capital fund. Tax rates are proposed to remain the same. Major changes include additional fuming for the jail, five additional police officers, 4% average pay for performance pool, and an average increase of 4% for agencies. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Robert Moorefield, President of Crestar Bank and Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Council on the surplus fund and said that it is clear that there is no need for a tax increase, but added that he also does not feel that a tax cut is appropriate. Mr. Moorefield recommended that the surplus be reinvested in the schools and tong-term infrastructure needs. Mr. Moorefield recommended continued dialogue with Albemarle County about eliminating any duplication of service. Mr. Moorefield congratulated the City Manager and Council on a sound budget. Ms. Karen Fh-ehock, 707 Avon Street, said there is a need to fund playground renovations at Clark School as it is not included in the School's budget request. Ms. Anna Towns, 900 Belmont Avenue, supported funding for Clark School playground and playing field renovations, which she understands would cost over $500,000. Mr. Joe Atkins, 753 Belmont Avenue, concurred with the need for Clark School playground renovations. Ms. CaroI O'Connor, 619 Monticello Road, supported funding for the Clark School playground and said that the condition of the school is one of the drawbacks that prevents people from moving to Belmont. Ms. Ruth Ferree, said her son is a student at Clark. Ms. Ferree said the PTO was told two years ago that funding for the Clark playground was in the pipeline, and she is concerned that it was eliminated from the budget. Ms. Ferree asked Council to reconsider and reinstate the funding. Ms. Susan Garrett, 1845 Wayside Place, one of the City's appointees to the Region Ten Community Services Board, asked Council to reinstate funding for Region Ten's owner-occupied facilities, including properties on the comer of 4~h Street, N.W. and Preston Avenue; Meadowcreek Court at the corner of Michie Drive ami Hydraulic Road; and Blue Ridge House on Eltiott Avenue. The total cost of these facilities is $3,989,000 which is financed through $936,000 in private contributions and foundation grants, and $2.5 million in bonds. Region Ten is requesting the balance of $500,000 from the City and Albemarle County. Ms. Garrett said the new spaces will replace rental facilities. MS. Garrett said she understands that the County has put their share in the budget over the next five years. Ms. Garrett said Region Ten has not sought property tax exemptions for any of these properties so they will remain on the tax rolls. Mr. Mirth Glascoe, 313 Spruce Street, said he is speaking on behalf of Diana Glascoe, and expressed concern about the safety and decline of the Clark School playground. Mr. Glascoe said that making renovations to the playground would be a cost effective way of increasing the quality of life in Belmom.