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25 looks. Ms. Stevens asked why the benches were removed from the mall. She said she thinks Council members Should be involved in a dialogue with the youth. pRESENTATION: CiTY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 2001-2002 BUDGET PRESENTATION: SCHOOL BOARD'S PROPOSED FY 2001-2002 BUDGET Mr. O'Connell presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2001-2002. The operating budget is $80 million, an increaSe of 6% from last year; revenues are steady but a slowing is being seen; State funding will remain unknown until a final State budget is adopted; there is an emphasis in expenditures on providing quality services; the schools are fully funded at $26.4 million; $11.9 million in capital funds are proposed; and a pay for performance increase of 3.5% is proposed. Mr. O'Connell said that issues for discussion include the capital budget and debt service requirements, State funding impacts and slowing in the economy. Mr. O'Connell reviewed services provided by the City. Mr. Steve Campbell, Chairman of the School Board, said that there has been extensive public involvement in the budget process and all critical programs are fully funded. Dr. William Symons, Superintendent of Charlottesville Schools, said that the central focus of the budget is to increase salaries for teachers and administrators, particularly in light of upcoming retirements and the need to recruit for several positions. Dr. Symons said that staffing has been reduced by 19 positions. He said that he does not think that there will be any further reductions in State funding. Mr. Ed Gillespie, Finance Director for the Schools, said that the total general fund budget proposed is $41,198,385, a 3.57% increase over last year. Mr. Gillespie reviewed the proposed teacher pay table and positions to be reduced. He said that the School's leadership staff feel these reductions will not have a detrimental impact on programs. Mir. O'Connell said'that budget public hearings are scheduled for March 19 and April 2 and three work sessions are scheduled. He suggested that the first work session focus on capital improvement projects with some focus on debt service and bonds; the second session focus on new positions, agencies, festival funding, and tax relief programs; and the third session focus on reserve funding, unfunded budget requests, and tentative Council decisions. Mr. O'Connell suggested that Council focus on major policy issues at the work sessions. Mr. Lynch said he would like to add a summary of fund balances for capital projects at the first work session. Mr. Cox asked for a timeline of bond issuances, past and what are proposed. Mr. Cox said he would also like information on what the impact would be on other budgets if Council increased bonds, and what the City Manager would do if Council directed him to enter into additional bonding. Ms. Richards said she would like to discuss reducing the fund balance which Council has previously discussed. Mr. Toscano said he thinks Council needs to be very organized in the first work session and said that if Councilors think the capital budget ought to be increased, they should get their priorities to the City Manager, and if there is support for these projects, how they are funded will need to be determined. Ms. Richards, referring to the athletic field study and discussion about approaching Albemarle County, asked if there is expected to be an impact on this year's capital budget as a result of discussions with County staff. Mr. O'Connell said no, and if Council wants to have an impact on the budget, they will need to look at fees.