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39 Mr. Cox said concerns have been expressed to him by citizens over increases in real estate assessments, especially by the elderly, and said he would like to discuss increasing the income threshold for the tax relief program so more people are eligible. Mr. Cox asked about the process for appealing assessments. Ms. Richards said she heard the same concerns expressed during last year's Council campaign, and suggested that some adjustment in the income level be made. Mr. O'Connell said that increasing the income level is a budgetary issue that Council will be discussing at the upcoming work session. He said that assessments can be appealed through the Real Estate Assessor's Office and formally through the Board of Equalization. PUBLIC HEARING: CITY M~251AGER'S PROPOSED FY 2001-2002 BUDGET Mr. O'Connell reviewed highlights of the proposed budget, and said that uncertainty remains about the impact of the State budget impasse. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Jenny Mead, 205 Bolling Avenue, said that her mother was the former director of the SPCA and they are the only agency locally that deals with animals and serves as the pound for the City. Ms. Mead said that 40% of the animals taken to the shelter are from the City, and they are looking for a fair shake from Charlottesville. Mr. Nick Evans, 4609 Burnley Station, Chairman of the Soil and Water Conservation District, said he would like Charlottesville to be part of the District and a budget request for $20,000 has been made. He said that forming an alliance is more important than this budget figure. Should the City decide to join the District, Mr. Evans said Council will need to adopt a resolution which then goes to the State Board for approval. Ms. Katie Hobbs, 337 Carrsbrook Drive, representing the League of Women Voters, urged the City to join the Soil and Water Conservation District. Ms. Alison Sappington, 12505 Albane Road, said she has worked with the Soil and Water Conservation District for 15 years. Ms. Sappington said that the District offers natural resource conservation and other services. Ms. Tanya Brockett, DirectOr of the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center, said the Center provides free consulting to the region's entrepreneurs and 37% of their resources are used by City residents. Ms. Brockett said that the City's investment in the Center will yield measurable results. Mr. Raja Jabbour, 120 Thomas Drive, owner of Hannibal Enterprises, said it would have been impossible for his company to have achieved its current level of success without the Small Business Development Center, and said he hopes that Council includes them in the budget. Mr. Robert DeMauri, Director of Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development, thanked Council for their membership in the Partnership for the past five years. Mr. DeMauri said the Partnership is engaged in a major private fund raising effort and retention and expansion efforts will be expanded. Expanded workforce development efforts are also being done in conjunction with the community college. Mr. DeMauri asked Council for their continued participation. Ms. Terry Shotwell, owner of The Nook Restaurant, said that she secured loans for her business which she had been otherwise unable to secure with the assistance of the Small Business Development Center. Ms. Nancy Damon, representing Virginia Festival of the Book, thanked Council for their continued support. Ms. Damon noted that the attendance as last year's Festival was 13,500.