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85 substantial growth in the program. Mr. Cox said the funding source is expected to be ongoing and expandable. Mr. Cox explained that that foster care services are mandated and no waiting lists are allowed. There has been a 86% increase in the program since 1996, with 125 children in the program in 1996 and 232 so far this year. Caseloads are currently double the recommended maximum. Staff turnover has been 109% in the last three years. Mr. Cox said the caseloads have compromised the prevention services offered. Ms. Richards said it is alarming to see the level of increase and she is searching for reasons. She asked if it is a result of more familieS in distress, changing court standards, or group foster care facilities that serve children fi:om outside the City. Mr. Robert Cox said that it is not due to children in group homes who are from outside the City, but may be due to the other reasons and not one single factor. Mr. Cox said that Charlottesville has one of the highest foster care rates in the state. Mr. Caravati said that families may move into the City because of the services offered. Mr. Robert Cox said that 17% of the current foster care caseload have lived in Charlottesville for less than six months, and many indicate that they move to the City because of the services offered. Mr. Maurice Cox asked if the new staffwilI engage in further development of the prevention aspect of the program, and Mr. Robert Cox said that the proposal is that one be a foster care social worker and one a prevention worker. Responding to a question fi.om Mr. Lynch about the long-term potential of the funding, Mr. Robert Cox said that at least for this year and next year this level can be claimed for internal cost, but feels that the potential for continuation of the program is great. On motion by Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the appropriation of $151,336 for Forster Care Staffing was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. APPROPRIATION: TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR MARKET STREET PARKING GARAGE RENOVATION Mr. Aubrey Watts, Director of Economic Development, explained that the proposal is to repair the Market Street Parking Garage and expand the retail space by bringing the space facing the downtown mall to the edge of the mall. Mr. Watts said that brick and structural work is needed as well as cleaning and work on the elevators. The total cost is estimated at $2 million, and is proposed to be funded out of existing capital funds, a loan fi:om the gas fund and carryover funds. Mr. Watts said that revenues fi:om the rents could be greater than projected if 100% of the space is leased at higher rents. Responding to a question fi:om Mr. Lynch, Mr. Watts said that the retail space will increase by 2,600 square feet total. Ms. Richards asked if the parking revenues fi:om the garage go into the General Fund, and Mr. O'Connell said that in the past it has gone into the General Fund, with some going to the Water Street Parking Garage. Ms. Richards said she would like for COuncil to discuss putting the parking revenues in the parking fund next year. Mr. Cox said he welcomes the makeover and ground floor retail, and asked if it would be feasible to add residential units on top of the garage.