2001-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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216 governments. Mr. Fore reviewed the E-Government Initiatives: Automated Meter Reading; 800 MHZ; Intranet Development; Continued Improvements to Existing Website; Document Imaging System; City Assessor On-Line; Integrated Systems Project; I.T. Strategic Plan; Links to Online Services via myvirginia.org; and Electronic Forum. REPORT: BUDGET PRIORITIES/LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN Mr. O'Connell said that staff has been looking at ten year financial projections, and has presented financing alternatives. Potential revenues derived under Current taxing authority include: 1) Raise trash sticker fees to cover increased landfill costs ($400,000 to $500,000, equivalent to 2 cents on the tax rate); 2) Increase cost of motor vehicle decal to $25 a year ($130,000, equivalent to 1/2 cent on the tax rate); 3) Increase the meals tax to 4% ($1,183,102, equivalent to 5 cents on the tax rate); 4) Increase the transient occupancy tax to 6% ($294,000, equivalent to 1.25 cents on the tax rate); and 5) Increase the surcharge on each telephone access line to $3.00 ($760,000, equivalent to 3.25 cents on the tax rate). Potential revenue sources requiring a change to the City Code include: 1) Create a downtown business improvement district (BID) that extends from Mclntire Road to 10th Street, N.E. and High Street to Garrett Street and institute a 10% BID assessment ($158,275); and 2) Identify and define a development project area and establish it as a tax increment financing (TIF) district. Any revenues from increases in the value of property assessments above the base year are paid into a special fund and restricted to use in the TIF district only. Potential revenue sources requiring authority from the General Assembly: Increase the local sales tax by 1 cent and dedicate the proceeds to specific uses, e.g., educational uses, capital improvements, etc. ($7,800,000, equivalent to 33 cents on the tax rate). Mr. O'Connell said that additional revenue sources have been recommended in the Report of the Commission on Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century and in the First Cities' Legislative Agenda. Mr. O'Cormell reviewed the proposed budget assmnptions and budget commitments for FY 03 and gave a revenue update for the current year. Mr. O'Connell recommended that the Council tee up a few issues and hold a public forum in Januapj and have an in-depth discussion about the trash stickers Mr. Caravati said that even though the public forums have been poorly attended he hates to give them up. Mr. Cox said he thinks another way needs to be found to get the public's engagement regarding the budget and that Council needs to put something before the public for them to react to. Mr. Lynch proposed that a form be combined with a work session on Council priorities. Mr. Toscano said he feels Council needs to make a determination fairly soon about whether to adopt or change the budget assmptions presented by the City Manager. Mr. Toscano said holding a forum on the budget as has been done in the past few years does not work, is ineffective, and should he abandoned, adding that it does not give us what we need. Mr. Toscano suggested doing a survey in City Notes or holding a web- based form with specific questions, such as increasing the trash sticker and E-911 fees. Mr. Cox said that an increase in car stickers could fund alternative transportation. Mr. Cox suggested that Council focus on the revenue changes that can be made now. Mr. Caravati asked Councilors to provide feedback on the budget assumptions by Friday so that a determination can be made about whether another discussion needs to be held on them. Mr. O'Connell suggested that Council hold a work session on the trash stickers in January. Mr. Cox said he would like more information on trash sticker and decal costs in other communities.