2002-01-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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249 only home for the pre-school program. Ms. Myer said the pre-school program is only being relocated because they School Board cannot afford the building. Ms. Myer said she thinks the City can afford it and would support increasing taxes to do so. Mr. Cox read a statement saying the City's number one priority should be education and they would support increasing taxes if used for education. Mr. Cox said he agrees that education is the number one priority for the community, and the idea of increasing the sales tax for education is being discussed by the General Assembly. Mr. Cox said the City could hold a referendum on increasing the sales tax to use for Jefferson School. Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. O'Connell said that a one cent increase in the sales tax would be equal to over $7 million. Mr. Lynch said the only other tax that could be increased and make a significant impact would be the meals tax. Mr. Lynch said he feels that is a more progressive tax than the sales tax, and he feels a serious discussion should be held on that. Mr. Stephen Bach, 1208 Merriwether St., thanked Council for holding the forum, and he echoed Mr. File's comments about Meadowcreek Parkway. Mr. Bach said that in general he endorses the idea of user feels, and would support increasing the auto decal fee to $30. Mr. Bach said he feels the E-911 and trash sticker fee increases would be reasonable, and he agrees that increasing the meals tax would be better than a local sales tax. Mr. Bach said the City could also raise the real estate tax a small amount. Mr. Bach said that while he supports the idea of a bike decal in principle, he feels the amount should be set in proportion to the length of bike lanes in comparison to the total length of streets in the City. Mr. Bach said automobiles lay heavy costs on the City and bike costs do not compare with those. Mr. Bach said he would like to see a bike and pedestrian coordinator for the City. Mr. Bach said he supports the increase that was approved in Councilor salaries as he feels they do a lot of work for the community. Ms. Collette Halt, 101 Robertson Lane, said she would like to see real estate tax assessments increased city wide, not just in one little arem Ms. Hall said she feels certain areas of the City carry the brunt and burden of the increases. Ms. Hall said she would also like to see higher assessments for businesses. Mr. Caravati said that assessments are mandated by the State and must be based on the fair market value. Mr. Caravati read a statement sUpPorting budgeting funds for the renovation of Jefferson School and supporting a lower increase for trash stickers and increase for trash dumpsters. Mr. Caravati said that the increase is proposed for trash stickers and dumpsters. Mr. Rob Schilling, 1406 Holly Road, said that the City is hurting, but so are families, and feels it is questionable to raise fees in a slowing economy, as money for increases will mean less money for merchants. Mr. Schilling suggested raising money by allowing advertising on buses and bus stops. Mr. Schilling said he feels the people making the budget are the best ones to cut costs, and suggested that Council put forth proposals for cutting the budget and approach employees and see where savings could be made. Mr. Toscano said that the City has a gainsharing program that rewards departments for saving money. Mr. O'Connell said that the City also has an innovation program that encourages and rewards employees for coming up with money saving ideas. Mr. Cox read a statement supporting having advertising on buses and shelters. Mr. Cox said that this generated $30,000 to $35,000 annually when it was done previously, but was discontinued when the design of the buses changed. Mr. Cox said this is something Council could discuss.