2002-03-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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284 Mr. O'Connell said he is not sure of the implication of the cut already made in the jail funding, notip4g that safety could be an issue. Mr. Cox asked that an update be provided on private fimding raising efforts by the Music Resource Center and Computers for Kids, and how much the City funding versus the overall budget of the Music Resource Center. Ms. Peacock said the City provides $44,000 of the $234,000 total budget for the Music Resource Center. Mr. Cox asked for the breakdown of City and County usage of the Music Resource Center. Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Ms. Peacock said that discussions have not been held with the County about what to do in light of the State budget, and Mr. Toscano said it does not make sense to address the issues alone. Ms. Richards said that the problems are being compounded by reducing funding for social and youth programs that are receiving reduced State funding. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about the rationale for the amount recommended for the SPCA, Ms. Peacock said that the amount was negotiated and the result of research done on what it would cost for the City and County to provide the service, which is required to be provided. Mr, Caravati said the increase may need to be phased in or cut in half, but Ms. Peacock noted that the result could be the SPCA refusing to enter into the contract and the City having to provide the service. Ms. Richards proposed that Council consider some fee increases in order to provide more funding to agencies. Mr. Cox asked if TeenSight and the Pregnancy Prevention Programs are collaborating, and if not, could their funding be made contingent on collaboration. Ms. Peacock said that they respond that they do collaborate, but are very different programs. Regarding requests for tax exemptions, Mr. Cox asked for information on whether other cities provide tax exemptions for non-profit performing arts groups. Mr. Cox said that an arts and cultural fund could be set up and groups could compete for that. Ms. Richards said that since part of the State budget shortfall is due to the car tax rebate, she feels it would be logical to increase the automobile decal fee by $5. Mr. Cox' said he feels it is also fair logic to bring the decal fee in line with that of Albemarle County. Mr. Cox said he does not want to just raise the fee because we can do it. Ms. Richards said the meals tax could also be increased to match that in the County. Mr. Cox expressed concern about penalizing an important part of the downtown economy by increasing the meals tax. Mr. O'Cormell said that Council could revisit the transient occupancy tax. Mr. Cox said he feels that is a tax that could increase. Ms. Richards noted that tourism people feel that revenue generated by the transient lodging tax should be dedicated to tourism.