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140 <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: <br />REQUESTS FOR TAX <br />TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR <br />WORKSHOP V AND <br />BLUE~.RIDGE~'FEDBRA- <br />TION FOR THE BLIND <br /> <br />making a contribution to AIM. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix reported that the City has received requests from Workshop <br />V, Inc. and the Blue Ridge Federation of the Blind to be exempted from the <br />payment of personal property and business license taxes. He stated that <br />according to the Virginia Code, the local governing body is required to <br />hold a public hearing on such requests. <br /> <br /> William Marshall, representing Workshop V spoke in favor of the tax <br />exemption, giving a brief history of the organization and outlining some <br />of the services provided. <br /> <br /> Henderson Beavers, representing the Blue Ridge Federation for the <br />Blind, stated that the Federation only has one vehicle for which the personal <br />Property tax is $108.00. He stated that the van is essential to transporting <br />members to meetings, conventions and social functions. <br /> <br /> Ethel Ke~kley also spoke in favor of tax exempt status for the <br /> Federation. Mrs. Keckley stated that she has a son, Michael, who currently <br /> works through Workshop V and has for many years. She stated that the <br /> Workshop has been instrumental in helping Michael succeed in school and in <br /> finding employment. <br /> <br /> Michael Keckley, a client of Workshop V, informed Council of the skills <br /> he has learned from participation there. He stated that those skills have <br /> led to permanent employment at the University. <br /> <br /> Tom Vandever, a member of the Board of Directors at Workshop V, <br /> addressed Council, advocating exemptions for both organizations. <br /> <br /> Francis Fife stated that in his opinion, Council should make a grant <br /> <br /> at budget time to these organizations instead of endorsing a tax exempt <br /> status. He referred to the request of Madison House several years ago, <br /> stating that tax exempt status was denied them. <br /> <br /> There being no further comments from t. he public, Mayor Buck closed <br /> <br /> the public hearing. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason stated that Council's decision will not be based on <br /> <br /> the value of the work of the two organizations, but instead on what method <br /> of contribution the City will make on behalf of the public. <br /> <br /> Dr. Gunter stated that the request from the Workshop and the Federation <br /> are different. She stated that although they are under the category of <br /> service organizations, they are income producing entities. She continued, <br /> saying that through these services, a number of people are kept from being <br /> on public welfare. <br /> <br /> Mr. Beavers stated that the Federation is an organization which helps <br /> people more socially than vocationally. He stated that it is a non-profit <br /> organization, consisting of 27 people locally. He continued, saying that <br /> the vehicle is the only property they own and that the taxes equal one- <br /> sixth of their fundraising efforts for a year. He said that a grant could <br /> be a one-time thing, as opposed to an ongoing tax exemption. He stated <br /> that the next City Council could very well see the situation differently <br /> and change the decision. <br /> <br /> Dr. Hall stated that he is thoroughly convinced of the positive efforts <br /> of the Workshop and the Federation. He stated that he is willing to do <br /> whatever is necessary to show them interest and concern. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason requested information on the General Assembly's decision <br /> <br /> <br />