HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-30March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 1)
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on
March 30, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., Lane Auditorium, County Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville,
Virginia. The meeting was adjourned from March 14, 2011.
PRESENT: Mr. Kenneth C. Boyd, Mr. Lindsay G. Dorrier, Jr., Ms. Ann Mallek, Mr. Dennis S.
Rooker, Mr. Duane E. Snow and Mr. Rodney S. Thomas.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Thomas C. Foley, County Attorney, Larry W. Davis,
and Clerk, Ella W. Jordan.
Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m., by the Chair, Ms. Mallek.
_______________
Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence.
_______________
Agenda Item No. 4. From the Board: Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
Mr. Dorrier said that he had attended the IMPACT meeting on the previous Monday night. He
said that he had said “yes” to the questions presented. He knows that the Board has not taken a position
on the questions, but he would like to know if Mr. Foley was planning to follow up with IMPACT.
Mr. Foley said that IMPACT’s request is for next fiscal year, FY13. Staff’s role is really just looking
to the Board for direction.
Mr. Rooker commented that it doesn’t really do any good to say “yes” if you don’t ultimately
support the money to fund the request. He said that staff could look at the request and put it through the
same process as other nonprofits, because the Board will ultimately have to allocate money along with
other priorities.
Mr. Dorrier noted that the request was for $85,000 between the City and the County.
Mr. Rooker said that IMPACT wanted a $50,000 commitment from the County for FY13, and the
Board will have time to discuss that in its next budget process. He said that it will be difficult to make a
firm commitment until the Board receives a staff report and until the Board understands what good would
be done in the community.
Mr. Snow commented that it is important to know what the needs really are and how other
agencies might be able to help meet these needs.
Mr. Dorrier said he also thinks staff needs to look into the issues.
Mr. Foley said that some Board members had asked for answers to some follow-up questions,
and once those answers are obtained staff can share them.
Ms. Mallek stated that many people had similar requests of IMPACT.
Mr. Rooker said that when he met individually with representatives of IMPACT, he had asked for
two pieces of information that he never received – information from Region Ten’s evaluation of the
proposal and how they would fit into this, and an evaluation from Colonel Matthews at the Regional Jail
about his assessment and need and his recommendations. Those are the two outside organizations that
can also provide information to help the Board in its evaluations.
Mr. Snow agreed with Mr. Rooker.
__________
Mr. Thomas reported that on Monday, April 4, 2011 he and Mr. Snow would be meeting with
Secretary of Transportation Connaughton. He does not know exactly what the meeting is about, but
thinks it relates to the corridor. There are a number of things he and Mr. Snow would like to talk about.
He will provide an update to the Board following the meeting.
He also stated that the MPO and Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission is starting its
five-year planning process.
Ms. Mallek asked if they would go to the meeting with Secretary Connaughton armed with a list of
local priorities. Mr. Thomas responded, “yes”.
Mr. Rooker said that the additional transportation funding requested through the legislature was
approved, at least in part, as one-time money. He stated that there is a list of 400+ projects around the
state, and the only one in this area that got significant funding is Dickerson Road – which is not a high
priority project.
Mr. Thomas stated that the bridge on Route 250 West is also high on the list and is moving up.
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 2)
Mr. Rooker pointed out that there is only $50,000 allocated for that. He added that it might be
good to talk about that list and if there is going to be money for localities, this area has the Route 29
improvements that they have been trying to get funded for quite some time.
__________
Mr. Snow reported that the Historic Preservation Committee is working on a letter to go to
property owners who wish to donate their homes for fire training. The letter encourages people to
document the structures if they are old and to salvage anything of historic significance.
__________
Mr. Snow said that Mr. Steven Meeks has offered to take Board members on a tour of the Old Jail
while it is open. He suggested that Board members may want to meet at the site prior to one of its
meetings and take the tour.
Board members concurred.
Mr. Davis mentioned that the Board would need to adjourn to the Jail location to take the tour.
Ms. Mallek suggested adjourning from the April 6th meeting to take the tour prior to the April 20th
night meeting.
Mr. Snow said he would make the arrangements.
__________
Ms. Mallek reported that yesterday she attended a meeting on the TMDL issue and the
implementation plan. It was announced that there would be six pilot regions that would work on baseline
inventories of the agricultural practices already on the ground. She noted that she has distributed a draft
letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation that the Board could endorse in support of the
Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District as a pilot area.
Board members expressed support of the letter.
_______________
Agenda Item No. 5. From the Public: Matters Not Listed for Public Hearing on the Agenda.
Mr. Greg Quinn said he was present to speak about IMPACT. Mr. Quinn said that IMPACT is a
group of religious organizations that wants to provide social justice for the community. If a group of
religious individuals want to help society, they should organize and help. It should not involve County
government, because that is a slippery slope. He does not think this is taxpayers’ business. Mr. Quinn
added that when you enable people and do everything for them, they do not get better. If religious
organizations want to help people they should just do it without involving County government. He asked at
what cost to people on the margin is the Board going to create more social programs? It is a good thing
for churches and organizations to help people. He thinks that IMPACT has an underlying agenda and
Albemarle County needs to run as fast and far away from them as possible. If the County government
helps IMPACT what does that do for the residents who can barely pay their real estate taxes. If
communities want to help people they can do it on their own accord.
_______________
Agenda Item No. 6. PUBLIC HEARING to receive comments on Proposed Operating and Capital
Budgets for FY 2011/2012 and the Proposed FY 2011 Tax Rates. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on
March 20, 2011.)
Mr. Foley said that the Board of Supervisors’ proposed budget for FY12 reflects changes made to
the proposed budget presented in February after three budget work sessions by the Board. He said that
the proposed budget reduces taxes for the average homeowner for the second year in a row, holds the
line on overall operational expenditures with only a 1.3% increase in non-capital expenditures over the
current budget year, and stabilizes the organization after two to three years of significant reductions. Mr.
Foley commented that the budget is a response to the continued challenging economic times and also
begins the process of planning for the future.
He stated that since FY09, the budget has been reduced by over $41 million due to significant
declines in real estate and personal property taxes, sales taxes, aid from the state and other sources –
while dealing with increasing mandates such as revenue sharing to the City of Charlottesville. Mr. Foley
said that there have been significant impacts on services, but the County has been able to respond to the
dramatic times and changes because of four principles: transformation, innovation, stewardship and
partnership.
Mr. Foley reported that the budget totals $304,470,000 with all Board changes included. This total
is broken down into three major areas of expenditures: 60% of total expenditures for the County School
system, 34% for General Government, and 6% is the County’s revenue sharing payment to City of
Charlottesville – this year totaling just over $18 million. Overall this budget represents an increase of
$12.2 million or 4% - but $7.6 million of that is one-time proceeds for bonds for some capital projects. Mr.
Foley said that the budget is balanced on the existing 74.2-cent tax rate. W hile some State revenues
have been recovered they are still down $1.1 million or 1%, primarily in revenues to support schools. He
stated that General Government operations have increased 1.1%, primarily related to public safety
investments, and School operations are up 1.2%.
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 3)
Mr. Foley said that the General Fund reflects where the majority of the County’s revenues are
collected and allocated to support all operational and capital expenditures. The General Fund totals
$215,581,000 and makes up about 34% of total expenditures. The General Fund is up 1.1% or $2.3
million for FY12 – but it also reflects significant reallocation of funding across departments. He said that
this includes shifts of personnel from one department to another, involving retraining because of core
service needs versus enhanced needs. Mr. Foley added that the largest share of County’s support is for
the School system at 45%, with public safety at 14%, and human services at 9%. He stated that the CIP
and revenue sharing amount each total 8%, and General Government Administration and Community
Development are 3% or less.
He stated that there have been two changes made in the General Fund – a part-time position
approved for the Crozet Library at about $15,000, and a one-time contribution to the Hatton Ferry at
$5,000. Mr. Foley said that the proposed budget eliminates three additional positions for a total of 66
positions eliminated, reduced, or frozen – with 60 of those positions completely eliminated. He noted that
the budget does unfreeze two Police Officer positions, a Finance Account Clerk, and a Deputy Director of
Social Services to support essential services.
Mr. Foley stated that the budget decreases the County’s employer health insurance contributions,
resulting in an approximate $275,000 savings, increases by 1% contributions to community agencies,
establishes a 1% stabilization fund, and funds a reserve for contingencies for stability as well as
operations for the Ivy Fire and Rescue station in FY13. He added that for the first time in three years, the
budget includes a raise for County staff at 1%.
In terms of highlights of the School systems operations, Mr. Foley said that there will be additional
State revenues that were not anticipated back in February, totaling approximately $2.3 million, and the
Schools would also use $1.1 million in additional School Fund Balance so that the School Board’s request
can be fully funded as requested. He stated that the total School budget overall is $144,565,000 – an
increase of about $1.7 million or 1.2% over last year’s budget – and the total local tax dollar support for
those operations is $97.2 million, consistent with policy on 60/40 split of new revenues.
Regarding the proposed Capital expenditures for the coming fiscal year, Mr. Foley said that the
Board decided to take some one-time monies to go towards the VDOT Revenue Sharing Road Program in
FY12, which will pull down matching dollars from the State for priority road projects. He stated that the
total Capital Budget is $18.6 million, primarily addressing capital maintenance needs to protect current
assets but also including two new facilities to be completed in FY12 – the Ivy Fire and Rescue Station and
Phase II of the Greer Elementary School addition.
Mr. Foley stated that the $304,473,000 proposed budget for FY12 meets basic obligations and
core service needs by fully funding the School Board’s request, holding the line on overall operating
expenditures and addressing core public safety needs. The proposed budget also provides financial
stability by providing a tax decrease for the second year in a row, funds the County’s reserve for
contingencies and establishes a 1% stabilization fund. Mr. Foley stated that the budget also supports the
continued transformation of the organization by continuing to creatively reposition and reallocate staff to
priority needs, and does include the elimination or freezing of positions up to a total of 66 positions over
the last three years, and includes additional operation efficiencies such as the new fleet management
program to be implemented in the coming year. He said that the budget also looks forward to the future
by setting aside money for the future Ivy Fire and Rescue Station, provides one-time funding to support
the VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, and supports Economic Vitality Plan investments to try to grow
revenues into the future.
Mr. Foley said that this public hearing on the budget and tax rate will conclude with the scheduled
adoption of both at the Board’s April 6 meeting, as the tax rate needs to be set by April 15.
At this time the Chair opened the public hearing on the proposed operating and capital budgets for
FY 2011/2012 and the proposed FT 2011 tax rates.
Mr. Keith Drake, Chairman of the Albemarle Truth in Taxation Alliance, said that during last year’s
budget discussions former School Board Chairman Brian Wheeler proposed a real estate tax rate
increase of 10.7 cents on County homeowners to cover the revenue shortfall. Mr. Drake said that
Wheeler’s tax hike proposal would have resulted in an extra $9.6 million for schools, but the Board didn’t
change the rate so the money didn’t come to fruition. He asked if the schools really needed any of that
money, noting that at the both public hearings last March speaker after speaker bemoaned “the utter
devastation” that would happen to the education system if the tax hike was not enacted. According to
some not passing that tax hike would deny the successful education for the future of the School children.
Mr. Drake pointed out that when School officials presented their budget request to the Board this March,
their presentation showed a Fund Balance – a budget surplus – of nearly $8.2 million at the end of last
fiscal year, just two months after Wheeler’s extreme tax hike proposal. On their presentations of
operational efficiencies chart, the schools indicated at that time that the surplus resulted from the prudent
use of resources. Not only did the School Division manage to avoid the financial disaster predicted for the
current fiscal year, but they were able to save over $8 million by spending more wisely. There is an
alternative to taxing more. The County’s School Division has proven that point. Mr. Drake said that ATTA
applauds the School Division for thinking outside the tax box, but now is not the time to become
complacent. The county should continue the positive fiscal responsibility momentum, and ATTA
encourages Schools and all County government to keep up the good work and look creatively at how to do
more with less, just as individuals and businesses are doing.
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 4)
Mr. Greg Quinn said that he appreciates the Board’s work on the budget and urged them to watch
the incremental wants of the community such as the Crozet Library – as it cannot be afforded right now.
He suggested “an old-fashioned barn-raising” that would be built as a community instead of through
County-wide tax dollars. Upcoming healthcare requirements are going to stress costs for localities. The
private sector has not experienced the raises that teachers have under this proposed budget. He has
stated in the past that “we cannot live in a socialistic Shangri-La.” The County needs to work on the
pragmatic things – police, fire and schools.
Mr. Robert Hogue said that several things are hurting the economy: the amount owed on the
federal deficit, the Japan crisis, wars in the Middle East, our trade imbalance, our national debt, rising food
and fuel prices, unpaid student loans, high unemployment, and 13% home vacancy rates. He said that
this County needs to cut services, not plan new ones. Mr. Hogue stated that new capital projects cannot
be afforded, as it is going to be difficult just to maintain what exists now. He believes that parks should be
self-support and libraries should charge for books and all services. Currently funding of libraries is unfair
to all citizens. He said that across-the-board raises should not be given. Parents should fully pay for
school sports, driver’s education, and after-school activities. School buses should not be on non-state
maintained roads picking up children. Schools need to be more efficient. Mr. Hogue added that police
officers on different shifts could use the same car. The County needs low taxes and more people could
volunteer to save government costs. He asked the Board to maintain the current tax rate.
Ms. Betty Sevachko encouraged the Board to continue to be fiscally responsible with the County
budget. She shared a story of her former employer John Kluge’s motto: “If you watch the pennies, the
dollars will take care of themselves.” She said that she is asking the Board to look at every line item in the
budget. She is a single 64-year old senior, living on a fixed income, and costs for goods and services are
skyrocketing out of control. She has to look at her budget and determine what has to stay and what has to
go. She asked the Board to continue to be prudent and look at every item.
Mr. Charles Battig commended County staff and the Board for saving costs. He asked Mr. Foley
why these efficiencies were not realized in prior years. Mr. Battig said that the idea is to keep the good
habits so when more money comes in, the same amount is spent. He mentioned a book in which it stated
that the right amount to spend on education is never enough because you will always find something to
spend it on, and spending the money can always be justified. Mr. Battig stated that the Board has had
outside consultation on issues such as the dam, but there has been no outside consultation on any of the
environmental issues he brought up and are still in the County’s budget – ICLEI. He then mentioned a
book written in 1999 by Economist Julian Simon, a Professor at the University of Maryland, and suggested
that Board members read the book.
Ms. Carol Thorpe, Chairwoman of the Jefferson Area Tea Party in Charlottesville, said that “tea”
stands for taxed enough already. She thanked the Board for maintaining the current tax rate. Ms. Thorpe
stated that the core principles of the Tea Party movement are “limited government, fiscal responsibility,
and free enterprise”. She encouraged the Supervisors join these principles and to always be guided by
them as they govern. To date the Jefferson Area Tea Party has not been as actively involved in County
and City government as it would like to have been, but that is about to change. The local tea party
movement was founded almost two years primarily as a street organization doing rallies and such on
federal issues, but now plans to become more involved at a local level. Ms. Thorpe said she plans to
address funding for ICLE – International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. The Tea Party held a
public forum on March 17, 2011 and 115 citizens attended – including Mr. Snow and Mr. Boyd. Ms.
Thorpe encouraged Board members to carefully study information on ICLEI sent to them by herself and
Dr. Battig, adding that it is an issue concerning citizens in this area and across the country. She
encouraged the Board to eliminate funding the $1,200 for ICLEI. She expressed concern over what
membership in ICLEI stands for and the unintended consequences.
Ms. Charlotte Hogue thanked the Supervisors for not raising the tax rate this year and showing
their understanding of the economy and concern for the taxpayers. She said that the County and School
Board need to find even more savings. The County needs to say no to any request that does not serve all
taxpayers, such as libraries and parks, as well as having parents pay more for their children’s participation
in school activities. Additional money could be saved by cutting social services, the number of County
employees, salary benefit packages, donations to nongovernment events and festivals, extravagant
building projects and the number of County vehicles which can and should be used more efficiently.
Government does not earn money; it only takes from the taxpayer. It is the Board’s obligation to see that it
is used wisely.
Mr. Robert Butler said that he is against pay raises for public employees. He has not had a raise
in the three years he has been with his company. Mr. Butler said that Northern Virginia teacher salaries
are artificially inflated by federal tax dollars, and Albemarle should not have to keep up with those rates.
He stated that there should be some kind of “user fee” for having a child so that parents pay for their
children to attend school. People need to be thanking the government for funding the school system.
There is no appreciation for where tax dollars that fund schools come from.
Mr. John Dean said that there is an organized effort to oppose taxation and oppose government,
but there are a lot of people who think that the County provides valuable services and life would not be as
good here if it were not for the services provided by government. He added that no one likes to pay taxes,
but it is very important to remember that ideological considerations are not the only governing principle
here – as good sense and fiscal responsibility should guide the Board’s actions instead. It is a fantasy to
think that you can do without funds. Mr. Dean commented that what bothered him the most in Mr. Foley’s
presentation is that three more people would lose their jobs, bringing to the total number to 66 fewer jobs
in the community.
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 5)
Mr. Foley commented that no one lost their job. When employees left their position was not filled.
Ms. Jane Kulow, President of Albemarle County Parent Council and parent of children in the
County School system, thanked the Board for working with the schools and departments at an earlier date
in the budget schedule. Ms. Kulow also thanked Mr. Foley community stakeholders meeting which
allowed them the opportunity to study the budget ahead of time and ask questions. She did not attend all
the budget work sessions, but they did feel more like a team effort – which improved the dialogue and
process to a more functional level. She said that many parents in the County are concerned about
ongoing funding for the schools, especially in the face of recurring state and federal cuts, and the 60%
split won’t sustain schools in light of increased mandates, increased enrollment, and cuts that will result in
a deficit of $6 million between anticipated revenues and costs for schools. Ms. Kulow stated that it is
agreed that the schools are an integral part of the county’s economic growth, and people will continue to
look to the Board to help maintain high-quality education as a driver of economic growth. She stated that
the County’s youngest citizens, at least, are depending on the Board.
Mr. Richard Lindsay said that he represents Albemarle County on the Board of the Jefferson Area
Board for Aging. Mr. Lindsay said that the “aging tsunami” is already here, and there has been an
increasing caseload at all levels – especially with the economic downturn. He stated that the case
managers for JABA do a vital job, and currently single case-managers carry 85 clients in their caseload
with another 45 managed via telephone. Mr. Lindsay said that JABA Board members are realizing that the
organization is “outgunned,” as it does not have the capability to deliver one-on-one case management
that is critical in service delivery. He stated that there will be waiting lists for Meals on Wheels and other
services because clients won’t be able to meet with staff to start the process. Mr. Lindsay stated that
JABA has been fortunate to have the County’s support and values in greatly.
Mr. Joe Draego said that he spoke with five Supervisors recently about the cameras posted at the
intersection of Rio Road and Route 29 – with a few members supporting their removal. Mr. Draego also
said that he ran into Dr. Pam Moran today, whom he knows personally as their children attended Stony
Point Elementary School together. He stated that he asked her how she brought warmth and humanity to
“such an inhumane system” when she was principal at Stony Point, and Dr. Moran responded that “it is
getting worse every year.” Mr. Draego said that she indicated that the government requires more and
more every year. Mr. Draego said that the cameras are another example of that government intrusion.
He emphasized that the cameras represent the direction the country is going to go in, adding that
civilizations are held together by internal, dynamic tensions. Mr. Draego stated that the tensions between
personal safety and personal civil liberties have gotten frayed and are dissolving before our very eyes. He
suggested that the people of the County should be able to vote directly on whether or not the cameras
should be removed.
Mr. Harold Pillar said that the County is a governing body – not a charity – and a lot of these
services brought forth have nothing to do with government at all. Properties do not cause money to be
spent, but people and services do. Why does the County tax property for services that people want, no
matter what they are. The property is just there.
Mr. David Ober said that he is an employee of the Virginia Education Association, a parent of a
child at Crozet Elementary, Chairperson for the United Methodist Church in Crozet, volunteer with the Boy
Scouts and a member of this community. Mr. Ober read a quote from Thomas Jefferson that said,
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of
our liberty.” Mr. Ober said that while Mr. Jefferson would probably agree that government has gotten too
big, he would not agree that civic pride, civic duty and civic responsibility is not owed to local communities.
“Thomas Jefferson never said get rid of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He said build universities, build
local schools and educate your citizens. Thomas Jefferson never said taxes are bad. Thomas Jefferson
said “federal taxes are a bad idea.” Mr. Oberg encouraged the Board and audience members to
remember that taxes are not only their responsibility; they are a privilege to be debated on and voted on.
He said that we have an outstanding country where we are allowed to speak our minds. He then thanked
Mr. Dorrier and Board members for their service. He thanked the Board for funding County schools.
Mr. Bill Hopkins said that he is Chairman of the Charlottesville Bureau of Credits. Mr. Hopkins
stated that the county uses Augusta and York counties as benchmarks, and he encouraged the Board to
look carefully at doing so to determine what policies and procedures they implement in order to achieve
efficiencies. He said that Albemarle is spending $11,000 per student, but Augusta is paying just over
$8,000 and has better test scores. Albemarle needs to find out how August does that. Mr. Hopkins also
said that he does not agree with reserve funds for government. He thinks that the County needs to
identify specifically what a contingency fund will be used for as well as at what point it will be offset by tax
rate reductions. This is not a for-profit corporation and if the funds are to be used for a specific purpose
then that purpose need to be stated.
There being no further public comment, the public hearing was closed, and the matter was placed
before the Board.
Mr. Rooker said that there has been a huge amount of public comments via email, participation in
public hearings, etc., as well as considerable discussion among Board members and staff at the work
sessions to ensure that there is an efficient, well-run government. Mr. Rooker stated that the effective tax
rate in the County is 53 cent, which is what you get when you divide all of the real estate revenue by the
value of the real estate. He said that 10 cents off the top goes to the City pursuant to the Revenue
Sharing Agreement, 60% of County land is in land use with that property paying about one-tenth of the tax
rate applied generally to real property, and additional tax revenue reductions through tax relief for the
elderly and disabled. When all of that is put together he does not think you are going to find many
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 6)
counties, or any counties around the state that operate on 53 cents. Mr. Rooker applauded Mr. Foley and
his departments for working on this budget and making it come together in a way that is understandable
and accomplishes things in an efficient manner.
Mr. Rooker said there are a couple of things the County is doing that may or may not be wise.
The County did find $484,000 to put into transportation funding, which is supposed to be a State
obligation. Mr. Rooker said that six years ago the County had about $5.5 million for secondary road funds,
and this year there is $330,000, with VDOT still providing matching funds for local projects. He stated that
Albemarle has always put up as much as possible to get the match, but this is the first year he can
remember the County did not take advantage of the full match from the State. He thinks that is short
sighted and it will cost the citizens money in the long run.
Mr. Rooker stated that the Crozet Library will eventually be built, and will be built at a greater cost
to taxpayers than if the County moved forward now in a cheap bidding climate. With the exception of
maintenance, virtually the entire Capital budget has been cut. The County will end up paying more later at
greater expense to the taxpayer. He added that no one on the Board proposed raising the net taxes –
instead there was a proposal to change the rate to 75 cents, which would have leveled the taxes for the
average taxpayer and would have provided money to meet the VDOT match to obtain those transportation
funds and would have allowed the Crozet Library project to move forward. The difference was, do you
have level taxes or do you lower everybody’s taxes by $30 on average. Mr. Rooker said that the Board
worked very hard on the budget and ended up agreeing on about 95% of it.
Mr. Dorrier commented this year they are still in the recession and taxes do not need to be raised
this year, with 8 out of 10 residents stating that they are satisfied with the job the County is doing in giving
them value for their tax dollars. He said that there are needs to be considered, but he thinks economic
growth is going to solve those needs. Mr. Dorrier stated that citizens are often having to choose between
food and medicine are not clamoring for a tax increase, so the County should continue at the present rate
and pay for a Capital budget in the future.
Mr. Snow thanked everyone for attending the public hearing. He added that the Board takes their
responsibility for stewardship of taxpayer dollars very seriously, and he thinks that this is a good, viable
budget that reflects that.
Mr. Boyd said that he appreciates the people who came to the public hearing. He is glad there
are fewer people present this year as it is a reflection of the fact that people understand the County is
going through difficult economic times. He stated that the Board worked very hard with the schools and
other divisions to come up with a budget that is equitable and acceptable to the community, and he
applauded his colleagues for accomplishing it.
Mr. Thomas stated that he agrees that a highlight of this process has been working with the
School Board, and it has been a joy to get on the same page with the schools. He said that he agrees
with Mr. Dorrier’s comments about citizens having to make choices, and the belt still needs to stay tight
until revenue improves through economic growth. He thinks the choice to not raise the tax rate was a
good one. As the revenue builds up, maybe there will be some improvements, but he does not think the
Board needs to spend everything that comes in.
Ms. Mallek commented that the success of this process was based upon hard work from staff and
their careful attention in explaining all the different parts of the budget, along with good questions asked by
members of the public and by members of the Board who did their homework to find out where gaps of
information existed. She also said that fall meetings where the Board worked on the strategic plan before
the budget was built were also very important to ensure community and Supervisor support. Ms. Mallek
stated that it is important to her to have a community with people across the income spectrum . There will
be opportunities for a brighter outlook on capital projects in the future as sales taxes increase. She said
that it is very important that members in the community help the Board out with those kinds of decisions.
She said that later this spring, meetings would be held on the capital plan and strategic plan, and people
need to participate and voice their opinions on the County functions that are important to them and where
investments should be made. She thanked the public for coming out tonight and said that the Board will
do its very best for everyone.
__________________
Agenda Item No. 7. From the Board: Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
Mr. Thomas said that he would like to find a volunteer retired policeman to fill the role of security
at Board meetings. He knows of someone possibly that could do this. He would like to hear thoughts
from other Board members.
Mr. Rooker said someone brought up the issue of the reserve fund. The reserve fund is in place
to address a possible gap in revenues, as that is an unknown figure at the onset of the fiscal year. Any
operation needs to have within its budget, to be a sound budget, some kind of reserve so that it does not
immediately find that it cannot pay its bills and have to lay people off the next day because revenues are
coming in softer than expected.
In terms of the police officer idea, he thought the Board set the idea aside because there may be
certain times during the year when it might be wise to have security at some of the meetings that might be
highly charged. If the Board does move in that direction, he thinks it needs to find the most effective way
to do it without spending a lot of money. He supports pursuing Mr. Thomas’ idea.
March 30, 2011 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 7)
Mr. Foley said staff would followup.
__________________
Agenda Item No. 8. Adjourn.
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
________________________________________
Chairman
Approved by Board
Date: 09/07/2011
Initials: EWJ