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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-04-06April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on April 6, 1983, beginning at 7:30 P.M. in the Auditorium of the County Office Buidling, Charlottesville, Virginia. Present: Mr. James R. Butler, Mrs. Patricia H. Cooke, Messrs. Gerald E. Fisher, J. T. Henley, Jr., C. Timothy Lindstrom and Miss Ellen V. Nash. Absent: None. Officers present: St. John. County Executive, Guy B. Agnor, Jr. and County Attorney, George R. Agenda Item No. 1. Mr. Fisher. The meeting was called to order at 7:37 P.M. by the Chairman, Agenda Item No. 2. Public Hearing: Progress on March 26, 1983). 1983-84 County Budget (Advertised in the Daily After brief opening remarks, Mr. Fisher turned the meeting over to Mr. Agnor. Mr. Agnor mentioned that although the rate on real property is proposed to be retained at 77 cents per $100 for the 1983 tax year, there will be a tax increase caused by the biennial assessment of real property; the average increase being 13.3 percent. The only significant addition to the general government category of expenditure is that of a 911 System which will allow all emergency service operations to be channeled to one telephone line. Also in the general government category, there are four new positions proposed; two in a police department, one in the Finance Office, and one in the Data Processing Department. In addition to retaining the performance evaluation and merit plan, a five percent adjustment to the general salary scale for a "cost-of-living" increase is proposed. The proposed education budget will maintain current operations and allow limited growth in the "enrichment" and "computer awareness" programs. There is a net decrease in the education budget of five employees; seven deleted in secondary education, with two being added to the gifted and talented programs. The teaching employee salary scale is proposed adding two percent to the base, with another five percent for those in steps "0" through "11"; giving those employees in the first eleven steps a seven percent increase. Those persons in the top step (11+) would have two percent added making a total of four percent. Classified employees in the school system are proposed to have a seven percent salary adjustment. Mr. Agnor said he would like to explain about the proposal for a county police force. This matter has been discussed for a number Of years. This option has been available under State law to the County Executive form of government for many decades. In the early 1970's when the County first made long-range plans for space needs, space was allocated for the law enforcement operation to be a part of the administrative offices of the county government, with the court baliffs and process servers operating as a function of the court system on Court Square. There was no timetable set for when this change in operation would take place. In 1981, the General Assembly adopted House Bill 599 which, for the first time, provided funds for law enforcement agencies other than a Sheriff's department. Funds for such operations are available, but only upon application to the State twelve months in advance of funds being declared available by the State. In order to be eligible for these funds, an Albemarle County Police Force must be formed, a chief of police appointed, and a police officer must be on duty at all times. In order to have an officer on duty at all times, it requires 4.7 people, so the recommendation to the Board is to employ five people. The Board has been advised that revenues for such an operation are available from the State from both the Compensation Board and the 599 Funds. At this time, the Compensation Board funds would exceed the 599 Funds by $200,000 depending upon the year in which the transition occurs. If the Board decides, after hearing comments tonight, to proceed further with this idea, a public hearing will have to be scheduled on an ordinance to create a Police Force, and it is recommended that the police force be under the Sheriff's Department until July 1, 1984, at which time the operation would convert to being an administrative function of the County government. At approximately 8:00 P.M., the public hearing was opened. Mr. Fisher called for comments on categories listed under the general title of General Management. No one rose to speak. Mr. Fisher next called for comments on categories listed under the general title of Human Services. There were no comments received. Next Mr. Fisher called for comments on categories listed under the general title of Public Safety and Justice. First to speak was Mr. John Carter of Earlysville questioning a proposed appropriation of $18,000 for the Route 29 North Bus Service. Mr. Carter said he had read the contract for this service and feels the County has agreed to pay the City to take people to Fashion Square and Albemarle Square Shopping Center. Ail origination points are located in the City. He does not feel this particular bus route provides anything for County residents. Mr. Carter said he does not comprehend why the bus route ever began. There is a cancellation clause in the contract and he would strongly recommend that the contract be cancelled. Althoug? $18,000 might not be much money in a multi-million dollar budget, as a waste of taxpayers' money, it has no peer. Mrs. Carol Jackson was present to read comments of the League of Women Voters, as follows: (Mr. Fisher gave permission for Mrs. Jackson to give all of the League's comments on all ca%egories at this time.) "The League recognizes that during this period of federal cutbacks it is necessary for the county government to assist its needy citizens. We support the increases in funding for food stamps and fuel assistance. However, we believe that it is ill-advised to focus only on immediate needs and to eliminate funding for long-term planning and coordination of social services. Specifically MACAA should not be penalized for working on long term anti- poverty projects--it should receive the full $17,264 requested. ApriI 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) The 'new federalism' encourages flexibility at the local level to meet current local needs. We believe that undue emphasis has been placed on previous funding levels rather than recommending allocations on the ability of each agency to serve the county. The League questions the arbitrary practice of only funding agencies that have previously received funding, regardless of their merit relative to new proposed programs. Limiting increases to a percentage (0, 4, or 6) over previous funding discourages agencies from meeting new needs when necessary and from making cutbacks when possible. The League supports the United Way request for $14,887. The scholarship program provides child care assistance for working parents in the county who are no longer eligible under stiffer Title XX regulations and thereby meets the priority objective of 'reducing the unemployment rate.' Of the two possible sources of additional revenue examined by the staff, we would like to speak to the proposal to amend the consumer's utility tax ordinance to include water consumers--in addition to presently taxed electric, gas and telephone consumers. We question whether such a tax is equitable. Approximately one-half of the county residents use public water and would be paying a tax for which all the county receives services. Perhaps justification could be found for a water use tax if the revenues helped to reduce the county engineer's costs for erosion control, such as for the proposed instream impoundment in Lickinghole Creek. But that is "ear marking." One new source of funds is recommended and included in the budget: a permit fee for soil investigation of septic tank drainfields by the Health Department sanitarians (not by soil scientists) and for inspection of the installation of septic tanks. This fee, if approved, would be enacted by county ordinance, collected by the Health Department and generate $35,000. The recommended budget for the Health Department is $321,700-~an increase of $12,374 or 4%. But, actually, won't the Health Department receive $321,700 plus $35,000 for a total of $356,700, an increase of $47,374 or 15+%? (The Health Department requested $376,475--an increase of $67,149 or 22%.) What justification does the Health Department offer for their original increased request? Is it for additional duties required by the new regulations and they, therefore, would need more help? (It is understood that they were managing quite well, though not always as rapidly processing requests/permits as builders would like.) The League questions the relatively high increase in refuse disposal costs. Is new equipment being purchased at the landfill? What amount of income does the landfill generate? What income do 'tipping fees' produce? Does the county provide any collection services and if so, where? Regarding the school budget, the League urges the Board of Supervisors to support the school budget as it is presented, including the additional $273,000 requested. If not, the school board may be forced to give less than the planned 2% raise above the step increase for teachers. As the school budget is currently constructed, average raises including the step increase come to approximately 6.6%. The General Assembly restored funds to Basic Aid for '83-'84 so that teachers could be given a 9.7% raise. Since the school board~.~i~ is already proposing considerably less than this, further reductions in salaries should not be forced upon them. In addition, the net reduction of 5 positions already proposed leaves staffing very tight, therefore further reductions in staff would be very difficult to achieve. Also, it would be regrettable to have to eliminate the two new enrichment positions in the middle schools or the full time volunteer coordinator. The League supports these positions. The League would like to commend the school board and system for developing the new budget format which makes it much easier for citizens to understand the budget and participate in the deliberations. We appreciate the opportunity to express concern about proper maintenance of school buildings and equipment. It is often easy to reduce this portion of the budget but over a period of time, costly deterioration can occur." Mr. Kevin Ross said he is a volunteer for the Shelter for Help in Emergencies. The Shelter needs its requested budget allocation. The Shelter provides valuable services and more than one-half of the people now living at the Shelter are children. Ms. Deborah Lewis said she is now living at the Shelter. The Shelter is providing a lot of services to herself and children and the Shelter does need the budget amount requested. Mr. Ken Ackerman, Executive Director of the Monticello Area Community Action Agency said this agency is a vital part of Albemarle County and Planning District 10. The Agency works ~o try and eliminate poverty in Planning District 10. MACAA sponsors the Head Start program, operates an employment training program, a summer youth job program, and provides housing assistance and community organizing assistance. The County is increasing the appropriatio~for MACAA by only $600 for the next fiscal year, or $1,000 less than requested and the City has also cut its proposed allocation. During the last few years of budget cuts, MACAA has lost over $370,000 in Federal and local funds, so the $t,000 does make a big difference. MACAA is ~ sponsoring a special project called the Community Anti-Poverty Project Fund. This project ~S a way to provide an incentive for local businesses to make contributions to community projects. Mr. Ackerman suggested that if the Board is to cut programs, that it look at all programs including recreational programs and be sure that programs serve communities where there is the greatest need. Mr. Don Nobles, Newtown Community Action, noted that he was at last year's budget hearing requesting funds which were granted. These funds were used to help get water for some people in the Newtown area. Newtown Community Action has been greatly helped by MACAA with such things as organizing the community, a playground for the children, and a youth program. April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) Mrs. Ruby Barbour said she works on the food bank in Staunton. They have a freezer, but need to get water to the community center in order to keep everything washed up and cleaned. Mrs. Loretta Dickerson said that she works with the summer youth employment program. Last year these children helped to make a softball field, bleachers, picnic tables, benches, and railroad tie steps. This year they want to improve the field and paint the outside of the Center. The residents would like to have a day-care center, but cannot because there is no water in the Center. Also, most of the funds they have accumulated must be uSed to rent a potty-John for those working outside in the summer. Mrs. Janice Sampson said they have been raising funds for a basketball court. If there was water in the Center, they could give dinners because they have two electric stoves and have already paid to have 220 wires installed in the kitchen. Mr. Arthur Simms said he went to school at what is. now the Newtown Community Center. enjoys working on the program and is glad to work in the community. He Mr. Layton McCann said.he would like to comment on the general category of Human Services. Listed on the agenda are twenty agencies that the taxpayers help support. Now there is a staff committee that looks at each new program requesting funds and makes an evaluation as to that agency's worth. When he looked at the percentage of increase for these agencies, it appears that all are proposed to get the same amount of increase this year as the general increase in revenues. It seems that each year there is an automatic increase for each of these services whether the increase is needed or not. He felt the committee should look at eliminating support to some of these agencies. In particular, the Route 29 North bus service and JAUNT, which are infringing on the private sector. He asked why some of these programs could not be eliminated and then have those funds transferred to items that are really needed in the County. Mr. Fisher next called for comments on the general category of Public Safety and Justice. Mr. John Carter said he would like to comment on the formation of a police department in the County. From what he has read in the newspapers, it seems that a majority of the Board members have already decided to establish a police department. However, he has heard no discussion as tO why a police department would be more efficient as a law enforcement agency than the existin Sheriff's Department. It appears that the Board assumes that continuity wilt result and the naming of the head of a law enforcement agency will be removed from the political arena. Mr. Carter said he will admit to the inefficiencies of the electoral process, but he would be the last person to admit that there is a better way. Setting aside the whole question of election Yersus board control, as a taxpayer Mr. Carter said he is interested in knowing what he~s getting for his money. What will a police force do that a sheriff's department can't? And, if the sheriff's department is not doing something it should be doing, why haven't the citizens heard about it? Mr. Fisher has made a statement that it is not "if", but when. Surely this statement was based on a perception of need and not just a new State law which requires a referendum before making such a change. The Board has not made a case for a police department and by the inordinate rush to beat a July 1 deadline, leaves him with a definite ~mpression that if this question were left to the citizens of the County, these citizens would surely opt for a sheriff. Mr. Bob Merrill said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He does not see that the Sheriff' Department is broken. Mr. Merrill said that when Albemarle County went to the county executive form of government, the citizens gave up election of a couple of elected officials. He feels this is a dangerous feature of the proposal before the citizens. Why spend money When you don't need to do so? If the Board insists that a police force be established, Mr. Merrill said he would like to suggest as a safeguard (even if special legislation is needed to do so) that a special grand jury, appointed by a judge, be set up to evaluate the work of the police department and the police chief every two years. Mr. Merrill said this is done in many states and it would take up the gap of not being able to elect a sheriff. Mr. Bill May said he is concerned that the Board wants to assume the responsibility for administration of law enforcement activities which are presently being administered by an elected sheriff who is directly accountable to the voters of Albemarle County. He thanked the present sheriff for a good job, and noted some crime rate statistics. Mr. May said that for this Board to take over control of law enforcement activities without the voters deciding the Board should do so is unacceptable to any citizen who holds their vote sacred. Mr. May said the Board is elected to conduct the business of the community in an efficient, responsible manner. By taking his right to choose at the polls, and giving him a bureaucrat insulated from ~ublic scrunity, he feels the Board has assumed an authority not given to it. It has been stated that a referendum is costly, but when that cost is weighed against the citizens' right to express their wishes individually and equally, the cost does not seem so great. Mr. May said he is concerned that the cost of this experiment will be astronomical. He asked how the Board can always find money for new projects that add to the County bureaucracy, but when it comes time to fund education, there is never enough money for school supplies or to pay teacher~ Mr. May said that no member of this Board was elected with a mandate from the people to put law enforcement under control of the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Bill Washington from Greenwood said it seems that a makeshift, mini police force is about to be established to meet a technical deadline of a referendum. Mr. Washington said he does not disagree with having a police force for the people in the urban area if those people feel it is needed and they are willing to pay for that police force. But, he does find fault with police services that will basically benefit only one segment of the County, but will be pai~d for by the general county taxpayers. Mr. Washington said he lacks confidante that the people in the rural areas will gain any police protection under the proposal he has read about in the local papers. He stated that it is also a fact that motor pool vehicles are usually less well cared for and have shorter lives. Also, removing police vehicles from neighborhoods during off-duty hours would reduce response time for emergency law enforcement in rural areas and may also reduce willingness of officers to respond to off-duty calls. Mr. Washington said it appears that new state annexation laws provide for the development of a new city around the circumference of an existing city. Under that concept, it seems appropriate to request an alteration of state law relative to funding of law enforcement since the new city is in fact a part of the County. "In the meantime, let's do the best with what we have." April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting)~ Mr. Howard Sheinfeld said he lives in Greenbrier Heights, .a subdivision in the County which can only be entered directly from the City. Last year there was an incident'which turned out to not be too serious, but it took the Sheriff's office forty-five minutes to respond to a call. He has worried ever since about what would happen if there were a real emergency. He suggested that the Sheriff's Department might be reorganized to respond more rapidly in the more urbanized areas of the County. Mr. Sheinfeld feels that the people in the rural areas~are taken care of by the Sheriff, bUt the people in the urban area are not, and something needs.~to be done as soon as possible. Mr. John W. Jones, Executive DirectOr of the Virginia State Sheriff's Association based in Richmond, was present to speak. He said there are a number of issues the Sheriff's Association believes are important when a county plans to establish a police force. He has recently tatk~d to the Auditor of Public Accounts and a representative in the Governor's Office on Planning~and Budget about funding of a police force versus a sheriff's department. If the County does establish a police force, it appears that on July 1, 1984, State revenues will decrease by $204,000 without any increase in services to the citizens. He then noted some crime statistic~ from the Uniform Crime Report compiled by a Virginia State task force. Mr. Jones noted that the Sheriff's Association lobbied the 1983 session of the General Assembly and House Bill 523 was enacted. That bill requires that a referendum be held before establishment of a police force in any county. He said the Association feels that the citizens should have a voice on this question. Also, there is the cost. Mr. Harold Pillar said he feels this question has come up at this time because last month during budget work sessions Mr. Agnor found an additional $68,000 in revenues. At that time, it was suggested that a study be made of establishing a police force. Mr. Pillar said he never thought this proposal would come back in one month. This police force will consist of fiva''. officers and a captain. Mr. Pillar said he feels that the personnel in a police department~ will be much greater than the number of personnel in the existing Sheriff's Department within just a few years. Also, Mr. Agnor is only one person and the administrative load will become a burden on his time. Mr. Pillar recommended that the Board stay with the dedicated Sheriff's. Department that the County now has. Mr. Roy Barksdale was present to give the Board petitions signed by 175 persons requesting a referendum on the question of establishing a police force (petitions on file in the Clerk,~s Office). Mr. Rick Bowie said he has followed this item in the newspapers. He thinks enough ha-s~ been said about a sheriff versus a police force. What bothers him is the fact that at present time it seems the schools can't be kept open~ (referring to redistricting), the can't afford to pay the teachers, the citizens are facing a thirteen percent increase in taxes from the reassessment, but the Board is willing to vote to put several hundred thousand dollars a year more on the backs of the already overburdened taxpayers. Mr. Bowie said this should not be done without holding a referendum first. Mrs. Helen Wright of Keswick said she was present to speak in favor of a police departme~t for the County. She feels it is important that the law enforcement agency be removed from political influence. She said it is highly unfortunate that every four years the sheriff must i be reelected and the jobs of all of the sheriff's deputies put in jeopardy. Mrs. Wright said that about a year ago her home was invaded at night by two people. It took thirty-eight minute! and two telephone calls to get a response to a burglary in process. By that time the burglars had left. She urged that the Board establish a police department for the good of the citizens of Albemarle County. Mr. Dennis Yutchishen said he. lives in Crozet and speaks in favor of doing something about the police system. Over the last two or three .years, he has called for assistance because of prowlers on his property. Each time he was told that someone would be out to investigate the problem, but no one ever followed up on the call. He does not know if law enforcement should be handled by a police dePartment or a sheriff, but the citizens need quality law enforcement. Mr. Randy Lane said he lives in the west.ern part of the County. He feels that he receives adequate service from the existing Sheriff's Department, He has seen no justification for making such a switch and has not seen any figures on what it would cost to run a police depart~ ment. He feels this whole thing is more political than anything else. He feels the citizens should have a right to vote on the question. Mr. Lindsay Dorrier said he has been impressed with the level of services rendered and th~ dedication of the deputies. The deputies do not have job security or overtime pay, and if those two areas were addressed there might be less of a reason for this change. He suggested that the Board study other counties who have made this change to a police force. He feels the citizens want to have some input in law enforcement and want to be able to elect a sheriff.~ Mr. Dorrier said that if Albemarle County had a low clearance rate and a low conviction rate, then the County would be faced with a crisis, but the County is not faced with a crisis as far as crime and law enforcement are concerned. He said these are the things to consider when making a decision on this question. Mr. Carroll Brick of Crozet said he used to work for a sheriff in Nevada. The deputies were part of a department of public safety, so their jobs did not depend on whether the sheriff was reelected or not. Mr. Brick said he does not believe there has been but one deputy who~was not reappointed during the incumbent sheriff,s term in office. Mr. Brick said he also thinks~ that the area would lose some State Police officers from such a change. Therefore, the County-.~ would be getting less police protection for much more money. Mr. Brick said he would like to keep his vote. He believes the County is getting good police protection, at least in. his section of the County. Mr.-.Dennis Nielson said he lives in Sugar Hollow in western Albemarle County, He said . there is a need .for better law enforcement than the citizens presently have in the County. But, if it is to be a police department, he would like to vot~ in a referendum. The response times mentioned tonight seem good to him since it took over an hour to get a response at his ' home. Mr. Nielson said that in the future more money will have to be spent to get better law enforcement no matter what type of department handles that function. April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) Mr. Layton McCann said he agreed with Mr. Carter's statements made earlier. He has heard only two reasons for creating a police department in the County; 1) to beat a July 1 deadline for a referendum, and 2) to take law enforcement out of the political arena. Mr. McCann said that is fine, but he has already seen politics in play since everyone knows who the interim police chief will be. Instead of one politician, there will be six if this change occurs. If the Board wants to spend another $200,000, add ten more deputies to the present force. That will give the citizens better protection. Mr. Fisher now turned to the Education category listed on the agenda. First to speak was Ms. Sylvia Henderson, principal of Woodbrook School. She was present to express sincere concern about the proposed education budget. She said the school staff had worked long and hard to separate needs from desires. Personnel costs comprise 80 percent of the total budget, with fixed costs and other costs coming from the remaining 20 percent. She asked where the $300,000+ which has been deleted from the total budget will come from. Will it be taken from teacher's salaries again? The principals face the Board's constituents daily and hear pleas for quality education. Many of the County's best teachers, the ones who really love to work with children, leave the system every year because they can earn more in the business world. It is estimated that by 1990 there wilI be a shortage of teachers. The large number of prospective teachers who helped to keep salaries low will be a thing of the past. A competitiw salary is needed. Also, the community is demanding computer literacy, special education, athletic programs, fine arts programs, and gifted education programs. The principals are also concerned about the deferrment the last few years of upgrading, repairs, and maintenance of school facilities. It is not practical to defer until tomorrow what should have been done yesterday. Mrs. Henderson said she researched some materials for this meeting and found that at one time the Education department received about three-fourths of the total County budget, but during the hard economic times between 1980 and 1983, the Education Department received only 60 percent of the total budget. These cutbacks have caused the school system to defer necessary purchasing and have caused depletion of current inventory. The system is behind and getting caught up means spending more money. The budget submitted to the board this year is a serious proposal. It reflects the requirements of the schools. Mrs. Henderson urged the Board to accept the counsel of the local school administration and fund the budget submitted to it by the School Board. She said the schools need the support of the Board in order to get on with the business of making the Albemarle County school system the best it can be. Ms. Jeannine Taller said she teaches at Stony Point and Hollymead. The greatest asset of any community is its citizens and knowledgeable, responsible citizens are a product of a strong educational background. Ms. Taller said that next to a child's parents, children are closest to their teachers. Teachers were at one time among the most respected members of the community. Now when both parents work and have less time to teach their children at home, teachers are being taken more for granted. As more job opportunities open to people who teach, the number and maybe even the quality of teachers may decrease unless the community cares enough to put the value of its children and their education as the most important issue when distributing tax revenues. Teachers, as well as support personnel, need more than the personal reward of teaching, they need salaries that demonstrate the respect and support of the community for whom they work. Mrs. Bedford said she is a parent concerned about the future of her children. In the state from which they moved, they paid four times the amount of taxes and education was a high priority. When they moved to Albemarle County, they felt education would be a high priority because of its history. She asked the Board to support quality education by passing the school budget. She noted that when the Board voted to advertise the same tax rate as that for 1982, the Board did not ask the parents, and she would like to state that she and her husband would be glad to pay four times more if it meant better education for their children. Mr. Jeff Douglas said he teaches at Albemarle High School. Tomorrow the teachers will begin to work only those hours stipulated in their contracts. There will be no paper grading, or lesson planning at home. There will be no before or after school clubs, rehearsels, meetings, tutoring, or chaperoning. On Monday, the teachers will take down purchased and teacher-constructed bulletin boards and learning aids. Teachers will sign vouchers for any activities they feel compelled to perform beyond their contract hours. The extra, unpaid work expected of teachers will not be performed. This action will continue until April 22. The prospect of a job action has received support in the community, but there will be some negative reaction. This action is not militant, but rather it is assertive. The teachers are standing in unison to point to a problem. A question has been asked as to why it has taken the teachers so long. Although the teachers are upset about working conditions and compensation, a greater problem is the loss of basic tools of instruction and needed student services. It seems that whenever there is a new county program or building or budget crisis, materials and paychecks take a beating. Several weeks ago, a motion was made by Mr. Lindstrom and seconded by Mrs. Cooke to raise the tax rate on real estate by twO cents a hundred (or $10 per year on a $50,000 home) and the motion was defeated by a 4/2 vote. Three members who voted down that tax increase are running for election this year. Mr. Douglas asked why it is politically dangerous to support education in Albemarle County. The County Executive has said it might be necessary to have a tax increase of a few cents to finance a police force. Why not add a few cents for education? In the past, it has been said that the schools should be run like a business. That is fine, but give the teachers overtime pay, a fair market salary, and up-to-date equipment. It has been said that the schools need a zero base budget. The budget submitted this year is such a budget. Last year, the State and County funded the first significant increase in teachers salaries in over a decade. This year the General Assembly specified a 9.7 percent increase for teachers and provided enough funds to Albemarle County for about one-half of that amount. Where is the County's share? The teachers are tired of aspersions being cast upon the school administration for its handling of funds. The "so~called" one million dollar deficit has been a political football in this County for too long. The cost overruns were almost entirely the result of actions taken by this board of supervisors, such as adding school employees to the Blue-Cross/Blue-Shield program in order to obtain a better experience rating. Overruns in energy costs in one of the deficit years resulted from members of this Board persuading the School Board to reduce energy dollars in thebudget, the idea being that any dramatic increases would be funded through supplemental appropriations. As a result of this Board's pay plan, school teacher aides and secretaries April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) have received only a base increase in salary for the past two years. Mr. Douglas said a local radio station erroneously reported that the work action was beginning today and that the students would see a change in teacher attitudes. Teacher attitudes do not need to change, but it is the attitude of the Board of Supervisors that needs to change. If education in Albemarle County had been adequately funded in good economic times, it would not be so difficult to trim the costs now. The teachers and children are being asked to bear the brunt of these cuts, so if nothing else is accom~plished, this action will convince the people in Albemarle County that there is a limit to the teachers capacity for imposition. Mr. Douglas said the teachers ask that the Board restore the funds which have been cut from the School Board's adopted budget, and that this Board seek funds to provide compensation for school employees, and that education be made a priority in Albemarle County. Mrs. Diana Rhoads was present to speak for The Citizens Support Group for Public Education She presented a letter signed by several members urging the Board of Supervisors to approve the School Budget as presented, including the additional $273,000 requested. The Group does not feel that a budget which includes a two percent pay raise for teachers in addition to the step increase can be considered extravagant or irresponsible. The Group endorses the budget with two reservations: 1) the teachers' salaries are too low; and 2) they oppose any alloca~iol which presuppose redistricting decisions which have not been made at this time. Ms. Suzanne Fusselman said she teaches in the County and came to speak for many teachers who could not be present tonight because they could not afford to take off from their second jobs. Mrs. Ellen Vaughan said she is the parent of two children in Greenwood Elementary. She said she appreciates Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Lindstrom supporting a tax increase in order to fund the school budget. She had attended several school board meetings in favor of the fine arts program and found that many fine programs are being cut. She then presented to the Board a packet of petitions signed by approximately 300 persons in favor of the fine arts program. Mrs. Vaughan said she is also interested in the gifted program. She feels that all citizens have a moral and civic obligation to provide the best education possible for every child. She feels it is irresponsible to cut programs and inexcusable to make the teachers pay for the programs. Mrs. Vaughan said she cares about education and is willing to pay for it. She wants to invest her money in public schools. Mrs. Lois Herrington said she has two children in the County schools. She has been pleased with the quality of education they have received, but feels that that pleasure may change tomorrow. If salaries are not increased, the County will loose quality teachers, and probably not lure better ones to the community. Mrs. Herrington said she does not look forward to a tax increase, but would support an increase because she feels that all should share in the education of our children. Mrs. Herrington said she noticed that the City of Charlottesville is raising about $300,000 in revenues from the meals tax, and said that maybe~ the same thing could be done in the County. (Note: State Legislation does not allow such a tax in Albemarle County). She said there may be better suggestions, and she feels that there- are ways to raise revenues from sources other than through a real estate tax rate increase. Mrs. Ann Farris said she has two children in school and she also teaches at Red Hill. She noted that with the amount of preparation time added to her classroom hours, her salary computes to something less than one dollar an hour. She is fortunate because her salary is a second salary and does not have to be used to pay all of the bills. Most teachers have to ~-~ pay all their expenses from that salary. Mrs. Farris said the increase proposed for teachers this year is tantamount to a "slap-in-the-face." She deplores the thought of quality education taking a down-hill dive and feels this will happen if the budget is cut more and the teachers receive the laughable salary they now receive. Mrs. Linda Perriello said she has a lot of children in the schools. She noted that one of the main reasons the property values are higher in Albemarle County than in surrounding counties is that Albemarle is perceived to have an ~excellent school system. But for this excellence to be more than just perceived, the schools must be funded properly. If one were to ask people in the street what was the most important cog in the wheel called education, they would say it is the classroom teacher. If the County is to attract and keep excellent faculty, the citizens must be willing to pay them excellent wages. Much has been said about expecting teachers to be professionals, but they cannot be professionals if they are paid like laborers. Albemarle County has poor citizens, but Albemarle County is not a poor county. This is a university community where education is highly valued, so the citizens expect education to be the Board of Supervisors' highest priority. She asked that the school programs be funded and the teachers paid properly by fully funding the proposed school budget. Mr. Luther Morris said he was present to support the students. Mr. Morris said the Board usually hires experts to make reports on items such as conversion of this building for office purposes and consideration of a police department, but the Board had asked the County Executive how much money could be spent on education. The Board then told the School Board how much could be spent and then proceeded to cut the request to that amount. When the School Board cut funding for the after-school activities buses in order to help balance this current year's budget, the parents at Western Albemarle High School contributed to a fund to keep the buses running, in effect raising their own taxes. Last year this Board raised taxes fifteen percent to cover the cost of the "non-annexation" treaty with the City. Now, the Board is considering raising taxes to establish a police force. Mr. Morris said that now is the time to stand up and be counted; now is the time to support the children and raise taxes for education. Mr. Dick Walton said he teaches at Piedmont College, but has children in County schools. He came to speak for a tax increase or whatever is necessary to provide a living wage for teachers in.Albemarle County. Mr. Walton said he is embarrassed to be here tonight because it seems that every year the teachers have to plead for a few pennies or dollars that do not even keep up with the increase in the cost of living. Teacher salaries should be increased by one-third to make them bona fide professional salaries. Mr. Walton said he is willing to have his taxes raised to provide those funds. Some of the best people are leaving teaching because they can make more money elsewhere. Mr. Walton said there is a misconception about ha it.takes to be ~ te~Qh~r;.a~gre~ ~ea~.of p?o~e~sionylje~cation,~tr~n~ng,~ and com~a~itment ~ro~essmona±s are nov pamm ~us~ for vnemr ~mme, ou~ for wna~ ~ney can mo ~na~ o~ner peop±e cannot do. Mr. Walton said if Albemarle County is to attract and keep professional teachers, it must pay a bona fide professional salary. April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) '100 Ms. Julia Broome said she lives in the Samuel Miller District and supports the budget as presented by the School Board including the additional funds. Ms. Broome asked that the Board search for more funds to adequately fund education. She said that it seems the Revenue Sharing Agreement she voted for is paying for better education in the City of Charlottesville this year at the expense of better education in the County. Ms. Cynthia Murray said she is a student in the County schools. She feels the County citizenry as a whole are responsible for the welfare of the students. She said it takes a lot to keep children in school all day without cutting the activities that keep them there all day. She asked the Board to take into consideration the areas that are cut because these areas will hurt the students more than anyone else. Mrs. Rita Loyacono said she teaches at Rose Hill. She said she has not been surprised at Mr. Fisher's position regarding the budget. However, after hearing many of Mr. Butler's comments during the campaign for supervisor in the fall of 1981, she has been surprised by Mr. Butler's position. She said that usually the teachers come to this meeting to demonstrate support for the School Board's budget, however, this year (although it is hoped that the Board will fund the budget as submitted) they cannot really support the budget request because it is too low to support quality education in Albemarle County. They cannot support a budget that provides a two percent increase for career teachers, or a budget that will be in the "red" next year because there is no way to absorb unexpected expenditures. The teachers are being asked to sit back and accept an anemic budget for next year, while the burden of balancin the current school budget falls on school personnel. The teachers are being asked to limit their use of sick leave, professional leave, and personal leave. School funds are frozen; what will happen when supplies are exhausted? It has been mentioned that this job action is a strike and of course, that is not correct, strikes are illegal. A professional is someone who does not give away his services so the teachers will act like professionals and abide by their contract, but would appreciate being paid as Professionals. Mr. Harold Pillar said he lives in Scottsville and said he had visited one of the schools after he had heard that the teachers were going on a seven and one-quarter hour work day. He said that he quite frankly does not think the majority of teachers put in the full work day if a half hour is counted for lunch. He also checked salaries at four of the private schools in the area and found that the average starting salary is five to seven percent less than that of County- teachers. After ten years of service the salary might be as much as thirty percent less. Mr. Pillar then quoted some statistics published by the Virginia Public Schools in March, 1982, in particular that the pupil/teacher ratio in Albemarle County is the fourth lowest in the State. He recommended, that the pupil/teacher ratio be increased in Albemarle County thereby allowing for an increase in teacher pay without an increase in cost. Ms. Nancy Meeks from Henley Middle School said that in the past when the teachers have asked for money for education, they have been told to show public support for a tax increase. Many of the comments heard tonight indicate that the Board needs to supply the necessary money for this year and future year's budgets. Ms. Meeks said that every year since she has taught in Albemarle County there has been some reason to cut the school budget and teacher's salaries. Last year the General Assembly made a request and supplied money for a ten percent pay increase and that increase was granted. A similar request made this year for a 9.7 percent increase seems to have been ignored. The money has been divided into other school categories with little of the money going toward salaries. Ms. Meeks said she has been working two jobs and is tired. She thinks the original budget request which included an eight to ten percent increase for teachers should be funded. Mrs. Kay Knight, a teacher at Stone Robinson School, presented twenty-one letters from parents of students at Stone Robinson, all indicating support for increased salaries for teachers. Mr. Ken Smaha said he is a taxpayer who is willing to have his taxes increased to support education, but he understands the position of a number of the members of the Board that it is not just parents in Albemarle County who pay taxes, but all of the citizens. Mr. Smaha said he appreciates those feelings, but he pays into the Social Security system which is paying retirement to a number of these people, but he is willing to pay that cost. Mr. Smaha felt that all citizens have an obligation to pay that cost. Mr. Dennis Nielson said he is a county taxpayer and his wife is a teacher. He has no children in school, but would support a tax increase to fund the budget as submitted. Mr. Bill Washington said he does not know of anyway to make constructive criticism without stepping on toes. Although he respects the members of the Board and the County staff who worked on the budget, he does not necessarily agree with what they have recommended. Mr. Washington said he had indicated to the Board members earlier that he would be willing to pay a tax rate increase to keep the schools functioning, but he would ask that the money be well- spent. Two members of the supervisors have also publicly expressed a similar view. On that question, we fall apart as individuals on exactly what is important and what are frills. That is why there is a School Board and a department of education to make those judgments. The School Board has had difficulties in past years during the budgeting process, but some of those difficulties can be laid at the feet of agencies outside of the County School system such as fuel and energy. Mr. Washington noted an article in the paper recently quoting Mr. Agnor as noting that the Schools would have a one percent cost overrun this year. Mr. Washingt said he may be naive, but he does not look at a one percent cost overrun in a multi-million dollar budget as a big deal. Mr. Washington said he believes the members of the Board of Supervisors are aware that the School Board, in trying to meet a deadline for submittal of this budget, made an assumption that the recommendations of the redistricting committee would be approved and implemented. The redistricting matter is still not resolved and he hoped that in the event a plan is not implemented this coming school year, the Board of Supervisors will consider a supplemental request for any funds required to keep open the current number of elementary schools during the 1983-84 school year while this matter is studied further. Mr. Tracy Walker said he has had three children in the Albemarle County school system. Next year he will not have any children in the system, but he is willing to have his taxes increased and by more than the two cents mentioned. 101 April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) Mrs. Frances Shutz of the Woodbrook School district said she was present to speak in support of adopting the budget proposed by the School Board. She would also support a tax rate increase. With no one else rising to speak, the Board recessed at 10:20 P.M. called back to order at 10:36 P.M. The meeting was Mr. Fisher continued to call for public comments on items listed on the agenda: capital improvements, debt service, refunds, Revenue Sharing Agreement/Charlottesville. No one wished to speak about any of these items. Mr. Fisher then declared the public hearing on the~ budget closed and asked for comments from Board members at this time. There were no comments. Agenda Item No. 3. Public Hearing: Proposed Tax Increase Due to Reassessmen~ of Real Property (Advertised in the Daily Progress on March 29, 1983). Mr. Agnor said this notice is published pursuant to Virginia Code Section 58-785.1 which requires that when a reassessment of real property will result in an increase of one percent or more in the total real property tax levied, the County has to reduce its rate of levy for the forthcoming year so as to cause the rate of levy to produce no more than one hundred one percent of the previous year's real property tax levies, unless this notice is published and a public hearing held. The Board may then increase the rate above the reduced rate if the increase is deemed to be necessary by the governing body. Mr. Agnor said the County's tax rate will increase this coming year by virtue of the new reassessment so the Board has to take action not to roll the rate back. The public hearing was opened. With no one present to speak about this item, the publico hearing was closed. Mr. Fisher suggested that the Board carry this item over until next week. Agenda Item No. 4. Public Hearing: Amendment of 1982-83 County Budget; Clean Community Commission (Advertised in the Daily Progress on March 29, 1983). Mr. Agnor said the Clean Community Commission has recently received an additional grant of $1,000 from the State. The money has been deposited into the Grant Fund. This is a pass through of funds from the State. The public hearing was opened. With no one present to speak, the public hearing was closed. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom, seconded by Mr. Henley, to adopt the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, that $1000 be, and the same hereby is, appropriated from the GRANT FUND and Coded to 9302-5840 for the CLEAN COMMUNITY COMMISSION: and FURTHER RESOLVED the the "REVENUES" section of the 1983-83 County Budget shall be amended to show $1000 under code 102404.070, CLEAN COMMUNITY COMMISSION: AND FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be effective on and after April 13, 1983. The foregoing motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Messrs. Fisher, Henley, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. None. Agenda Item No. 5. Public Hearing: Amendment of 1982-83 County Budget; Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad (Advertised in the Daily Progress on March 29, 1983). Mr. Agnor said~ this amendment is for $15,500 to be taken from the Capital budget for an ambulance. The public hearing was opened. closed. With no one present to speak, the public hearing was Motion was offered by Miss Nash, seconded by Mr. Lindstrom, to adopt the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, that $15,500 be, and the same hereby is, appropriated from the Unallocated Balance of the Capital Improvement Fund and Coded to 9700-7060.14 for the Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., per contract signed March 9, 1983; and FURTHER RESOLVED that this appropriation shall be effective on April 13, 1983. The foregoing motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Messrs. Fisher, Henley, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. None. At this time, at the request of the Chairman, motion was offered by Mrs. Cooke, seconded~. by Mr. Lindstrom, to carry over the public hearing on the budget and the tax increase notice to the Board's meeting on April 14, 1983. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Messrs. Fisher, Henley, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. NAYS: None. April 6, 1983 (Regular Night Meeting) 102. Agenda Item No. 6. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda. Mr. Lindstrom said he would like some information concerning the question about the Route 29 North Bus Service. He would be curious to know if the $18,000+ the County is spending is offset by sales tax revenues. Mr. Fisher announced that the Board's regular meeting scheduled for April 13 had been rescheduled to April 14, and that the meeting would not begin until 10:30 A.M. Agenda Item No. 7. Adjourn. At 10:47 P.M., the meeting was adjourned. Ch~rman