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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-04-05 adj].47 April 5, 1982 (Adjourned from March 31, 1982--Afternoon?~eeting) An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on April 5, 1982, at 1:30 P.M., in Meeting Room #7 of the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. This meeting was adjourned from March 31, 1982. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. James R. Butler (arrived at 1:40 P.M.), Mrs. Patricia H. Cooke, Mr. Gerald E. Fisher, Mr. J. T. Henley, Jr. (arrived at 2:10 P.M.), Mr. C. Timothy Lindstrom (arrived at 1:45 P.M.), and Miss Ellen V. Nash. OFFICERS PRESENT: of Finance. Mr. Guy B. Agnor, Jr., County Executive and Mr. Ray B. Jones, Director Agenda Item NO. 1. Call To Order. the Chairman, Gerald E. Fisher. The meeting was called to order at 1:40 P.M., by Work Session: 1982-83 County Budget. Agenda Item No. 2. Jefferson-Madison Regional Library: Mr. Agnor reviewed the past, and current budgetary difficulties being experienced by the library. Mr. Agnor referred to a memorandum dated April 5, 1982, from Messrs. Melvin A. Breeden and Ray B. Jones of the Finance Department, regarding an investigation by a joint committee (comprised of the Library Board and staff, Ms. Susette Denslow and Tom Haden from the City of Charlottesville Finance Department and Messrs. Breeden and Jones) which researched the cause of the deficits for the 1980-81 and 1981-82 fiscal years and made recommendations for future budgets. (NOTE: This memorandum is on permanent file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.) (Note: Mr. Lindstrom arrived at 1:45 P.M.) Mr. Agnor noted that the deficit reported to the Board on March 17, 1982, of $57,545 has been.reduced in that the~te LibrarY agreed to reimburse the local library for books -~t'~a-'~-~t werc cncum~crc~ a~ ~.c cn~ c~ ~lsca~ Year 1981, in the approximate amount of $26,500. The remaining deficit of $31,045 will be divided between the member localities, and the share to be paid by Albemarle County is $13,750. Mr. Agnor then made the following recommendations; first, at the April 14, 1982, meeting, the Board should appropriate $13,750 as Albemarle County's share o£ the accumulated deficit. Also, the Board should consider a reallocation formula; which, if accepted by all the member localities would be used to approve next years budget, thus assuring the library of adequate funding for the requested budget. Mr. Agnor added that he would recommend approval of $416,000 as Albemarle County's share of the 1982-83 budget, with the possibility that a change in the formula might require an additional amount later in the year. Next to speak was Mrs. Margaret Melcher, former President of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Melcher introduced several members of the Library Board, then thanked the Albemarle' County and Charlottesville staff members for their assistance in preparing this year's budget. Mrs. Melcher reported that a check returning money paid for the Vinegar Hill site will be ready for Albemarle County this week. Mrs. Melch~r said she also has received word that State aid will be approximately $100,000 more than anticipated. Mrs. Melcher said some of that State aid will go toward salaries of professional librarians and con- sultants to develop staff services, but the bulk will go toward the purchase of books. Mrs. Melcher noted that the Library does not want to cut Bookmobile service, but if further study of the budget indicates any additional shortfall of funds, she will come back before the member localities with the possible suggestion to eliminate that service. She noted that any cuts in the budget as proposed will result in cuts in service to the public. Lastly, Mrs. Melcher said negotiations for new library space in Crozet are taking place with Mr. Stanley Wilcox, but the initial dollar figure per square foot may rise from the original $2.00 to as high as $6.00, meaning possibly $750 per month additional rent. Mr. James M. Hingeley, Jr., new President of the Board of Trustees, spoke next. Mr. Hingeley reviewed the budget proposals, ~n~oped the Board of Supervisors would approve the full amount recommended by Mr. ~.~.~r. Hingeley said if the member localities wished to renegotiate the contract, the Board of Trustees would gladly provide information to assist in such a process. . Mr. Fisher said he appreciated all that was being done to improve the budget situation, and that he agreed with Mr. Agnor's recommendations. (NOTE: Mr. Henley arrived at 2:10 P.M.) Mr. Hingeley added that once the final appropriation figures are received from all member localities, the Library staff can then sit down (hopefully with the added partici- pation of Charlottesville and Albemarle County finance staff personnel) and decide if any additional cuts in services must be made in order to avoid a deficit situation for the coming fiscal year. Mr. Hingeley said if cuts .in service are not favored, requests could be made to member localities for possible additional appropriations. Mr.. Fisher said he would hope that such requests could be presented to the Board of Supervisors within the first quarter of the 1982-83 fiscal year. Mr. Hingeley said he would hope for that time- table also. Mr. Fisher asked if any Board of Supervisor member disagreed with following the recommendations of the County Executive. It was the concensus of the Board of Supervisors to go to public hearing with the recommendation of the County Executive and continue working to improve the financial outlook for next year. Agenda Item No. 3. VPI & SU Extensian Program: Mr. Agnor said he wished~to make a change in the figures presented to the Board for this service. Mr. Agnor noted that originally when the budget was prepared, salaries were scheduled to increase 10%. Mr. Agnor noted that the 10% figure has since been reduced to 8%,.but the salary figures in this budget were not changed accordingly. Mr. Agnor said the requested figure of $52,055 should be changed to $67,465 and the recommended figure of $52,055 should actually be $51,110 bringing the total recommended figure to $66,729. April 5, 1982 (Afternoon Meeting) (Adjourned from March 31, 1982) Ms. Elizabeth Payne, head of the Extension Program, was present and said that the Extension Program is a unique service which is constantly changing to meet the needs of the community. She noted that the services of a fruit growing specialist have just been obtained to aid the local growers with their orchards. She said even though they cannot handle all the requests which they receive, the staff always attempts to refer callers to the proper agency. Mr. Agnor said he wished to note for the record that the salary figure changes which he noted earlier did not include the salary of Miss Jean Fournier, who is employed inde- pendently for the Extension Service by the~County. Mr. Butler said he did not have any questions, but wished to note that he still receives telephone calls regarding Extension Service programs. There were no other comments from Board members, and the concensus was to go to public hearing with the figure of $66,729 recommended by the County Executive. Agenda Item No. 4. Mental Health: Mr. Agnor.said $87,175 was requested, but he would recommend a figure of $78,916 for this agency, and noted that the share contributed to this regional agency is very important to its receiving Federal and State matching funds. Mr. James Peterson, Executive Director of the Mental Health Agency, said that on July 1, 1982, the Crisis Intervention Center which is operated out of the University of Virginia Emergency Room, will be closed. Mr. Peterson said the program coordinator will be retained,~ but other staff members involved in that program have received notice that June 30, 1982, will be their last day. Mr. Peterson said that in addition to closing the Crisis Inter- vention Center, two and a half other positions are being eliminated. Mr. Peterson said he hoped with the new computer system which is to start up on May 15, 1982, that the system of billings and receipts will be improved. Mr. Peterson noted that fringe salary expenses paid by the employer in areas of Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Virginia Supplemental Retire- ment System benefits have increased by 49% and 5.14% respectively. Mr. Peterson noted that the General Assembly appropriated $11.2 million for Community Services Boards through- out Virginia for the purpose of filling gaps in present services. Mr. Peterson stressed the importance of obtaining maximum State funding because it will form the basis for funding for the future. Mr. Peterson asked the Board to consider funding the entire amount 'requested by this agency. He pointed out that other member localities are con- sidering the same request for full funding at this time. Mr. Lindstrom asked if the County appropriated full funding for this agency, if the Crisis Intervention Center would be reinstated. Mr. Peterson said no, that even without the crisis center, there will be a $40,000 deficit at the beginning of the next fiscal year without an increase in fees. Miss Nash asked if the decreased funding by the County would affect other programs. Mr. Peterson said for each dollar not funded by Albemarle County, the Mental Health agency will lose nine dollars from the state. Miss Nash then offered motion to restore the funds deleted in the County Executive's recommendation to the full amount requested by the Mental Health Agency. Mr. Agnor said that would represent an 18.2% increase over this fiscal year's level of funding. Mr. Lindstrom suggested the Board hold off on a vote regarding this restoration of funds until the end of the meeting, after all the other requests have been heard. Miss Nash agreed, and withdrew her motion. Agenda Item No. 5. WVPT Television: Mr. Agnor said WVPT has requested funding each year, based on ten cents per capita; and each year the County has rejected tho request. Mr. Agnor said the request this year is in the amount of $4,500. Mr. Agnor noted that the main reasoning for not recommending funding of this public television station is that the local citizens do not expect their tax dollars to support a television station. Mr. Richard Parker of WVPT was present. Mr. Parker said presently WVPT is being funded by seven localities in the viewing area, but faces a loss of approximately $100,000 in Federal funds this coming October. Mr. Parker said unless these funds are replaced, programming will have to be decreased and this would affect programs specifically directed to the very young and the elderly as well as educational programs presently being used by schools throughout the area. Mr. Fisher asked if any fee is paid to WVPT by the cable television companies using their programs. Mr. Parker said no fee is paid to WVPT by cable companies. Mr. Fisher asked if the entire County had access to WVPT. Mr. Parker said the northern and central areas of Albemarle County are served on channels 51 and 41, but that the service is not available to the southern end of the County. There was no motion to change the recommendation for zero funding for WVPT, so the budget proposal of no funding remained. Not Docketed. The Board then reviewed the agencies which had just completed making appeal presentations for reconsideration of funding. Miss Nash and Mr. Lindstrom felt a major concern in these considerations was whether or not the agency would lose state or federal matching funds because of reduced funding by Albemarle County. Mr. Agnor noted that directness of service to the public is another factor which should also be considered in the decision to fund these various agencies, f Mr. Lindstrom asked how much additional funding could be allocated by the Board to these various agencies without causing the tax rate to be affected. Mr. Agnor said he did not have that information, but felt that anything above $10,000 to $12,000 would be difficult to fund without increasing the tax rate. 149 April 5, 1982 (Adjourned from March 31, 1982--Afternoon Meeting) Mr. Agnor said another matter which also should be considered by' the Board is the new percentage which must be paid by Albemarle County to the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System on behalf of its employees. Mr. Agnor said the percentage of increase is substantial and the State has offered to allow localities to "phase in" the increase over a three year period. Mr. Agnor noted that Mr. Ray Jones has recommended that the full increase be paid in one sum because it would be more costly to the County if increased over a three year period. Agenda Item No. 6. JAUNT. Motion was offered by Miss Nash to recommend that $12,938 be placed in the budget to be advertised for public hearing.. The motion was seconded by Mr. Butler. This represents the full amount requested by Jaunt. Mr. Henley said he felt the County should only fund JAUNT with the amount recommended by the County Executive of $7,495; that the more funding given JAUNT, the more it will become a public bus system. Mr. Butler felt this was a worthwhile organization to be fully funded because it directly benefits many poor people who have no other means of transportation. Mr. Fisher said any reduction in services by JAUNT, will disrupt many other agencies which use JAUNT to transport clients. Mr. Fisher said he would rather have one transpor- tation agency rather than each agency transporting Uts own clients separately. Mr. Fisher said he would support the motion for full funding. Mr. Henley said he felt there was some extra money available in the budget presented by JAUNT, because they list gasoline expenses at $1.90 per gallon. Mr. Henley said he felt pressure should be applied to better use those funds being appropriated. Roll was then called and the motion to go to public hearing with funding in the amount.of $i2,938 carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Butler, Fisher, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. NAYS: Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Henley. Agenda Item No. 7. Emergency Medical Services Council. Mr. Fisher said this organi- zation requested $6,315, the County Budget Committee has recommended funding in the amount of $5,500 and the County Executive recommended zero funding. Motion was offered by Miss Nash to allocate $5,500 as recommended by the Budget Committee. There was no second to Miss Nash's motion. Mr. Lindstrom said this organization serves no direct benefit to the citizens of Albemarle County and has received no vocal support from the Rescue Squads which the Council is supposed to serve. Miss Nash's motion received no second. Mr. Fisher ruled that the Board would go to public hearing with the recommendation of the County Executive. Agenda Item No. 8. Youth Services Center. Mr. Fisher said the request by this organization is for $6,480 and the County Executive has recommended zero funding. There was no motion to change the recommendation of the County Executive, and the zero funding figure remained. Agenda Item No. 9. $4,000 in Nash. Mr. H needed the received b Mr. F volunteers that if th greater fi Madison House. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom to allocate the budget, as requested by Madison House. The motion was seconded by Miss snley said this organization performs a necessary job, but he was not sure they funds. Mrs. Cooke said because of the substantial amount of endowment money y Madison House, she could not support additional funding by Albemarle County. isher said he felt funding by Albemarle County would encourage Madison House to work in some of the more rural areas of the County. Mr. Henley commented e Board wished to see the funds used in Albemarle County, they should show aancial support to AHIP. Mrs. Cooke said she agreed with Mr. Henley. Roll 'was then called and the motion to allocate $4,000 to Madison House carried by the followmng recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Butler, Fisher, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. NAYS: Mrs Cooke and Mr. Henley. Agenda Item No. 4. Mental Health. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom that the full amount requested by the Mental Health Agency in the amount of $87,175, be allocated in the budget for public hearing, rather than the $78,916 as recommended by the County Executive. The motion was seconded by Miss Nash. Mr. Lindstrom added that he agreed with Mr. Peterson of the Mental Health Agency, that reduced funding by Albemarle County would cause the loss of state and federal matching funds. Mr. Henley said his only contact with this agency has been through its work at the jail. Mr. Henley said this agency provides good service at a low cost and he would support the allocation in the full amount requested. Roll was called and the motion to allocate $87,175 carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Mr. Henley, Mr. Lindstrom and Miss Nash. NAYS: Mr. Fisher. (~djou~ed~fro~ March 31, 1982)~ Agenda Item No. 11. Education. Dr. Bill Barton said a~number of dollar amounts (revenues) in this budget are still unknown because final figures have not yet been received from the State. Dr. Barton noted that the General Assembly has passed legis- lation allowing the charging of fees for the Driver Education program. Mr. Henley said he would support the recommendation of the County Executive of $23,160,134. Mr. Fisher commented that school employees must be satisfied with the recommendation of the County Executive, because no one other than Dr. Barton was present to speak. No motion was offered by any member of the Board to change the recommended amount of $23,160,134. Agenda Item No. 12. Commonwealth's Attorney. Mr. Agnor noted that the salaries for this office are 100% State funded, but the total dollar amount for those salaries has not yet been received. Mr. Agnor said the total amount recommended by the County Executive is ~152,691. Mr. Lindsay G. Dorrier was present, and stated he had prepared the budget with the assistance of Mr. Agnor and Mr. Ray Jones. Mr. Dorrier said he hoped to solve his space needs during the upcoming year, because the present rental space is inadequate. Mr. Dorrier said his office is proud of the conviction rate which has been obtained, and he hoped to institute a neighborhood watch and victim/witness program this year. Mr. Fisher said in reading reports from the office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, he has noticed a significant improvement over prior years. Mr. Fisher suggested, and the concensus of the Board favored, going to public hearing with the allocation recommended by the County Executive. Agenda Item No. 13. Community Attention Home. Mr. Agnor said the Director of the Community Attention Home, Mr. Paul McWhinney, was pleased with the recommended allocation of $10,000 for this facility. Mr. Agnor described for the Board of Supervisors the fact that there are actually three homes, a boys home, girls home and family home; and that these homes are not only used by Albemarle County and surrounding localities, but by people from all over the state. Mr. Agnor noted that funding in previous years has been on a request/appropriation basis. Mr. Agnor said when the initial appropriation was used, another request for funds would be made and an additional appropriation made. Mr. Agnor said that would not be done this year, that the amount shown in the budget would be the only allocation made to this facility during this coming fiscal year. Mr. Agnor concluded by stating that funds for the 1983-84 fiscal year might be reduced for the County because of additional State funding being proposed by the General Assembly. Mr. McWhinney said in fiscal year 1980-81 the facility served fourteen residents from Albemarle County. Mr. McWhinney said in the past, State and Federal grants have reduced the cost to localities substantially, but those Federal grants have expired. Board members made no motion to change the allocation amount as recommended in the budget by the County Executive, and the amount of $10,000 remained the same. Agenda Item No. 15. Self-Sustaining Funds. Mr. Agnor reported that the self-sustaining funds will not be available for incorporation into the budget during this cycle, because certain figures have not yet been obtained from the Federal Government. Mr. Agnor noted that the School Board has not yet discussed the self-sustaining funds. Mr. Agnor said it is the joint recommendation of Mr. Ray Jones and himself that the budget go to public hearing without the self-sustaining funds, and as they are approved they will be brought before the Board. Mr. Agnor said he does not like this approach but has no choice because the budget is due and the self-sustaining fund figures are not available. (NOTE: Mr. Lindstrom left the meeting at 4:15 P.M.) There were no questions from Board members. Not Docketed. Mr. Agnor said he and Mr. Fisher have talked with a gentleman in Richmond about the possibility of his attending sessions of the General Assembly on behalf of Albemarle County and keeping the County informed of happenings which might be of concern. Mr. Agnor said this man would represent as few as three, and as many as five, localities simultaneously and that the estimated total cost of his service would be between $20,000 and $25,000 to be divided equally among the participants. Mr. Agnor noted that funds for this service are not in the budget at this time. (NOTE: Mr. Lindstrom returned to the meeting at 4:22 P.M.) Mr. Agnor said that he did not include this in the budget for two reasons: the exact number of participants is not known, and therefore the exact cost of this service is unknown. Mr. Fisher said he has a lot of reservations about this service, but noted that the County was not well represented in Richmond this year while the General Assembly was in session. Mr. Fisher noted that while the Assembly is in session it is more than a full time position, but once the General Assembly adjourns, there is not sufficient work to accommodate a part time job. Mr. Fisher said he is not sure of the best way to solve the representation problem, but hoped to be able to solve it before the autumn. Mrs. Cooke asked if there was anyone on the present County staff who could be utilized to attend the General Assembly Sessions and then utilized in some other capacity on the County staff the rest of the year. Mr. Fisher said one staff member has been reviewing the bills and forwarding them to interested departments. Mr. Fisher said this is helpful, but this only allows a reaction to~ a bill that has already been formulated and is being proposed before the General Assembly. Mr. Fisher said ideally the County might be able to have input in the formulation of each bill. Miss Nash expressed concern that if a consultant is employed to represent Albemarle County as well as other localities, it could create a conflict. Mr. Fisher requested Board memberS to continue to study this problem and possibly make suggestions at future meetings. April 5, 1982 (Adjourned from March 31, 1982--Afternoon Meeting) 1§1 Agenda Item No. 14. Volunteer Fire Departments: Mr. Agnor said the accounting system has been changed this year to reflect the County's total contribution, then on the revenue side of the budget are listed those fire companies which are repaying the County for advancement of funds. This allows the true total to be shown. Mr. Agnor stated that the recommended and requested amounts for the fire companies is a 10% increase over last year and is in the amount of $26,620. Mr. Agnor noted for the Board's information that a list of capital items has been submitted by the Jefferson Country Fireman's Association for the Board's consideration during discussion of the Capital Improvements Program. Board members had no questions of Mr. Agnor. Mr. James Samsell, President of the Jefferson Country Fireman's Association said he had no comments other than that he concurred with the request as presented by Mr. Agnor. There were no further comments, and it was the concensus of the Board to go to public hearing with the allocation recommended by the County Executive of $191,890 for all the County Volunteer Fire Departments. Agenda Item No. 16. Finalize budget and set public hearing date. Mr. Agnor presented his memorandum of April 5, 1982, regarding the adoption of the tax rate for fiscal year 1982-83 as follows: "As reported to you earlier, the proposed FY 82-83 budget was prepared as an operational budget for the construction of the County government operations without funding for the County/City revenue sharing agreement, or the costs related to an annexation suit. It is recommended that the operations budget be adopted by May 1, in order to comply with State law requirements for approving school budgets, and that the tax rates be set by June 30 to finance the operations budget plus amendments to the budget related to the outcome of the referendum scheduled for May 18. If the referendum approves the agreement, you have already been advised the real estate tax rate will need an increase of ten cents, from 675 to 775. If the referendum disapproves the~ agreement, it is my recommendation that you consider a tax rate increase of 35 to provide funds to the FY-82-83 budget. This recommendation would provide approximately $400,000 in revenue to fund the costs of an annexation suit~which has cost estimates ranging from $600,000 to $1,000,000 spread over a period of two to three years. The FY 83-84 budget could be further adjusted next year to more accurately reflect the costs associated with such a suit." Mr. Henley asked if any breakdown in the costs of a court case were available. Mr. Agnor said no; estimates were being based on the recent suit between Rockingham County and Harrisonburg. Mr. Fisher said costs shown to include legal, engineering and financial do not include in-house staff costs which could run several hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Agnor noted that if a suit should occur, it would not be wise to take funds from the capital budget to use for the suit, because some of those projects must continue (i.e. renovation of the Court Square Building for use by the courts). Mr. Agnor next stated that in order to finalize the budget for fiscal year 1982-83, the amount of $26,333 must be placed in the budget as a revenue item entitled "Carry-over balance". He also recommended that for this public hearing a budget totalling $36,885,723 be advertised with the same tax rates as those effective for the present year until the results of the May 18 referendum are known. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom, seconded by Mrs. Cooke, to accept the recommendations of the County Executive. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Messrs. Fisher, Henley, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. None. Mr. Agnor next suggested April 21, 1982, at 7:30 P.M., in the Auditorium of the · ~ Albemarle County Office Building, as the date and time to hold the public hearmng on the proposed budget. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom, seconded by Mr. Butler, to advertise the public hearing on the 1982-83 budget for that time and date as recommended by the County Executive. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Butler, Mrs. Cooke, Messrs. Fisher, Henley, Lindstrom and Miss Nash. None. Agenda Item No. 17. Adjourn. Mr. Fisher noted that the meeting of April 7, 1982, scheduled for 7:30 P.M., will be held at Walton Middle School, in order to conduct a public hearing on continuing operation of the Hatton Ferry. Mr. Henley noted that he may not be able to attend that meeting and would like to be informed of the discussion which takes place. There being no further business, at 4:55 P.M., Mr. Fisher declared the meeting adjourned Chairman