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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-11O000.56 March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 1) A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on March 1!, 1998, at 7:00 P.M., in the Auditorium of the County Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman, Ms. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Mr. Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., Mr. Charles S. Martin, Mr. Walter F. Perkins and Ms. Sally H. Thomas. ABSENT: None. OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr. and County Attorney, Larry W. Davis. Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by the Chairman, Mr. Marshall. Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence. Agenda Item No. 4. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Public. There were no other matters. Agenda Item No. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Ms. Humphris, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to approve Items 5.1 and 5.2 and to accept the remaining items on the Consent Agenda for information. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris. None. Item 5.1. Appropriation: Crime Prevention Coordinator Grant 98A-9783, (Form %97048). It was noted in the staff's report that the Police Department has received a grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to fund a full-time Crime Prevention Coordinator. A civilian employee will fill this position. The employee will coordinate and manage crime prevention initiatives within the department, as well as coordinate activities with the community and neighborhood team. A $26,616 Department of Criminal Justice Service's grant and a $8871 local match will fund the Crime Prevention Coordinator position. The local match is funded from current operations. By the above recorded vote, the Board adopted the following Resolution of Appropriation: APPROPRIATION REQUEST FISCAL YEAR: 1997-98 NUMBER: 97048 FUND: GRANT PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: CRIME PREVENTION GRANT EXPENDITURE COST CTR/CATEQORY DESCRIPTION 1 1525 31011 110000 WAGES 1 1525 31011 210000 FICA 1 1525 31011 221000 VRS 1 1525 31011 231000 HEALTH INSURANCE 1 1525 31011 270000 WORKER'S COMP 1 1525 31011 350000 PRINTING 1 1525 31011 360000 ADVERTISING 1 1525 31011 550600 TRAVEL 1 1525 31011 601700 COPY SUPPLIES 1 1525 31011 800100 MACH & EQUIP AMOUNT $20,820 00 1,600 00 1,862 00 1,548 00 496 00 1,180 00 100.00 1,836.00 1,725.00 1,571.00 March 11, 1998 <Regular Night ~eetingi (Page 2) ..... ~ ~' 1 1525 31011 800700 ADP EQUIPMENT TOTAL REVENUE DESCRIPTION 2 1525 33000 330001 FEDERAL GRANT 2 1525 51000 512004 GENERAL FUND TRANSFER TOT3~L 000057 2,749.00 $35,487.00 AMOUNT $26,616.00 8,871,0Q $35,487.00 Item 5.2 Appropriation: Dry Hydrant Grant, (Form #97049). It was noted in the staff's report that the Virginia Department of Forestry has awarded a $1000 demonstration grant to fund one dry hydrant. There is no local match required. By the above recorded vote, the following Resolution of Appropriation was adopted: APPROPRIATION REQUEST FISCAL YEAR: 1997-98 NUMBER: 97049 FUND: GRANT PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: FORESTRY GRANT FOR DRY HYDRANT EXPENDITURE COST CTR/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION 1 1510 32040 601315 SAFETY EQUIP/SUPPLIES TOTAL AMOUNT Si,000.00 $1,000.00 REVENUE DESCRIPTION 2 1510 24000 240230 FORESTRY GRANT TOTAL AMOUNT Si,000.00 $1,000.00 Item 5.3. Monthly update on the FY 1997-98 Project Schedule for the Department of Engineering & Public Works as of February 20, 1998, was received for information. Item 5.4. Copy of joint application filed with the State Corporation Commission by AT&T Corp and Teleport Communications Group, Inc., for approval of agreement and plan of merger (Case No. PUA980004), was received for information. Item 5.5. Copy of minutes of the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors meeting of January 30, 1998, was received for information. Item 5.6. Letter dated February 26, 1998, from the Honorable Mitchell Van Yahres addressed to Ms. Ella W. Carey, Clerk, re: legislative proposal for State reimbursement to localities for school construction and renovation, was received for information. Agenda Item No. 6. Public Hearing tc receive comments on the County Executive's Recommended Operating Budget for Albemarle County for FY 1998-99. (This public hearing was adversised in the Daily Progress on March 8 and March 10, 1998.) Mr. Tucker rose to give a summary on the recommended budget. The total budget amounts to $134.7 million, an increase of $8.4 million or 6.7 percent over the current year. The total School Budget is approximately $83.5 million dollars. They will be transferring out of the budget $49 million in local funds to the Schools, almost a $3.0 million increase over the current year. Total reserves are $390,000 in the Board of Supervisor's Reserve Fund and $270,000 in the School's budget. No tax rate increase is proposed in this budget. Going over the highlights of the budget, Mr. Tucker said that the budget would be providing an additional $68,620 in Revenue-Sharing to the City of Charlottesville for a total of $5.6 million. The budget includes $8.6 million 0000.55 March 11, 1958 (Regular Night ~ecing) (Page 3) for debt service, as well as $2.06 million to the Capital Improvement Fund for capital improvement projects, primarily school projects, and provides a three- percent performance pool for salary increases for employees. A salary compression issue was identified last year for which funding has been provided in this budget for 33 percent of the total cost. There is also $500,000 is overall mandated Social Service program increases. Looking at the revenue side of the budget, Mr. Tucker said that real estate revenues increased by 4.7 percent as compared to 2.7 percent in the current fiscal year, primarily due to new construction. Overall, local revenues have increased by $4.9 million, compared to $6.4 million in the current fiscal year. There's an additional $2.3 million in meals tax revenues and the School Division received an additional $1.5 million in State funding for a 6.2 percent increase over the current fiscal year. In regard to the impacts of growth on the County, Mr. Tucker noted that the County is anticipating 295 new students, a 2.5 percent increase in enrollment, 14.97 new growth teachers, 4.3 non-additional special education teachers, startup costs for Monticello High School of roughly $800,000, and partial payment of standards of accreditation of $1.2 million. Concerning the impact on General Government, Mr. Tucker said they were projecting 1670 new County residents, about a 2.1 percent population increase. A new Emergency Operations Center dispatcher is needed, there are two new police officers and a school resource officer funded in the budget, as well as a half-time position for an environmental programs coordinator, three foster care positions, one library technical specialist and three library clerks. He found it interesting to see what impacts there are on mandated programs. The baseline budget started out with a 2.7 percent increase (including salaries, benefits, level-funding for development departmental operations and a three percent increase for social agency programs and departments). When you add in the mandated programs, that baseline increased to 4.71 percent. On the funded priorities, Mr. Tucker said that they joined the City in the Juvenile Court with funding for a voice-mail system, provided a vehicle- maintenance fund, growing healthy families program, continued the big blue commuter bus service and a new night/weekend bus service provided by JAUNT, start-up funds for the Albemarle Housing Initiative and Piedmont Housing Alliance. He mentioned that he had allocated a Board of Supervisor's Reserve of about $389,000, and there was also a School Division carry-over of about $195,000, and a School Division Reserve of $75,000, for a total of almost $660,000. They are also anticipating that there will be significant savings by the end of the fiscal year in the School budget due to the mild winter with a decrease in fuel costs. As far as the staffing history, he noted that in 1989, they had 4.7 employees per thousand population, now there are 5.3 per thousand. That includes the Police Department, which is the fastest growing agency in terms of personnel. Without the Police Department, the ratio has grown from 3.5 per thousand in 1989 to 3.8 now. In 1988, property taxes made up 39 percent of the budget. State and Federal taxes made up 37 percent of the budget. Ten years later, however, property taxes account for 47 percent of the budget and State and Federal taxes only 27.0 percent. As far as reassessments go, these peaked in 1991; since that time, they have been declining until they are now at a 2.0 percent increase average over the entire County. He then provided how Albemarle County compares to the rest of the State in terms of functions it provides, and the per capita expenditures. In terms of expenditures For Administration, Judicial, Public Safety, Public Works, Human Development, Education, Parks and Recreation, Community Development and Miscellaneous, the County is at or below the State average, with the exception of Community Development and Miscellaneous, which takes into account the Revenue-Sharing Agreement with the City. He also noted how the Albemarle County tax rate compares to the rest of the State. Albemarle County's property tax rate is 72 cents per $100 of valuation, but the County actually operates on 62 cents instead of 72 cents March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 4) 000059 because the first ten cents is transferred to the City of Charlottesville. The top largest population counties in the State average at 83 cents. Ail Virginia counties average around 69 cents, all Virginia cities at $1.04. On comparative School funding, Albemarle's tax rate is lowest, but even with that rate, it still has been able to provide a lot of major improvements to meet school needs in terms of capital facilities. Over the last ten years, the County has built four new elementary schools, Sutherland Middle School, Monticello High School and there have been 19 major school expansions or renovations. He said that concluded his presentation. Mr. Marshall began by saying that, because of the number of people present tonight, there are some rules that must be followed: Come to the front of the room and be prepared to speak; address all comments to the Board as a whole, debate is prohibited; give written statements to the Clerk; and, please hold applause. Since there are a lot of people who have come to speak, please adhere to the three minute rule. Mr. Peter Way said that the Conservative Coalition was proud to have helped in getting real debate going concerning County spending. His organization believes that government, at all levels, is too large and intrusive while being unaccountable to the voters. They challenge a number of figures, excuses and perceptions that have been fostered on the citizens and challenge the actions of the School Board for submitting an unbalanced budget. They challenge the idea that if their request is not fully funded, the schools will postpone the purchase of textbooks for students, change starting times for schools and increase student-teacher ratios. Ail of these things affect students, yet they hold sacrosanct teacher salaries which are well above the rate of inflation The Coalition challenges the idea that teachers in Albemarle County are underpaid. They do support teachers and do not oppose the three percent increase, but believe that increases in compensation and benefits of over 5.0 percent is excessive. They challenge the idea that each year, Albemarle County receives less and less from the State, since they know that each year, the County is receiving more. They challenge the idea that the new high school will cost $32.0 million. The membership of the Coalition is composed of hard-working taxpayers who are not present tonight because their employer asked them to come, or who brought home a flier from school, but only to ask the Board to return some of their hard-earned money to them and their families. He then asked for those who were in favor of a reasonable and responsible reduction in taxes to stand, at which time, approximately 75 people stood. Ms. Martha Harris, a resident of White Hall, said she believes that the County government should be as prudent and fiscally conservative as the taxpayers in the County. While employees should be compensated fairly, one must first decide what is fair. Built into both budgets is a three percent wage increase and benefits increases. This was not a target figure given to those preparing the budgets, but rather one the County Executive and Superintendent decided upon themselves. She said she does not understand how they arrived at this amount of increase; it is certainly neither an inflation increase, nor the increase that social security recipients receive. The average teacher makes $36,000; the average School Division employee, $26,203 and in the General Government, the average is $31,203, while the average Albemarle County employee makes $24,960. The data also shows that the vacancy and turnover rate is excellent. In a listing of average teacher salaries, Albemarle County ranks eight out of 94. From all of her data, it is clear that the County compensates their employees rather fairly. She asks that the salary increase be reduced by one-half percent or one percent, which would still keep average County staff salaries higher than those of the taxpayers Mr. Paul Wright said the average teacher salary is currently $36,000, with health insurance, dental insurance, retirement and life insurance rising as well, giving an increase for salaries and benefits from $42,620 to $44,876, a 5.3 percent increase, or 2.5 times the increase in inflation. Albemarle County currently rates eight out of 94 in compensating teachers. The largest budget item is competitive compensation for County employees. Maintaining competitive compensation costs $2.7 million. The increase by the Virginia Retirement System is mandated, but the percentage paid by the Supervisors is not mandated at 13.5 percent, but rather at 8.5 percent. In no other retirement system is the employee completely paid for without any of their own money going into the system. This increase will grow every year. Mr. Kenneth Lee questioned the three percent performance pool increase, when there is only a 2.2 percent Consumer Price Index. Additionally, since March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 5 0000' ;0 medical costs are a significant factor in the cost-of-living factor and the budget increases employee medical payments 22.0 percent, this compensates them twice. The budget also provides for 33 percent of compression pay, meaning that the Board is commitsing themselves to continue to pay this for the next two years. Teachers are also compensated under ~Staff Development", which means that they are getting paid twice. There's a lot of fluff in the budget: $296,000 in the budget for books and subscriptions, much more than the Regional Library spends. Mr. Ken Boyd said he is the parent of three children, the PTO president and commissioner of the YMCA basketball league and he is committed to quality education for the kids. He is a fiscal conservative. No school system has ever spent themselves into quality. He is also concerned with what is becoming of public schools, that they are becoming focused on passing around tax increase petitions and lobbying for more taxes. The Schools are sending propaganda mailings home with report cards. The School Board does not have the fortitude to balance their own budget, but the Board has the final decision. When 80.0 percent of the school money goes to employees, it is easy to see why you hear from so many of them. Ms. Suzanne Staton, a lifelong resident of the Rivanna District and vice-president of Pepsi Bottling Company of Central Virginia, came on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce to commend Mr. Tucker for presenting a balanced budget. They recognize that there are some unfunded priorities and some unique challenges in this budget cycle. Even though other speakers will ask that the Board unbalance the budget, she strongly requested that they do the best they can. Mr. Hank Martin said it is time for the County to decide what to do with its most precious resource, its children. He remembers when past Supervisors stated that growth and crisis would be coming, but for whatever reason, it was plainly not dealt with. People are attracted to the County, but industry does not appear to be welcome. Schools now face questions regarding the basics: class size, programs and staffing. Neither tax hikes or pay freezes are workable solutions. Ms. Jenny Grayson said she used to live in the County 20 years ago and has now returned. She is not surprised by the rate of growth, but is worried by it. Growth brings with it not only problems with schools, but also police, water and everything. She is also concerned that the citizens do not pay enough taxes and that a lot of the people who are moving here would be willing to pay their way. The new people coming into the County are not farmers, they are going to want band uniforms and orchestras and another high school. She thinks that growth should not be funded on the backs of the School System or the Police Department, but that there should be a Comprehensive Plan to manage growth. Mr. Jim Morris said that the Superintendent of Schools wrote in his letter that this budget is less than what is needed to run a first-rate school system. The average compensation in the School budget ranges from $79,127 down to $16,126, with the mean being the teachers at $46,137. If he cannot run a first-rate school system, then there is a problem with the Superintendent. He does not feel that teachers are overcompensated, but as long as we continue to put teachers in the environment that Schools have become, we will always have a morale problem. The Assistant County Executive wrote an editorial bemoaning that the State is not spending enough in the County. The problem is that when the State gives us $1.00, they take back $1.25 in taxes, and he would just as soon trust the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Ed Robb, a long time resident of Albemarle County, commended and thanked the Board for their job. He questioned the way that employees were abusing time and equipment to further their own personal gain and to foster prejudice against members of their society. One was a message from the Holly- mead PTO and School, the other was prepared by the Albemarle County Principal's Association and Albemarle Education Association and Parents' Advisory Council; by public fax, it was sent from Henley Middle School and children are being exploited to bring these documents home. As a former FBI agent, he would like to see an investigation occur. Mr. Bill Downs, a County resident and President of the Jefferson Country Fire Rescue Association (JCFRA) and President of Western Albemarle Rescue Squad (WARS) and a paramedic serving the County for ten years, thanked the Board for their support of rescue operations in the County. The JCFRA March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 6) 000061 supports the funding of a full-time educational specialist in fire and rescue training. There is training mandated that this position can facilitate and they think there could be no better investment. They appreciate the County's ongoing support of the Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services Council (EMS) and hope in the future to seek additional funding. Besides human capital, they also need rolling stock. The County Executive's Office has proposed funding of $50,000 for a vehicle maintenance program. Ms. Sheryl Wade, from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, believes in life-long learning and came to speak on behalf of the Virginia Festival of the Book. She said the festival is a tremendous community- building event. The festival involves more than 70 community organizations and reaches out to nearly everyone in the community, including all ages and economic backgrounds. Albemarle County will host between 18,000 and 20,000 people at this event, which will increase tourism. She asked the Board to consider them in the budget. Mr. Leigh Middleditch, Vice-chairman of the Albemarle Housing Committee, said they have over 1100 names on the waiting list, over 800 people waiting for emergency and substantial rehabilitation repairs and 95 low-income citizens needing assistance for first-time home purchases. The first initiative before the Board was to fund the initial seed money investment in a trust fund. He believed the $25,000 requested would grow to $100,000 through other revenue sources. The second initiative is in regard to the Piedmont Housing Alliance; he supports their request for funding a public/private effort to increase affordable housing. Mr. Charles Abbey said he is waiting for someone to stand up and say that this is a good community. Also, Albemarle loses $3.0 to $4.0 million from State funds because it has two police funds. For every 1500 people, the State will fund one police officer and the County does not take advantage of that. Also, teachers are very important, but he is concerned that teachers are not evaluated on their own merit. A system needs to be developed where the Superintendent can say that this teacher deserves an increase while this one does not. Mr. William Orr, as a parent and taxpayer, commended Mr. Tucker for coming up with the funds that he had. He said that a 17 percent increase in a School budget is a lot of money. We need to look at the unfunded growth and see if it can pay for itself, perhaps by adding a surtax for new growth. Mr. Eric Strucko, budget director of the University of Virginia Medical Center, and an officer of the Albemarle County Democratic party, said that the Board deserves a degree of praise for their financial management. Dedicating $83.5 million to Schools demonstrates a strong financial commitment to children. Investing $11.0 million in Public Safety shows concern for the community. He would suggest a slightly higher level of investment in Community Development; controlling growth in Albemarle County is as important as financial management. He recommended funding the Hollymead/Piney Mountain Neighborhood Plan of $100,000 by: eliminating $25,000 in funding for the Department of Finance for costs associated with the property reassessment effort, $19,000 for the Juvenile/Domestic Relations voice mail system upgrade, and $45,000 for Parks and Recreation Department's turf maintenance. The goal of the School Division is to prepare children with the best education possible; currently, it is a good system, he would like to see it become excellent. The proposed budget accomplishes those goals. Ms. Catherine Reynolds, a sophomore at Western Albemarle High School, expressed her concerns over budget cuts in the school budget. WAHS is one of the best schools in the State, but the School Board is finding it necessary to cut in areas. Even small cuts can be detrimental; without the experience of JV and ninth grade basketball, the varsity basketball team would have never learned the skills that makes them contenders. Evidence shows that students who play sports tend to do better academically. Decreased funding in the arts makes no sense when the school system is, at the same time, moving to a seven- period day to allow students to take those classes. With larger class sizes, students will receive less attention and teachers will demand less from students. She asked the Board if it is possible to receive more money from the State or from higher property taxes. Ms. Martha Redinger, a parent of three children, said that she cannot understand why the County is not willing to pay for growth, which is socio- political suicide. Ail must be committed to public education. Public March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 7) 000062 education is much more than just the basics. As a community, we must get in the habit of paying for growth. She then asked those who agreed with her, to stand, at which point approximately 100 people stood. Mr. Harold Pillar suggested that, for those people who come before the Board to argue for higher taxes, the Board institute a voluntary tax. The budget is over $11,000 per graduate per year. The question is whether this is money that should be spent, given the quality of the product of Albemarle County schools. This is the third year in a row that the Albemarle County School Board has submitted an unbalanced budget for approval, in addition to the $12.0 million at Monticello High School. He suggested an independent audit of the school system be undertaken immediately. When you break down the budget by student, there is an overhead of $3000 per student in compensation for every student in Albemarle County Mr. Andrew Johnson, a resident of Scottsville, said, in his business of a towing company, he has the opportunity to meet a lot of diverse people. He is astonished by how many people are saying the same thing he does, that enough is enough. He asked that the Board hold the line on balancing the budget and do what they can to reduce taxes. Ms. Margie Shepherd, a teacher in Albemarle County, said that an increase in children should cause an automatic increase in funding. At the current tax rate, growth does not ever pay for itself. Taxpayers are sacrificing children to feed their own miserly growth. Ms. Linda Dukes, a teacher's assistant at Hollymead, said that even if the requested budget is approved, the Book Buddies Program would be cut. The budget needs are especially serious this year due to the opening of a new high school and increased demands from the new Standards of Learning. There is no extra fat to be trimmed out of the Schools' budgets, essential programs are being cut now. She requested that the Schools be funded at an even higher level this year. Ms. Kathy Verell said that she has three children in County schools and is an educator in Albemarle County. She said that there are many issues about the school budget that concerns citizens. She does not advocate a tax increase, although taxes are lower than they were in 1986, but rather advocating for the children, that class sizes remain manageable and that programs are not cut. As the number of enrolled students grows, the cost of educating them will increase. The opening of a new high school puts a financial strain on a community; when WAHS opened in 1977, the County gave its best effort, even a tax raise. Does not Monticello High School deserve the same? She brought with her signed petitions from over 200 citizens, urging a school budget which funds anticipated growth and maintains existing programs. Ms. Dee Walsh asked the Board to adequately fund the school system. did not think that even the unbalanced budget is sufficient. She asked citizens who acknowledge the value of education to stand, at which time approximately 100 people stood. She Ms. Louise Ward said that Albemarle County is a beautiful area in which to live, with good roads, police, fire department and rescue squads, as well as an excellent school system. Many people are moving here to enjoy what we already have, putting quite a drain on the services. Since citizens do not want a tax increase, the Board needs to actively lobby representatives for impact fees to be leveled on new development. Until that becomes law, she urged the Board to weigh the impact of each new development that comes before it. If citizens truly value their money, they should save their money on future costly television advertisements. Ms. Debby Steva, mother of two children, said that children are being forced into large classes, with a wide variety of needs in each class. Because of cuts in school budget allocations, her children's school has no art teacher and only has gym three times per week. It is irresponsible to continue growth without providing adequate funding for the growth. By all means, make sure there is no waste in the budget, but if there is no waste, more funds must be provided. Ms. Emily Hair, a sixth grader at Sutherland Middle School, urged the Board to support the schools and the proposed school budget. March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 8) At 8:40 p.m., Mr. Marshall called'for a brief recess. reconvened at 8:55 p.m. 00006 3 The Board Ms. Corrine LeBovit, said she is 80 years old and chose this area when she retired 15 years ago because she expected an intelligent populace with interesting things going on. She would expect such people to understand the importance of schools which are becoming more expensive to operate. Increased need for technology and increased population required increased funding. She urged the Board to raise taxes. Mr. George Hardy said that the Revenue-Sharing Agreement with the City should no longer apply and should be done away with. Since the Charlottesville City Council does not feel that they are bound by actions of past city councils, this Board of Supervisors should not feel bound by past boards. Before you embark on affordable housing, look at how Charlottesville does it, which is close to fraud. Schools are operated for the benefit of the employees, not the children. Rather than raising taxes, make the school system deliver. Ms. Ashby Kindler, representing the Stone-Robinson PTO, said they are concerned about deficit funding of the schools. They are interested in the impact of growth on the schools, both in the number of students and development of programs. There are many unfunded priorities, including services and programs that we want for our children. The need to continually pare down the budget has caused drastically reduced staff development. She urged the Board to use this budget as a springboard to plan for years to come and asked the members of the Stone-Robinson PTO and those who supported her to stand, at which point about 50 people stood. Mr. Rob Bell, a member of the Conservative Coalition, said he was disappointed that the budget presentation focused on where the money would go rather than on where the money was coming from. That is not the Board's money, but the taxpayers' money. The budget increases funding for education by $5.4 million, which with 295 more students coming into the schools is $18,000 more per student. That should be enough, and it is ridiculous that the school board is asking for more. Ms. Renee Martin said that concerned citizens come here year after year to ask the Board to address important budget issues, while the Board produces only band-aid solutions. Until the Board addresses the issue of unfunded growth, the schools will continue to suffer. This budget is inadequate; class sizes will increase, teacher's assistant time will be reduced, athletic and academic programs will be cut. She takes great offense in the Conservative Coalition's assertion that children are a special-interest group. Children are our greatest asset and should be treated as such. It is the Board's obligation to ensure that they receive the best education possible. Mr. Teresa Andrews, Mr. Larry Lowell, and Ms. Donna Washington, representing the Albemarle County PTO, the Principal's Association, and the Albemarle Education Association, said that they were speaking on behalf of the students of Albemarle County. Albemarle County continues to attract new residents as a direct result of successful schools; the Board must take responsibility to fund this growth. Despite inflationary increases in costs, schools have been level-funded for five of the last six years. There is not even sufficient funding to cover textbook purchases to meet the new curriculum requirements. Teachers' salaries are over $2000 below the national average. Our schools continue to shine, but additional funding is needed to continue this success. She then asked parents, teachers and administrators to stand to show their support, at which time approximately 50 people stood. Mr. Malcolm Inge, parent of three students in Albemarle County schools and vice-president of the Henley Middle School PTO, said the budget will make it difficult to maintain high standards in education. The Board needs to fund the growth taking place in the County. Henley Middle School, while increasing its student enrollment, will lose one teacher which will lead to increased class size and possible loss of programs. Ms. Stephanie Reynolds, a fifth grade teacher, said that her students need to dress warmly inside the school because the budget cuts require the thermostats to be turned down. She is expected to accommodate for the learning needs of her students with many varying abilities and styles. She cannot teach effectively without a comfortable work environment for the students. March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 9) OOOO6,4 Ms. Elizabeth Greenbaum was called at this time, but was not present to speak. Ms. Marla Munter, a fourth grade teacher at Stone-Robinson Elementary School, said she feels privileged to teach among a staff of such dedicated and talented professionals. In her regular education classrooms, she has had several students with IQs below 70, which is just above mild retardation, because they do not qualify for special education. She has worked with Ms. Jane Spicer, a fourth grade teacher's assistant, who has tutored these students one to two hours per week. Not only do these students benefit from her being there, but the rest of the class benefits from the teacher being able to spend more time with them. Because of the budget cuts, that position will be eliminated. These children will ~'fall through the cracks" and the budget cuts will force her to choose between them. Ms. Maryanne Dilbone, a single-parent of five children, said that she is mourning for policemen, the elderly, schools and social services. The meals tax got the Board "off the hookH, because otherwise the Board would have needed to increase taxes. The Board should increase the property tax to fund growth. Ms. Jan Ackerman-Bond, a special education teacher at Stone-Robinson, said that all of the schools are feeling the effects of the budget crunch, with too few textbooks, heating cutbacks and reduced physical education programs. In the list of the 50 wealthiest school districts in Virginia, Albemarle County was 20 in 1990 and 18 in 1996. As our wealth increases, so should our support to education. Mr. Will Harvey, Albemarle County Democratic Committee chair, said that it is unrealistic to think that we could all agree in a discussion about money. He urged everyone to look at the budget and see what they need to do for the development of our children to make them competitive with others outside the region. Our goal must be to provide the tools necessary to provide intelligent productive individuals. Mr. John Carter said that the Conservative Coalition has taken the position that County taxes should be reduced, which is very realistic when you consider the record of past spending. The low tax rate on real estate has produced substantial surpluses. The County could have grown just as much with a tax rate of 70 cents. The Board should lower the tax rate to 70 cents and fashion a budget which spends only $133.6 million. Mr. Tucker only spends all the money available because he is permitted to do so. The School Board's unbalanced budget should be rejected and the Board should demand that it be balanced. Mr. Tony Wayne, a physics teacher at AHS, asked teachers at Albemarle to stand, at which point about 30 people stood. He said that these teachers volunteer every night, spending more time than their contract hours. In past years, the pay scales have shifted, so that those on the bottom received pay cuts. This year the State gave algebra students their own calculators; teachers have to buy their own. Teachers do one of the best jobs in the County and should be given a salary close to the average salary. Ms. Elizabeth Way said she noticed how poor a job we are doing in educating the children of Albemarle County when she started serving on a committee. The system is deceptive to those they serve. The best possible service is not being carried out, and she doesn't think that money is the reason. We need to take a closer look at what is going on with the money we have. If a teacher cannot handle a classroom of 20 five-year-olds, she has serious questions. Differentiated funding should be based on test scores, not free lunches. Education should be the object, not money. Mr. Charles Trachta said we are hearing that there is not enough money and that, even though we do not spend as much as other counties, we are getting more for our money and that the School Board is spending money that they do not have. We must solve our own problems. Rather than hearing that the School Budget is either lacking or padded, we should be hearing that the County budget is lacking. The Conservative Coalition says that all that is needed is the three R's, but our children now need to be taught computer skills, higher math, physics and foreign languages. The County budget is lacking, police officers are grossly underpaid. As a retired police officer from outside the county, he is paid more than active County police officers. March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 10) 000065 The Board should raise property taxes; the current level is insufficient to pay for growth. Costs are rising while State funding is declining. He does not like taxes, but he would rather pay now than in the future when the bills of today become due. Ms. Lisa Harman, a teacher in Albemarle County, said that the children of the County are not being short-changed. Teachers have some of the highest expectations and her high expectations have been exceeded. Over the last five years, she has seen teachers demonstrate a profound commitment to the students. Ms. Madeline Michel, a parent of three children, said that she is happy to fund her children's education. She would gladly have her taxes raised. It is a complete disgrace that the County has no string orchestra and would consider cutting art or music. She is familiar with the leaders of the Conservative Coalition and does not believe that it is about money, but rather that it is a smoke-screen for their larger agenda to undermine and eventually privatize schools. She feels that group is extremely hostile toward public education and would like to dismantle the system. Perhaps these taxpayers would be happy living in a country like India where the taxes are low but education is only doled out to a select few. Mr. John Baldino, a long-time resident, said that we are not paying for growth. We need to begin to look at some kind of impact tax on development. We have moved beyond the three R's. Ms. Diane Behrens, principal of Agnor-Hurt Elementary School, said that we need to have growth funded in order to maintain the current level of service. Since the State of Virginia has not funded the localities to the level that other states have, the localities must increase their funding or services will have to be cut. An examination of the School budget's growth must consider inflation, growth, curriculum revisions, state testing mandates and other circumstances that have occurred since 1990. Schools do not look like the schools of the past; now we have differing students with diverse needs. The administrators' job is to help the teachers find the best strategies for educating the students; it is the Board's job to fund those efforts. Ms. Susan Gilkey, a mathematics teacher at AHS, feels the educators in this County have been left with no choice but to become political. The Virginia School Board has "shot education in the head" by passing the Standards of Learning and Accreditation with no consideration for their implementation and no vote for their acceptance by our representatives. She considers the Conservative Coalition to be a bit radical, pitting educators against members of the community. It seems a bit ironic to call something a priority and then not fund it. Textbooks, art programs, libraries, staffing are all priorities and cannot remain unfunded. Increasing real estate assessments to increase revenue is not only irresponsible, but inflating homes beyond true market value is a joke. Mr. Joshua Rutsky, an Albemarle High School English teacher, said that this budget will decide where he is next year. He is no less a taxpayer than anyone else. He came here because he wanted to be a public educator. He is being paid so much that he is living as a house sitter in order to save money. He volunteers a lot of his time to help the children and doesn't feel that he is asking for much. Mr. Chuck Pace, an AHS taxpayer, said that he is a fiscal conservative. He does not believe that taxpayer money is wasted on our schools, any fat was trimmed a long time ago. He believes that national defense and education go hand in hand and so he asks that the Board fund growth. Mr. Vernon Fischer said that he spoke in December about a petition. There is a process problem here, where people cannot afford any more, but we need quality education. He suggested an annual survey, asking the citizens what they feel their taxes should be being used for. Mr. Steve Koleszar said that he serves on the Albemarle County School Board and wants to talk philosophically about the overall picture. Albemarle County has a good school system that uses the resources effectively and has a hardworking staff. This is a knowledge-based economy, where our children's success will be based on how much they know and how well educated they are. We have to decide whether we are content with the status quo or whether we March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 11) 000066 want to make the sacrifice and pay the taxes to continue to make Albemarle County's education one of the best. Ms. Donna Bassardt, a parent, said that since our greatest asset is our children, she hopes that the Board will approve the budget. She commended the excellent teachers in the school system. Mr. Edward Schearer, from the Albemarle County Farm Bureau, said the problem is that we do not have the money to pay for all of these requests. cannot continue to use land as the basis for our taxation. Growth must be made to pay its way; there has to be a way to take it off the back of the current residents. We Ms. Martha Bain, representing the parents and children of Brownsville Elementary School, said that the Brownsville PTO fervently supports the School Board's request for additional funding. As parents who spend meaningful time volunteering for schools, they see where the needs are: inadequate personnel. Textbooks are too few for students to even take home. In seven years, she has yet to see any waste in the school system. They are amazed at the items listed as unfunded priorities: teaching positions to accommodate growth, textbooks and instruction for at-risk students. The basics were not good enough in the old days and are less so now. Greater standards are being placed on the students and more funding is needed to attain them. She asked the Board to curb growth and levy impact fees to fund the schools. Mr. Mark Eichelberger said that he supports the School Board's budget request because of growth, Monticello High School startup costs, Standards of Learning and Accreditation, differentiated funding, unfunded textbooks, aging school buses, Capital Improvements Program, competitive salary pressures and athletics. School population growth is not the only thing driving budget increases. Absent any population growth, the budget would have grown because of cost-of-living increases, rising health care benefit costs, technology changes and increasing unfunded mandates from the Federal and State Government. With the exception of the Board members themselves, he has observed the School Board's operations more than anyone else over the last two years. The School Board has put great care and dedication into this budget. It amazes him when critics of the School Board show up to vent their displeasure, do not offer any solutions and then leave before the issue is discussed. He encouraged the Board to honor their budget request, raising property taxes if necessary. Ms. Julia Kindred. PTO president of Hollymead, said that the brochure that went out was created by a Hollymead parent and paid for by the PTO. She asked the Board to approve the budget. Albemarle County has welcomed developers and businesses to build up our economy, but instead of speaking up for public education, the Board wants to burden the schools with the problems created by this growth. Hollymead will be losing the equivalent of 2.3 full- time teachers. Hollymead has been working for years with tight constraints, with parents already giving 110 percent. It is short-sighted not to fund the growth that goes along with this economic boom. Ms. Jewel Mason, president of Burley PTO and president of the Albemarle County NAACP, said that if balancing the budget will best educate every student, she asks that it be done. She feels comfortable that the staff is educating the children. When she is there, everyone is doing something. Her son is getting a good education at AHS and she wants others to get that kind of education. We chose to live in Albemarle County and if it takes a dollar, we should pay it. The Albemarle County NAACP wants every child to be educated. With no one else from the public rising to speak, Mr. Marshall thanked everyone who came to the meeting. He stated that it had been very informative and that the Board would take into consideration what was said. At 10:26 p.m., he declared the public hearing over. Agenda Item No. 7. Public Hearing to solicit input on the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to be submitted to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development on the Porter's- Yancey Comprehensive Community Improvement Project. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on March 2, 1998.) roved by the Supervisors March 11, 1998 (Regular Night Meeting) (Page 12) 000067 Mr. Tucker said two public hearings are required for a Community Development Block Grant application. The first was held February 4, 1998. This second public hearing allows comment on the proposed project and past use of CDBG funds. After the second public hearing, the Board must indicate approval of the proposed projects and then pass a resolution at the March 18, 1998, meeting authorizing the County Executive to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Mr. Tucker said the County is seeking approximately $910,000 in CDBG funds to make comprehensive community improvements in the Porter's/Yancey neighborhood in Southern Albemarle County. Proposed improvements include: 1) Rehabilitation to Section 8 Housing Quality Standards of approximately 29 substandard single-family homes; 2) Purchase and site development of a parcel of property on which six units will be constructed for the first-time, low-income home buyers; Acquisition and development of a site for Park and Recreation; Improvements to the W. D. Ward Community Center; and, Demolition and removal of dilapidated, abandoned structures in the target neighborhood. At this time, Mr. Marshall opened the hearing for comments from the public. With no one from the public rising to speak, the public hearing was closed and the matter placed before the Board. Motion was offered by Ms. Humphris, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to approve the proposed projects and endorse the application. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris. None. Agenda Item No. 8. Other Matters not Listed on the Agenda from the BOARD. There were no other matters. Agenda Item No. 9. Adjourn to March 16, 1998, 1:00 p.m. At 10:30 p.m., motion was offered by Mr. Bowerm~n, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to adjourn this meeting until March 16, 1998, at 1:00 p.m. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris. None.