Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-16 adjMarch 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 1) An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on March 16, 1998, at 1:00 p.m., Room 241, County office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. The meeting was adjourned from MarCh 9, 1998. PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman, Ms. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Mr. Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., Mr. Charles S. Martin (arrived at 1:02 p.m.), Mr. Walter F. Perkins and Ms. Sally H. Thomas. ABSENT: None. OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Mr. Robert W. Tucker, Jr.; Assistant County Executive, Ms. Roxanne White; Deputy Executive Assistant, Mr. Richard Huff, II; County Attorney, Mr. Larry W. Davis; and County Planner, Mr. V. Wayne Cilimberg. Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m., by the Chairman, Mr. Marshall. Agenda Item No. 2. FY1998-99 Budget Work Session: 2a. Budget Overview of Major Issues Mr. Tucker made the presentation on the budget projections. General fund revenues, which total $100,284,459, are made up of property taxes at 63.1 percent, other local taxes at 24.1 percent, and federal and state taxes are at approximately eight percent. Real estate revenues increased by 4.7 percent, compared to a 2.7 percent increase in FY98. Personal property revenues decreased by 1.4 percent, compared to a budgeted increase of 15.6 percent in FY98. Sales tax revenues are projected to increase by 4.7 percent. The four percent meals tax increased local revenues by $2.3 million (collection to-date is $0.196 million). Overall local revenues increased by $4.8 million, or 5.5 percent (without the meals tax, local revenue increase would be $2.5 million or 2.9 percent). Categorical state and federal revenues both increased by 15 percent, due to social service programs, and COPS funding for additional community policing officers is $0.102 million. Seventy-two percent of local tax revenues come from property taxes. Sales tax brings in ten percent, utility tax brings in six percent, and meals tax and business licenses amount to nine percent. Per capita real property tax had been on the increase, but is now declining. It is now at approxi- mately two percent. Per capita personal property tax also shows a strong increase over the past decade, but a decline this year. Per capita sales tax has been flattening over the past couple of years. State per capita revenues have fluctuated, with a recent increase due to social services and juvenile detention funding. In funding constitutional officers, the cost has been fairly flat. However, the Board has provided additional funding. The same sort of growth has been shown in 599 funds. Per capital federal revenues were flat through 1996, then there was a sharp increase due to social service programs mandated by the state and federal governments. The current fund balance is $13.351 million. This amount must be reduced by the amount of the new state sales tax accrual of $0.664 million. The remaining fund balance is $13.351 million. The required cash flow is $13.0 million, so the available fund balance is $0.351 million. There are other revenue sources. Board reserves total $388,971, the School Division carry-over is $195,422, and the School Division reserve is $75,000, for a total of $659,393. The FY98/99 real property tax rate is $0.72/$100, and the personal property tax rate is $4.28/$100. The average cost of an Albemarle home is $149,000. That multiplied by $0.0072 equals $1,073 for an average tax bill. March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 2) 000669 For this home, each $0.01 increase/decrease on the real estate tax rate equals $15 in taxes paid. Schools account for the bulk of expenditures with 56 percent. When debt service and capital improvements are added, the total is raised to 67 percent. General Government accounts for 25 percent. Revenue sharing makes up six percent. Mr. Tucker said baseline costs are driven by a three percent performance pool, health insurance, a life insurance rate increase, a three percent increase for agencies, social service programs, as well as the full-year cost of six new firefighters and a police investigative assistant. The General Government baseline increased by $0.905 million, or 2.74 percent. That includes salaries, benefits, level funding of department operations and three percent agency increases. When mandated costs for social service programs and Juvenile Detention are added, the revised baseline became 4.71 percent. When new and expanded programs are added, at $0.93 million, the total General Government increase comes to $2.488 million, or 7.5 percent. The operating budget savings total $1,064,342. The level-funded capital transfer accounts for $877,000. The VRS rate decrease from 11.61 percent to 11.22 percent totals $51,575. Worker's Compensation rate reductions total $21,154. Replacement vehicles total $61,500. Other capital equipment savings total $53,113. A fiscal overview shows that, prior to the meals tax, projections of revenues in November 1999 were $128,870 million. Expenditures were projected to be about $135,682 million. This left a shortfall of $6.812 million. The shortfall is wiped out by the recommended $134.732 million in revenues. The change between the projected and recommended figures is approximately $1.0 million due to the School Division's projected budget and a reduction made in capital improvements. Mr. Tucker stressed that revenues are projections, so there will never be a deficit. State law requires a balanced budget, so any deficit must be wiped out by a growth in revenues, reductions in expenditures, or an increase in the tax rate. Additional revenues, totaling $5.862 million, and which permitted the budget to be balanced in an easier fashion included the meals tax of $2.3 million, the use of the School Division state fund balance of $2.286 million, an increase in the January revenue projections, and state/miscellaneous general fund revenues for social services program. There are several critical issues and funding priorities. Mr. Tucker said the County's mission statement is ~to promote the general well-being and enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the provision and delivery of the highest level of public service". Goals include: Albemarle County will be a high performance organization focused on continuous quality improvement; a strong client focus will exist throughout the organization; an active and effective leadership development model will exist for all County employees; and a highly recognized, satisfied and well-compensated workforce will exist in Albemarle County. 2b. General Government Critical Issues/Funding Priorities Administration Judicial Public Safety Human Services Parks and Recreation Community Development Ms. White provided an explanation of the administration budget, which totals $5,810,209 million (5.8 percent of the General Fund). The baseline increase is 2.7 percent. The largest expense is in Finance, at 42 percent. Information Services accounted for 26 percent. Critical issues in administration deal with organizational and manage- ment issues, improving customer service, implementing the Quality Improvement Program (QUIP) throughout the organization, and implementing department strategic plans. Staff is working with departments to develop their strategic plans from January through June. The County must determine priorities, and decided how to improve and become more efficient. This means an 18-month work plan must be implemented July 1, 1998. Performance measures will be devel- oped. Recommendations include funding for the Customer Service Team ($2,500), March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 3) 0000 '?0 the Quality Council Initiative ($2,500), one-time reassessment expenses ($25,091), and a clerical work station for the Registrar's Office ($750). Ms. Thomas asked when the Board would discuss the expense of preparing Board minutes. Ms. White said that was not a budget increase issue; it will be handled as a potential cost saving. Regarding state mandates, Ms. Humphris asked if it would be possible to receive an updated publication that shows the public how many dollars go to the state as income tax revenues. Localities are being asked to fund things that used to be the state's responsibility. Ms. Thomas suggested the informa- tion be put on the Internet. Ms. White noted that would not be a reduction. It would be level funding. Mr. Bowerman said all businesses are required to pay a Business Profes- sional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax. As a businessman, he was recently asked by the County to voluntarily report his sales for last year. He asked if there is any way to monitor the reports to be sure individuals are report- ing all their sales. Mr. Huff said the County's business license examiners do random audits against businesses' Schedule C's on their Federal tax returns, and investigates discrepancies. Mr. Tucker suggested that perhaps the County should hire an auditor to do this on an ongoing basis. Mr. Bowerman asked what the deviation is now. Mr. Huff said he would have to research this and provide the information to the Board at a later date. Mr. Marshall said the tax varies from business to business. A lot of home health care items are not taxable. Mr. Martin said last year the Board developed a formula for dealing with realtors and other similar businesses. Eventually it was decided to charge a $50 flat fee. He heard several people say they are paying a lot less now than under the old system. Ms. White said Mr. Robert Walters, Chief of Administra- tion and Taxation, said the County has not experienced any real financial impact, since some people pay less, and some pay more. Ms. Thomas said she noticed the report provided to the Board describes what projects are needed for the next year. She would like to see a report of projects that are not funded due to budget constraints. Mr. Marshall asked that specific additions or deletions to the budget be held until the next budget work session, in order to save time. Staff would be present at that meeting to answer any questions. Ms. White said the largest portion of the $2,034,959 judicial budget is for the Sheriff's Department at 43 percent, followed by the Commonwealth's Attorney's office at 24 percent. Critical issues include juvenile services and the increasing number and seriousness of crimes by juvenile offenders. The second issue is how the County uses its Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) funds, which totals $202,445. Those monies are being used to finance the Juvenile Assessment Center, which is designed to divert first-time offenders with case management, instead of through the court system. The First-Time Truancy Offender Program works on truancy with the schools to involve families in an attempt to stop an offender before going to Juvenile Court. An intensive probation counsellor works with the Court Services unit to handle serious offenders. The Curfew/After Hours Center is a shared program which works with the City's curfew program, and responds to police calls after hours regarding juveniles. It also funds the Community Attention Home and family group homes. Staff recommended that the VJCCCA funds be administered next year by the Commission on Children and Families. Currently monies are scattered throughout the budget, and administered by several agencies, which Ss not an effective way to manage funds. The Commis- sion will also be responsible for the evaluation and monitoring of these programs. The second recommendation is to fund the Juvenile Court voice mail system at $19,075. This is a shared program with the City that is badly needed. Mr. Huff said the major critical issue in the Commonwealth Attorney's office is to make its salaries comparable with the County Attorney's Office and place staff on the County's salary scale. In FY95/96 the Board awarded a two percent salary stipend to staff members in the Commonwealth Attorney's office, excluding the Commonwealth Attorney. In FY97/98, staff salaries were March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 4) 00007 increased to at least the minimum starting salary of comparable positions in the County Attorney's office through stipends. The local contributions above and beyond state-funded salaries was $23,415. In FY98/99 staff completed the phasing of the stipends so the local contribution is $27,950. Staff's recommendation is that salary parity be achieved with comparable County Attorney staff based upon education and years of experience. This does not account for merit performance. The Commonwealth Attorney's position would be included in the process. All staff would be placed on the County's pay plan, which would make the merit pool available to them, as well as the same access to the pay and classification system. The additional cost to meet the request is $38,960 for a total local stipend of $68,710. The recommendation is not to fund this in the baseline budget due to existing Board policy. Should the Board change its policy, Mr. Huff said additional discussion would be needed to see if additional staff analysis would be required. Regarding the Sheriff's Office, there is a request for two Compensation Board-funded deputies for Juvenile Court and to assist in prisoner transports. Local cost would be $68,050, largely due to equipment and vehicles needed by the two deputies. As of this meeting, the Sheriff did not know whether the state is going to fund the two deputies. Salary parity with the Police officers has been requested as well, to put them on a pay plan. The cost would be $35,642. There is a request for additional funding for police equipment, supplies and uniforms of $7,846. A new program, Restitution and Inmate Development Program (P~AID) is used to place deadbeat dads on work release to earn child support money. Regarding the Sheriff's request for parity, Mr. Bowerman asked if this came out of the last pay study where a Sheriff's deputy was one classification below a street officer, or if the request is that the discrepancy be changed, in addition to parity. Mr. Huff said the Sheriff's request is that deputies's salary range be changed to match that of police officers. Mr. Huff provided a brief history of salary supplements in the Sheriff's Office. In FY95/96 a two percent salary stipend was awarded to the Sheriff's deputies and clerical staff, excluding the Sheriff. In FY96/97 the annual salary stipend increased to six percent for staff members. Additional stipend brings all but two deputies up to Hendricks' recommended minimum salary for deputies. Total stipends were $20,000. In FY97/98 additional flat dollar stipends totaling $1,670 were awarded to the two deputies below minimum for equity reasons. Total local stipends were $27,250. The Sheriff's office requests salary parity with comparable police officers at the same rate and grade, placing the entire office on the County pay plan, providing the same merit pool availability and the same access to the pay and classification system. The net additional cost would be $35,642, assuming $12,446 in offsetting revenues for Scottsville deputies, for a net total local stipend amount of $61,142. Staff does not recommend funding the two new deputies, due to uncertain State funds, delaying the decision on RAID program, pending assurance of no local funding requirment, not to fund the request to place deputies on the County's pay plan or for salary parity with Police, per Board policy, and that equipment be considered for purchase with one-time funds, if available. Mr. Martin asked what is the current status of stipends. The two percent stipend turned into six percent, and then there was an additional flat dollar stipend. He asked if this budget included the flat dollar stipend plus the six percent. Mr. Huff replied, ~Yes, the status quo is funded; staff did not recommend funding the additional request for parity." Mr. Martin asked about funds for General District Court, since there was a zero percent increase requested. Ms. White said no request for an increase was received, because most of their operations are level-funded. Mr. James L. Camblos, III, Commonwealth's Attorney, said it is time for salary parity between state and county attorneys. It makes no difference who they work for; everyone should be on the same scale. All attorneys come from similar backgrounds and share the same concerns as other attorneys. In a letter to Mr. Marshall, he said that if the attorneys in his office are put on the same scale as those in the County Attorney's office, the Board would never hear from him again regarding salaries. Attorneys would then be satisfied and remain in his office, not vascilating back and forth on the State plan. These attorneys have been team players. His letter showed the disparity between March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) 00007~ (Page 5) salaries in the two offices. If the work performed by all the attorneys is equal, the salaries should be too. The Hendrix study showed what was needed in order for the County to have a competitive salary scale, and he does not understand why his office should be handled any differently. His office is committed to County policies, but cannot change the fact that it is a consti- tutional office. His staff can submit to the evaluation plan and will work under the County's holiday schedule. He is pleased with the progress over the years, but now wants attorneys in his office to get on equal footing with all County attorneys. Mr. Marshall noted that Mr. Camblos asked for a $38,960 increase. Mr. Camblos said the request for an increase in salaries was not just based on longevity, experience or merit. He simply wants to operate under County policies. Mr. Martin asked about promotions, demotions, and hiring new staff. The Sheriff's office is relative large, whereas Mr. Camblos' office is relatively small. Mr Martin said that is the main sticking point. He asked if Mr. Camblos is suggesting he become more like a department head and make recommendations to the County Executive as to who is going to be promoted or demoted. The County would then want the authority to approve moves up and down the scale. Mr. Camblos said salary increases would have to go through the County, and he is willing to sit down with the County Attorney and County Executive to discuss the issue. He added that Spottsylvania County puts all its attorneys on the same scale. Mr. Tucker said he has no problem working with Mr. Camblos or the Sheriff. The question is what will be done when an incumbent leaves and the new person wants to go back to the state scale. The Board cannot force these positions to always follow County policies. Mr. Camblos agreed that he cannot commit for anyone other than himself. Mr. Bowerman said he would like to discuss this further, as well as funding for the Sheriff's Office, at the next work session. The Board would have to look at all the ramifications, and it would have to be known that the County cannot apply the rules to new persons coming into the Sheriff's or Commonwealth Attorney's office. Mr. Camblos said that years ago his assistant received a stipend that went with the person, not the position. Sheriff Hawkins said he also sent a letter to the Board. In response to the funding recommendations made by staff, formulas are dictated by State Compensation Board figures. The only two formulas he has to draw on in personnel matters are based on those formulas. He is not privy to the formulas, because of the way the Board and community have taken on the responsibility of forming the jail. As a result of that action in 1975, the three-and-one formula the Sheriff's Office operated under previously was given to the jail. In 1984 the Police Department was formulated, taking away the Sheriff's Office's law enforcing formula, which is going from one in 2,000 to one in 1,500. The third formula has to do with staffing standards. It is an unfunded mandate by the General Assembly. Therefore, the Appropriations Act does not set aside any money for the staffing standards. The last staffing study indicates the Sheriff's Office needs four to five additional staff members, but there is no funding attached. There are numerous grants that come out every year from state and federal government, but his office is not privy to them because of the existence of the Police Department. Therefore, he has to continue to turn to the Board for funding. Mr. Marshall asked Sheriff Hawkins to provide the amount of grant monies and state formula funding lost. Sheriff Hawkins said he did not have the exact figures, but that it would be an enormous amount of money. He added that the State Compensation Board could provide those figures. Sheriff Hawkins said he is the President of the Virginia Sheriff's Association, and he has been told the General Assembly is considering a 14.5 percent increase for state troopers. His deputies should be treated fairly and equitably. His officers have a starting salary of $21,247, as compared to $24,557 for police officers. There is the connotation that the job that law enforcement does is more important than that done by court services and civil processors. He said Mr. Bowerman recently observed what the Sheriff's Office does on a day-to-day basis. If the Board wants to increase the Sheriff's Office's presence in the community, they can do that, but Sheriff's deputies should not be paid less than police officers. He said the pay scale should have been made identical in 1984. He added that his office has used between 000078 March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 6) eight and ten auxiliary officers on a regular basis for a number of years, with no money from the County. Sheriff Hawkins said the RAID Program does not cost the County anything. The State Compensation Board will fund a position once the program has been in effect for one year. The only thing the County has to do is to put a line item under which to put the monies to begin funding the program. Mr. Bowerman asked what the difference is between the starting salary of a Greene County deputy in law enforcement and that of an Albemarle County deputy involved in court services. Sheriff Hawkins said the salaries are basically the same, but the locality can provide a supplement. Governor Gilmore has proposed raising the starting pay for a deputy sheriff (law enforcement deputies only) to $27,896, which is higher than what is paid to police officers. A deputy receives the same salary regardless of which County they work in. Larger jurisdictions give larger supplements, so there are discrepancies state-wide. Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Huff to provide the Board a summary of other localities' stipend figures. Mr. Martin said last year the Board looked at making deputies' and police offices' salaries equal, but provided a stipend which left deputies' salaries one'step below that of a police officer. Sheriff Hawkins added that was done on the advice of a consultant hired by the County. Mr. Huff said the recommendation for public safety expense is $11,133,279, 11.1 percent of the General Fund. Police make up 57 percent of the budget, and fire/rescue make up 22 percent. A 3.7 percent baseline increase is due largely to six new firefighters hired in this cycle. There is a continued focus on the Community Police Unit targeting specific neighborhood issues and thereby attempting to limit the increase in calls for service for sector officers. Mr. Huff said he does not want to create the expectation that the cost of services is being reduced. Instead, staff hopes to slow down the increase in cost help by adding Community Policing Units. The Police Department will prepare for Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission accreditation process beginning early summer. Police 599 funds are increased by 2.03 percent. Staff's recommendation is to fund two community police officers, at a net cost of $65,390, offset by COPS funding. The greatest cost is for equipment and vehicles. There is also a recommendation to hire a School Resource Officer for Monticello High School at a cost of $32,695, offset by a CDJS grant, and to fund specialized training for police officers at $21,906. Regarding the Emergency Communications'Center (EEC), which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 1999, staff recommends increasing County shares for non-medical dispatching, medical dispatching, and telecommunica- tions. Calls for service numbered 95,574 in 1997, an increase of 5.9 percent. Additional communications officers are requested to manage the workload and to attain optimal round-the-clock staffing. Staff recommends making a third and final contribution of $314,922 toward the new facility and funding one new communications officer, for which the County's share is $11,653. Fire/Rescue includes full-year funding for six career firefighters hired in mid-FY98. The Jefferson Country Fire and Rescue Association requests $114,270 for vehicle maintenance and $37,000 for fuel funds. The department requests an Education Specialist to coordinate in excess of 10,000 hours of training for volunteers, at a cost of $30,724. It also requests additional firefighter hours (from 40 hours/week to 50 hours/week) to provide coverage in three stations from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Staff recommends funding additional hours for nine firefighters, at a cost of $66,520, and funding the JCFRA Vehicle Maintenance Program at a cost of $50,000. There is no recommendation to fund the Education Specialist or JCFRA fuel, due to funding constraints. Mr. Martin asked who trains volunteers now. Mr. Huff said there is a part-time person available to assist. In addition, the department can also pay instructors. Coordination problems arise in making sure instructors show up, getting materials, reserving rooms, managing certification levels, etc. If a Certified Instructor is hired, that person could also teach. Current demand exceeds available instruction. Chief Miller has expressed a need for March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 7) 000074 additional training as well, and this could be coordinated with the Fire/Rescue person. Ms. Thomas asked whether the County is in danger of not meeting mandated training levels. Mr. Huff said the problem is more of an inconvenience to volunteers who have to travel long distances to receive training. The County does not fall short of meeting requirements. The County currently pays local instructors to provide training in outlying areas. Each volunteers must ride in rescue vehicles 160 to 170 hours every year, plus there are new additional requirements for inservice training. The same requirements apply to fire department and first responders. Mr. Bowerman suggested looking into the issue further at Monday's work session. Mr. Perkins asked if volunteers could cover the increased hours required. Mr. Huff said three eight-hour people cannot provide continuous coverage at the Seminole Trail location. Peak periods occur when volunteers are not there, due to work obligations. The proposal is to provide coverage for five ten-hour days per week, staggering arrival and departure times. At times there will only be one or two career firefighters in the station. Mr. Huff informed the Board that the Engineering Department now reports to the Development Offices. The SPCA has requested a large increase for the next year, and discussions are currently underway regarding the size of the increase and responsibilities. Note: (Mr. Bowerman left at 2:16 p.m.) Ms. Thomas asked what is happening regarding specialized police training. Mr. Huff said that is recommended for partial funding. The department has been asked to cover the rest of the costs out of their budget. The issue will be reviewed again next year. Ms. Thomas said she receives lots of calls regarding traffic concerns. She is not sure where it fits on the priority list. Ms. White said human development services account for $7,726,650 or 7.7 percent of the General Fund. Most services are delivered by the Department of Social Services. Growing Healthy Families has identified several needs: early identification of children at risk, develop community-wide prevention/early intervention services, make programs accessible to families, particularly in the rural areas of the County, and to bring community agencies together for more efficient service delivery (Health Department, MACAA, Family Partners, and the ARC Infant Development Program). Staff recommends fundiQg $15,400 to the Health Department for an additional home visitor, and funding $797 to Children, Youth and Family Services for Family Partners. Regarding Region Ten, the department states there is an increased demand for mental health/mental retardation services. There has been a shift of patients from hospitals back to the community, without an increase in funding. They request an increase of $202,389 (101 percent) to help cover salary, benefits and operating costs within projected level funding from the State and $41,572 to support the County's share of the Mohr Center, a detoxification center for alcoholism and substance abuse. (Note: Pit. Bowerman returned at 2:19 p.m.) Ms. White said staff recommends funding a ten percent baseline increase for personnel and operations, and funding $10,000 as a partial contribution to the Mohr Center. Ms. Thomas said staff is assuming the situation will not be as bleak as presented. Ms. White said the Governor's budget proposes giving mental health a 2.6 percent increase in funds, but it is unknown how much of that funding will go to Region Ten. Ms. Thomas said it looks like the Board is cutting Region Ten's funding. Ms. White said it appears that way because last year the Board contributed to the building fund. Mr. Martin asked about the requirement that a child be adopted one year after one year of being in foster care. Ms. White said that is a goal, but March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) (Page 8) 000075 may be difficult to achieve. Mr. Davis said judicial hearings will determine what action will be taken in each case. A child could be put into permanent foster care. Mr. Martin said the law may have changed, but the reality has not. Mr. Martin asked how the State Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will be funded. Ms. White said it is not being funded now; it is pending General Assembly action. Staff recommends funding one Foster Care/Adoption Social Worker, funding one Foster Care/Adoption Aide, funding 0.75 FTE Independent Living position, funding a TAFF Aide, deferring funding SCHIP positions, and covering addi- tional overtime within the baseline budget. Regarding the Commission on Chidren and Families, the new Commission combines the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and the CACY Commis- sion. There are expanded responsibilities for the Commission to handle planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating children and family ser- vices. In addition the Commission will oversee VJCCCA funds, CSA and Human Service agencies. Staff recommends funding $32,000 for operations, plus a $5,011 increase for the CSA coordinator, previously funded by Region Ten, and funding $266,360 for Juvenile Justice programs, including current funding to Community Atten- tion. Ms. White said the Delinquency Intervention Specialist is part of the after-hours position. It has been moved from a County to a City position. Mr. Martin asked about the human factor of making someone work for one agency, then another, but there was no discussion. Regarding the University of Virginia's Medicaid Program, Ms. Thomas said the state is not funding one of the eligibility workers. Ms. White said these are now locally funded. They might be funded by the state if caseloads justify needing two new positions. Regarding Parks, Recreation and Culture, Ms. White said funding is at $3,756,061, or 3.8 percent of the General Fund. The Library is the largest use of funds, at 47 percent, and Parks and Recreation account for 33 percent. Major issues for this department include continuing the capital budget initiative to maintain and develop athletic fields, which are deteriorating County-wide, due to heavy use ($55,757), and the continuation of the expanded Middle School After School Program from three to five days per week at all County middle schools, to include academic enrichment activities, as well as athletics/recreation, in cooperation with the School Division's Department of Community Education. Staff recommends providing additional funds for athletic field turf maintenance, which includes the purchase of a front deck mower and transport trailer ($45,000). Ms. White said library staff have expressed concerns regarding single- person staffing at the Scottsville and Crozet Branches, from both a security and workload standpoint. Mr. Perkins asked if volunteers are used by the libraries. Ms. White said there are volunteers, but the libraries must be covered on a continuous basis. Mr. Perkins asked if library volunteers could be provided incentives similar to those provided fire department volunteers. Ms. Humphris said before that could be done, staff would have to conduct an in-depth study of all County volunteers, in order to be fair to all volun- teers. Mr. Tucker said Code provisions permit fire and rescue volunteers to receive incentives. He will ask staff to see if the authority can be extended to other volunteers. If not, it might require legislation. Mr. Marshall questioned the cost for turf maintenance and the purchase of the deck mower and trailer. Mr. Pat Mullaney, Director of Parks and Recreation, said the equipment will be used daily for 20 to 30 years, so it must be of commercial grade. He added the balance of the money goes to fertilizer and seed for athletic fields. Ms. Thomas said that is the second most discussed item by the public. Mr. Mullaney said his staff has done a lot of work on the athletic fields this past year. Although they are heavily used, a difference can be made with March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) 0000~76 (Page 9) regular maintenance. Staff updated five fields last year, and provided regular maintenance to seven. Ms. Humphris asked about the tourism fund transfer, as well as the convention center. Ms. White said the tourism fund transfer is for the Tourism Council, an ongoing item. Mr. Tucker said a study was not funded. Ms. White said the Board has agreed each year to provide $150,000 to the tourism fund for Tourism Council marketing. Ms. Humphris said these monies should be relabeled. Ms. Thomas agreed, and said funds have to be used for tourism-related items. Ms. Thomas asked if the $585,000 is coming from the three percent lodging tax increase. Ms. White replied, ~Yes." The tourism reserve is comprised of monies that have not been committed. Ms. Humphris asked if they can be spent any way the Board sees fit, and Ms. White replied, ~Yes." Ms. Humphris asked that the Virginia Festival for Book be added to the list. Mr. Martin asked how this item is distinguished from others. Ms. Humphris said it falls into the tourism category. Mr. Martin said he knows where the money is coming from; he wonders how many other cultural events will also be considered. Mr. Tucker said the Board can decide what is funded. Mr. Martin said there should be a process to be followed to list those items. Ms. White said she expects the Tourism Council to make recommendations. The Engineering and Public Works Department is funded at $2,256,007, or 2.3 percent of the General Fund. Mr. Huff said critical issues for the department include implementation of a new Comprehensive Water Resources Ordinance (CWRO), including a review of staff needs for new erosion control requirements, the completion of a Design Standards Manual, and managing nearly $80 million in Capital Improvement Projects. Staff recommends funding a 0.5 FTE Environmental Programs Coordinator (net cost of $2,260, offset by additional CWRO user fees.) Mr. Huff said under the CWRO, there will be more State-required inspections that are not funded. One issue is what percentage of those costs the County wants to recoup from fees. Mr. Bill Mawyer, Director of Engineering, said staff is reviewing this with the state to see what other jurisdictions are doing. Ms. Thomas wanted to add an additional Erosion Control Inspector to the list, since so many things are required under the Watershed Protection Act. Mr. Huff said he will provide additional figures to the Board on Monday. Regarding Community Development, Mr. Huff said it is funded at $2,656,202, or 2.7 percent of the General fund. The largest percentage of those funds is for Planning (38 percent) and Housing (30 percent). Critical issues in development departments include the completion and implementation of a new Windows-based Development Tracking System, the Hollymead/Piney Mountain Neighborhood Study, the. Rural Areas Study to complete the Comprehensive Plan, and the recodification and re-indexing of current ordinances (jointly with the County Attorney's office). Staff recommends funding the Hollymead/Piney Mountain Study to be taken from one-time funds as better project cost estimates become available. Regarding Housing, Ms. White said critical issues include a need to expand the supply of affordable housing for home buyers and renters. The Albemarle County Housing Committee has requested $50,000 for a Housing Initiative Fund to help leverage additional funds for rehabilitation, home- ownership and affordable rental opportunities. The Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA)has requested $35,000 to expand regional collaborative efforts to pool and manage resources in order to leverage additional funds for affordable housing. A PHA request was supported by resolution of the Albemarle Housing Committee. Staff recommends funding the Albemarle Housing Initiatives Fund at $25,000 and funding the Piedmont Housing Alliance at $25,000. Ms. Humphris wanted to explore giving the Piedmont Housing Alliance the full amount of $35,000 requested this year to get started. She does not want the Board to handicap it from the beginning just because other counties are not doing their share toward running it. Ms. White said the PHA has stipu- lated they will seek additional funding from other localities next year. Mr. Bowerman said part of the County's job is to educate the other counties to the benefit to having a regional approach to increase funding. If O0O077 March 16, 1998 (Adjourned Meeting) Page 10) they understand the importance, other counties may be willing to participate. Ms. Humphris wanted to look at an additional $25,000 for trust fund seed money. Mr. Martin said he supports the proposal. Ms. Thomas said the trust fund requires a lot of money from private funds, so the County would appear hypocritical if it does not put up its own funds. Mr. Marshall said what has been suggested is adding an additional $136,000 in funds. Mr. Tucker said the figure would probably be higher, after the Erosion Control Inspector is added. What was presented at this meeting are all the departmental operation budget issues. At the Wednesday work session the Board will hear from the School Board, review the Capital budget, discuss any other issues regarding General Goverment issues, then discuss compression issues. Agenda Item No. 3. Board. There were none. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Agenda Item No. 4. Adjourn to March 18, 1998, 1:00 p.m. At 3:05 p.m., Ms. Humphris offered the motion, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to adjourn to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 1998. Roll was called and the motion passed by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris. NAYS: None. Cha i rman Approved by Board Date Initial~