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