1992-03-25 adjMarch 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 1)
M.B. 40, Pg. 298
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County,
Virginia, was held on March 25, 1992, at 3:00 P.M., Meeting Room 7, County
Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. Edward H. Bain, Jr., Mr. David P. Bowerman, Mrs.
Charlotte Y. Humphris, Messrs. Forrest R. Marshall, Jr. (arrived at 3:05
p.m.), Charles S. Martin (arrived at 3:02 p.m.) and Walter F. Perkins.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., Deputy
County Executive, Richard Huff, II, and Executive Assistant, Roxanne W. White.
Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 3:05 P.M. by the
Chairman, Mr. Bowerman.
Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence.
Mr. Bowerman said he had just been informed that these two items are
listed in the Board's Rules of Procedure, which speak to all meetings of the
Board. However, he would like to change the rules in order to have a work
session without the formal opening. That, of course, will be up to the Board
members. Mr. Bowerman then called for the Pledge and Moment of Silence.
Agenda Item No. 4. Work Session, 1992-93 County Budqet, Matters for
reconsideration from other work sessions.
Mr. Bowerman suggested that the Board proceed with this item, picking up
where the conversation ended on Monday afternoon, with a couple of adjustments
to the chart. First, remove the $105,000 for the lease/purchase of four
school buses; he believes this Board feels this is the School Board's deci-
sion. He would also suggest removing the $20,000 shown as a one percent merit
for administrative staff. Concerning the list of "One-Time/Recurring Costs of
Recommended Priorities" and the Board-selected additions, he suggested that
the Board come to a consensus as to which items should remain on the list~
Mr. Tucker presented for the Board's review, the following scenarios:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FY 92-93 PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
SCENARIO I- $% MERff CLASSIFIED/4% MERIT SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL
BEGINNING RESERVE FUND $ 774,933
County Executive's budget adjustments $ 8,835
TOTAL RESERVE FUND $783,768
GENERAL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for one-time General Fund priorities $ 300,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for solid waste contingency 100,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for school priorities 100,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 500,000
EXPENDITURES
Fund selected Board priorities (764,192)
Fund solid waste/recycling contingency (100,000)
Reduce by 1% merit for administrative staff 18,575
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED (845,617)
TOTAL GENERAL FUND cHANGES (345,617)
REMAINDER OF RESERVE FUND $ 438,151
SCHOOL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Add new state revenues $ 173,178
Add FY i991-92 School carry-over to fund one-time costs 205,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 378,178 (Continued)
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 2)
M.B. 40, Pg. 299
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FY 92-93 PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
SCENARIO I- 5% MERIT CLASSIFIED/4% MERIT SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL
(Continued) ~
EXPENDITURES
Reduce diesel fuel costs from $0.85 to $0.73/gallon 60,000
Lease/purchase only four buses 4)-
Fund $500 increase at top of teacher's scale (priority #1) (223,850)
Implement new staffing guidelines (priority g2) (514,500)
Fund 1% merit increase for non-administrative staff (priority #6) (68,390)
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED {746,740)
TOTAL SCHOOL FUND CHANGES (368,562)
TRANSFER GENERAL FUND RESERVE TO SCHOOL FUND $ 368,562
TOTAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND $ 69,589
Less Board of Supervisors Contingency Fund 20,000
FINAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND I $ 49,589
Mr. Tucker said the above Scenario has been clarified since the Board's
meeting on Monday, but is basically where the Board stopped the discussion.
He has talked~to Dr. Paskel about the lease/purchase of the buses. Dr. Paskel
indicated that if this Board wants that amount left in the School budget to
fully fund the purchase of the buses, he can find $105,000 within the Schools
budget. That amount has been zeroed out.
The other item is the addition of a "Contingency Fund for the Board of
Supervisors", leaving $49,589 in the reserve fund. Under Scenario I~ classi-
fied employees of both the General Government and the Schools would be
eligible for a five percent merit, whereas supervisory personnel would be
eligible for a four percent merit.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FY 92-93 PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
SCENARIO H - 4% MERIT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
BEGINNING RESERVE FUND $ 774,933
County Executive's budget adjustments $ 8,835
TOTAL RESERVE FUND $783,768
GENERAL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for one-time General Fund priorities $ 300,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for solid waste contingency 100,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for school priorities 100,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 500,000
EXPENDITURES
Fund selected Board priorities (764,192)
Fund solid waste/recycling contingency (100,000)
Reduces 1%' merit for alll employees 79,255
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED (784,937)
TOTAL GENERAL FUND CHANGES (284,937)
REMAINDER OF RESERVE FUND $ 498,831
SCHOOL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Adds new state revenues $173,178
Add FY 1991-92 School carry-over to fund on~time costs 205,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 378,178 (Continued)
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 3)
M.B. 40, Pg. 300
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FY 92-93 PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
SCENARIO H - 4% MERIT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
(Continued)
EXPENDITURES
Reduces fuel costs from $0.85 to $0.73/gallon 60,000
Lease/purchase only four buses -0-
Fund $500 increase at top of teacher's scale (priority #1) (223,850)
Implement new star-frog guidelines (priority//2) (514,500)
Retains 4 % merit pool for all employees (priority #6) -0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED (678,350)
TOTAL SCHOOL FUND CHANGES (300,172)
TRANSFER GENERAL FUND RESERVE TO SCHOOL FUND $ 300,172
TOTAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND $125,027
Less Board of Supervisors Contingency Fund 20,000
FINAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND I I $178,659
Mr. Tucker said that in Scenario II there is a four percent merit pool
for all employees. This was done at the suggestion of Mr. Perkins and it
would increase the reserve fund significantly. Mr. Perkins also suggested
that the staff arrive at the savings involved if vesting were capped at two
and one-half percent. In General Government it amounts to nearly $9110, and
in the Schools, $33,220, for a total of $42,332. If the Board is interested
in doing this, he would like to have a full discussion of the idea first since
it is not a strategy that he supports.
Mr. Bowerman asked if that is with a four or a five percent merit pool.
Mr. Tucker said the performance system has been in effect for five years, and
the vesting occurs on the previous year's bonus pool. Depending on the
employee's score, an "outstanding" evaluation may give someone a two-step
increase. In General Government, only 14 people would get a two-step in-
crease. In the Schools, it would be 87 people. If a cap is placed on the
vesting, he feels it will send the wrong message to the staff by telling the
people who received an "outstanding" that they will vest the same amount as
those receiving "above average". He has not talked to Mr. St. John yet, but
feels that some employees might have a grievable issue since the vesting is
based on last year's evaluation.
Mr. Perkins asked how many General Government employees are eligible for
this vesting. Mr. Tucker said in General Government it is nearly 370, and in
the Schools, 800, many of whom are bus drivers. That is probably why the
dollar figure is no higher than it is.
Mr. Bain said he understands that Tucker took everything any Board
member proposed, and included it with the funds shown, but on the Schools side
are shown things the Board felt it could fund, and other requested items have
not even been considered. Mr. Tucker said he tried to fund the three priori-
ties the Board discussed. Mr. Bain said he has others, and he does not
believe the Board went any further and discussed the other things, because
until Monday, it did not believe there were any funds available to fund
anything else. He wants to talk further about these things.
Mr. Marshall said he talked to Mr. Tucker and Dr. Paskel yesterday. He
is concerned about the $105,000, but he has been told by these people that
there should be a considerable amount of money left in fuel accounts. That is
where Dr. Paskel thinks he will get the money for the school buses. There
should be some fuel savings for the County Office Building also. Mr. Tucker
said they have found some savings for vehicles, but there should also be
savings in terms of operating the buildings.
Mr. Bowerman asked about the $500,000 addition the Board did not learn
about until Monday. Mr. Tucker said staff knew about $200,000 of that amount
from additional revenues. The $300,000 had not been finalized in terms of
expenditures in the current budget, and finalizing the carry-over amount. The
number will really not be final until June 30, 1992. The Schools have not yet
started a line item analysis of their budget.
M. Bowerman said the Board still needs to discuss the Schools budget.
He would like to take a scenario and get the individual members to agree to
items which can be supported by the majority. Mr. Bowerman referred to the
list of "One-time/Recurring Costs of Recommended Priorities" set out in the
minutes of March 23, 1992. After reading through the list, the consensus was
as follows:
To Stay In The Budqet:
$4250 for the increased fee for decal vendors.
$11,255 for the cost of redistricting.
Investigations officer for the Police Department at $50,190.
Full year of Police performance plan.
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 4)
M.B. 40, Pg. 301
School Resource Officer (funded by the Schools).
Three patrol officers @ $105,000.
Erosion Control Inspector.
Match for State-funded Social Services Computers at $19,100.
Match for two eligibility positions at $10,250.
JABA Outreach Program for tax Relief at $2280.
Fully fund local share of CALAS at $1920.
Funding for Teen Mother Program at $19,228.
Full season at Walnut Creek Park at $24,290.
Therapeutic Recreation at $902.
Fiscal impact study, first year, at $25,000.
ARB program materials at $3325.
Gypsy. Moth Suppression Program at $11,000.
Part-time Carpenter-AHIP at $14,385.
To Be Discussed Later:
Fax machine for the Circuit Court at $1000.
Data Processing equipment for the Commonwealth's Attorney at $7000.
County share of new bailiff for the Juvenile Court at $14,000.
A transport officers for the Sheriff's Department at $12,000.
State employee bonuses at $12,650.
Continued Curbside Drop-off Program.
Additional Funding for SHE at $15,000.
SARA at $12,125.
Full year funding at Northside Library at $53,070.
WVPT at $5130.
Full funding of MACAA at $3,113.
At the end of the list, Mr. Bowerman suggested the Board go back to the
top of the list and begin to discuss the individual items. First is the fax
machine for the Circuit Court. Mr. Bain said to leave in the $1,000. Mr.
Marshall suggested setting the price at $500. Mr. Martin said there is
already one machine in that building. Mr. Tucker suggested splitting the
difference, and setting the price at $750.
Data processing equipment for the Commonwealth's Attorney. Mrs.
Humphris said there is no information as to what will be purchased. Mr. Huff
said the Commonwealth's Attorney is still trying to develop what they intend
to do. Mr. Camblos requested these machines to work on a case management
system so they track a person from start to finish through several agencies.
In the meantime, he has asked the County's DP Department to do some program-
ming for him, keeping in mind that it could be integrated at a later date to
something several agencies could use. The $7000 is for several terminals,
several printers, and staff feels it will be less cost; there is no money in
this request for in-house programming, it is all for hardware. Mr. Bain asked
if the Board could put that amount into its contingency fund and let the
Commonwealth's Attorney come back when the request is finalized. Mrs.
Humphris said she would like to have a firmer grasp on the amount. Mr.
Bowerman said there is more accountability that way, but he thinks that
whatever is done should be reasonable. Mr. Martin suggested leaving the
figure at $5000 and if it costs more, Mr. Camblos can make a request for addi-
tional funding at the time the funds are needed. Mr. Bowerman said he can
accept that idea. The Board members agreed to put in $5000.
County share of new bailiff for Juvenile Court and a transport officer.
Mrs. Humphris said she would like to know more about policy. Has the County
agreed to this type of thing before. Mr. Tucker said the County has a bailiff
at this time whose salary is shared with the City. This is a second officer
to be paid in the same manner, and there is need for another officer in that
Court. Mrs. Humphris said she wanted to know how this worked with the State
Compensation Board. Mr. Tucker said the Comp Board may pick up the costs at
some time in the future, but that officer is not funded by the State at this
time. Mr. Bain asked if it is just a "numbers game" with the State. Mr.
Tucker said it is lack of revenue, and the Comp Board is funding the agencies
with law enforcement responsibilities first. Mr. Bain asked if this amount
only goes in the budget if the City decides to share in the funding. Mr.
Tucker said it is contingent on their approval.
Mr. Bowerman said on just the new bailiff there is consensus. He then
asked about the transport officer. Mro Tucker said this officer would be just
for the County Sheriff's Department. There would be no sharing with the City.
It would benefit the County Police Department because it would allow the
Sheriff to have an individual on the weekends and in the late evenings to
cover transport needs to relieve the police officers. Mr. Perkins asked if it
would be better to keep this person in the Police Department. Mr. Tucker said
he thinks the Chief is just as content in having the Sheriff handle the
matter, otherwise he would have to supervise that individual. If this person
works for the Sheriff, the Police can be relieved totally of the after-hoUrs
transports. Mr. Perkins said he thought the Sheriff was doing that already.
Mr. Tucker said his deputies do this only during day hours. Mr. Bain said
since the Sheriff is doing it all the other hours, he thinks it would be best
left to him. Mr. Bowerman said the Police Department really does not want to
do it. He said there seems to be a consensus to leave this item in.
Next was a discussion of the request for bonuses for State employees.
Mr. Bain and Mrs. Humphris both expressed disagreement with the idea. Mr.
Perkins said he thinks it would set a bad precedent because the more that is
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 5)
M.B. 40, Pg. 302
picked up, the more the State will expect to be picked up. Mr. Bowerman said
there appears to be a consensus that the full $12,650 is out of the budget.
Mr. Marshall said he is not against it. Mr. Bowerman asked the Clerk to call
the roll on the deletion of this item from the proposed budget. The vote was
in favor, as follows:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Marshall and Mr. Martin.
Mr. Bowerman next went to the request of the Police. He suggested
eliminating the School Resource Officer #2 at Western Albemarle High School.
Mr. Bain agreed. He feels the critical need is at Albemarle High School, and
the problems at Western seem to be in the school itself, and not outside of
the school such as the problems at Albemarle. He would like to have one
year's experience at Albemarle, and then follow-up with an officer at Western.
He is inclined to recommend the first five items under the Public Safety
section.
Mr. Martin said this past year showed that Western Albemarle would have
benefitted more from the School Resource Officer than Albemarle High School.
The Resource Officer has more to do with building a relationship with the
students inside the building, and being up-to-date on some of the things that
are going on inside the building, so he is ahead of it before having an
outbreak within the school system. He is not dealing with Police issues
outside of the building. Mr. Bain said he thinks there is a greater problem
with students outside of the building at Albemarle than at Western Albemarle,
and he would like to have one year's experience with the one officer. Mr.
Martin said, if these officers are used at all like the City's resource
officers, then they would be regular police officers during the summer months.
They would also be used during the winter months for police work.
Mrs. Humphris agreed with Mr. Bain that when you start a new program you
start slowly to see how it needs to be handled. She would take funding for
the School Resource Officer #2 at $45,199 out of this budget. Mr. Martin said
he knows through working with the Juvenile Court that there is a serious
problem at Western, and if this past year is any indication, there is probably
more need for a resource officer at Western than at Albemarle.
Mr. Martin asked about the schedule of adding officers to the Police
Department. Mr. Bain said that the Board had agreed to try over a five-year
cycle to add seven officers a year so that by the end of 1996 there would be
one and one-half patrol officers per 1000/population. In the last budget
year, only four were added. Mr. Martin said that personally he would rather
see the two resource officers and one less investigative officer. Mr. Bain
said he is not voting for two investigations officers, only the one listed as
Priority No. 4.
Mr. Bowerman asked for some agreement as to the lieutenant position.
There was consensus to include this position. As to the second investigations
officer, he asked for a consensus. Mr. Bain said he did not include either
one on his list. Mrs. Humphris asked if Chief Miller can still use his
resources anyway he wishes, or is the Board funding a particular line item.
Mr. Tucker said it is basically a line item unless the Board tells the Chief
he can do whichever he thinks is best. Mr. Martin said he would agree to that
if there were some way to get a resource officer in the schools, even it were
on a part-time basis.
Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll call on the suggestion of removing the
investigations officer at $31,490.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Bowerman asked if there is a consensus is to keep School Resource
Officer #2 at $45,199. Mr. Bain did not agree. Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll
call on the question of leaving this item in the budget.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bain.
Next, Mr. Bowerman asked about the Training Program for Firefighters at
$5260. Mr. Huff said the State only funded one training class for the
volunteer firefighters in the current fiscal year. The County is working
toward getting all of the volunteers certified through the State's training
program. When they held just the one class, it was held in Charlottesville,
and people had to come in from all over the County. Participation was not
good because of the distance, and the Classes are very long. Mrs. Humphris
said she only needs to know that it saves time and money.
Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll call on leaving the $5260 in the budget.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris and Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 6)
M.B. 40, Pg. 303
Next was the Fire Prevention Inspector at $15,453. Mr. Huff said Chief
Taliaferro does not feel it is a prudent use of resources to have the engines
out in the urban ring should a fire occur on the other side of the City
because it will affect his ISO rating and ability to respond. Although they
are technically paid for by the County they run City calls also and are part
of the City's manpower requirements for their I$O rating. Therefore, he does
not think these people can do fire inspections outside of the City limits.
Mr. Bain said he thought individual firefighters did this. Mr. Huff
said the engine can't leave the station without three people on it if there is
a fire. Mr. Bain said this is Item #18, so it appears that the staff thinks
it is necessary. Mr. Tucker said staff feels it is. The current inspectors
are way behind in making inspections of commercial buildings. Mr. Huff said
the fire inspectors are also doing all of the underground storage tank
inspections, and giving advice and consultation on that whole program.
After an explanation of how fire service under the City contract works,
Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll call on keeping the fire prevention inspector
(for six months) at $15,453 in the budget.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris and Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Bowerman then requested a roll call on Item 25, Computer equipment
for the Police Department at $11,660. Mr. Marshall said he thought everybody
agreed on this one. Mr. Bain said he did not at the time. Mr. Huff said the
question was asked as to what was being purchased. It is for three computers
and one printer.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris and Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Bowerman asked for discussion of No. 1, Continued Curbside Drop-off
Program at $43,535. Mr. Bain said he has a question about the overall solid
waste disposal question. He did not want to put it in until there was a
further report from the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority and what will be going
on. He would rather have this amount put into a contingency until after
discussion of the overall picture. Mr. Tucker said it was put in to continue
the program which has been established for the last six months of this year.
Mr. Perkins asked what other types of recycling programs there will be. Mr.
Tucker said there may be others looked at, but this one is to continue the
existing program. Mrs. Humphris said she wishes the Board were looking at a
more comprehensive program, but she believes the Board is obligated to
continue funding this program.
Mr. Perkins asked if the money could be placed in a contingency. Mr.
Bain said he did not want to take the money out. He would also agree to a
contingency.
Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll call on the question of keeping the
$45,535 in the budget and placing same in a contingency account for recycling
under the category of solid waste disposal.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris and Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Bowerman said the next item is $15,000 additional funding for SHE.
Mr. Bain said he will support the County Executive's recommendation this year.
Mrs. Humphris said SHE scored in the low range on a number of criteria before
the Program Review Committee. The Committee also voiced concern about their
level of fundraising. Ms. White said SHE explained that the drop in fund-
raising is not as much as it appears when just looking at the figures.
Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson in the current fiscal year are not putting
in what they projected for 1992-1993, so they will not get their shares. To
show the equal share SHE expects to make up for the shortfall in the outlying
counties in their fundraising efforts.
Mr. Marshall said he is more interested in battered women and children
than people not being able to collect the money. Mr. Martin said he knows
what the shelter does for this community, and they have done it on a shoe-
string budget using a lot of volunteers. They are very efficient in the use
of volunteers and he would like to see this item fully funded, or at the
least, a part of the difference. Ms. White suggested that the County fund its
full share, and if the Board is interested in funding the extra position, they
could do so contingent on the City funding its share. Mrs. Humphris asked
what the County's share is of that position. Ms. White said it is $6415. Mr.
Martin suggested the Board fund that position as well as the $9000 for
increased service to Albemarle County women and children. MSo White said the
County has already provided three percent additional, so its increased share
would only be $8600 after the three percent. Mr. Bowerman asked how much it
would cost to do what Mr. Martin had suggested. Ms. White said it would take
$15,015. Mr. Bowerman asked if this would be only if the City funded one-
half. Ms. White said it could be made contingent on that.
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 7)
M.B. 40, Pg. 304
Mrs. Humphris agreed to this. Mr. Tucker suggested funding the $8600 in
the SHE budget, and putting the $6415 in the Board's contingency until it is
determined if the City will pay its share. Mr. Bowerman asked that the roll
be called on this idea. Mr. Bain said he can't support this because he sees
other needs.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bain.
Mr. Bowerman said the next item is SARA and for full funding of their
request it would take an additional $12,125. He asked the amount needed to
fully fund the CAPS program. Ms. White said it is $6350, their education
budget is $1500 additional, and the additional employee is $4650. The City
has not yet agreed to fund this position which is to address the increased
number of services they provide.
Mr. Bowerman said he would like to fully fund the CAPS program. Mr.
Martin said he would like to do both is possible. Mr. Bain said he will stay
with the County Executive's recommendation. Mr. Martin said in the whole
scheme of things it is a small amount of money, and it means so much to the
people who need those services. It seems ridiculous to try and save $4000
when talking about a budget in the millions.
Mr. Bain said he has a problem in having the schools do this. He thinks
the schools are for education, and he has a problem with this concept. It is
important to identify these needs, but so many things other than education are
being done in the schools. Mr. Marshall said we live in a society where
society is going to have to accept more responsibility. Society is not as it
was when he was young. There are a lot of one parent homes, and lock key
kids. It is an entirely different situation. Single parents are unable to do
these things on their own, so somebody has to help them.
Mrs. Humphris said she will restrain her anger. Anybody who has been
around this Board the last couple of years, and even before she was elected,
knows her feelings about SARA. On the other hand, she agrees with what Mr.
Bain has said even though the child abuse prevention program is so necessary
and important. The Board needs to think about what the limits are as to what
can be done in the classroom without extending the day and the school year.
Mrs. Humphris said she feels the additional amount should be funded for SARA.
Mr. Bowerman said he can support funding this request, although he
agrees with Mrs. Humphris and Mr. Bain that it should be done some other way.
But, until a way is found, he is willing to do it this way. Mr. Marshall
agreed.
Roll was called on the suggestion to include an additional $12,125 for
SARA, with $4615 of that amount being contingent on the City funding a like
amount. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bain.
Next was discussion of Item 47, Full Year Funding for the Northside
Library. Mrs. Humphris asked for an interpretation of the County's contract
with the City. She feels the City should pay the 17 or 18 percent. She asked
what would happen if the County only paid 72 percent of the total costs. Mr.
Tucker said the Library would have to find ways to cut expenditures by that
amount. Mrs. Humphris said she is a strong supporter of the Northside Library
and it irritates her that the County will bear the whole burden through this
fiscal year. After a short discussion, Mrs. Humphris said it appears that the
County has no other choice at this time.
Mr. Bain said he can support this request, but he will not support
additional books for the Northside Library. Mr. Bowerman asked for a roll
call on the suggestion that $53,070 be included as full year funding for the
Northside Library.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins.
Mr. Bowerman asked what the Board wanted to do about the $46,000 for
books for the Northside Library. Mr. Bain said the Friends of the Library
have a sale going on now. Mr. Martin said he would like to see an amount put
in as a token, if nothing else. Mrs. Humphris suggested $10,000. Mr.
Bowerman called for a vote on the idea of including $10,000 for books for the
Northside Library. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bain.
Next came the question of full funding for WVPT at $5130. Mrs. Humphris
suggested discussing the question of policy and establishing a precedent by
funding WVPT because of the service they render in the community. She feels
they have been a tremendous asset to the community.
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned) M.B.40, Pg.305
(Page 8)
Mr. Bain said he does not disagree that they have been a help to the
community, but he does not see the County starting to fund this type of
request. The same thing could be said of many requests. The fact that they
have done this is well and good, but he thinks it would be a mistake for the
County to provide any funding. Mrs. Humphris said she always tries to
consider whether the taxpayers would want the Board to spend their tax dollars
on these types of programs. In this case, she feels they would think it is
okay.
Mr. Marshall said he was, at one time, a member of the WVPT Board and
they had a hard time raising money especially in hard times like these. He
has mixed feelings, but it seems to be something that is good for the communi-
ty. Mr. Bowerman said he would like to include it, but he had the opportunity
to increase his contribution in private ways, so he will support that. He
called for a vote on adding $5130 in funds for WVPT Public Television.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris.
NAYS: Messrs. Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
ABSTAIN: Mr. Marshall.
Mr. Bowerman said the last item on this list is funding in the amount of
$3113 for MACAA. Mr. Martin said he feels the same about this as he did about
SARA and SHE. He feels it is just a minor adjustment in a budget of this
size.
Mr. Perkins said MACAA has a large budget and he feels they should be
able to find this small amount of money in a budget that size. Ne said there
is not a "bad" thing on the whole sheet paper, but he feels the taxpayers need
a break too. Mr. Bowerman called for a vote on adding the $3113 to the MACAA
budget.
AYES: Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Bowerman.
NAY: Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bain.
Mr. Bowerman asked if the staff needed time to put a figure together
again. Mr. Huff said there is a savings of $96,868. Mr. Bowerman asked what
will happen to that amount. Mr. Tucker said it can be added back to the
final, remaining reserve fund.
Mr. Bowerman asked if the Board members wanted to talk about the Schools
budget, the revenue side first. Mr. Bain said the Board went from $100,000 to
$205,000 and asked if that meant Dr. Paskel would find another $105,000. Mr.
Tucker said he talked to Dr. Paskel and reminded him staff had suggested use
of the contingency of $100,000. Mr. Bain said that figures change every time
the Board meets. The School Board, Wednesday, said $244,000 with 95 percent
of that amount going back to the individual schools. Then, on Monday, they
said it was not that much and they would be able to find $100,000 at least.
Now the Board is told there is another $105,000.
Mr. Tucker said the $244,000 that was in the Schools original carry-over
is only a five-percent hold-back that Dr. Paskel had applied to school opera-
ting accounts. That is the figure he wants to return to the schools, but
after talking to Ms. Holt, she said the figure is closer to 55 percent and not
95 percent as originally stated and that is one-half of that $240,000. That
is why they came up with only $100,000 as a carry-over for the School System.
After talking to Dr. Paskel further about the lease/purchase of the buses, Dr.
Paskel indicated he could find that amount of money. He agrees with that
because of what has been experienced in operating the County Office Building.
The Schools have not looked at their savings in the buildings themselves as it
relates to heating and cooling costs. He does think that if there is a hot
spell in April and May, cooling costs may he higher than anticipated. Mr.
Tucker said he felt Dr. Paskel was indicating that they could find the money.
Mr. Tucker said the Board might want to fund more of that amount.
Mr. Martin suggested that the $96,868 go to the School System in
addition to the $300,172. Mr. Tucker said it depends on which scenario the
Board chooses to use. Mr. Bain said that for commonality purposes, he will
support five the percent merit for all employees. Mr. Perkins said in today's
economy, he thinks any kind of a merit increase is very good. Mrs. Humphris
and Mr. Marshall agreed.
Ms. White said on Scenario I, there would a contingency of $146,457.
There would be $20,000 in a reserve fund for the Board. Mr. Tucker said it
would be $26,416. Mr. Bowerman asked for roll call on Scenario II where the
County Executive has recommended a four percent merit pool for all employees
in General Government and the Schools as a policy.
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Bain.
Mr. Bowerman asked for the amount of the reserve fund at this time. Ms.
White said it is $275,527.
Mr. Bowerman asked if the Board is going to accept the staff's figure of
$378,178 for additional funding from the Schools own budget for funding part
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 9)
M.B. 40, Pg. 306
of their needs. Mr. Martin said he thinks the Board should look at the
$300,172, the amount of the beginning reserve. He thinks that number should
increase. Mr. Bowerman said the Board should look at what the dollars being
added will actually do for the School System. Before the Board can agree to
an increment, he thinks it will have to decide to accept the staff's figure of
$378,178 as an amount the Schools can fund from their own Fund Balance. The
Board members felt this figure would have to be used since the Schools have
said they can find this amount of money.
Mr. Marshall said he is willing to leave the $275,527 where it is.
Mr. Bowerman said the scenario now is: a bottom line of $275,527 and
now the Board is looking at shifting to the Schools $300,172. Mr. Bain said
he thinks the School Board should decide where it will be used. He would
allocate $175,527 which would leave this Board $100,000 to give a start on the
financing of a solid waste program. There are a lot of other needs in the
Schools. Unless the Board is going to really address the whole scale issue
this year, it gives the School Board the flexibility to do some other things,
and included in that would not be agreement, on his part, to say that if there
is any additional carryover, the Schools would have to come to the Board and
ask for use of those funds. Mrs. Humphris said this would fund six out of
their seven unfunded priorities.
At this point, Mr. Martin moved that this Board agree to fund $175,000
in addition to the $300,172 with the idea that if the Schools have any
carryover above the $205,000 they come back to this Board and request to spend
that money. Mr. Marshall suggested just holding on to the $275,000 in the
Board's contingency and letting them make a request to the Board for addition-
al funds. There was no second.
Mrs. Humphris then offered mo%ion to adopt the following Scenario II as
the budget which the Board will take to public hearing, with the understanding
that the School Board use the funds for priorities which they stated to this
Board as one through five with the additional revenues shifted, leaving a
reserve fund of $100,527, as the Board of Supervisor's contingency. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Martin.
Mr. Bain said the Board had not yet discussed solid waste disposal. Mr.
Marshall asked if the Board keeps the $100,000 if Mr. Bain wants to take part
of that amount for solid waste. Mr. Bain said "no". Is the Board going to
take over the Albemarle County costs through the general tax rate and spread
it across the public, or is the Board going to continue raising the tip fees,
etc., for those people who are recycling? That is the big question that he
wants to discuss. Me obtained figures from Mr. Tucker today which indicate
that it would take a tax rate increase of six cents to pay for what is
currently being taken to the landfill. There are a lot of policy questions
which need to be discussed also.
Mr. Bowerman said that procedurally, the motion before the Board is to
adopt the budget and set a tax rate of 72 cents and $4.30. Mr. Bain suggests
that if he raises the question of going to public hearing with a tax rate of
74 cents, that would modify the proposal. It would make a much larger
contingency. Mr. Bain said he wants to support the motion on the floor, but
he wants to bring up the question. Mr. Marshall said he will support this
proposal, but there is no way he will support an increase in the tax rate.
Mr. Bowerman said that Scenario II is predicated on a tax rate of 72
cents for real estate and $4.30 for personal property. Roll was called on the
motion which passed by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins (prefaced his vote by
saying that his affirmative vote is made with reservations), Bain and
Bowerman.
None.
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 10)
M.B. 40, Pg. 307
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FY 92-93 PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES
SCENARIO II 4 % MERIT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
BEGINNING RESERVE FUND $ 774,933
County Executive's budget adjustments $ 8,835
TOTAL RESERVE FUND $783,768
GENERAL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for one-time General Fund priorities $ 300,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for solid waste contingency 100,000
Add FY 1991-92 carry-over for school priorities 100,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 500,000
EXPENDITURES
Fund selected Board priorities (667,324)
Fund solid waste/recycling contingency (100,000)
Reduce by 1% merit for all employees 79,255
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED (688,069)
TOTAL GENERAL FUND CHANGES (188,069)
REMAINDER OF RESERVE FUND $ 595,699
SCHOOL FUND - PROPOSED CHANGES
REVENUES
Add new state revenues $ 173,178
Add FY 1991-92 School carry-over to fund one-time costs 205,000
TOTAL REVENUES ADDED 378,178
EXPENDITURES
Reduce diesel fuel costs from $0.85 to $0.73/gallon 60,000
Lease/purchase only four buses -0-
Fund $500 increase at top of teacher's scale (priority #1) (223~850)
Implement new staffing guidelines (priority g2) (514,500)
Retains 4 % merit pool for all employees (PriOrity #6) -0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES ADDED (678,350)
TOTAL SCHOOL FUND CHANGES (300,172)
TRANSFER GENERAL FUND RESERVE TO SCHOOL FUND $ 475,172
TOTAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND $120,527
Less Board of Supervisors Contingency Fund 20,000
FINAL REMAINING RESERVE FUND $ 100,527
Agenda Item No. 5. Set Tax Rates to be advertised for 1992.
Mr. Bain said he would like to hear the thinking of the other Board
about increasing the tax rate to provide funds for institution of new solid
waste initiatives. He said by the time the Board gets some of the reports,
such as the MERF Study in early June, the Board will have already set the tax
rates for 1992, and will have no other way to come up with the funds if the
Board decides to do anything in the immediate fiscal year.
Mr. Martin said he does not know enough about tip fees to make a wise
decision. He realizes that some of these reports will not be presented until
after a time when the Board can do anything in terms of revenues. Is that too
late to set a strategy which would allow the Board to do it next year? Mr.
Bain said that sets it off for a year, but it can be done at that point. It
is not just recycling, but everything that all Board members need to know
about. He is not saying he would vote for an increase in the rate, but it
would allow the public to discuss the additional amount for use in solid waste
disposal initiatives.
Mrs. Humphris said she is bothered about not going to the public with a
plan. She understands the problem, but does not feel the Board has the right
to go to the public without a solution. Mr. Bain said to him it is an over-
simplification because the first big issue would be to add two cents on the
real property tax rate. The Board knows the tip fee is $32.00/ton~ so the
issue put before the public would be whether it wants the Board to continue
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned)
(Page 11)
M.B. 40, Pg. 308
with the tip fee strategy or go back to what was done before, funding the
landfill and the County's use of it with general revenues.
Mrs. Humphris said most of the public does not understand the problem of
the tip fees. The Board would be starting from ground zero trying to explain
the whole complex situation. She does not think that at this point in time,
the public would even understand the question.
Mr. Perkins said to do this would be sending a message to the Rivanna
Solid Waste Authority that the County will bail them out. He thinks they must
"sink or swim". The County might have to go back to the way it used to fund
this operation, but first the RSWA needs an opportunity to succeed. He thinks
funding the tip fee would send the wrong message. Mr. Perkins said just
starting the RSWA amounted to a $2.0 million tax increase to the citizens last
year.
Mrs. Humphris said there is a positive side to what Mr. Bain said. He
is acknowledging that there is already a problem that will grow worse. He is
offering the possibility of providing a forum for discussion where the Board
can get the public's attention and say there is a problem. The citizens might
turn out for a public hearing to discuss the possibility of a tax increase to
cover tip fees at the landfill, but she really does not believe the Board has
enough information to offer the citizens at a public hearing. Although it has
a positive side in getting the public educated to a small extent, it has a
down side in that the Board would not be able to offer information as to what
would be done with the additional funds.
Mr. Martin said he agrees with Mrs. Humphris. Me had several constitu-
ents call him to ask questions, or offer advise, and he has said he does not
want to get into a discussion until he has received a report so he can listen
with "an educated ear".
Mr. Marshall said he basically agrees. A few meetings ago he asked
about the transfer station at Keene, and he was told that staff would give the
information needed soon. He hopes this study will show what has to be done in
his district. A lot of people are dumping trash on the back roads of the
Scottsville District, and he believes the people in his locality have to
travel further to the Ivy Landfill than others. He is not willing to address
it in this budget until after he gets a report so he knows exactly what is
being talked about. He also wants to know what the revenues will be.
Mr. Bain said a lot of it is to get the public aware of the problem, and
it may be too early. He has his own ideas of what the Board will be coming up
against that will have to be addressed next year. Mrs. Mumphris said she can
sense Mr. Bain's frustration, and he knows her frustration. The Board
certainly has heard the frustration of the haulers. It simply has a big
problem, and she appreciates Mr. Bain's effort to move forward and take some
kind of positive action.
Mr. Bowerman said as information is developed, and as the Board gets a
few months into it, and the RSWA does increase the tip fee, and there are
serious problems with dumping, if the Board arrives at a solution and puts
those solutions in terms of a tax rate, there will be a lot of public interest
at that point, and he thinks the Board will get the input it is looking for.
Mr. Tucker said he understood that Mr. Bain was proposing an increase to
cover the increase in the tip fee the RSWA is proposing ($13/ton) and one cent
would more than cover that increase. He thought Mr. Bain was talking about
level funding of the present tip fee at $32.00. That increase will mean $1.50
to $2.00 per household in the waste hauler's fee. Mrs. Humphris said she has
a problem in seeing it as something that simple. She cannot go along in good
conscience with something that does not have as a caveat not allowing recycl-
ables going into the landfill. Mr. TuCker said he understands that.
Mr. Bowerman said he thinks the consensus is that the Board will engage
in this discussion during the upcoming year, and it will get attention because
it will be a serious problem. He does not hear a consensus to do anything as
far as the tax rate is concerned. The public hearing on the budget is to be
on April 8.
Mr. Marshall asked if the Board has to recommend a tax rate today. Mr.
Bowerman said "yes". Mr. Marshall then moved to set the rates at $0.72/$100
on real property, and $4.30/$100 on personal property.
Mr. Perkins said he would like to discuss it. There is about $392,000,
a percent of the real property tax, and there is another $100,000 left over,
which totals $292,000 and he personally feels the real property rate should be
kept as low as possible. People who have owned their homes for a long time
have no choice as to what their taxes are, or the assessment. When purchasing
personal property, the person makes a conscious decision knowing what the tax
rate will be. He would rather have a higher personal property tax rate, and
reduce the real property rate by one cent.
Mr. Martin said he can't support that thought because he thinks the
personal property tax has a more adverse affect than the real property tax
rate. For most people~ just by owning a home it indicates that they can pay
some share, but there are a lot of people living in mobile homes and shacks
and renting that have to have a vehicle to get back and forth to work every
March 25, 1992 (Afternoon-Adjourned) ~4.B. 407 Pg. 309
(Page 12)
day. He feels it is absurd that in some cases the personal property tax is
almost as much as that on a house.
Mr. Bowerman said he thinks it is clear that they are both regressive
taxes and he thinks that on balance the personal property on automobiles is
even more regressive because everybody does not have to own a house, but they
do have to have a car of some value, so they have no choice about that. He
mentioned that there is a motion on the floor.
Mr. Tucker said the Board needs to specify that the real estate tax rate
would include real property, public service corporation, and mobile homes at
$0.72/$100, and the personal property tax rate at $4.30/$100 would include
personal property, machinery and tools, and public service corporations.
At this time, roll was called, and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: Mr. Perkins
Agenda Item No. 6. Order Public Hearing of Budget.
the public hearing will be advertised for April 8, 1992.
It was noted that
Agenda Item No. 7. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from ~he
BOARD.
Mr. Martin said he has enjoyed working with the Board during these work
sessions on the budget, and he feels the Board came to a conclusion rapidly,
and it was well done.
Mr. Bowerman noted that some members of the Board are going to the VDOT
Preallocation hearing on updating the Six-Year Improvement Program for the
interstate, primary and urban systems in Culpeper on March 31, 1992~ Also
attending will be State Senator Ed Robb, and Delegates Peter Way and Mitch Van
Yahres.
Agenda Item No. 8. Adjourn. At 5:12 p.m., with no further business to
come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
Chairman