2001-03-19March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 1)
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on
March 19, 2001at 1:30 p.m., Room 235, County Office Building, Mclntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
The meeting was adjourned from March 14, 2001.
PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman (arrived at 1:38 p.m.); Mr. Lindsay G. Dorrier; Jr.;
Ms. Charlotte Y. Humphris; Mr. Charles S. Martin; Mr. Walter F. Perkins; and Ms. Sally H. Thomas.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., Assistant County Executive,
Roxanne W. White, Assistant County Executive, Thomas C. Foley, Management Analyst, Katie Khawaja;
County Attorney, Larry W. Davis; and Clerk, Laurel A. Bentley.
Agenda Item No. 1. Call to Order.
The Chairman, Ms. Thomas, called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Agenda Item No. 2. Budget Work Session: FY2001-2002 County Operating Budget.
Mr. Tucker provided a brief overview of general fund revenues and expenditures (handout on file in
the Clerk's office). County revenues total $171,800,430, and come primarily from local property taxes and
state revenues. Expenditures total $171,800,430. The School Division accounts for 65 percent (including
self-sustaining and debt service), with General Government accounting for 27 percent of total County
expenditures. Total revenues for FY2001-2002 increased by $10.1 million.
General fund revenues total $129,424,1000, with 50 percent coming from general property taxes
and other local taxes accounting for 23 percent. Major revenue sources include $4.9 million from real
estate taxes and $2.4 million from personal property taxes. Local taxes show a reduction, because the
County is required by state law to shift those revenues from local car taxes to the state. Other revenues
include $0.230 million in sales tax, $0.632 million in the BPOL Tax, and no increase in Hotel/Motel taxes.
The General Fund shows an $841,840 reduction as three percent of tourism revenues will go directly into
the Tourism Fund. Major local, state, and federal revenue sources include $0.350 million from the Meals
Tax, $2.6 million in overall General Fund local revenues, $0.09 in categorical state revenues, and $0.34
million in categorical federal revenues.
Current year anticipated revenues, totaling $2,276,000, and the Fund Balance, which is $223,176,
are non-recurring revenues. The Board Reserve, which is $200,000, and the School Board Reserve, which
is $50,000, are recurring revenues.
The projected revenue surplus totals $2,276,000, and projected expenditure savings total
$400,000, for a total of $2,676,000 in projected available carry-over funds. Some of those funds were used
in this year's budget. General Government used $533,774 for non-recurring expenditures, and the School
Division used $650,000 for one-time expenditures, for a total of $1,183,774. Therefore, the projected
ending carry-over totals $1,492,226. Ms. Thomas asked why the $1.2 million surplus tax revenue was not
shown. Mr. Tucker said since the decision to return the money to the taxpayers was made before the
budget was developed, staff decided not to show it in the budget at all.
Available revenues include $1.723 million in one-time funds, with $1.5 million from the year-end
carry-over, and $0.223 million from the prior year fund balance. Recurring revenues total $1,072,541, with
$200,000 in Board reserves, $713,949 in the tax rate reserve, $50,000 in the School Board Reserve, and
$108,592 in health and jail savings. Mr. Tucker said there would be additional savings in school healthcare
costs, due to the lowering of premium costs.
The County's tax rate is currently at $.76/$100, and one penny equals about $714,000. The
personal property tax rate is $4.28/$100, and one penny equals $61,745. To demonstrate the effect of a
one-cent increase or decrease, the tax bill on an average County home is $199,000 x $0.076, for a total tax
bill of $1,512. For this home, a penny increase or decrease in the tax rate would mean a difference of $20
in taxes. Each $50,000 increase in real estate value equals an additional $380 in taxes owed. General
fund expenditures total $129,424,100.
Regarding compensation, the consultant found that teachers' salaries are 1.25 percent below
market, and classified employee salaries are, on the average, 4.5 percent below market. The consultant
recommends: adjusting classified employees to market mid-point on the new scale, making a 4.5 classified
scale adjustment, setting the teacher first step at $30,000, and setting a 1.25 percent scale adjustment for
teachers.
Funds will be spent to make a market adjustment to bring School Division and General
Government classified employees up to mid-point. A 4.5 percent scale adjustment for School Division and
General Government classified employees will be made, as well as a 4.4 percent teacher scale
adjustment. The General Government classified merit pool is recommended at 3.9 percent, and the
School Division classified merit pool is recommended at 4.2 percent. A 0.1 percent reduction would result
in a difference of $20,700 for General Government and $65,000 for the School Division.
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 2)
This year the employer share of health insurance is $2,735; it will rise to $3,143 next year. The
employer share of dental insurance is $97 this year; it will rise to $120 next year. This means that in FY02,
the additional cost for County health benefits will total $205,516, and the additional cost for dental benefits
will total $6,597. The consultant suggested that the County's rate could be lowered to $3,006, so there will
be total savings to General Government of $65,600. By next Wednesday, staff will have the School
Division's savings figure, which is expected to be comparable.
(Note: The figures in this paragraph are given in "thousands".) The change in tax revenues results
in a difference of $8,468. After the $0.01 tax reduction and committed expenditures are subtracted, new tax
revenues available total $6,653. The General Government share of 40 percent amounts to $2,661, and the
School Division share of 60 percent amounts to $3,992. After other local, state, and federal taxes, as well
as fund balance/transfers, net available local government revenues total $2,151. Committed Expenditures
total $921. Once they are subtracted, remaining available funds total $1,223. After the 3.9 percent merit
pool and the market rate adjustment, net remaining funds for new/expanded programs total $251.
Additional funds totaling $180,000 have been received for E-911 and the Department of Social
Services. After using current year anticipated revenue for one-time costs, totaling $533,774, and offsetting
new priorities with generated revenues totaling $228,700, total added revenues amount to $942,474.
Mr. Tucker closed his presentation by stating Albemarle County's mission, 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. The County's goals include: to be a high performance organization focused on
continuous quality improvement, a strong client focus throughout the organization, an active and effective
leadership development model for all employees, and a highly recognized, satisfied, and well-
compensated work force.
The County's overall strategic plan is linked to the budget through continuous quality improvement;
customer service; a highly recognized, satisfied, and well-compensated work force; public safety and
human development as priorities; addressing growth and land-use management; and providing for capital
infrastructure.
Mr. Tucker said the Board has $251,000 available in actual local taxes, but it is also able to tap into
other state funds, for a total of $942,000 in expanded programs. Ms. Thomas asked what figure the Board
should go by. Mr. Tucker said the Board has one-time funds of $1.7 million and an unknown amount in
recurring funds. (That amount is not yet known, since the School health care savings figure is not yet
available.) Mr. Bowerman asked if these figures are after the 60/40 split. Mr. Tucker replied, "Yes,
because the split was done in October." If the Board reduces the 4.2 percent salary increase set aside by
the School Board, savings could be realized. Mr. Bowerman asked where the $50,000 (not explained) is
shown in the proposal. Mr. Tucker said the School Division showed it as School Board reserves, but has
not set it aside for any particular use.
Mr. Tucker noted that there is $842,000 in the Tourism Fund. However, Ms. White said some of
that money has already been spent. The County is hoping to get some carryover funds brought forward
from prior years, and staff hopes to be able to provide the Board a final number on Wednesday.
Mr. Dorrier asked about the salary scale adjustments. Mr. Tucker replied that the scale has
actually moved. Therefore, only new employees at the beginning of their salary scale are likely to get the
money. He added that represents only a small number of employees. Mr. Dorrier then asked if it is safe to
say that everyone gets a 4.5 percent raise. Mr. Tucker said, "No, it is recommended to be 3.9 percent.
However, the School Division wants to give a 4.2 percent raise to its employees, with the exception of
teachers, who would receive 4.4 percent plus one step."
Mr. Bowerman asked if the Board can fund the entire School Division deficit with the $1.8 million.
Mr. Tucker said he would not recommend doing so, because the School Division's expenses are mostly
recurring, not fixed.
Ms. Thomas asked if the National Grounds Intelligence Center (NGIC)'s move will impact County
taxes. Mr. Tucker said since NGIC is tax-exempt, it would only impact public safety programs.
Ms. Thomas said that Albemarle County, when compared to other localities, does not charge the
public the same amount of money for services, such as planning. Mr. Tucker said the County is just trying
to break even; it would be too costly to the public to charge for the actual cost of services.
Mr. Tucker noted that staff has not yet received the state revenue numbers. There is a good
chance that 599 and ABC funds will likely be reduced--both this and next year. Staffwill update the
revenue chart as new information is obtained. Mr. Bowerman said he assumed the County would pay for
the vehicle tax reduction. Mr. Tucker agreed that the impact could be significant over a one-year time
period.
Ms. Thomas asked why insurance rates are being lowered. (No response was given.) She added
that if employees have reduced their health costs, they should receive some sort of tangible benefit.
Mr. White then presented information on expenditures. Administration expenses total $6,959,073.
Critical issues include: meeting the service demands of a growing population, expanding the use of
technology to meet citizens' current and future expectations, involving the community in major County
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 3)
initiatives, implementing a new Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS),
implementing GASB 34 requirements, and balancing changing technology applications within time
constraints and limited financial resources. Recommendations include purchasing eight new voting
machines and community relations-community education materials, as well as adding $600 for postal
services and advertising to the baseline-operating budget.
Mr. Bowerman asked whether the proposed voting machines are the same as those currently in
use. Ms. Jackie Harris, Registrar, responded, "Yes."
Ms. Thomas asked if the community education materials are related to improving the Internet.
Ms. White said they are written documents, not electronic materials. Ms. Thomas then asked where the
costs of improving Internet capabilities are listed in the budget. Ms. White said there is a team working on
those applications, and no costs have yet been estimated.
Mr. Dorrier asked about the purchase of the new financial management system. Ms. White said
the Board funded that in the Fall reappropriations (replacement of the mainframe program).
Ms. Thomas asked about the consultant's comment that the County is falling behind in the
administration of finances. Ms. White said that the Finance Department's budget has actually risen. Three
positions have been reclassified, and several other vacant positions from other departments were moved to
that department.
Mr. Martin asked Ms. Harris to explain the expansion of the Office Associate position. Ms. Harris
said the position was approved, but not filled, in last year's budget. This position is not to be confused with
the recent addition of an Electoral Board Assistant, whose salary is paid by the state; that person was hired
to deal with the increased workload created by changes made at the state level. She added that the most
pressing issue is the purchase of additional voting machines and a storage facility for the voting equipment.
Redistricting changes will likely create several new districts in the County, require new ballot boxes,
machine programming, changes in signage, etc.
Mr. Foley said the Public Works Department is evaluating the County's comprehensive storage
needs, utilizing funds from several departments. The target date for completing this work is June 12. This
would hopefully eliminate the need to request additional funds to pay for storage. Mr. Martin suggested
including the $20,000 for storage on the Board's list for now, in case the Public Works Department has not
completed its study in time.
Mr. Foley said judicial expenses total $2,571,513. Critical issues include: no salary increase
funded for constitutional officers and their staff, meeting the security needs of the uniquely designed historic
court rooms, and addressing the unpredictable number of transports to Court. Recommendations include:
continuing to provide local funding to support constitutional officers and their staff, purchasing a digital
court recording system for the General District Court, creating a Master Deputy Program for the Sheriff's
Office, and funding additional vehicle operating expenses for the Sheriff's Office.
Mr. Bowerman questioned the amount set aside for total transportation costs for transferring
juveniles to and from the Valley. Ms. White said the cost is significant.
Mr. Foley said the public safety budget totals $15,118,920. Critical issues for the Police
Department include meeting the increased demand for community crime prevention, educational
programming, and victim/witness services. Grant funding for the Crime Prevention Coordinator position will
expire at the end of FY00/01. In response to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Foley indicated that this
position had been originally funded through a federal grant. Other critical issues are meeting the increase
in overall calls for service and addressing growth-related traffic problems.
Mr. Bowerman asked if adding more officers would reduce overtime. Chief of Police John Miller
said it would actually result in more overtime, because of increased court time caused by a drastic increase
in the number of arrests made in the County. Ms. Thomas asked how many employees would be added at
the beginning of 2002, as that will affect next year's budget. Ms. Khawaja said there would be four new
employees.
Mr. Dorrier noted that there have been no additional animal control officers added. Chief Miller
said that department has just begun tracking statistics this year, and will make future staffing requests as
needed.
Mr. Foley said critical issues for Fire/Rescue include providing administrative support for the growth
in Fire/Rescue services and volunteer programs, as well as ensuring the establishment, maintenance, and
promotion of volunteer recruitment and retention efforts. The City and County are working to combine their
training programs. Mr. Bowerman added that $7,000 is still needed for training materials; however, he does
not want volunteers to think the Board plans to cover all the training costs.
Mr. Martin asked about thermo-imaging cameras. Mr. Foley said the goal is to have one in each
Fire Station, meaning that the County should purchase one more. He added that the County may be able
to buy the fifth camera out of carryover funds. However, there are none planned for the rescue squads. Mr.
Bowerman said these should be added to the Board's list for further discussion, and Mr. Martin agreed.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman left the room at 2:37 p.m.)
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 4)
Mr. Foley said that the public safety budget funding recommendations include $80,758 for the City
of Charlottesville Fire Department, $117,270 for a juvenile detention home, $20,775 for a regional jail,
$4,000 for new building code books for Inspections, $4,050 for a ten percent increase in the funding of
ongoing operational costs for the SPCA, $2,093 for a four percent operating increase for OAR, and $16,386
for Community Attention (juvenile residential services and assessment center).
Mr. Foley noted that the SPCA has worked with the City and County to provide additional
information. After the budget was put together, it set new policies, which have impacted the funding
formula. Their new facility will not open until next year. The SPCA has requested $750,000 in capital
funds, and he recommended allotting $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman returned at 2:40 p.m.)
Mr. Dorrier asked if outlying counties utilize the SPCA. Mr. Foley responded, "No." Mr. Dorrier
then asked if staff has looked into combining the resources of several counties. Mr. Foley said staff is
looking into this.
Mr. Bowerman then asked how many animals are taken to the SPCA annually. Mr. Foley
responded, "2,700." However, he added, there are no statistics on how many are brought in by animal
control officers. The daily cost of $20 per animal/day is based on total projected operating costs. That
figure might be lowered if the County ran the facility. The County currently pays eight dollars per
animal/day. Ms. Jenny Mead, representing the SPCA, added that State Code currently requires that the
SPCA keep animals for five days. Mr. Bowerman noted that if that time period changes, it will affect the
funding formula. There should be a connection between the actual cost per animal, and the amount the
County reimburses the SPCA.
Mr. Martin asked about maintenance to Fire/Rescue vehicle equipment, which cannot be provided
at the bus shop. Mr. Foley said that a fire rescue mechanic, with a specialty in that area, would be able to
handle that maintenance. He noted that other localities have contracted out preventive maintenance, and
the County is looking into this. Ms. Thomas asked if the present system is working. Mr. Bowerman said the
bus shop could not perform all the maintenance required. Mr. Foley agreed, and added that this will
establish a preventive maintenance program, which does not currently exist. He added that some of the
$100,000 set aside could be redirected for that purpose.
Ms. Thomas asked why there are so many unfunded requests. Mr. Foley said that not many were
previously presented to the Board, due to funding issues.
Mr. Foley then moved to the Engineering & Public Works budget, which totals $2,954,332. Critical
issues include effectively managing an increasing number of County, school, and regional capital projects;
developing and implementing street, utility, and landscape standards; managing a stormwater
management master planning study for a selected region of the development area; and maintaining
security in court facilities after regular working hours and on weekends. Funding recommendations include
a Project Manager (funded with revenues from the Capital Improvement Projects fund) and a Civil Engineer
II, totaling $102,332.
Mr. Dorrier said there is a need for a master plan for stormwater management. Mr. Bill Mawyer,
Director of Engineering and Public Works, said that is being addressed now. The master plan is to be
proactive, mapping out where facilities should be located, so that developers can incorporate the facilities
into their development plans. Property owners could then work together on a "town center" project, selling
shares to other property owners who want to use the system. Mr. Dorrier asked if such a formula exists at
this time. Mr. Mawyer said the County uses a pro-rata share formula based on the additional amount of
water each development adds, and staff is in the process of improving the way the formula works. Since
the current policy was put into place, the County has collected over $300,000 in pro-rata contributions, but it
should be noted that the County paid the costs in advance. Mr. Bowerman said it is important to know what
to charge new developments. Mr. Foley said that would come out of the study.
Mr. Bowerman said a study was done in the Rio Road/Route 29/Hydraulic/Branchlands area and
eight or nine facilities were identified. All have been completed except Birnham Wood. Behind the Daily
Progress building, individual developers paid for portions of the facility, rather than doing it on-site. He
asked if the plan is to study other development areas. Mr. Tucker noted that this is an expansion of the
existing program.
Ms. Humphris asked about the unfunded Engineering Associate position. She said the job
description made it sound as if the department cannot make the best use of engineers and inspectors, if
this position is not added. Mr. Mawyer said staff indicated they need this position to help them utilize
available data, adding that this employee could possibly help other development departments, as well. If
necessary, he would be willing to defer the request for one year to provide time to develop a job description.
However, Mr. Foley said he felt it is critical to hire this employee now, due to the issue of software
development.
(Note: Since Sheriff Ed Robb arrived at this point, the Board returned to discussing the Sheriff's
Department.)
Sheriff Robb said a Master Deputy's Program is needed to improve the professionalism of all
deputies. This is a good way to reward their dedication and willingness to improve their skills.
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 5)
He then distributed figures on violation classifications, summons, fines, and the Game Enforcement
Program, indicating that the figures demonstrated an increased workload. Mr. Foley said the Board had
already approved an additional $10,000 for salaries; the real budget impact is in transportation. Sheriff
Robb said that he could not predict the needs of the court system; he can only manage contractual
overtime. Mr. Bowerman suggested that the Sheriff bring these figures to a day Board meeting for further
discussion.
Mr. Dorrier asked about auxiliary officers. Sheriff Robb said there are 40 volunteers, but not all of
them are fully trained. There is no charge to the County, but contractors may pay them. Mr. Dorrier said
the County should provide additional funds for part-time officers, and asked that the Sheriff provide further
information on how that would benefit the department. Sheriff Robb mentioned that he has established a
part-time Police Academy for nine auxiliary deputies. Full-time officers could also attend, but that would
reduce the work force while they attend.
Ms. Humphris noted that the documentation provided indicates that $20,000 might be offset by the
Compensation Board, so it is unclear how much the Sheriff wants from the County. Mr. Foley said the
Sheriff submitted a request to the Compensation Board for $20,000, but he still needs another $34,000.
Mr. Tucker added that there may be offsetting revenues from the state, but that is unknown at this time. Mr.
Bowerman said the request is for $4,000 in overtime, and $30,000 in part-time wages. It seems that hiring
additional part-time officers would eliminate overtime. If that is the case, he could not understand why the
Sheriff has presented a request for $35,000 in part-time salaries. Mr. Foley said he would gather more
information and bring it back to the Board.
(Note: the Board took a break at 3:25 p.m. and reconvened at 3:30 p.m.)
Ms. White then presented the Human Development budget, which totals $10,452,915. The critical
issue for the Health Department is maintaining programs and required salary increases, despite ongoing
state funding cutbacks. For the FY02 budget, state funds are expected to be 97 percent of the current
level, meaning an actual decrease of approximately $30,000; this estimate was prior to the required 15
percent reduction for state agencies. In addition, state funding currently supports about 32 percent of the
total Health Department budget, down from almost 34 percent in FY01. The funding recommendation is
$762,174. Hopefully federal funds will also be forthcoming.
The critical issue for Region Ten is maintaining critical services despite the state's ongoing failure to
fully fund its full share of needed salary increases. Funding is recommended at $17,925.
Critical issues for Social Services include: obtaining technical assistance to enhance revenues,
program outcomes, and customer data collection; maintaining effective communication with other County
departments as an offsite office; reducing staff turnover in the Child Protective Services (CPS) Unit by
improving retention and recruitment strategies; providing needed services to address increased foster care
caseloads with many children needing high cost care; and supporting increased child care caseloads, due
to federal legislation that significantly increased funding to states to support childcare in communities. The
funding recommendation is $19,359 for an Assistant Director, $18,248 for an Office Associate IV for Child
Welfare, $420 for adoption materials, and $78,900 for CSA carry-over.
Mr. Bowerman asked if exit interviews are conducted when employees leave the Social Services
Department. Ms. Kathy Ralston, Director of Social Services said, "Yes." She added that people said they
were leaving the department because of the Iow salary and high stress level. Ms. White suggested that
perhaps CPS workers should be paid more than other Social Service workers. Staff will bring further
recommendations forward at a later time.
Mr. Bowerman noted that this request is actually to hire a second Assistant Director, one who will
supervise benefit programs. Ms. White said the other Assistant Director supervises the financial and
operational areas. She added that despite an increase in staff of over 45 percent in recent years, there has
been no increase in supervisory staff. This will help to remove the Director from the task of day-to-day
supervision.
Ms. White said critical issues for human development agencies include: continuing to strengthen
unified budget review under Commission on Children and Families and United Way; effectively monitoring
the new outcome measures required for human service agencies; using more program results/outcomes to
allocate resources, rather than numbers served; and $1.4 million overall to human service agencies. The
funding recommendation for additional funds is: $5,952 CCF, $48,099 for JAUNT, $56,898 for JABA,
$2,495 for FOCUS-Teensight Childcare reimbursement; $9,360 for three new childcare scholarships for
United Way, $500 for the Music Resource Center, and $22,146 for CYFS.
Ms. Thomas asked about the on-call compensation program. Ms. White said this is a pilot program
to provide an incentive to get people to work after-hours. Mr. Martin said it is important to include this
program so that employees are not forced to work extra hours if they do not choose to.
Mr. Dorrier noted that congregate meals were not funded, and asked how they compare to Meals
On Wheels. Ms. White said this refers to meal sites, not home delivery of meals. Staff provides most of the
services, but volunteers are used too.
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 6)
Mr. Perkins said the Board should not fund the $40,000 in rent subsidies for the Woods Edge
development. Instead, these should be pro-rated after the development is opened, since the funds go
directly to the residents. Mr. Tucker said staff should obtain more data before making a recommendation
as to how much should be set aside. Ms. White added that the developer was recently advised that he
could leverage funds through the Public Housing Authority, which would then funnel the County's
contribution and matching funds to JABA.
Ms. Thomas commented that the Play Partners Program utilizes many volunteers. Ms. White said
that while that is true, the program needs staff to coordinate and augment the volunteer services.
Mr. Dorrier asked why the Legal Aid Society's request for an Elder Law Program was not funded,
since the elderly population is growing. Ms. White said other resources are available for this purpose, so
this was not considered a priority.
Ms. Humphris asked whether the Commission on Children and Families (K-21) is funded.
Ms. White replied, "Yes."
Ms. Thomas asked whether the County funds the same amount of money per capita as
neighboring counties. (There was no response.)
Ms. Humphris said she would not support increasing money for grounds maintenance. Ms. White
said the Board is required to assist with site development work. Construction costs are paid by the state.
Staff was asked to provide further information on this issue.
Mr. Dorrier suggested that the Extended Learning Institute should be added back into the budget.
Staff was asked to provide more information on this request.
Mr. Dorrier commented that the Bright Stars request was not funded. Ms. White said the only
amount not recommended was $10,000 for computers. She said the computers can be purchased through
other sources. It was the consensus of the Board to add $10,000 for teaching assistants.
Mr. Martin said the Shelter for Help in Emergency was under-funded. It was the consensus of the
Board to add the $919 request to the Board's list for further discussion.
Ms. White said the budget for parks, recreation, and culture totals $4,305,306. Critical issues
include: improving maintenance of existing athletic fields, replacing worn/inoperable expensive equipment,
meeting the demand for more and better athletic fields in the County, addressing the lack of a gym for
winter programs, addressing the special needs children in the Summer Playground Program, and
addressing the need for new playground sites in the Route 29 North and Crozet areas.
Funding recommendations include: an athletic field maintenance program ($74,634), Esmont Park
operating funds ($46,010), extended operating hours for the Summer Playground Program ($7,350), two
new summer playground sites ($27,390), three new middle school scoreboards ($8,715), and the Gypsy
Moth Program ($16,840), for a total of $164,099. In addition, it was suggested that equipment and
machinery be replaced, including a replacement pickup truck and mowers, added to baseline operations in
maintenance and Towe Park (total $50,00).
Mr. Dorrier asked why the Albemarle County Fair has requested funding, since they have not in the
past. He further asked whether the Fair would "die" if the County did not fund it. Mr. Perkins noted that
poor weather has caused the Fair to experience two bad years. He asked whether these funds should
come from sales tax. Ms. Thomas said, "No, since most of the Fair is non-exempt." Ms. Humphris
suggested the money should come from the Tourism Fund. Ms. White noted that $350,000 of Tourism
funds are being used to fund the ACE Program.
Mr. Perkins asked why there is a need for a Gypsy Moth Coordinator, as he has not seen any egg
masses this year. Mr. Tim Tignor recommended the position, saying that Parks and Recreation needs to
conduct mass surveys in order to get reimbursed for spraying the masses. There have been two dry
springs, so the fungus is still here and moths are spreading. Mr. Perkins noted that landowners pay some
of the costs of this work. Staff was asked to provide further information on this item.
Mr. Dorrier suggested the Board contribute $1,500 toward the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival.
Ms. Humphris said she would not support that request. Ms. Thomas suggested that some of the money in
the Lewis-Clark Festival could spill over to that Festival, and that funds from the Tourism Fund could also
be used. Ms. White said if this is a church-sponsored event, the Board should not contribute funds to it.
Mr. Dorrier asked why, then, would the City and the State contribute funds to it. Ms. Humphris noted that
the Festival has requested funds from the City and the State, but they have not yet made any commitment.
Ms. White added that last year the City did not know this was a church-sponsored event when it committed
funds. Staff was asked to provide further information on this item.
Mr. Foley stated that the community development budget is $3,876,304. Critical issues include:
implementation of the Neighborhood Model, completing the Rural Areas section of the Comprehensive
Plan, developing amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, further development of the GIS
system, improving the level of service in zoning enforcement to respond to increasingly complex
regulations, and improving coordination of affordable housing programs and services.
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 7)
Development departments funding recommendations include: a Senior Planner ($37,025), a
Planning Aide ($24,509), the expansion of the Recording Secretary position ($28,901), a GIS Specialist
($48,224), and two Zoning Inspectors ($109,503), for a total of $248,162.
Community development agencies funding recommendations include: Extension Service
($169,273), Soil and Water ($60,732), PDC ($98,393), CTS ($168,009), AHIP ($389,141), MACAA
($150,210), and PHA ($92,132).
Mr. Foley said the Senior Planner position is to help with the DISC review of Comprehensive Plan
amendments and bio-diversity. Ms. Humphris expressed concern that the Planning Department is still not
fully staffed. However, it seems that adding this position will enable more work to be completed. She then
asked about the duties of the Senior Planner, who will be hired in 2002. The job description provided is
missing, and she said that no one individual could fulfill all the suggested duties. Mr. Foley said that
employee will focus on the Neighborhood Plan, Rural Areas, and Critical Resources Planning, etc., and will
still be able to assist with Rural Areas and bio-diversity. Mr. Cilimberg said the position to be filled soon is a
Planning Technician, which will complete Planning's hiring for dealing with the current review workload
specified in Ordinances and State Code. This person will not work on policy; that will be done by the Senior
Planner, who will work with special use permits, rezoning, and assist with long-range planning, not
performing current review work. Ms. Humphris then asked if Planning needs both the Senior Planner and
the unfunded Planner. Mr. Cilimberg said, "Yes." Ms. Humphris then asked, "If these two positions are
filled, can the Board expect the Rural Areas Study, Community Facilities, the Neighborhood Plan, bio-
diversity, etc., to be taken care of?" Mr. Cilimberg said one employee will "float" between rural and urban
issues. Ms. Thomas said that is not possible. Mr. Cilimberg said employee work space is a big factor. Ms.
Humphris recommended that the Planning Department fill both positions in July, 2001, instead of waiting
until January, 2002. It was the consensus of the Board to add this item to the Board's list for further
discussion.
Ms. Humphris stated that there is no rationale for not funding the Zoning Inspector positions, in
order to catch up on the backlog of work. The County has been too stingy with its hiring, and both the
Planning and Zoning departments are falling behind. Mr. Foley said the department agreed to add only two
positions at this time, adding that they may request additional positions next year. It was the consensus of
the Board that both those positions be filled at this time, and that this item should be added to the Board's
list for further discussion.
Mr. Martin asked that staff provide information on the total number of new employees being
requested. Staff will provide that information in the near future.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman and Mr. Perkins left the room at 4:50 p.m. and did not return.)
Mr. Dorrier asked that the Board provide funds for the Small Business Development Center in order
to entice more business into the County. Ms. Humphris said this is not the sort of thing the Board should
support with local taxes. She suggested that that entity could receive support from the Chamber of
Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership, etc. Mr. Martin said it is the policy of the Board to add
items to the list of items for future consideration if an individual supervisor requests it be added, so he
supported the request. Ms. Thomas agreed with Ms. Humphris that there are other agencies that can fund
the Center. Mr. Martin said he still supported Mr. Dorrier's request, and asked that $5,000 be added to the
Board's list for further discussion.
Agenda Item No. 3. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
There were none.
Agenda Item No. 4. Adjourn.
At 5:10 p.m., with no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Humphris offered the motion
to adjourn until 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2001. Mr. Dorrier seconded the motion. Roll was called
and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Ms. Humphris, Mr. Martin, Ms. Thomas, and Mr. Dorrier.
None.
Mr. Perkins and Mr. Bowerman.
Chairman
March 19, 2001 (Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 8)
Approved by Board
Date
6/20/01
Initials
LAB