1999-03-10March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 1)
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on March
10, 1999, at 7:00 p.m., Auditorium, Second Floor, County Office Building, Mclntire Road, Charlottesville,
Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman, Ms. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Mr. Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., Mr.
Charles S. Martin, Mr. Walter F. Perkins and Ms. Sally H. Thomas.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., County Attorney, Larry W.
Davis, and County Planner, V. Wayne Cilimberg.
Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by the Chairman, Mr. Martin.
Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence.
Agenda Item No. 4. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Public.
There were none.
Agenda Item No. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Ms. Humprhis, seconded by Mr.
Perkins, to approve Consent Agenda Item 5.1 and to accept for information Consent Agenda Items 5.2
and 5.3. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris.
NAYS: None.
Item No. 5.1. Appropriation: Criminal History Records Improvement Grant 98B9065CR97,
$176,850 (Form #99057).
The Criminal History Records Improvement Grant was originally approved November 1, 1995. It
has been extended to June 30, 1999. This grant is being used to establish an Automated Intake Center at
the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. It will include the installation of a local area network, the
installation of a records management system, and the installation of a document imaging system within the
jail. This project is part of the larger regional criminal justice system.
The $235,800 records system will be funded by a $176,850 federal pass-through grant and a
$58,950 local jail match. The local jail match was approved by the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
Authority on December 11, 1997.
Staff recommends approval of appropriation 99057 in the amount of $176,850.
By the above shown vote, the Board adopted the following resolution of appropriation:
FISCAL YEAR: 98~99
NUMBER 98057
FUND: GRANT
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRANT.
EXPENDITURE
CODE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
1 1520 93010 193014 TRANSFER TO REGIONAL JAIL AUTHORITY $176,850.00
TOTAL $176,850.00
CODE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
2 1520 33000 330402 FEDERAL GRANT $176,850.00
TOTAL $176,850.00
Item No. 5.2. January 1999 Financial Report, was received for information.
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
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Item No. 5.3. Update on VIEW Program (Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare), was
reoeived for information.
Agenda Item No. 6. Public Hearing to receive comments on the County Executive's Recom-
mended Operating Budget for FY 1999-2000. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on February 28 and
March 7, 1999.)
Mr. Tucker used slides to give an overview of the FY 1999-2000 Albemarle County budget. He
hoped to provide information to prove helpful in understanding the budget process, and he explained that
many people look at the budget as a road map or a fiscal plan for the next fiscal year. He stated that the
budget is more than just dollars and cents, because it reflects many of the responsibilities that local
governments must accomplish as well as the priorities of the community. He will take a closer look at the
County budget and explain what drives it and how citizens can get involved. He believes it is important to
establish a foundation for who and what the County entails because of the obvious implications on the
budget.
At 740 square miles, Albemarle County is the sixth largest in terms of land area within the state.
He noted that this is a large area, and it must be covered by police, fire and rescue, as well as school
buses resulting in greater costs to deliver services to a spread out community. The County's population is
also growing, and it is the eleventh largest in terms of population, with over 80,000 people currently. The
fastest growing segment of the population has been the 65 years old and older group, and people are
coming to Albemarle County with different backgrounds and different expectations. Some people want
the County to be the same as where they came from, and some want it to be different. He commented
also that some people want the County to grow, and some want it to stay the same, which means there is
a diverse mix of community and service needs. He pointed out that urban residents have needs for
infrastructure improvements, recreational space and stormwater detention, etc. However, rural residents
may not need these types of services, but they still may want library services and faster response times
for police, as well as fire and rescue services. Albemarle County's budget tries to address the priorities of
a diverse and growing population, which means there are a lot of different demands and a variety of
services to meet them. Many people are unfamiliar with the services provided by the County, but they
need to know about these services in order to know where their tax dollars go. There were over 4,100
fire and rescue calls for services last year; and over 40,000 calls for police service; there were 50,000
visitors to the County's three swimming beaches; and there are over 30 child protective assessments per
month and foster care services have increased to over 120 children per month.
Using a pie chart, Mr. Tucker next discussed the revenues, and he pointed out that this budget
totals $145,500,000. He mentioned that property taxes are the largest source of revenue for the County
at 47 percent. This revenue is broken down into two categories: real estate taxes which account for
$42,000,000 or 29 percent of the total budget and personal property taxes at $20,500,000 or 14 percent of
the total budget. Other local revenues involve 22 percent of the total revenues which include sales tax,
meals tax, business taxes, utility taxes and fees. He then informed the group that state revenues have
increased this year almost 14 percent primarily due to additional law enforcement funds and $1,400,000
additional dollars in lottery profits for the school system: The economy has been very strong statewide,
and it is hoped these funds will continue. He pointed out, though, that they may not, if the economy
declines. He next compared resources with regard to real estate taxes by using a list of various localities
with their populations and the real estate rate per $100 assessed valuation. He stated that just above the
highlighted area of Albemarle, Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties are shown with populations similar to
Albemarle County's, but their tax rates are much higher at $1.08 and 94 cents respectively. AIbemarle's
tax rate is 72 cents per $100 assessed valuation. He explained that the County actually operates on 62
cents valuation because ten cents is shared with the City of Charlottesville under the revenue sharing
agreement. The 20 largest Virginia counties average 88 cents per $100 assessed valuation, and all
Virginia counties average 69 cents. However, the City of Charlottesville, with less than 40,000 people is at
$1.11. He added that even with the growth pressures experienced in the community for quite some time,
he believes the County has been very responsible and efficient with operations and budgeting.
With regard to expenditures, Mr. Tucker noted that the school operation costs amount to
$82,200,000 in regular operations; $7,300,000 in self-sustaining operations and $8,500,000 in Debt
Service for school projects making a total of $97,900,000 for education or roughly 67 percent of the
budget. General government accounts for $39,000,000 or 27 percent of the total County budget. He went
on to say revenue sharing with the City of Charlottesville is just under $6,000,000 which is four percent of
the total County budget. He next mentioned some of the changing circumstances affecting the budget.
The County is becoming more and more reliant on property taxes, and this next fiscal year, local property
taxes account for 47 percent of the County budget compared to only 39 percent of the budget in 1988.
However, state revenues have improved over last year. Over the past five years state school division
revenues declined from 38 percent to 34 percent, and this year state revenues have increased 11 percent
for the school division which included the $1,400,000 in lottery profits. Local government state revenues
have increased 27 percent primarily due to the law enforcement revenues (599 funds) for the Police
Department and additional categorical funds for the Social Services Department in foster care and
adoption. He emphasized that state revenues have been very beneficial to Albemarle County as well as
other local governments throughout the state. There is still a declining rate of reassessment, though, and
in 1991 many of the people present tonight were at this meeting complaining about the reassessment rate
that averaged 22.5 percent throughout the County at that time. Mr. Tucker explained that since that time,
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it has been declining each reassessment year, and in this current reassessment, it is at three and one-half
percent. He noted that Debt Service has increased over the last five years by 62 percent mostly for
school construction. As the urban and community areas age and expand, the infrastructure needs
intensify in the forms of additional sidewalks, traffic calming needs, recreational areas, and repairing,
maintaining and replacing existing facilities. He pointed out that population and enrollment growth is a
major factor driving the County budget. The County's population is growing at 2.3 percent a year which
equates to approximately 1,600 to 1,800 persons per year. He added that enrollment has also been at 2.3
percent this year, but a slight decline is expected over the next five years. However, it still means that
additional buses, school teachers and textbooks are needed. This next fiscal year school enrollment is
expected to reach 12,200 students, which also impacts the capital facilities at the schools. He explained
that when a school system is growing at approximately 200 students per year, it equates to about one
elementary school every three years. It also impacts the school operations. He gave an example by
referring to a typical $150,000 home which would generate approximately $1,080 in real estate taxes. This
only covers about 16 percent of the total cost of educating one child in the County schools which now is
approximately $6,700 per student. There are also mandated costs to be considered primarily in the
Comprehensive Services Act, (CSA) which deals with foster care and adoption. This has increased from
30 children under care in 1988 to over 120 children in 1998 or a 400 percent increase in this ten year
period. Public safety needs continue with additional firefighters, police and the jail expansion.
Mr. Tucker then noted how budget drivers are reflected in next year's budget. First, under
development and population pressure there is a need for additional engineering, erosion control
engineers, planning technicians, zoning assistants and with the library usage increase, additional
librarians and library assistants. He noted that with an increase in enrollment of 220 more students, 11.2
new teachers, four special education teachers, additional textbooks and even mobile classrooms can be
expected. He referred again to the CSA increase of $425,000 primarily for foster care and special
education needs. Social services are mandated and will need two additional foster care workers and two
child protective service workers. There are special needs due to the County's diversifying population
which include special needs assistants for the summer playground program, standards of accreditation
funding, and additional special education vehicles and drivers and the public safety driver. Because of the
need to provide better service and better coverage of the area, additional firefighters, traffic officers,
additional fuel and vehicle maintenance support for the volunteer fire and rescue squads, additional
dispatchers at the 911 center and jail operating costs are increasing.
Next, Mr. Tucker discussed functions local governments provide throughout the Commonwealth
which are based on the average per capita expenditure of all cities and counties. He called attention to
the County's per capita expenditures where Albemarle is lower than the average in all categories of
expenditures with two exceptions. One is in community development where Albemarle County is slightly
higher than the average of all counties, and the second is the miscellaneous category because it reflects
the revenue sharing agreement with the City of Charlottesville. He pointed out that Albemarle is the only
locality in the state that has such an agreement. The budget is an ongoing process, and it is very
dynamic. The budget process starts in October of each year with preliminary projections of revenues, and
it continues through February. The approval process starts in early March through mid-April with public
involvement, and implementation of the budget takes the entire year. He added that the audit of the
previous year's budget starts in late summer and ends in early to mid-fall. He next talked about how the
public can get involved in the budget process, and the people who are present tonight are already getting
involved. This is the first public hearing on his recommended budget to the Board of Supervisors, and the
Board will hold work sessions on March 15, March 17, March 22 and possibly March 24, if necessary.
There will be an additional public hearing on the proposed budget after these work sessions on April 7
where additional public comment will be received. He noted that the Board plans to adopt the operating
and capital budget as well as set the tax levy on April 14. The public can also get involved by visiting the
County's web site, www.albemarle.org/budget and the elected Supervisors can be E-mailed at that
address.
Mr. Martin noted that there are a total of 27 people who have already signed up to speak, but if
there are others who did not have a chance to sign up, they can still do so. The rules allow each
individual no more than three minutes to make his or her comments, which is an effort to allow everybody
an opportunity to speak. He added that the Board would rather hear three minutes of remarks from
everyone than to hear ten minutes from the first few speakers and not hear the others. He noted that the
Vice Chairman, Ms. Thomas, has a device in hand so she can accurately time the speakers.
Ms. Thomas said the lights on the timer are new, and she will try them with the first couple of
speakers. She explained that a yellow light comes on when there are 30 seconds left to speak. However,
if the speakers cannot see the lights, the timer that makes a beeping noise will be used. The lights are a
wonderful system, but she is unsure if the speakers will be able to see them in this room.
Mr. Martin stated that he will call five names at a time, and these five people should move to the
front of the room. He then called the names of the first five speakers.
Ms. Barbara Schulman, a teacher/translator, thanked the members of the Board of Supervisors for
their consideration of introducing an orchestra to the County schools. She mentioned that an orchestra
does not exclude any child on the basis of color, and the children work toward a goal of shared rhythm
and a shared melody without rivalry. She pointed out that parents will know where their children are, and
there is no time to "hang" at the mall. There are well documented studies proving that orchestra enhances
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting) O0'o004
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SAT scores, and national statistics show how string programs lower violence in public schools. (See
statement to the Board of Supervisors, dated March 8, 1999 and received March 10, 1999.)
Mr. Chris Rembold handed out a statement to the Supervisors. He noted that he has a ten year
old and a 14 year old in the County schools, and he is present to talk about the funding of the school
program. He applauded the Board of Supervisors for running a relatively efficient operation, but he would
like to see increased funding to the school system. He thinks the Albemarle County Schools motto should
be changed from "We expect success" to "We expect excellence." He agreed with the previous speaker's
statement relating to the studies showing that students challenged beyond the standard curriculum will do
better on standardized tests, and he remarked that in this year's report card, from the school system, the
"Odyssey of the Mind" program is reported to be a success. However, the report card fails to mention that
this is primarily a parent volunteer program, and the school system only pays the registration fee and
provides coaches training. He suggested that the school system and School Board are afraid to fund
elitist type programs. Yet, the School Board can find $100,000 for athletics. He mentioned his six month
stay in South Wales where art, music and the Welsh language were taught daily, and there was no
principal on duty. He believes the solution for Albemarle County is to raise taxes to fully fund an
excellence program. (See statement from Chris Rembold, received by the Board of Supervisors on March
10, 1999.
Mr. Kurt Totten, a second grade teacher at Stone-Robinson Elementary School, discussed the
success of Albemarle County students, what teachers are doing to increase this success and what the
Board of Supervisors can do to support the teachers. He pointed out that students exceed the national
average on SAT scores and stanford 9 test scores, and they have done well on the SOL tests, even
though the SOL standards had only begun to be implemented when the test was administered. He said,
despite this success, Albemarle County teachers are not satisfied, and they are working hard to improve
student achievement. He mentioned the hours Stone-Robinson teachers spend trying to find ways to
enrich and improve instruction, and he is proud to work in Albemarle County. He then requested funding
for staffing to reduce class sizes and to fund English as a Second Language programs. He also asked for
an increase in the school fund so schools can maintain their buying power, since the cost of materials has
risen, and he requested funding for the tuition reimbursement increase. (See statement from Kurt Totten
received by the Board of Supervisors on March 10, 1999.)
Mr. Malcolm Inge spoke as Co-President of the J. T. Henley Middle School Parent and Teachers
Support Organization. He applauded the efforts the Board of Supervisors has made to access the many
factors necessary to make this a viable budget which addresses the needs of a growing school population,
as well as the need to provide competitive compensation for employees and the need to allocate
significant resources to meet the state Standards of Accreditation. The Board members of his
organization wish to express their wholehearted support for the proposed budget, but they recognize that
even in the best of times and under the best of circumstances, resources are limited and must be
allocated among many competing priorities. It is a concern to his organization to see so many unfunded
initiatives that directly impact the County's students and children and detract from the exceptional
educational experience needed to prepare them for life in the 21st Century. A review of some of these
unfunded initiatives shows close to $1,000,000 that has been recommended by the School Board for
various projects but they are not being funded by the current proposed budget. He pointed out, for
example, that English as a Second Language programs at $76,000 is unfunded, and Gifted Services, a
Phase Two program at $102,000, is not being funded. He stated that Orchestra, a Phase One strings
program is unfunded at $46,000. He called attention to the partial funding of $163,000 relative to the
Staffing Committee's recommendations which is only four full-time equivalent positions, and is much less
than the $450,000 requested initially. This is not a complete listing, but they are areas having a direct
impact on the children and their educational experience. Every communication he gets from his child's
school has the motto, "We expect success," at the bottom of the page. He remarked that parents also
expect success both from their children and from the support they should receive from the COunty. For
the last five years there has been level funding for the schools, and he wondered how long this can be
continued. It is time somebody provides for Albemarle County's children the educational experience they
deserve.
Ms. Marjorie Shepherd, a parent of four, a teacher in Albemarle County, a taxpayer and a voter,
urged the Supervisors to fund the list of unfunded school needs. It is under $1,000,000, and it represents
things such as starting an Orchestra Program, expanding the Gifted Program and adding another art,
music and physical education teacher. She recalled that in 1995, the schOol system received 70 percent
of the County's available revenues, and now it has decreased to 57 percent. She mentioned that the $100
she got for classroom supplies this year did not buy nearly as much as the same $100 did in 1987, and
increases to her pay have been less than increases for people on social security. She referred to the term
"Ability to Pay" and when Albemarle County is compared to other communities this is true. Albemarle
County revenues are up seven percent, and she asked why the school funding as well as her pay check,
have not increased by the same amount. (See statement to the Board of SuperviSors from Marjorie
Shepherd dated March 10, 1999.)
Ms. Martha Redinger, a parent with children in the Albemarle County School system, stated that
the County has an incomplete music program, and the public schools in Albemarle are growing weaker.
Some call it tough choices, and some call it penny pinching, but she calls it short-changing. The County is
failing its own students, and she believes with the weak offerings in the public schools and the lack of
commitment to schools by excluding music, art and foreign language in the elementary grades, as well as
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
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the lack of a firm commitment to small class sizes, the County is contributing to a certain type of
segregation. She pointed out that there are 27 children in her son's fourth grade class. According to the
statistics gathered at the Chamber of Commerce, the fastest growing industry in this community is the
private schools. She added that while County officials have been pinching pennies, families have been
fleeing from the schools, and she wondered whose ethical standards are being defended when the tough
choices are being made. They are not hers, because she believes the County officials do not work for her
nor the children who are present tonight nor the hundreds of others who will never know what it is like to
play or hear the sound of strings unless a commitment is made to a complete music program. Everybody
should be committed to an excellent school system and not a mediocre one. She has already made this
commitment and now she needs the Supervisors' help. If this program can be started this year, she is
committed to a fund-raising campaign she is sure the community will embrace. She mentioned that
Charlottesville City Schools sent its orchestra for one week to Europe by raising over $100,000 to be
spent in a week's time. She added that $46,000 for the orchestra program is only going to be enough for
five middle schools' sixth grade. When the band instruments' cost are in the thousands of dollars, string
orchestra instruments are in the hundreds, and while Albemarle County is in a state of major growth,
music classrooms easily contain 50 to 100 students. She believes people are here tonight because they
want to contribute, and they want to stand for things. The value in the decisions made is a reflection on
the people who make them. She volunteers in three PTOs and other community organizations, and she
raises money for them. However, tonight she stands for excellent public schools in Albemarle County and
for a high school symphony orchestra which would complete the music program for boys and girls growing
up in Albemarle County who might even make it their career. She believes it is a worthy economical and
ethical choice, and children need this kind of academic and intellectual challenge, they also need healthy
outlets and something to share with their peers. String orchestra is only an elitist thing when it is not
available in the public schools. She urged the Supervisors to make the right choice and fund this
program, because there could not be a better time. The children and parents are ready.
Ms. Patricia Glaser spoke on behalf of the Strings Initiative, and indicated that she has a fifth and
seventh grader in Albemarle County Schools. She mentioned that a friend of hers, who is a professor, is
planning to relocate to a university community in the midwest or east, and since he has several children,
he is looking for a community that values elementary and secondary education as well as a great place to
raise a family. He has narrowed the choices down to Madison, Wisconsin and Charlottesville, Virginia,
and he asked her what she thought. She noted that this is a difficult choice since both locations
consistently rank high in Money Magazine's rankings of the best place to live. She pointed out that when
she asked him if his children were interested in such things as band, orchestra, swimming and academic
options, he replied that they were interested in all of the above, so she gave him a few facts to consider.
Albemarle County is an affluent community, and people have to pay a lot to live here. Her family has
personally made a lot of sacrifices in their own household to be able to afford $400 a month for private
string instruction as well as art and swimming, etc., and this doesn't even include the cost of musical
instruments. She emphasized that in Madison, Wisconsin all these opportunities are provided through the
schools, including the instruments, starting with strings in the fourth grade and band in the fifth. In
Madison's high schools there are actually many levels of orchestra, several band options and many levels
of choral options. Her friend thought this sounded great, but he wondered if Madison officials were
tightening the purse strings in other areas to compensate. She replied that every high school in Madison,
Wisconsin has a swimming pool and a swim team, and two of the high schools have been given the
Presidential Award for excellence. They have the highest SAT scores in the nation, and the Class of 1998
had SAT scores averaging 1,254 plus the Madison School District's overall test scores ranked the City in
the 97th percentile in the United States. Her friend felt this must be due to the high correlation between
years of exposure and higher test scores. According to the College Entrance Exam Board, SAT takers in
1997 who had experience in musical performance scored nearly 100 points higher on the SAT scores than
students with no experience in the arts. The payoff in test scores can definitely be seen in Madison,
Wisconsin where two-thirds of the high school students participate in orchestra, band and a chorus. The
greater investment in the musical arts for Albemarle County Schools most certainly would result in higher
test scores, and research bears this out. Her friend commented that Madison's property taxes must be
fairly high to have such great schools with all these options. The taxes are high, but her brother and his
family live there, and they don't complain. She said you get what you pay for but the focus there is the
children and the value they bring to the community now and in the future. When her friend asked about
Albemarle County, she replied that every year there is a budget crunch so fine arts and athletic options
that are considered mainstream in other school districts around the country are deemed an unaffordable
luxury in the County schools here. She then inquired as to where her friend would rather have his children
to go to school. The relevance of this story and these statistics are to offer the Board of Supervisors a
counter example to the Kansas City experiment which is a case in the extreme that the Conservative
Coalition here has worn out in the media. She noted that Madison's per pupil spending is $2,000 higher
than that of Albemarle County, and she thinks it can be seen from her allegOry that more funding can
result in better schools. Now Virginia ranks in the bottom one-third of the 50 states in the average per
pupil spending with SAT scores just below the national average. She asked if this is where Albemarle
County wants to be.
Ms. Christian Rembold announced that she was present to address the issue of the school
budget, particularly the Orchestra Initiative on the proposed unfunded list. She noted that every year
parents are told there isn't money for the initiatives that will support excellence in education, which include
orchestra, the arts in general, foreign language in the elementary schools and gifted programs, etc. The
priorities are wrong, and instead of playing catchup and spending all the money on remedial programs, the
County needs to reach for excellence and not for just "good enough." Albemarle is a wealthy county, and
Rev. Peter Way, Co-founder of the 500 member Conservative Coalition, said his organization
believes that all levels of government should be both wise and frugal. His remarks will be general in
nature, since this budget has only very recently been made available to the public. The Coalition
appreciates the Board of Supervisors holding this public hearing as well as the tremendous amount of time
each member spends on budget related matters each year. He congratulated Mr. Martin for his recent
election as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and he thanked Mr. Marshall for his years of faithful
service on this Board, as well as for championing many conservative causes. He reminded the
Supervisors that his membership is made up of hard working taxpayers, many of whom have lived in this
community for many years. His Coalition members are not here as employees seeking higher wages or
as special interest groups seeking more dollars for certain projects. They are not here for gain. They
simply implore the Supervisors to remember the tax dollars are indeed people's money and that their
pockets are continually being raided by the government's insatiable appetite to grow and care for the
public's perceived needs. Citizens now work for over four and one-half mOnths each year to pay taxes,
and every person in this room has already had a tax increase this year due to the increase in
assessments. The County budget this year, as in the past, has increased over seven percent which is
$10,400,000. He noted that general government's budget has increased over nine percent, and the
schools' budget has increased over six percent. The cost to taxpayers for an average teacher's full
compensation package will now be over $50,000, and the increase in state funding is over 13 percent.
Both growth and inflation are around two percent, and times are good. He stated that one could almost
say the County is wallowing in the taxpayers' money. He asked the Supervisors to be both wise and
frugal as they work through this budget, and at least give passing consideration to returning some Small
portion of Albemarle's working families' dollars to those who have given it. If not, he urged the
Supervisors to consider establishing a "rainy day" fund for leaner days. He also asked that the
Supervisors be courageous enough to consider that the School Board present them with a balanced
budget. The School Board members claim this budget will be balanced at some point in the future, but
their undisciplined and irresponsible actions need to be challenged. He emphasized that when
expenditures are greater than revenues, the budget is not balanced. He pointed out that Mr. Tucker has
recognized this fact, and each of the Supervisors should also, and he urged them to send the school
system's budget back to the School Board. He again thanked the Supervisors and stated that the
Coalition looks forward to attending the budget work sessions in the weeks ahead.
Mr. John Jones, an employee of the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Department, said he
wanted to remind people that the County operates in a quid pro quo system, which is the foundation of
capitalism. He recalled that five years ago the County instituted a QUIP program, which is a quality
improvement program, and it required extra initiative, work, effort and education from all County
employees. He said, though, some of the merit increases have represented a lot of quip and very little pro
quo. He next referred to an evaluation form which had goals and objectives that ostensibly raise the bar
of his performance every single year. He is required to sign this form with his supervisors, and there is
nothing on it indicating what he will get in return for his added education and effort. There is not a
business person nor a professional worth their bottom line who would get involved in something such as
this, but County employees adhere to this evaluation every single year. The Conservative Coalition has
talked about County employees' benefits. Mr. Jones said that is the cost of doing business in the United
States. He is not talking about a corner flea market, because the County is one of the largest employers
in the area, and if it is to run as an efficient business, the Board needs to help with the County employees'
health benefits. The Conservative Coalition has also noted the many applicants for these jobs. He
agreed that this is true, but a lot of them are not interested, once they find out what they are going to get
paid. It has been said that a government employee has a calling, and some sacrifice might have to be
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 6)
if there isn't enough money for these initiatives because mandated items in the School Superintendent's
budget don't allow enough flexibility then she thinks it is time to consider raising taxes. It is a point of pride
that Albemarle County Schools compare favorably to the schools around the state in academics, but they
do not fare so well with arts and orchestra programs. She then listed some Virginia school systems with
orchestra programs such as: Northern Virginia - Fairfax, Alexandria, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun,
Manassas, Falls Church and Annandale. In the Richmond area -- Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield and
Richmond. In the Tidewater area -- Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Colonial
Heights. Elsewhere around the state - Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, Orange, Stafford,
Fredericksburg and Shenandoah County. She next quoted from an article appearing in The Washington
Post regarding orchestra funding. "When national symphony orchestra music director Leonard Slatkin
discovered last October that the district school system was planning to phase out funding for the D.C.
youth orchestra, he was distressed. 'If we let something like this in the Capitol go,' he wondered at the
time, 'what message does this send to the country.'" Since then, Slatkin has deplored the cutbacks
repeatedly in interviews and from the stage of the Kennedy Center's concert hall, and Wednesday night
he led the orchestra in a benefit concert at the Chancery of the Austrian Embassy taking the young
players ages nine through 18 through the last Movement of Mozart's Symphony Number 25. As an
encore, Mayor Anthony Williams took the stage and conducted a Leopold Tchaikovsky arrangement of
Stars and Stripes Forever. The school funding is now secure once again, and this concert raised $70,000
for the orchestra's planned tour of Austria and Germany. "The D. C. Youth Orchestra is what all of the
public schools should be offering," Slatkin said before the concert. "It's what they do in Japan. It's what
they do in Europe. It's what they used to do in this country. Making music is so good for young people. It
increases the attention span, helps instill a sense of discipline and unleashes a degree of artistry and
imagination." Ms. Rembold then asked everyone present who supports the unfunded initiatives, and the
strings program in particular, to stand. According to the notes, approximately 40 people responded. (See
handout from Christian Rembold given to the Board of Supervisors on March 10, 1999.)
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made to heed that calling. He concurred that this could be true, but the grocery store and creditors are not
recognizing this calling, and they are not lowering his bills. He added that, instead, they are asking him to
show them the money. County employees are not asking for the world. He pointed out the state's and
City's indication of a five percent increase for their employees. County employees are asking for a three
percent increase, and he thinks a little bit of fairness needs to be applied. He noted that last year County
employees got .75 percent above the Consumer Price Index, but families can't keep up with the rate of
inflation with such an increase. He said a lot of employees did not receive this much, because of the
evaluation system, and he urged the Supervisors not to be intimidated by a few people who believe their
ideology is fair simply because they scream louder than everyone else. Albemarle County employees
have worked very hard through a quality improvement program to make things better. Employees are
asking, but not demanding, with respect, dignity and Courtesy that the Board of Supervisors be fair.
Mr. Michael AIlers, a second grade teacher in Albemarle County and the father of two children
who attend Albemarle Public Schools, asked the Supervisors to make it possible for him to continue to
teach in Albemarle County while simultaneously remaining a resident of the County. He came to
Albemarle three years ago and was fortunate to secure a teaching job soon after he applied. His
immediate reaction to the salary was one of reservation, but because of the love of children, as well as the
profession, he committed himself to giving the children in his charge the best he had to offer. This means
setting aside about 70 hours a week not only to teach the students, but to designate and design plans that
are creative and thought provoking. The students leave his classroom better and are life long learners
and high order thinkers. His commitment to the seven and eight year old children in his class pays back
dividends for each of them to invest in the subsequent years of their education and lives. Despite the fact
that he has achieved great success with his students, he sees his teaching experience in Albemarle
County coming to an end soon. He added that the reason is simple, because he cannot teach in an area
where he cannot afford to live. He currently owns a home in Scottsville, but due to the special needs of
his youngest son, he needs to move closer to Charlottesville, since Scottsville doesn't offer the same
services as Charlottesville. If he replaced his current home in the Charlottesville area, it would be double
the cost, and he cannot afford it. Therefore, he and his wife have decided to move to an area where a
teacher can still make a home in the community in which he or she lives. He will take with him many
things as he leaves, and among them will be a love for teaching children and a love for learning, a work
ethic that is not equaled and a host of life experiences including a previous career as a New York
policeman. He has been in business, and he has been involved in a lot of other things that he has brought
to the classroom, and he has taught his students many things the average person can't teach them. He
then reported that last year, at the request of Dr. Castner and Mr. Morgan, he attended a reception in
honor of minorities who teach in Albemarle County, a mold in which he fits because he is a male teaching
in an elementary school. At the reception he was led to believe Albemarle County has a commitment to
minorities in education to diversify the teaching population in the schools and to make it better. He hopes
he was not led to believe in something that was not true. He wanted to teach in Albemarle, and he simply
requires a salary that is on par with the cost of living in the County. He is paid a salary that is Iow enough
for his two boys to receive free lunch, despite his previous teaching experience and a Master's Degree.
This, coupled with the incomprehensible fact of the cost of housing in the Charlottesville area, the
conclusion that he needs to leave Albemarle is easy to reach. He asked that the Supervisors help him to
avoid this conclusion, and help him and others in his position to remain teachers and residents of
Albemarle County. He urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the salary raise to make this possible.
Ms. Cathy Perry, Gifted Advisory Committee Chairperson, read a prepared statement on behalf of
the Gifted Advisory Committee. She noted that this Committee includes parents, teachers and community
members representing all 24 schools. The Committee strongly urges all initiatives which the School Board
deems essential to a quality education, including the plan to enhance gifted services. She discussed the
need for funding the gifted program and differentiated instruction, as well as the value of providing full-time
services which are integrated with the classroom. She thanked the School Board for its commitment to
quality education and encouraged the Board of Supervisors to provide funding to support this
commitment. (See Remarks for Public Hearing from Cathy Perry received on March 10, 1999 by the
Board of Supervisors.)
Ms. Amy Albright stated that she was asked by the Crozet Elementary School PTO to request the
Board of Supervisors to fully fund the School Board's proposed budget.
Mr. Don Vale, Tri-Chair of the Albemarle County Principals' Association noted that he was
representing the principals, assistant principals and associate principals for the 24 schools in the County,
and he urged the Supervisors to consider the State Composite Index which suggests that Albemarle
County has the ability to continue to fund excellence in its schools. The results of the Stanford 9
Achievement Test, the SAT Test and the Virginia Standards of Learning suggests that the school system
continues to outperform its resources. He pointed out that since 1992 the school division's enrollment has
increased without the commensurate growth in funding. No longer can the school system continue to
improve without financial support, and he noted that the Principals' Association believes the Board of
Supervisors' top priority should be to fund the Superintendent's proposed budget. He then mentioned the
request made to this Board by the School Board for a number of additional items. At the top of the list the
Principals' Association recommends funding the additional teaching positions proposed by the Staffing
Committee including ESOL staffing, Gifted Phase II staffing and the additional positions needed to
equitably fund the Elementary Art, Music and P.E. programs. He also said the Association is requesting
the Supervisors to consider programs such as the Secondary Alternative Education Program as well as
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
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000908
increasing school and department budgets by two percent. (See Statement for FY 99-00 Budget
Consideration from the Albemarle County Public Schools Principals' Association, dated March 10, 1999.)
Ms. Maria Muntner, a fourth grade teacher at Stone-Robinson Elementary School, stated that she
is proud to serve this year as President of the Albemarle Education Association. She added that the
Association is working closely with the principals' and parents' associations locally on school issues. As
professionals they are proud of their districts' and students' accomplishments, and as professionals they
are dedicated to meeting high standards for the County's children. However, as professionals, they are
also concerned because they know there is nothing any more important for students' success than the
daily guidance of motivated, dedicated, talented and quality educators. Next year Albemarle County will
fill over 100 teaching positions. Yet, there are currently less than 400 applications on file for those jobs
which is the choice of one in four applicants. She stated that teachers are concerned about their County's
ability to recruit and retain quality teachers. Since 1994 one-third of the teachers here have not even kept
up with the U.S. cost of living, but the cost of living here is ten percent above the U.S. average. Albemarle
County is an expensive place to live and according to the Department of Education the County is not
paying its fair share toward education in this wealthy community. She remarked that the School Board
has already made many difficult choices in this budget, and to begin to align salaries with local economic
reality, they have included a four percent salary increase for employees, and have carefully chosen the
most worthy needs from the Superintendent's list of unfunded programs. These are the things the School
Board simply cannot choose between, and not fully funding these needs will be forcing these choices.
She inquired if services need to be provided to ESOL students whose English skills need support so they
can succeed in school, and should school budgets be increased which have gone up only once in six
years so students will have access to accurate maps and up-to-date materials. Or, maybe additional slots
for Secondary Alternative Education should be provided so disruptive emotionally disturbed students can
learn in a more appropriate setting. She emphasized that when people choose between programs, they
choose in essence between children. Albemarle County is by all measures a wealthy community, and the
economy at the local, state and national levels is booming. She asked the Supervisors if they think now is
the time for these difficult choices, or is now the time to leave this community to harness its robust
economy and to relieve the schools and children from years of shouldering the costs growth in Albemarle
County. The Association, as professionals, asks this Board to fully fund the School Board's budget and
additional initiatives. The choice now belongs to the Board of Supervisors. She then asked members in
the audience to stand if they would like to show their support for these ideas (approximately 50 people
stood).
Ms. Patricia Abbitt stated that she is President of the Parent Council for Albemarle County
Schools and President of the Murray High School Parent Advisory Committee. She announced that
Lannie White, a Parent Council member, will speak on happenings at the Woodbrook Elementary School
and Laura Laffond will represent Broadus Wood Elementary School. Murray High School will have a new
principal arriving in May, and parents expect to continue to work toward their goals of better education.
She noted that Murray High School parents are pleased with the Science Program and the motivation
provided by the science teacher with the assistance of the U.Va professor emeritus, and she mentioned a
successful telescope project that was built at Murray High school. The attitude at Murray High School
attests that it's not all gloom, doom and lack of money. The parents are very grateful for the help that's
been received for the hands-on projects, and she thanked the Board of Supervisors for its support at
Murray High School as well as for all of the Albemarle County Schools. (See memo to the Board of
Supervisors from Patricia Abbitt dated March 10, 1999.)
Mr. Lannie White, a resident of the Woodbrook Subdivision and the parent of two children who
attend Woodbrook Elementary School, mentioned the large percentage of the budget that belongs to the
school system. He is also a member of the Parent Council which meets once a month, and the Council
has been privileged to work with other PTO and PTA representatives, as well as with Dr. Castner, who
has been preparing them for this budget process. He would have to take issue with an earlier comment
that School Board members were told they didn't do a good job when they presented an unbalanced
budget. He said, though, a better job would have been for the School Board to ask for more funding. He
then mentioned the Revenue Sharing Agreement, and said it is shocking that ten cents of the 72 cents
residents pay goes to the City of Charlottesville. He suggested that perhaps something should be done
about this situation, because the long term has to be considered. He stated that Governor Gilmore has
proposed to make cuts in taxes for food and personal property taxes. He said money has to come from
somewhere, and the Board of Supervisors has to see the initiative that more money is needed in order to
maintain the education that is here in Albemarle County. He came from Chesapeake, Virginia four years
ago, and his tax rates were considerably higher, but his children got considerably less in education. When
his family members moved here, they got more, and he wants to continue to get more and not less. He
noted his respect for all the people representing the strings program, but he is a sports fanatic. He
referred to the fact that the middle schools programs were cut last year, and his child won't get these
programs. The entire realm has to be considered. He mentioned that the County has teachers who work
hard for more than just the 40 hours per week. They work 70 hours a week, and teachers work the whole
year, rather than just for ten months, because they are preparing for next year's work. He asked that the
Board not listen to the minority groups who request the Board to be frugal with the funding. He requested
.that the Board consider how the money is really going to be used which is not just for students, but also
for County services. The level of excellence in Albemarle County has to be maintained, and it is a wealthy
County. Therefore, the state does not give Albemarle County as much funding, because they expect
County officials to find the extra money. County officials get the money from the citizens. He voiced his
appreciation for the time to speak, and he asked that the Supervisors do something to fund all of the
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unfunded initiatives. He also urged the Board to look after the teachers because they look after the
children.
Mr. Bob Hauser, a resident of the Rivanna District of Albemarle County, remarked that he is
present tonight in his capacity as Chairman of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. He
explained that the Chamber is an association of businesses and many of the members are citizens of the
County or work for businesses located in the County. The Chamber's Legislative Action Committee
monitors and studies the budgets over local jurisdictions, and he thanked Bob Tucker and his staff for their
work to keep the Committee informed and educated on the budget process. He would like to share the
Committee's process which involves a County budget subcommittee, chaired by Chris Lee, that followed
the preparation of the School Board's budget. Committee members are now studying the proposed
County budget and will work toward a formal presentation of their ideas following the work session at the
public hearing in April. They hope to present ideas on how the County can operate more efficiently within
the current draft budget, provide revenue for some key unfunded priorities and prevent the need for
property tax increases for years to come. The Committee hopes to inspire County leaders to consider
long term cooperation by sharing services and facilities with the City and potentially with other jurisdictions
in the region. The Committee recognizes that some real progress is being made to improve the
efficiencies in this area, and that there are obstacles to further progress, but he asked County leaders to
persevere for the benefit of the taxpayers. He noted that the following areas have been identified where
resources can be shared to improve services, add programs and still save money such as: the Parks and
Recreation Department, fire services, public transportation, road improvements, social services and the
school system. He further encouraged the Supervisors to take advantage of the favorable economic
climate and set aside funds now for capital improvement needs so future bond referendum can be avoided
which could very well trigger an increase in the real property tax rate. He also encouraged County leaders
to stop duplicating services, which under serves the citizens of the County and the City and, rather, look
ahead to the next year. The Committee wants to stop pressuring property taxes during non assessment
years. He agreed with the County Executive and the School Superintendent that the following priorities
are deserving: Human Services, Comprehensive Services Act, local matching fund increase and the
Pantops shuttle. He said for work force development the Committee supports the Career Awareness
specialists, English as a Second Language and school based technology support. He stated that the
Committee members look forward to working closely with the Board of Supervisors throughout this
process to achieve the most efficient and productive budget possible in FY 1999-2000, and he thanked
the Supervisors for their time, effort and thoughtful consideration.
Ms. Patty Devine stated that she is a CPA practicing and residing in Albemarle County. One of
the most satisfying activities she has done of late is to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the
Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE). She requested, as a representative of that Board, that the
Supervisors fully fund the Shelter's request for next year. She noted that the Board of DireCtors is a hard
working Board that includes two (::PAs, a banker, several attorneys and numerous health, education and
social welfare professionals. They actively help manage the affairs of this organization with a coordinated
effort of an incredibly able professional staff, and she assured the Supervisors that their financial support
is not wasted on unnecessary expendituresl She remarked that they Watch every dollar and are very
careful, and their mission, to which all of the members of the Board of Directors are deeply committed, is
to end the scourge of domestic violence in this community. They are grateful for the Supervisors' past
support, and thank them for their continued commitment. They will not let County officials down.
Mr. Paul Wright stated that as a member of the Conservative Coalition, he has always used the
budget as a harvest of the tax dollars, and now it is time to divide it. This has been a bountiful harvest,
and the $10,500,000 expected for this year's budget will represent the largest single dollar increase of all
times. He noted that it is a 7.75 percent increase which is more than enough for growth and more than
enough for most of the growth in funding. State revenues have increased by over 13 percent which
represents how healthy the economy is in the Old Dominion. He added that local funds have increased by
5.1 percent, and this represents a tax increase to each and every citizen. While the tax assessments
have not changed, the taxes have. He commented that this Iow tax rate is more a function of property
densities and zoning restrictions than anything else, and when taxes per person are examined, they are
about average in the State of Virginia. The budgets have allowed the County to keep its teachers in the
top ten percent of all counties in the State of Virginia in salaries, and 50 cents of every dollar collected in
tax revenue goes to their salaries. He added that reassessment running ahead of the rate of inflation
cannot go on forever. Mr. Tucker spoke of the possibility of economic downturns, and Mr. Wright
remarked that he would like to talk about this probability. He commented that when economic downturns
occur, it will be the single worse time to raise taxes. He suggested that a rainy day fund be established,
since most families and corporations have such a fund, as well as the State of Virginia. Every child knows
the fable of the grasshopper and the ant, and while he does not suggest the Board has been fiddling
during this economic summer, he suggests that neither can there be a guarantee that when winter comes,
it will be mild.
Ms. Blair Jones, a mother of three children in the Albemarle County school system as well as
having another child at home, noted that she is a voter in the White Hall District. She urged the Board to
fund the strings program by using an agricultural metaphor, and she asked what a potato and a fiddle
have in common, besides being well loved by the Irish. She pointed out that a potato grows in rocky
places; it can be prepared many ways; it provides many basic nutrients; and it can be easily preserved for
long periods. She added that a string orchestra is a staple, such as the potato. It is relatively inexpensive
to plant, and it grows easily with only a little cultivating. She stated that it nourishes rich and poor alike,
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 10)
0000 0
and it will return the initial investment many times over in the development of young minds, of positive
social interaction, in aesthetic enrichment and in the cultivation of a life long avocation for many, many
people. (See handwritten comments by Blair Jones as well as a typewritten letter to the Albemarle County
Board of Supervisors, both dated March 10, 1999.)
Ms. Laura Laffond, representing the Broadus Wood PTO, said she is also a member of the Parent
Council, as well as a parent of three children in the County school system. The Broadus Wood PTO
supports the salary increase requested by the Albemarle Education Association for teachers of Albemarle
County. She commented that the PTO is concerned about the recruitment and retention of quality
educators, and with the area's cost of living being higher than the national average and the teachers'
salaries being lower than the national average, this disparity will outweigh the outdoor, cultural and higher
educational opportunities that have attracted teachers in the past. Now Albemarle County must Compete
against areas that are willing to adequately compensate teachers through higher salaries and bonuses.
She added that parents and the Community expect a lot from teachers. They leave their children with
them for six and one-half hours each day and expect them to be social workers, health care providers,
surrogate parents and, at the same time, they are expected to provide the children with high standards of
educational opportunities. They also want teachers to attend school sponsored events at nights and on
weekends, and they are expected to take continuing education courses and to grade tests and papers in a
timely manner. People want their teachers to be enthusiastic about their work every day, and to revise
their curriculums continuously, and they need to be paid what their services are worth. Whether citizens
have children in public schools or not, it is in the best interest of the community to educate the children.
She mentioned that today's children will be the future work pool and taxpayers, and she wondered how
many people have had a teacher who has made a difference in their lives. Such a teacher has a spark
and a passion, and he or she is motivated. She asked how enthusiasm, passion and motivation can be
expected when teachers are not being paid what they are worth. She stated that to recruit and retain the
best and the brightest teachers, competitive salaries need to be paid. As a community, the teachers'
salary increase needs to be supported. She commented that it takes a community to raise a child, and
excellent teachers are part of that community, as well as responsible taxpayers.
Ms. Gercke stated that she is a taxpayer who no longer has children in the County schools. She
would like to see the Board of Supervisors support all of the County's needs and not just things relating to
the school system. She suggested that taxes be raised, because if it is not done now, it will have to be
done soon with the elimination of the car tax and possibly the elimination of some of the food tax. She
recalled that she came before this Board last year and requested that the meals tax be approved. It has
helped, and this year she is asking that taxes be raised to see if that will help.
Mr. John Martin, a resident of Free Union, referred to the proposed expenditure of $9,937 for the
ongoing criminal law enforcement program. About a year and a half ago, Ms. Janice Garrison was killed
in Albemarle County in a hunting related incident. After that, and as a result of some citizens' concerns
because of Ms. Garrison's death, this Board wisely decided to appropriate approximately $10,000 for
additional hunting criminal law enforcement. The money was expended during this last hunting season.
He commented that the reports have come in from the law enforcement agency, and it is clear the money
was well spent. However, it wasn't enough. The money appropriated last year paid for 62.5 man days
during a 45 day hunting season which meant that it paid for approximately one and one-half additional
police officers per hunting day in a 740 square mile County with only two game wardens. The officers are
stretched too thin. He next requested that the money toward the ongoing program for next hunting season
be doubled so it could at least provide three additional law enforcement officers on the road per hunting
day. He remarked that this relates to public safety, and spending money for this purpose provides
benefits that are both immediate, direct and importantly measurable. He has spoken with Chief Miller and
Sheriff Hawkins about this matter, and they are supportive of the whole program. He stated that he
believes they will be supportive of additional expenditures if the money can be found, and he emphasized
that it is important.
Ms. K. O. Lee remarked that he is a citizen of Albemarle County and a member of the Library
Board as well as Chairman of the Library Board's Budget Committee. He thanked Mr. Tucker and Ms.
White for including the library budget in this proposed budget, and he stated that it has been held to 4.68
percent which is primarily due to salary increases. He noted that two positions are being added at the
Northside Library where the circulation has gotten extremely heavy. He then requested that when the
Supervisors go into their work session, they pay considerable attention to the Social Services section. He
and Ms. Thomas have corresponded many times on this subject, but he can't understand with the new
program coming into effect in the state and Albemarle County as well as the almost record Iow unemploy-
ment, why the Social Services budget should increase 12 1/2 percent. He went on to say Ms. Thomas
has told him that only two and one-half percent of the total Social Services budget is involved in welfare
payments, and Mr. Tucker in his presentation related that most of the increase was due to the foster care
program. This is probably true because the program costs a lot of money. However, when he called the
County court, someone there told him that they take the recommendation of the Social Services
Department, and he feels as though it is a "chicken and egg" situation. He added that this is something
the Supervisors can explore further during their work sessions. He noted that there have been many
people tonight asking for support of the school budget. He is for educating the children in Albemarle
County in every way possible. All of his children have finished college, and he has none currently in the
school system. He has studied the number of teachers in the school budget, and based upon the chart in
Section F, teachers account for 50 percent of the total personnel in the school system. He suggested that
perhaps some corporate downsizing needs to be attempted and perhaps this is a place where money
00G 11
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 11)
could be saved to do some of the marvelous th!ngs people have spoken about tonight. He also noted that
he has been following the Standards of Learning situation very closely, and there is about $1,300,000
targeted for SOL improvement. He wondered, though, what the County was doing about such things
before the present time.
Ms. Sherry Buttrick addressed funding for the ACE Program for the purchase of conservation
easements. Although it is not customary to earmark the two cents portion of the lodging tax going into the
General Fund, she wondered if such earmarking might be helpful in order to assure the funding for this
program for next year, since funding for the program does not appear in either the CIP nor the operating
budget. She referred to the fact that there are other earmarked items in other portions of the lodging tax
funds, and she mentioned the 60 percent earmarked for tourism. She stated that this could serve as a
precedent for setting aside funds for the ACE Program. The fund balance that was identified as one
source of funding for the ACE Program does not appear as an operating budget item, but she expressed
the hope that the commitment would remain for using this money as the constraints for budget items arise
through budget process. She remarked that the ACE Committee still hopes the $1,000,000 budget
request will be fully funded. So far the County Executive has identified approximately $850,000 for that
request, but it is still $150,000 short. She stated that other sources need to be considered, some of which
are CIP items, such as the Discretionary Fund relating to the County's and VDoT's Revenue Sharing
Agreement, or some other fund for making up the difference between the request and the amount that has
been allocated so far. She then inquired whether the itemS for staff salary and administrative costs for
operating this program in the upcoming year need actually to appear in an operating budget in order to be
in the right category.
Mr. Martin noted that Ms. Buttrick was the last person who signed up to speak prior to the
beginning of the public hearing, and he asked those people who did not sign the sheet but who would still
like to speak, to raise their hands. He then asked the three people who responded to come forward.
Mr. Harold Pillar noted that volunteer taxes are viable, and anytime people want to pay more
taxes they are welcome to do so. He was disappointed with all the rhetoric last year, as well as this year,
and he hopes things will be better in the future. He stated that he is a councilman from the Town of
Scottsville, and he would like to discuss revenue sharing with the County. He stated that approximately
$4,000,000 of taxes is paid from Scottsville every year, and it doesn't come back, except to educate 45
children for about $450,000. The Parks and Recreation Department has built a couple of recreational
facilities, and now negotiations are being held with the Police Department for adequate coverage. He
explained that Scottsville pays for its own policemen 80 hours a week. Scottsville officials have requested
a police officer for some weekends, but the police officers never find time to help them. They have also
asked for a used police car, and they will take anything. He emphasized that police officers are on duty at
Monticello High School 17 miles away from the County/Town line. It has gotten to the point that some
people are in rebellion about what the County is not doing for the Town of Scottsville since a lot of taxes,
including real estate and industrial taxes, are leaving the town. He next mentioned the school budget.
Approximately $8,800 per student, not $6,700 as was reported earlier, is paid for each child. He stated
that there is an average classroom size of 18 in the County which costs about $900 a day in every
classroom in the whole system. There is a discrepancy of $600 a day or two times what a teacher earns
that doesn't get put into the classrooms. He commented that costs can be cut, but they don't have to be
cut in the classroom nor in teachers' salaries. He mentioned that costs could be lessened in such places
as the Human Resources Departments and training. There are also things countY citizens thought they
had already paid for that are still being requested. He suggested that the overhead the School Board
presented to the Board of Supervisors really needs to be questioned.
Mr. George Bailey stated that the Supervisors should look at ways to save money and not to
spend it. He indicated that he recently went to Monticello High School, which is a beautiful school, but he
saw why it cost $40,000,000 to build it instead of the estimated $25,000,000. He went there to hear Mr.
Wright and Mr. Way debate about the $1,000,000 shortfall in the school budget. He noted that on the
other side Was Dr. Castner, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Baker, the Chairman of the School Board.
After listening to them for an hour or so, the School Board Chairman said there was a $1,000,000 shortfall,
and if the Board of Supervisors did not fund that, he wondered what the school system would do. Mr.
Bailey stated that Mr. Baker and Dr. Castner decided they would call the School Board members in again
to go over the school budget and "press it down" another $1,000,000, and then present a balanced
budget. He commented that this seems to him to be a lot of waste, and although he doesn't know how
much time it takes to examine a budget, he was disappointed. He had the pleasure of working with Guy
Agnor every year he was County Executive, and he was also in the same military base with him during the
Korean War. He had lots of respect for him. He commented that when Mr. Agnor started the budget
process, he would inform the department heads at staff meetings that a certain amount of revenues was
coming in from reassessments, there would be a certain amount of funding from federal funds and another
amount would be funded from the state. He added that Mr. Agnor would inform the department heads
how much percentage the budget could be raised. He pointed out that Bob Tucker would attend these
meetings, because at one point he was head of the Planning Department, before he became Assistant
County Executive. Mr. Bailey stated that Mr. Agnor would send out a memo indicating how much he, as
Sheriff, could raise his budget, which was approximately $5,000 in those days. Mr. Agnor told Mr. Bailey
to divide the allotted amount up the way he thought it should be divided and then present his budget. He
stated that he would present his budget the way he was instructed by Mr. Agnor, and he never thought
about going beyond what Mr. Agnor said or going above his estimate of how much his budget could be
raised. Department heads then didn't have all these problems. He recalled that he went to public
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting) 0000~.~
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hearings, but he doesn't remember any principals arguing about their salaries. He added that when the
salaries in the budget are considered, some of the school personnel are making $70,000, $80,000 or
$90,000. Mr. Agnor always mentioned at the beginning of his presentation that there are a lot of people
living in Albemarle County on a fixed income. He added that they may have a piece of property with a
house on it, but they don't have enough money to buy health insurance. He urged the Supervisors to
keep this in mind when they prepare their budget. There are still people in Albemarle County working for
minimum wage.
Ms. Marianne Delbiondo noted that she is a parent and a taxpayer. She has five children, four
that are no longer at home, and one son at Albemarle High School. She has lived in Albemarle County
since 1984, and she keeps asking members of the Board of Supervisors to make sure education is their
main priority. She has gone to every School Board meeting, and she does not think there has been any
bad spending of the citizens' money. She would like very much this year for the Board of Supervisors to
give the School Board what it needs. She wants the teachers to be paid, because nobody in the business
world would put up with the things the teachers have to endure. She emphasized that she is not only
talking about the school system, because she thinks everybody needs support from social services to the
elderly. She mentioned that when parents are speaking, it appears that they are only thinking of their
children, and they are not thinking about the future years. A lot of parents realize there will be a point
when they will reach 50 and 60, but she hopes the next generation will remember that this generation
cared about them. If the young children today are not cared for, they will not care for others in the future.
She urged the Board of Supervisors to give the school system what it needs, as well as the County's
libraries, the Police Department and fire departments.
No one else came forward to speak, so Mr. Martin closed the public hearing. He would like to
clear up a few things, although he would not be debating or disagreeing with anyone. He referred to Mr.
White's comments about revenue sharing and how perhaps it should be re-examined. The revenue
sharing matter is actually an agreement signed with City officials in 1983 whereby in order for them not to
annex County property, a certain percentage of the County's budget would be paid to the City each year.
This is not the type of agreement that can be redone. He then mentioned the wealthy community issue,
and he agreed that this is a very wealthy community. However, there are a lot of people who live in this
community who are not wealthy. He clarified that the state does not allow any type of income tax to be
imposed, so the beneficiary of the wealth in this community tends to be the State of Virginia because they
are imposing an income tax. The wealthiest person in the world could live here, but there is no access to
that money other than property taxes. He noted that the property will still be here whether the same
person lives here or not. There might be more individuals taxed for the same property. He added that it is
difficult for the County to get at this wealth, and the County officials keep asking the State Legislature for
flexibility. He commented that the Composite Index includes the wealth of the County even though there'
is no access to that wealth and this is unfair. There was some discussion of the Standards of Learning,
and Ms. Buttrick asked the question of whether the tourism funds are earmarked for the ACE Program.
Mr. Tucker responded that these funds are not intended for the ACE Program. Carryover and
fund balance revenues are being used for the initial year of the ACE Program, if the Board adopts the
plan. He reminded Board members that they have not been given a plan for the ACE Program, yet,
although they have seen the overall schematic of how the program would work. However, there is no
identifying ongoing revenue for the program as yet. He recalled that at one point there was discussion of
actually including the ACE Program in a bond issue so the public would have an opportunity to vote on the
matter. A revenue stream could then be established for the program. He emphasized that these are one
time revenues because that is all the revenues available at this time. He went on to say the problem with
using the Tourism funding for this matter, is that'theSe funds :haye to be allocated carefully, and there has
to be a nexus between the ACE Program and those types of purchases that are tied to tourism. That is
one reason only $350,000 has been identified. He stated that if the revenue sharing with VDoT is not fully
funded, some of this funding might be used. However, even though there was discussion of using these
VDoT funds, they have not been specifically identified for the ACE Program.
Mr. Martin thanked the members of the public for coming to this meeting. The Board appreciated
every comment that was made. He noted that the Board will be in work sessions for the next couple of
weeks, and the public is welcome to attend these work sessions, and another public hearing will be held at
the end of the work session process. He is glad to see so many people interested in this County, the
school system and other aspects of the budget, such as Patty Devine who spoke about the Shelter for
Help in Emergency.
Mr. Marshall said he was glad Mr. White made the comment about having lived in Chesapeake
where the taxes were much higher than Albemarle County's, but the education system here is a lot better.
He then referred to Pat Glaser's remarks about her friends who live in Madison, Wisconsin, who are
thinking about moving here. He would encourage anyone with a lot of children to move to Madison,
Wisconsin, because it will save Albemarle County a great deal of money, since the County will not have to
educate those children. It will also help a lot with the zoning situation in the County. He is glad Mr. Martin
explained about the wealth in Albemarle County, because all his life he has been hearing about how
wealthy Albemarle County is, but he has seen the down side where individuals are living on fixed incomes.
There are also people who were born and raised here, but they had to leave because they were taxed out
of the County. When he bought his first home, he paid $12,000 for it, and a person cannot buy a car for
that amount of money today. He stated that this shows how far Albemarle County has come. He
acknowledged that Albemarle County's real estate is high, and he mentioned Mr. AIlers' comments, the
by Board
March 10, 1999 (Regular Night Meeting) OOOO1~3
(Page 13)
second grade teacher who lives in the Scottsville district and who was a former New York policeman. This
gentleman is very much aware of how difficult it is to find affordable housing in Albemarle County,
particularly on a teacher's salary. He stated that the Board of Supervisors must strive to be good
stewards of the County's funds so it will not be difficult for people to live here, particularly those who work
for Albemarle County. He will not be taking part in any more County budget processes. This is an
excellent Board, and he knows it will continue to be excellent, and the Board members will look after the
County's funds. He added that he is proud to have been a part of it for the past eight years, and he
wishes the other Board members all the luck in the world.
No one else made any remarks, so Mr. Martin closed the public hearing.
Agenda Item No. 7. Approval of Minutes: August 19 and November 4, 1998.
Ms. Humphris reported that she has read the minutes of November 4, 1998, from Item Number 12
on Page 27 to the end, and she gave the Clerk two very minor corrections. She moved approval of these
minutes, with the two noted corrections.
Ms. Thomas seconded the motion. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item No. 8. Other Matters not Listed on the Agenda from the BOARD.
Ms. Thomas reported that she and Mr. Bowerman separately represented the County at recent
meetings relating to Route 29 South. They would be happy to share the information they learned about
Lynchburg's and Danville's reactions as far as making Route 29 into an interstate.
Mr. Bowerman thanked everyone for participating in the bowling effort to raise money for the
American Red Cross Region Ten Fund.
Ms. Humphris suggested that the thanks should go to Mr. Bowerman for organizing this event,
whiCh was a lot of work. She mentioned, too, that perhaps such events could be held more often. Mr.
Martin concurred.
Agenda Item No. 9. Adjourn to March 15, 1999, 2:00 p.m. At 9:00 a.m., motion was offered by Ms.
Humphris, seconded by Mr. Martin, to adjourn to March 15, 1999, 2:00 p.m., for a budget work session.
Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following recOrded vote:
AYES: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman and Ms. Humphris.
NAYS: None.
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