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March 29, 2004 Budget Public Hearing 442 A Public Hearing on the proposed General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2005 was held on March 29, 2004, at Millbrook High School, Winchester, Virginia, at 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice-Chairman Barbara E. Van Osten; Gary W. Dove; Bill M. Ewing; Gina A. Forrester; W. Harrington Smith, Jr.; and Lynda J. Tyler. STAFF Admini strator John R. Riley, Jr.; Assistant Administrator Kris C. Ti erney; Deputy Clerk Jay E. Tibbs; Attorney Lawrence R. Ambrogi; Finance Director Cheryl B. Shiffler; and Budget Analyst Jennifer Place. INVOCATION A moment of silence was observed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Supervisor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Upon a motion made by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Supervisor Forrester, the agenda was adopted as presented by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Barbara E. Van Osten - Aye Gary W. Dove - Aye Bill M. Ewing - Aye Gina A. Forrester - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Lynda J. Tyler - Aye PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 BUDGET Administrator Riley presented the proposed budget. He advised that the FY 2004-2005 budget contained the following: - A $0.07 per $1 00 real estate tax increase was being proposed, which would generate $2.8 million. - Mandated increased contributions to the Virginia Retirement System for employee retirement of over $2.9 million. - Continued funding of increase in law enforcement positions. - Continued funding of increase in County firefighter positions and support staff. - Funding for adopted change for enhanced tax relief. - Increase in funding for the Regional Jail. Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisnrs Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 443 - Salary increases for County employees. - Increased funding for school operating and school debt. He concluded by reviewing how the budget is funded and the dollars are spent. Chairman Shickle convened the budget public hearing. The following citizens appeared before the Board to comment on the proposed budget: John E. Whitfield, Director of Blue Ridge Legal Services, advised that his organization provides legal services to low income residents and that the $3,727.00 request was needed to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. He concluded by saying that this was important work and he would appreciate the Board's support. Patricia Grosso, President ofthe Frederick County Education Association, addressed the school funding issue. She urged the Board to adopt the $0.07 tax increase to help fund proposed raises for salaries, which are still not competitive with the City of Winchester or surrounding jurisdictions. Marti MacKenzie, Gainesboro District, stated that she was a tax payer and a teacher at Indian Hollow. She advised that she was sorry that "we are here tonight" and she was not angry with the Board, but with the House of pelegates and their inability to stand up for what is right for education. She stated that because ofthis citizens are faced with looking at a property tax increase. She went on to say that it is important that the budget passes. She concluded by saying that "we gave you an endorsement and now ask that you do to what is right for education in Frederick County" and support the $0.07 tax increase. Edward Hillvard, Red Bud District, summarized an e-mail he had written concerning the education crisis in Frederick County. He stated that he understands that the State is to blame and development is going to happen, but it is happening faster than it can be paid for. He concluded by saying that the proposed $0.07 real estate tax increase is no where in the ball park. Rvan Clouse, Red Bud District, supported the funding request of the Frederick County Public School system. He asked the Board to vote "yes" on the $0.07 tax increase and to give any additional funds received from the State to education. Belinda Folb, Opequon District, stated her support for the children of Frederick County and the salary increases for qualified teachers. She concluded by saying that this was an opportunity to show the children that the County cares about education. Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 444 Victoria McInturff, Back Creek District, advised that she was a teacher at James Wood Middle School who participated in the teacher mentor program. She advised that teachers at the middle school level have no time to plan or mentor. She urged the Board to keep the teachers here and pass the $0.07 increase. Patricia Lil!htner, Back Creek District, advised that she was a teacher at James Wood Middle School. She begged the Board for no more cuts in education and stressed the need for the $0.07 tax increase. She concluded by requesting the Board apply state funds to education when the State budget is approved. Lydia Kirby, Shawnee District, advised that she was speaking as a representative to NREP and as a parent. She urged the Board not to make any more cuts and approve the $0.07 tax increase. Mary Tedrow, Gainesboro District, advised that she was a teacher at Millbrook High School. She stated that she did not relish the idea of more taxes, but she was aware of what underfunding programs could do. She urged the Board to support the $0.07 tax increase. Teasha Burrow, Red Bud District, expressed her support for the $0.07 tax increase and urged the Board to reinstate the original school funding request. She concluded by asking the Board to give additional state funds to the school board. Nancv Bader, Red Bud District, supported full funding ofthe school board budget request even if it results in an increase in real estate taxes. She urged the Board not to decrease the school board budget and urged that additional state money be given to the school board. She concluded by urging acceptance of at least the $0.07 tax increase. Virl!inia Lillv, Red Bud District, advised that she was a teacher at James Wood Middle School. She supports the adoption of the $0.07 tax increase. Brenda Trenary, Opequon District, advised that she was a bus driver, but was present to support the teachers. She reviewed her duties as bus driver and stated that she, like the teachers, loved kids and they deserved that 5.6% raise being proposed. Tricia Stiles, Stonewall District, addressed the Board as Chairman ofthe Frederick County School Board. She requested that the Board fund the requested School Board FY 2005 budget and allow any additional monies received to comc to the schools. She concluded by asking the Board to please vote to fund the school system at a level that would allow us to keep what we have. Sheryl Belford, Gainesboro District and President of Apple Pie Ridge PTO, hoped the Board Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 445 would fully fund the school budget with the $0.07 tax increase and also use any state monies to fund the schools. Helen Cockrell, Back Creek District and Executive Director of Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, talked about the services this organization provides to residents over 60 years of age. She advised that the organization asked for $39,915.00 ($4.50 per senior citizen) from the Board, but the Board recommended $15,000.00 ($1.75 per senior citizen). She requested full funding of the Agency and stated that if they could not get the funding then services must be curtailed. M. K. Renner, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, advised that he was a volunteer at the senior center and asked the Board to financially help the Agency. Mary O'Dell, Opequon District, appeared before the Board on behalf of the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. She advised that many seniors rely on the meals on wheels programs and van transportation provided by the Agency and asked the Board not to take away these services. She requested that the Board fund the full $40,000.00 request for FY 2005. Mary Boyer, Opequon District, addressed the Board on behalf of the Frederick County Senior Center. She explained how the senior citizens center had helped her and many others. Lucy Gwinn, Opequon District, addressed the Board on behalf of the Frederick County Senior Center. She explained how the center had helped her and how fun it was to have a place to interact with other seniors. Gil Hamilton, Opequon District, addressed the Board on behalf of the Frederick County Senior Center. He advised that he was a 20-year volunteer there and asked the Board to fund the full $39,000+ request from the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. Jack Turner, Opequon District, addressed the Board on behalf of the Frederick County Senior Center. He advised that he has volunteered at the center for the last seven years and he has seen the effects the services have had on the citizens ofthe County. He requested the Board support the funding request from the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. Josh Folb, Opequon District, appeared before the Board as a citizen and a teacher. He advised that the school budget put before the Board was bare bones and the Board needed to fully fund the school board's request. He concluded by saying that it was not fair to ask the school board to choose between teachers and school closings. Jennv Kremm, Red Bud District, urged the Board to fully fund the school board budget Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Heariug (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 446 request and keep the tradition of quality education in Frederick County. John LaManna, Shawnee District, appeared before the Board on behalf of the Frederick County School Board. He began by expressing his support for the Frederick County Senior Center. He stated his support for the Frederick County Public School's budget. He advised that the School Board had made substantial cuts already and urged the Board to allow the schools to keep any additional state funding received by the County. Joan Blv, Opequon District, requested that the Board fully fund the school's budget. She asked that the Board not reduce the school budget below the $2.6 million figure currently budgeted. She asked that any additional money be given to Frederick County Public Schools. Jim MacKenzie, Gainesboro District, urged the Board to get industry into the County and not allow the County to become a "bedroom community". He advised that it costs a lot to educate children. He concluded by urging the Board to plan and learn from the mistakes of others. Dr. Bill Dean, Shawnee District and Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, advised that he was disturbed by Board remarks in the Saturday Winchester Star, which stated that the School Board budget would shrink before the end ofthe budget process. He stated that what was more disturbing was the lack of a budget solution at the state level. He concluded by saying that the students do understand the consequences of the budget deliberations. Hans Nydam, Gainesboro District, advised that the people of Frederick County spoke about tax increases last November. He stated that it appears we are willing to sacrifice a few children for the sake of others and this year the students from Gainesboro are the target. He went on to say that education should not be sacrificed. He stated that the Board should cut the budget, citing new Fire & Rescue positions created by the previous Board at a December 2003 meeting, and hold the line. He asked that the Board instruct the School Board to fund Gainesboro. William Meyer, Shawnee District, stated that school debt continues to escalate with construction of new schools. He went on to say that the schools are overcrowded because of new subdivisions. He urged the Board to look at growth. He concluded by saying that the location of Home Depot and Ford Motor Company were examples of good industry for Frederick County. Marilyn Hamilton, Back Creek District, supported the tax increase and urged the Board to fund the school board's budget. Gary Sousa, Red Bud District, stated that he was a full supporter ofthe original school board Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 447 budget. He went on to say that ifthe Board could fund the school's original budget without raising taxes that would be wonderful. He concluded by saying that the decision was simple and urged the Board to make the right one and ifthey had to approve the $0.07 increase that was okay. Ken Stiles, Stonewall District, stated that ifthe Board does nothing else, they have to get a handle on supplemental appropriations. He went on to say that the Board needs to achieve a balance of residential and commercial/industrial growth as well as develop and expand the commercial/industrial tax base. Patricia Hartle, a 3 O-year teacher, advised that she had been to many budget crisis meetings. She currently teaches in 1/3 of a trailer. She stated that the Board needs to fund the budget for the schools and approve the $0.07 tax increase. Linda Blv, parent/teacher, urged the Board to think about the budget carefully and do whatever they could. Donna Lee, Back Creek District and Vice President of Orchard View PTO, appeared before the Board in support ofthe teachers, the proposed tax increase, and the increase in teacher salaries. Karen Kyle Carr, Teacher, appeared before Board and reviewed the economic scenario of young couples in Frederick County. She advised that because property values are appreciating and salaries are not, she and her family are moving to West Virginia as they cannot afford to live here. Mark Deerine:, Back Creek District, stated that he was taxed to death; however, he had three kids in Frederick County Public Schools and would not mind paying higher taxes ifthey went to the schools. He concluded by saying that he hoped the Board would fund the school board budget. There being no further public comments, Chairman Shickle closed the public hearing. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS Supervisor Smith spoke about the Dillon Rule, which says counties cannot do anything unless the State says they can do it. He advised that the County depends solely on the real estate tax to generate revenue. He went on to say that the members ofthe House of Delegates and the Senate should have been here tonight. He concluded by saying that the Dillon Rule should be abolished and advised the citizens that they were "singing to the choir" tonight. Vice-Chairman Van Osten thanked everyone who spoke tonight. ADJOURN UPON A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SMITH, SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04 448 FORRESTER, THIS PUBLIC HEARING IS HEREBY ADJOURNED. (TIME: 9:01 P.M.) - Uft/i- Jo . Riley, Jr. . Clerk, Board of Supervisors ~~~ Richard C. Shickle Chairman, Board of Supervisors Minutes Prepared By: (--in c L( JJ Jay E. ~ib~ Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minute Book Number 29 Board of Supervisors Budget Public Hearing (FY 2004-2005) of 03/29/04