Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 29, 2002 Work Session 596 A W orksession ofthe Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on January 29,2002, at 12:00 noon, in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. This worksession was called for the purpose of discussion ofthe 2002-2003 county budget. PRESENT Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice Chairman W. Harrington Smith, Jr.; Robert M. Sager; Margaret B. Douglas; Sidney A. Reyes; Gina A. Forrester; and Lynda J. Tyler. Finance Committee Members - Ritchie Wilkins; Don Butler and Ron Hottle. Staff Members - John R. Riley, Jr.; Kris Tierney; Cheryl Shiffler; Jennifer Place; and Carol T. Bayliss. REOUEST OF SUPERVISOR FORRESTER TO AMEND A PROJECT ENDORSEMENT RESOLUTION FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT - APPROVED Chairman Shickle asked Supervisor Forrester to explain her request to those present. Supervisor Forrester explained that she has been advised that the resolution in question would be better received if certain wording within the last paragraph were deleted. She further explained that this is being brought to the Board at this time, as time is ofthe essence, due to January 31 being the deadline for receipt of this resolution. Chairman Shickle advised that he had received a couple phone calls concerning this resolution, and he feels that perhaps there is some confusion among Board members as to whether there is one or two resolutions that are being presented for Board endorsement. Administrator Riley advised the Board that this is their decision, as staff is not taking a position one way or the other on this matter. Administrator Riley advised the Board that no formal action could be taken at this worksession, as it is just that, a worksession. He further advised that any amendments agreed upon by the Board at this worksession could be presented at the next regular board meeting on February 13,2002, and voted on at that time. Supervisor Forrester asked the Board members if they were in agreement with the amendment, to indicate same by signing their names at the bottom of the resolution and deliver it to the County Administrator's Office tomorrow, in order for it to be mailed with the original Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 01/29/02 97 resolution. Supervisor Forrester presented the following amended resolution: A PROJECT ENDORSEMENT RESOLUTION(#029-02) FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT WHEREAS, in accordance with the Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation program an enhancement project in Frederick County; and WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors supports the development of heritage tourism based upon the historic and scenic resources of Frederick County as an economic engine for the area; and WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors supports efforts of the Civil War Preservation Trust to acquire, through fair-market purchase, portions of the core battlefield of the Second Battle of Winchester; and WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, has submitted a joint application for TEA -21 funding of the Redbud-Civil War Battlefields Corridor Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Frederick County Board of Supervisors requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to give favorable consideration to the applieation ofthe Civil War Preservation Trust for funding to complete their intended purchase. Chairman Shickle stated that he was not in agreement with doing business this way, but given the time constraints, he didn't know that the Board had a great deal of choice. BUDGET DISCUSSION Administrator Riley advised the Board that the projected FY 03 General Fund Revenues were $79,670,896, and this amount does include meal tax increase. The projected FY 03 General Fund Expenditures are $80,547,927, leaving a projected FY 03 Revenue DEFICIT of877 ,031. He further advised of the highlights of the proposed county administrator cuts. He presented a comparison year analysis ofFY 02 and what is proposed for FY 03 and noted the difference between the two. He advised that these figures do not include increase in school budgets. He advised that the current year budget was balanced by using 3.1 million in funding from Unreserved Fund Balance, this amount represents the original current year budgeted expenditures that have exceeded the original current year budgeted revenues. This amount also reduces the proposed growth in revenue that is available for FY 03 proposed expenditures. Supervisor Sager asked about Warrior Drive. Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget W orksession of 01/29/02 Fin~mce Director Shiffler advised that the funding for Warrior Drive had been removed. Chairman Shickle asked Administrator Riley to advise the Board of what he hoped to accomplish by the end of this worksession. Administrator Riley asked the Board for direction as far as where he is to look, was not sure about the capital for the library. He advised this is the fund he would like to use to get the $176,000. He did remind the Board that he has not received the increase figures from the school board, and it was his understanding that Dr. Dean wanted to meet with the Board members individually. He advised that the Treasurer could increase county vehicle decals from the current $15 to $20 and as we know, the City of Winchester wants to put into place revenue sharing, and meals tax could be raised. Supervisor Sager stated that he feels teachers and county employees raises should be compatible. He is very apprehensive as to what will be coming from the schools. Administrator Riley advised that we know the debt service will be increasing somewhere between 2 and 4 million, and this does not include Millbrook High School opening in the Fall of 2004. Treasurer Orndoff advised that he had been in Richmond during the last few days, and he feels the situation is looking better than originally thought. Administrator Riley advised that major cuts were done in Fire & Rescue. Chairman Shickle addressed the GIS Program and the fact that there would be no increase in staff, only capital at this time. Supervisor Sager asked what we had heard from the Comp Board. Administrator Riley advised that the county still has not received funding for the three deputies that was hired last year. Chairman Shickle inquired about the request for an additional position within the Commonwealth's Attorney Office. Administrator Riley advised all new positions has been eliminated with the exception of one for the new Millbrook High School. Chairman Shickle asked if anyone had an area that they wanted Administrator Riley to look at closer, for possible cost reduction. Supervisor Reyes asked about some areas of Sherando Park. Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 01 /29/02 599 Administrator Riley replied, probably not; however, he would revisit this with the director. Supervisor Reyes asked about GIS, and what would happen if we did not continue with this program at this time, would the county really lose out. Administrator Riley explained there is a definite need for this program to be implemented. Administrator Riley advised ofthe cuts proposed within the Public Works Department, trash collection. There is a proposal to close certain dumpster locations on Wednesdays in order to cut costs. Finance member Butler asked about the request for eight vehicles for the Sheriffs Department. Administrator Riley advised that the original request had been for sixteen. Finance member Butler asked about the mileage and the part it played in the turn over of these vehicles. Administrator Riley advised they are usually turned in every three years. Supervisor Reyes asked about a leasing program. Administrator Riley advised the county tried this program a few years ago; however, with everything considered, it was decided this was not the best route to go. Supervisor Forrester asked to be educated on the EDC budget. Administrator Riley advised the over all budget decreased this year. Finance Director Shiffler advised Supervisor Forrester that she would be happy to supply those budget cuts to her. Discussion followed as to some formula changes on the state level, and how much affect this would have on the overall county budget. Supervisor Sager addressed the area of armual county contributions/donations and whether this figure could be decreased. Administrator Riley advised if this is an area that the Board wants to look into, now is the time to do it. Supervisor Sager stated that the dollar figure for this particular line item is $2 million, and he realizes this is important; however, he feels this an area that could be reduced. Administrator Riley advised the Board ifthe entire amount of anyone request is deleted, the Board needs to be prepared for the results of what they will hear from those organizations. Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget W orksession of 01/29/02 600 Supervisor Reyes advised that in looking down the line he would feel hard pressed to take just certain ones, he feels ifthere are going to be cuts, they should be across the board. Finance member Butler is not sure that across the board will work in this situation. Finance member Wilkins addressed the difference as to what the county is looking at with this year's budget compared to next year. He feels there will definitely be a tax increase next year given the facts and figures that are being presented this year. He addressed the area of GIS and asked if it was that valuable to the county. He also addressed the area of salary increases and whether this could be reduced given the fact that the teachers received 5% last year. Administrator Riley explained the importance ofthe GIS program and also advised that the teachers increase last year was 7.2%. Supervisor Sager addressed the suggestion of reducing the hours at the dumpster sites, and whether this was a good idea given the phone calls that he knows this change will generate from the citizens ofthe county. His question being will this reduction help that much with the overall budget. Administrator Riley advised that he thought the figure was somewhere around $160,000, it could be higher. Supervisor Reyes advised that he was not in favor of this cut as he could foresee the problems it would cause. Administrator Riley referred to page 7, in the black budget notebook provided to all necessary parties, concerning the budget for additional information on this subject. Supervisor Forrester asked if perhaps hours could be shifted on the weekends rather than during the week. Administrator Riley explained that Public Works has looked at this and advised that they did not want anything less than what it is now. He further explained that $159,000 was cut in salaries. Chairman Shickle asked about the time table for further discussion, and the deadline date for the final figures. Administrator Riley advised the second Board meeting in March (27) for the public hearing with adoption scheduled for the first Board meeting in April (10). A worksession has also been scheduled with the school board for February 13th. He further advised that he would like to have another worksession with the Finance Committee and Board. Chairman Shickle advised that there are two issues, sales tax, and revenue not contingent Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 01/29/02 601 upon sales tax. The following schedule was decided upon: February 13th - 5:00 P.M. - Budget worksession with School Board, Finance Committee & Board. February 27th - 5:30 P.M. - Budget worksession with Finance Committee & Board. Supervisor Forrester advised that she has requested Finance Director Shiffler to look into funding of the Airport and EDC. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THIS BOARD, THIS MEETING WAS HEREBY ADJOURNED. (TIME 1:16 P.M.) '1_ Il 0 ." - , ---'<-~.'<.. ~.4.-~_-A._,--~ Richard C. Shickle Chairman, Board of Supervisors f!)15-t(' Jo !YR. Riley, Jr. Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minutes Prepared By: (!/wo"L I. ~ .LvuJ Carol T. Bayliss Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 01/29/02