February 2 2011 Minutes - Budget Work Session with Finance Committee199
A Work Session of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Frederick County
Finance Committee was held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at 8:00 A.M., in the First Floor
Conference Room, Coumty Administration Building, 1.07 N. Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT
Vice - Chairman Bill M. Ewing; Christopher E. Collins; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.; Gary W.
Dove; Gene E. Fisher; and Gary A. Lofton.
ABSENT
Chairman Richard C. Shickle.
OTHERS PRESENT
John R. Riley, Jr., County Administrator; Kris C. Tierney, Assistant County
Administrator; Jay E. Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator; Cheryl B. Shiffler, Finance Director;
Jennifer Place, Budget Analyst; Sharon Kibler, Assistant to the Finance Director; Finance
Committee member Ron Hottle; Ellen E. Murphy, Commissioner of the Revenue; C. William
Orndoff, Jr., Treasurer; Patricia Taylor, Superintendent, Frederick County Public Schools; Lisa
Frye, Finance Director, Frederick County Public Schools; Al Omdorff, Superintendent for
Administration
CALL TO ORDER
Vice - Chairman Ewing called the work session to order.
FY 2011 BUDGET WORK SESSION
Administrator Riley advised that the Commissioner of the Revenue and staff from the
Planning District Commission looked at the foreclosure issue. From January 2008 through
December 2010, there were 1,383 foreclosures in Frederick County out of 27,383 properties. He
noted the foreclosure trend looks like it is declining. He then recapped the five budget scenarios
that had been previously presented. He reminded the Board that they had heard from the
Superintendent regarding the impact of the scenarios on the schools' budget. He reiterated that
any scenario that calls for less than present level funding would result in a revenue short fall for
this current fiscal year. He went on to say that under scenario A, which reflected present level
funding, there would be no revenue windfall at the June 5, 2011 tax collection deadline. He
concluded by saying staff was seeking direction from the Board in order to start a budget.
Vice - Chairman Ewing stated the next step was for the Board to decide on a scenario.
Minute Book Number 36
Board of Supervisors and Finance Committee Budget Work Session of 02/02/11
200
Administrator Riley reminded the Board of his commitment, if the Board allows the use
of fund balance, to return a like amount at the end of the year and if that amount is not returned
then it would be addressed through budget cuts.
Vice - Chairman Ewing polled the Board regarding their preferred scenario.
Supervisor Collins favored scenario A.
Supervisor Fisher stated he liked scenario A, but it would not be easy.
Administrator Riley noted the County's contribution to the regional jail increased and the
Sheriff needed new patrol cars, so it would not be an easy scenario, but he believed it was
doable.
Mr. Hottle favored scenario A.
Supervisor Lofton favored scenario A.
Supervisor Dove favored scenario E due to concerns about fund balance.
Supervisor DeHaven stated he was between scenarios A and E. He did not like the rate
increase in A, but the county was facing other issues. He went on to say he was confident we
would get "spiked" by Richmond and he was also concerned about fund balance. He concluded
by saying he leaned more toward Scenario A.
Vice - Chairman Ewing sated he was torn between scenarios A and E. He noted that he
had not met many constituents who were opposed to revenue neutral. He stated he did have a
hang up with the large payback on the pending personal property refund. He went on to say if
the Board went with scenario A then he would like to see the pending personal property refund
paid out of the operating fund versus fund balance or go with scenario E and take the money out
up front.
Administrator Riley responded that staff would look at both options to see which one
works.
At the conclusion of the work session, Administrator Riley stated staff would prepare a
budget based on scenario A. He went on to say he would communicate with department director
and ask them to indicate where present level funding could not be maintained. He concluded by
saying the next work session would contain a briefing on what issues are out there for
departments.
There being no further business, the work session was adjourned at 8:23 A.M.
Minute Book Number 36
Board of Supervisors and Finance Committee Budget Work Session of 02/02/11
201
Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
J r.
erk, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: I F, �:
Jay 19. TUbs
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 36
Board of Supervisors and Finance Committee Budget Work Session of 02/02/11