HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 18 2012 Minutes of Work Session with Finance Committee.A Work Session of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Frederick County
Finance Committee was held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 8:30 A.M., in the First Floor,
Conference Room, County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester,
Virginia.
PRESENT
Vice - Chairman Bill M. Ewing; Christopher E. Collins; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.; Gary A.
Lofton; and Ross P. Spicer.
ABSENT
Chairman Richard C. Shickle (arrived 8:40 a.m.); Gene E. Fisher.
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 members Stephen Swiger, Ritchie Wilkins, and Ron Hottle; Ellen E. Murphy,
Commissioner of the Revenue; C. William Orndoff, Jr., Treasurer; Lisa Frye, Executive Director
of Finance for Frederick County Public Schools; Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent of Schools;
and Dr. John Lamanna, Frederick County School Board.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice - Chairman Ewing called the work session to order.
FY 2013 BUDGET WORK SESSION
Finance Director Shiffler reviewed the tentative budget calendar, FY2011 -2012 outside
agency contributions, real estate tax comparison chart, % of eligible students receiving free or
reduced price meals, and a locality statistical comparison table. She then reviewed the table of
known budget factors for FY 2012 -2013. She noted there were $1.25 million in mandatory
increases that must be absorbed in other areas, possibly positions or changes in fringe benefits.
She noted if the elimination of positions was needed to offset these increases then it would take
30 positions. She went on to say probably half of those would come from the public safety side
since that made up lh of the employees. Finance Director Shiffler then reviewed projects and
initiatives that would be delayed if there was no new revenue.
Minute Book Number 37
Board of Supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 01/18/12
M
Administrator Riley advised there were no salary increases included in the projected
numbers. He went on to say if they looked at increasing fringes the cost to employees should be
considered. He noted that VRS increased 2.5% and VRS Life Insurance increased 1.9 %.
Finance Director Shiffler advised the scenario C recognized $600,000 in new revenue for
Frederick County and $800,000 for Frederick County schools. She stated that if we have to
make cuts to meet the $1.2 million budget shortfall in known factors, we still have to deal with
increasing costs of fuel and utilities. She noted that under scenario D, which proposed a $0.03
per $100 increase to the real estate tax rate would net $1.5 million for Frederick County and $2
million for Frederick County schools. The proposed $0.03 rate was in increase of 5.5% and
would equate to a $61 increase to the average tax bill.
Treasurer Omdoff asked about the length of service program and questioned its use as a
recruiting tool. He asked if the program had become stale.
Administrator Riley noted the program was probably more a retention than recruitment
tool.
Vice - Chairman Ewing turned the presentation over to Dr. Sovine, Superintendent of
Schools.
Dr. Sovine reviewed the budget history of Frederick County schools from 2009 through
2012. He noted there had been a reduction or elimination of a number of programs. Class sizes
have increased while staff has decreased. He then reviewed the budget known and unknowns
for FY 2013. Dr. Sovine noted VRS would increase $4.9 million. He went on to say a budget
shortfall of $4.47 million was projected; however, it was less than expected.
Supervisor Collins asked how Frederick County's student/teacher ratio compared to other
localities.
Dr. Sovine responded it was difficult to compare because some localities calculate their
ratios differently.
Supervisor Lofton asked if the state was funding its full share of mandates, etc,
Dr. Sovine responded no.
Administrator Riley advised that it was staffs hope to provide enough information that
the Board of Supervisors could provide direction for crafting the spending plan. He went on to
say a direction needed to be set soon as the budget public hearing will be held in March.
Minute Book Number 37
Board of Supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 01/18/12
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Vice - Chairman Ewing asked what it would take to make scenario C work, in particular,
what areas and programs would be affected.
Supervisor DeHaven stated he would like to have a backup plan that gives the board a
few days to "chew" on things.
There being no further business, the work session was adjourned at 9:40 A.M.
Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
A - -
Jo R. Riley, Jr.
Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: C_ _._[4 C. `1 41
Jay E. I f ibjNs
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 37
Board of supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 01/18/12