HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 22 2012 Minutes of Budget Work Session with Finance CoA Work Session of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Frederick County
Finance Committee was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at 6:30 P.M.jn the Board of
Supervisors' Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street,
Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT
Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice - Chairman Bill M. Ewing; Christopher E. Collins;
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.; Gene E. Fisher; Gary A. Lofton; and Ross P. Spicer.
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;
Sharon Kibler, Assistant Finance Director; Jennifer Place, Budget Analyst; Paula Nofsinger, HR
Director; C. William Orndoff, Jr., Treasurer; Finance Committee members Ron Hottle and
Stephen Swiger; Stuart Wolk, Chairman of Frederick County School Board; Lisa Frye,
Executive Director of Finance for Frederick County Public Schools; and Dr. David Sovine,
Superintendent of Schools.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Shickle called the work session to order. He then turned the presentation over
to County Administrator John R. Riley, Jr.
Administrator Riley advised the purpose of this work session was to try to bring the
budget process to conclusion. He advised that staff bad prepared additional information
requested by the Board to include tax rate and median income comparisons, a list of vehicles in
excess of 100,000 miles, and the vehicle maintenance policy. He noted that Frederick County
was below the average of the comparison localities when it came to tax rates and median income.
Administrator Riley then asked Finance Director Shiffler to review the revenue sheet,
which illustrated the various areas from which revenue is derived.
Administrator Riley then asked Lisa Frye, Frederick County Public Schools' Executive
Director of Finance, to review the impact of the various funding scenarios on the school division.
Director Frye advised that Virginia Retirement System was by far the biggest question
mark. She went on to say if employees were to be kept whole then it would come at a cost. She
noted that under scenario C employees would see a decrease in their rate of pay because of VRS.
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Minute Book Number 37
Board of Supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 02/22/12
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She concluded by saying a salary increase was not possible under scenario C, was questionable
under a 3 -cent tax increase, and a slight increase was possible under a 5 -cent tax increase.
Administrator Riley noted there were some positive signs: He advised there were
increases in funding to certain areas not anticipated before. He concluded by saying staff was
seeking direction to from the Board regarding a funding scenario to advertise for public hearing.
Supervisor Collins asked how much of a proposed tax increase would go to salary
increases to keep employees whole.
Administrator Riley responded that a majority would go to salaries. He advised the
county would receive a windfall of revenue in June and that could be used to address some
capital needs.
Chairman Shickle advised that he would poll the Board, but wanted to hear from the
voting members of the Finance Committee.
Supervisor Spicer stated he felt this vote was about where to start the discussion
regarding the tax rate and that endorsing scenario C ends the debate. He believed a 5 -cent tax
increase was prudent and allowed for the replacement of sheriff's vehicles, funding of libraries,
and allowed schools to re- implement 9` grade sports teams. He concluded by saying that our
deputies, teachers, and other positions are not paid as well as other jurisdictions.
Vice - Chairman Ewing stated that without a tax increase we would operate with a lean
budget. He noted there were items he would like to see included in the budget that a level tax
rate would not provide. He went on to say the economy would not support a tax increase at this
time, so he supported scenario C.
Supervisor Collins stated there has been a lot of misinformation circulating in the
community. He noted there were teachers with children who received reduced priced lunches
and that upset him. He went on to say he did not want a tax increase but there was an obligation
to the citizens that could not be reached under scenario C. He stated he was in favor of
advertising a 5 -cent tax increase.
Supervisor Lofton stated this is not the time to increase taxes. He advised that he knew
of small business owners who were foregoing salaries in order to keep their business afloat. He
went on to say they are struggling now and he hated to raise taxes on anyone; however, for the
sake of discussion, he would support the advertisement of a 5 -cent tax increase.
Minute Book Number 37
Board of Supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 02122/12
Finance Committee member Ron Hottie stated he supported advertising a 5 -cent tax
increase.
Finance Committee member Stephen Swiger stated he had heard several complaints
about a proposed tax increase,
Chairman Shickle polled the Board regarding which budget scenario to advertise.
Supervisors Lofton, Collins, and Spicer selected scenario E, which was a 5 -cent tax
increase.
Supervisors DeHaven and Fisher, Vice - Chairman Ewing, and Chairman Shickle selected
scenario C, no tax increase.
The majority consensus was to advertise scenario C or a level tax rate.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
Richard C. Shickle Jo ey, Jr.
Chairman, Board of Supervisors CIA, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By:
Jay E. s
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 37
Board of Supervisors Budget Work Session with
Frederick County Finance Committee on 02!22/12