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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 21, 2001Work Session " -7 I i A Budget Worksession of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and County Finance Committee was held on February 21,2001, at 8:00 AM., in the First Floor Conference Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. PRESENT Chairman Richard C. Shickle; W. Harrington Smith, Jr., Robert M. Sager; Margaret B. Douglas; and Sidney A Reyes. ABSENT Vice Chairman Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. was absent due to a medical appointment. Finance Committee Members present were Richie Wilkins, Don Butler, and Ron Hottle Treasurer C. W. Orndoff, Jr. and Commissioner of the Revenue Ellen E. Murphy. The first order of business was to dispose of the Finance Committee Agenda. WORKSESSION ON FY 2002 BUDGET County Administrator Riley asked School Finance Director Lisa Frye to explain the 28% growth figure that is being used by the school board. Director Frye referred to page 22 ofthe budget packet that was prepared by the school board. Administrator Riley asked ifthere would be any corresponding funding from the State. Director Frye replied no, not this year. Committee member Wilkins asked for further clarification, as he could not understand, if a teacher position was being freed up, why would there not also be additional funds available. Treasurer Orndoff asked about the number 113 that was given in September. Director Frye explained that the growth in the last three years has been 1.48%. Treasurer Orndoff stated that he could not see the correlation there. Committee member Butler addressed the increase being paid to someone that has earned a Master's Degree in Frederick County. Finance Director Frye explained steps that have been taken, in this area, to help close the gap with Loudoun County. She further explained that growth is measured each year in September. Chairman Shickle asked what the figure was for last budget year. Director Frye replied that 265 was projected and the actual figure was 113-114. Chairman Shickle asked Director Frye the actual cost per pupil. Director Frye replied last year the cost was $6500 and this year it is $7500, current budget. Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 02121101 I () 10 Chairman Shickle requested the figure for next year's budget. Chairman Shickle further questioned the retirement figure that is in red. Director Frye explained that this figure will not be known until the General Assembly has adjourned the current session. Treasurer Orndoff questioned the 19% increase in health insurance rates. Director Frye explained that the average is 15% and this is not the maximum funding. She further explained that the school board is trying to move closer to maximum funding. Committee member Wilkins advised that he feels there is a great deal in the budget for construction, and given this figure, he questions what the budget will be in two years. Administrator Riley explained the CIP list advising that the new high school is the number one priority. Administrator Riley asked about the roll back figure and reassessment. Commissioner ofthe Revenue Ellen Murphy advised that $2.5 million is the figure she is looking at. She further explained that the Board of Equalization has not finalized their work at this time. The full reassessment figure is 7.5. -' Chairman Shickle advised that the debt service has been left out and needs to be put back in. Administrator Riley presented the cost figures if the full 7.5 is used. He also used 2.5,3.5 and I cent, and the dollar amount of reductions he would need to make for each. He further explained that the school board is requesting $6,245,033. Chairman Shickle advised that we are further apart than he thought. Administrator Riley explained that the county has taken on the largest percentage of school increase due to the actions of the General Assembly and the Governor. Treasurer Orndoff stated that he has concerns with windfall, as it is an automatic increase in next year's budget. Chairman Shickle asked about the time table for this budget. Administrator Riley explained that the public hearing on the reassessment is scheduled for March 12, public hearing on the budget, March 28, and final vote by the board is scheduled for April 11. Chairman Shickle stated that he was not comfortable with the full reassessment, he feels Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 02/21/01 I ,C) 1 I those involved in recommending the tax rate for this budget are far apart. Supervisor Reyes asked if everything is rolled back, what would that mean in cuts. Administrator Riley eXplained the amount would be $326,000. Finance Director Frye stated that she felt there was a strong possibility that the state would continue funding the retirement for retirees. Supervisor Reyes stated that he felt an additional worksession is needed and that he is not in favor of a tax increase. Chairman Shickle advised that he felt we needed to get started today, and that the Finance Committee should be included in any additional discussion of the budget. He further stated that he felt 2% was a good figure; however, now he is not sure. Administrator Riley explained that with the $327,000 in cuts, and the $120,000 the board has approved for GIS, he was looking to make these additional cuts with vehicles in the Sheriffs Department, and positions within Fire & Rescue. Chairman Shickle stated that he felt salaries should be the county's "sacred cow". Treasurer Orndoff questioned personnel for the GIS. He asked with the photographing scheduled for approximately a year, whether one of the positions could be delayed for a year. Assistant Tierney explained that due to the degree of preparation needed prior to the finalizing of the photo's, he did not feel delaying the hiring of this second position would be good. Supervisor Reyes advised that he has been updated on this project, and he feels it is very worth while; therefore, he would reverse his earlier opinion. Chairman Shickle advised that he only voted "Nay" due to the time constraints. Assistant Tierney advised that in next year's budget an additional $500,000 would be needed in order to continue this program. Chairman Shickle advised that this is an investment that the county started, and it will have to be continued. Chairman Shickle asked that everyone make known their decision, at this time, as to what they felt should be the figure for the budget( increase, decrease). Supervisor Smith - Could live with 3, had been leaning toward 5. Supcrvisor Douglas - Had thought 5, but could go with 3. Committee Membcr Butlcr - Will go with 3. Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 02/21/01 I'\U' 10 Committee Member Wilkins - Feels it should be 3, with everything going to the schools as the county could stay within their own revenue increase. Supervisor Reyes stated that he was not in favor of that. Committee Member Hottle - He came in thinking 5, and that is where he will stay. Administrator Riley advised this would mean $3.5 million to schools and $2.87 to the County, and these figures do include debt service. Treasurer Orndoff feels the schools should take another look and prioritize what they want. He feels perhaps we may get by with 3. Supervisor Douglas asked if getting by is enough. Committee member Butler stated that each year it seems to be a little more critical. Administrator Riley addressed the changes that have taken place with the General Assembly. Chairman Shiekle asked for one more vote: Supervisor Reyes - 3 Supervisors Smith - 5 Supervisor Douglas - 5 Committee Member - Butler - 3 Committee Member Wilkins- 3 Committee Member Hottle - 5 Chairman Shickle - 3 Chairman Shickle asked Administrator Riley to look at the different factors with a 3. Following additional discussion, it was decided ajoint worksession, with the school board, would be scheduled for February 28, at 5:30, prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting. \L-jLQ ~ Richard C. Shickle Chairman, Board of Supervisors Jo n R. Riley, Jr. Clerk, Board of Su Minutes Prepared By: d.o.UlL T \. ?hn~ Carol T. Bayliss I Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minute Book Number 27 Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession of 02121/01