February 28, 1996 Regular Meeting
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A Regular Meeting of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on
February 28, 1996 at 7:15 P.M., in the Board of Supervisor's Meeting Room, Frederick
County Courthouse, Loudoun Street Mall, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: James L. Longerbeam, Chairman; W. Harrington Smith, Jr., Richard C.
Shickle; Robert M. Sager; Margaret B. Douglas; and Charles W. Orndoff, Sr.
CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
INVOCATION
The invocation was delivered by Board member Robert M. Sager in the absence of a
minister.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr.,
the agenda was adopted as presented.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Riley suggested the following tabs for approval under the consent agenda:
1. Winchester Regional Airport Authority Borrowing Resolution - Tab E;
2. Personnel Committee - Tab K;
3. Finance Committee - Tab L.
Upon motion made by Robert M. Sager, seconded by Richard C. Shickle, the consent
agenda was approved as noted above.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one appeared before the Board at this time.
DAVE BURLESON NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR
FEBRUARY. 1996
Mr. Sager presented the employee of the month award to Dave Burleson, Manager,
Shawneeland Sanitary District who was present to accept his award.
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MINUTES
Mr. Shickle noted that on page three, under committee appointments, that it should read
"the appointment of Joyce Carden to the Extension Advisory Committee from Gainesboro District
- was made by Richard C. Shickle rather than Robert M. Sager".
Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., the
minutes of the regular meeting ofJanuary 24, 1996 were approved as amended.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION #014-95 FOR DONALD R.
MERRITT TO REESTABLISH A NON-CONFORMING USE - WITHDRAWN
Mr. Longerbeam announced at this time that Donald R. Merritt has requested that his
conditional use permit application be withdrawn.
JANE L. VICKERS APPOINTED AS MEMBER AT LARGE ON THE
FREDERICK COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Mr. Longerbeam placed the name of Jane Vickers in nomination for this seat. This
appointment is for four years, and the term will expire on February 28, 2000.
The above nomination was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
STAFF ACTIVITY REPORT - ABOLISHED
Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Robert M. Sager and
following Board discussion the staff activity report will be abolished effective this date.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BORROWING
RESOLUTION - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA
WHEREAS, the Winchester Regional Airport Authority (the Authority) is a body
corporate created by the General Assembly of Virginia by Virginia Acts of Assembly, 1987
Session, Chapter 687, as amended by Virginia Acts of Assembly, 1995 Session, Chapters 258 and
338, as amended from time to time (the Act) and the participating political subdivisions of the
Authority are the Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah and Warren and the City of
Winchester; and,
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WHEREAS, the Authority is securing financing for an FBO Maintenance hangar and
office facility under construction at the Winchester Regional Airport and the purchase of an
additional airplane hangar for use at the Winchester Regional Airport (together, the Facility);
and,
WHEREAS, financing for the Facility from Rural Economic and Community
Development (formerly known as Farmers Home Administration) at favorable rates for a term
of twenty (20) years in an amount not to exceed $616,000, (RECD Financing) requires the
issuance of revenue bonds, to be paid from revenue generated by the Facility, and encumbering
certain property of the Authority by a mortgage or deed of trust; and,
WHEREAS, ~ 18 of the Act states that bonds of the Authority shall not be a debt of
any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, other than the Authority, and no political
subdivision of the Commonwealth, other than the Authority, shall be liable thereon; and,
WHEREAS, ~ 15 of the Act states that the Authority shall not issue bonds unless and
until the maximum amount of such issue and the general purposes thereof have been approved
by the governing body of each participating political subdivision, and that such bonds may be
secured by a mortgage of facilities of the Authority where such mortgage has been approved
by the participating political subdivisions, and ~ 17 a of the Act states that the total indebtedness
of the Authority at no time shall exceed the amount of $500,000, in principal except as agreed
to by each participating political subdivision by resolution of the governing body thereof,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of
Frederick County as follows:
1. That approval and agreement are granted to the Authority to issue revenue bonds
for RECD Financing and the Facility, or any part thereof, in an amount not to exceed
$616,000, for the purposes described above, and to secure such bonds by a mortgage or deed
of trust on the property and facilities of the Authority.
2. That adoption of this Resolution does not constitute a pledge of the faith and credit
of the County or any other lending of the Countys credit or any representation as to the
creditworthiness of the proposed Authority bonds.
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL BOARD. LARRY VAN HOOSE.
ADDRESSED BOARD RE: OFFICE RELOCATION AND FUNCTIONAL
CONSOLIDATION - APPROVED
Mr. Larry Van Hoose appeared before the Board to explain that the school board had
at a recent meeting unanimously approved a motion to delay their move to the new office
building pending a functional consolidation study. He further explained that the motion
included a recommendation to establish a committee to fully study all aspects of functional
consolidation. The school board feels the committee should be comprised of representatives
from both boards and facilitated by an independent third party. He further recommended that
the superintendent of schools and county administrator serve as ex-officio members of this
committee.
Mr. Sager asked how much time is the school board looking at.
Mr. Van Hoose replied that he felt that would be left up to those involved.
It was the consensus of the Board that Mr. Riley would be in touch with Mr. Malcolm
in the form of a letter that would establish the ground rules as well as the time frame.
Upon motion made by Robert M. Sager, seconded by Richard C. Shickle the suggested
plan for school board office relocation and functional consolidation with county offices was
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approved and is to proceed in a timely manner as noted above.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
CLEAN-UP PROJECT AT BASS HOOVER SCHOOL - APPROVED AS
PRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Mr. Riley presented this information to the Board noting that Mr. Strawsnyder, public
works director, was present to answer any questions the Board might have.
Mr. Smith inquired about what trees would be removed and which would be left standing
as well as the cost figure amount that was being charged for the hydro seeding.
Mr. Strawsnyder explained that there would not be a lot of trees left as all the locust and
pines would be cut down, and only the hardwood trees would remain. The hydro seeding cost
was for the materials and labor need to do the acreage involved.
Mr. Longerbeam asked about the completion date.
Mr. Strawsnyder stated this would take approximately three weeks, and would be started
as soon as the weather permits.
Mr. Orndoff asked what budget would this expenditure be coming from.
Mr. Riley replied it would have to be a supplemental appropriation.
Upon motion made by Robert M. Sager, seconded by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., the
expenditure as outlined in the Bass Hoover Clean Up Project by Mr. Strawsnyder was approved
as presented by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS:
PUBLIC HEARING:
PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION #014-95
FOR DONALD R. MERRITT TO RE-ESTABLISH A NON CONFORMING USE-
WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
OTHER PLANNING ITEMS:
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN - WHITE HALL BUSINESS PARK (FLYING
JTRAVELPLAZA)-APPROVED
Mr. Evan Wyatt, planner II, presented this request to the Board, noting that the planning
commission recommended approval.
Mr. Shickle asked if the access road would be built in the initial stage.
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Mr. Wyatt replied yes. He further explained that the access road would not serve the
Flying J traffic.
Mr. Merchant McDonald, engineer with Harris, Smariga & Associates, Inc., appeared
before the Board to answer any questions the Board might have. He stated that nothing has
been done with reference to neighboring wells at this time, however nothing scheduled to be
done at this site would adversely impact any wells. He further explained that Flying J does
plan on having their own packaged water and sewer system.
Upon motion made by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., seconded by W. Harrington Smith, Jr.,
Master Development Plan for White Hall Business Park (Flying J Travel Plaza) was approved
as presented.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shiclde - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
End of Planning Commission Business.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
The Public Works Committee met on Tuesday, February 20, 1996, at 7:30 a.m.
Present were board members Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. and W. Harrington Smith, Jr., committee
members James T. Vickers, Jim Wilson and Karen Kober; County Administrator, John R.
Riley, Jr., Landfill Manager, Steve Frye, and Director of Public Works, Harvey E.
Strawsnyder, Jr., P.E. Committee member Thomas Offutt was absent.
The following items were discussed:
*"'* Items Requiring Action *"'*
Acceptance of Tire Shred from Other Counties - Approved
We are currently shredding tires at the Frederick County Landfill to supplement the
sand requirement for the leachate collection layer. It takes approximately 84,000 tires to
create a 12 inch cover layer over one (1) acre of landfill space. Our current tire flow is
approximately 60,000 tires per year.
To increase the tire flow, the Director of Public Works requested that the landfill be
allowed to accept tires or tire shred from other jurisdictions. This acceptance would be
accomplished at no cost to the Frederick County Landfill. John R. Riley, Jr. indicated that he
did not want this offer extended to just any locality in the Commonwealth. Therefore, a
motion was made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr. and seconded by Jim Wilson to allow the
Frederick County Landfill to accept tires or tire shred from Planning Districts 7 and 9, only.
This motion was unanimously approved.
Upon motion made by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., seconded by Robert M. Sager, the
acceptance of tire shredding from other localities was approved as presented by the following
recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
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Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
AdditionsIDeletions to New County Office Building - Approved
A list of additions and deletions proposed by the Shockey Company for the new county
office building was presented and reviewed by the committee. Based on this review and
- corresponding discussions, the Public Works committee endorsed and forwarded the attached list
for the boards action. (See attachment I)
Mr. Riley explained that when this committee met it was not 100 percent what the
disposition of the third floor was going to be therefore there are some additional deletions to be
made at this time. He noted that the following numbers on the attached page Letter E:
(SCHOOLS) could be deleted: Numbers 1,2,3,5 and 7, which will change the bottom line to
$74,765 in change orders rather than $89,835.
Upon motion made by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., seconded by Robert M. Sager, the change
order as noted above in the amount of $74,765 was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
Mr. Orndoff, treasurer, appeared before the Board to address the changes that have been
made concerning the first floor as well as remarks made recently by Mr. Smith concerning security
of his office. He felt this had not been addressed adequately and asked if another work session is
planned in order that final details concerning security may be worked out.
Mr. Riley replied that he would be provided with this information once it is available.
Mr. Smith stated that he was opposed to a $25,000 safe, similar to the one that is in
Farmers and Merchants Bank, we are not building Fort Knox, thus his reason for being opposed
to this amount.
Mr. Orndoff explained to Mr. Smith that he concurred with his remarks, however his
expertise is not in security therefore his reason for referring this to those individuals in this field.
He further explained that this is not so much break in as it is for fire protection.
Mr. Shickle asked Mr. Orndoffifhe attended this Public Works Committee meeting.
Mr. Orndoff replied no.
Mr. Shickle stated that he felt Mr. Orndoff should appear before the Public Works
Committee and try to get the existing or any future differences of opinion worked out.
Mr. Orndoff, Sr., explained that the recommendation of the committee was for Mr. Riley
and Mr. Strawsnyder to meet with the treasurer concerning security.
Mr. Orndoff, Jr., treasurer, explained they had done that, but after Mr. Smith's comments
concerning the vault he was looking for some bench mark to start with.
Mr. Riley explained this would be brought back to the Board once the
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information is available.
*** Items Not Requiring Action ***
Review ofFY 96/97 Budget Reductions
A summary of the proposed FY96/97 budget reductions was presented to the
committee by the Director of Public Works. Only the major line item reductions were
discussed in detail. (See attachment 2)
Review of Gore School Lease
A revised lease agreement related to the abandoned Gore Elementary School was
presented to the committee for their review and comments. The lease agreement was between
Frederick County and the Hebron Baptist Church. The lease had originally been drafted by the
Commonwealth Attorneys office. The discussion centered on the revisions requested by
representatives from the Hebron Baptist Church.
Because the lease required Frederick County to make certain repairs and upgrades
estimated at approximately $50,000, it was decided to defer further action until the matter
could be referred to Mr. Richard Shickle, Gainesboro Supervisor. The committee requested
that the Director of Public Works contact Mr. Shickle and discuss the disposition of the Gore
School property.
Miscellaneous Reports
Animal Shelter Report (See Attachment 3);
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT
AGENDA
The Personnel Committee met on Wednesday, February 14, 1996, at 9:30 AM. in the
County Administration Building. Present were Margaret B. Douglas, Chairman, W. Harrington
Smith, Jr., Robert G. Gordanier, 1. Michael Foster, John R. Riley, Jr., and Ann K. Kelican.
Toni Wallace was absent.
INFORMATION ONLY
Requests to Fill Vacant Positions
The Committee reviewed requests from the CFW Regional Jail, the Extension Service
and the Personnel Department to fill vacant positions. The Committee approved filling the
nurse position at the jail and the clerk typist position in the Extension Office and requested the
Personnel Director to meet with the new Board and Committee members to address the
functions of the Personnel Department and to discuss the vacant position in that department.
Insurance Coverage for Fire and Rescue Volunteers
Tom Owens, fire and rescue director, appeared before the Committee to address the
current insurance coverage for county fire and rescue volunteers. The Committee asked Mr.
Owens to secure additional information regarding supplemental coverage for presentation to
the Committee.
ITEM REOUIRlNG ACTION
Personal Leave/Insurance Benefits for Permanent/Part -Time Personnel
The Committee reviewed the attached policy which would provide personal leave and offer
health insurance benefits to permanent/part-time employees and recommends approval of
same.
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT
AGENDA
The Finance Committee met at the Frederick County School Board Offices on
Wednesday, February 21, 1996 at 8:00 a.m. A budget worksession with the School Board
followed the meeting. All committee members were present.
The agenda items arc ali follows;
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The Deputy Planning Director Requests a General Fund Supplemental Appropriation in
the Amount of$16.618.
This amount represents funds that will be received from a Community Development Block
Grant. No additional local funds are needed. See attached memo, p. 1. The committee
recommends approval.
The Sheriff Requests a General Fund Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of
$3.058.67
This amount represents the departments share of a drug seizure and needs to be
appropriated to 10-3102-5413-007 Forfeited Property - Surplus. No additional local funds are
needed. See attached memo, p. 2. The committee recommends approval.
The Sheriff requests a General Fund Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of$I.000
This amount represents a donation received and needs to be appropriated to 10-3102-
5409-000 Police Supplies. No additional local funds are needed. See attached memo, p. 3. The
committee recommends approval.
The Regional Jail Requests a Jail Fund Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of
$1.250
This amount represents an insurance reimbursement and needs to be appropriated to 11-
3301-3004-001 Repair and Maintenance - Equipment. No additional local funds are needed. See
attached memo, p.4. The committee recommends approval.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS
No one had any comments.
UPON MOTION MADE BY W. HARRINGTON SMITH, JR., SECONDED BY
ROBERT M. SAGER, THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE
THIS BOARD, THIS MEETING IS HEREBY ADJOURNED.
BUDGET WORKSESSION
Chairman Longerbeam explained that this is a budget worksession on the proposed 1996-
1997 county budget and that no public comment would be received, as it is not a public hearing.
Mr. Riley brought the Board up to date on what has transpired with regard to the budget,
noting that several worksessions have taken place as well as a joint worksession with the school
board. During these meetings the committee has reviewed several scenarios to balance the
budget. Before additional funding for the schools was considered, the county alone was looking
at a deficit of $4.8 million. The school delivered a request of a need for an additional $9 million
of which more than $6 million was to be funded locally. All of these requests created a deficit in
the proposed budget of approximately $11 million.
Mr. Riley further explained at this point the next process was to start "cutting" away at the
proposed budget requests. The first set of cuts that he proposed was $2.2 million. Round two
equated to approximately $338,701. The school request was originally reduced to an additional
$900,000 in funding. It has been requested that this level of funding be increased to a total of
$2.1 million in additional local funding. He stated as of this date the county is still facing a deficit
of between $3.5 and $4.7 million, depending on the level of school funding.
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Mr. Riley further explained that several options have been considered. One of the
options presented was to increase the real estate tax by 5 cents which would generate $1.2
million and an additional $600,000 windfall, accompanied with a $10 increase for vehicle
decals which would generate $400,000, a carry-forward of $600,000, and using approximately
$700,000 of the fund balance. Another option had been presented by Nick Nerangis which
called for a 10 cent real estate tax increase which would generate $2.5 million and a $1.2
million windfall. This proposal would not reduce the reserves or increase the cost of a vehicle
decal.
Mr. Riley further explained that if the Board should decide to approve a tax increase,
this will have to be advertised for a public hearing. He suggested the public hearing be held at
the second board meeting of March, (27th) at 7:15 P.M. at Sherando High School.
Mr. Smith stated that he would like to clarify a statement that he made earlier at which
time he said he thought the county could be looking at a tax increase of 10 to 20 cents. He
was referring to the initial budget before Mr. Riley had taken his ax to the budget and before
the school board had made there adjustments.
Mr. Malcolm, superintendent of schools, appeared before the Board at which time he
explained the school board budget with regard to the amount of funds needed for the
operation of the county schools as well as increases for teachers and staff. He explained at
this time he was not sure what amount of money would be coming from the state and would
not have firm figures until the General Assembly adjourns on March 9. He noted that the
three areas in which funds would be received are personnel, (salary increases for teachers),
technology and maintenance. If funds are received this money can only be used in the areas
they are ear marked for.
Mr. Longerbeam asked for a breakdown of salary increases.
Mr. Malcolm stated $691,000 for teacher increases, $163,200 to increase the masters
supplement, $133,896 to enhance the teachers salary scale and all other school employees
increases would amount to $492,698.
Mr. Sager stated that he wanted to be responsible for funding education in the county,
but he would not support a $10 increase or any increase on the vehicle decal.
Mr. Longerbeam asked the other board members at this time if any of them had a
burning desire to raise the decal rate.
The remaining board members felt as Mr. Sager did with regard to the decal.
At this time Mr. Riley presented another scenario of what he felt would balance the
budget and get the discussion started.
Mr. Orndoff, Jr., county treasurer, asked Mr. Riley for clarification on the $600,000
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windfall, did he intend that to go into operating.
Mr. Riley replied yes.
This would leave the county's contribution to the schools at $900,000.
Mr. Longerbeam asked if any strings would be tied to this since they would be receiving
additional funds from the state.
Mr. Malcolm stated to Mr. Longerbeam that he did not understand where he was getting
the figure of an additional several hundred thousand from the state, he asked Mr. Longerbeam if
he knew something the school board did not know.
Mr. Riley explained that the Board could look at allowing the school board to take
advantage of whatever funds they carry forward.
Mr. Longerbeam stated that he would like to see the $900,000 used for raises.
Mr. Shickle stated that if the Board is getting to the point that they are considering
categorical funding, he felt he could support that.
Mr. Longerbeam explained that this is how he would like to see the monies used and if
additional funding becomes available, and is not tied to anyone category then this could be used
at the school boards discretion.
Mr. Shickle stated that he was not sure he understands that.
Mr. Mike Cundiff, finance committee member, addressed the area of county capital
projects as this has been discussed on the committee level and he wondered at this point if this is
a dead issue, as there has been no discussion on the board level concerning this.
Mr. Longerbeam explained that this proposed budget would leave a fund balance of $8
million and he felt perhaps some additional funding may be made available. If this is this case,
then perhaps the funds would be available for some one time capital projects.
Mr. Cundiff explained that he was under the impression that this would be done in
conjunction with the budget, at which time funds would be set aside solely for capital projects.
Mr. Longerbeam stated that he feels this needs to be looked at and that it is a good idea.
He further explained that he had given consideration to the idea that a certain percentage of any
tax increase would be set aside for capital projects.
Mr. Shickle stated that he and Mr. Longerbeam have discussed this budget and some
ways the fund balance might be designated for the future and managed in some way that does not
appear as a "pot of money" that is available for anything coming and going and suggested this
should be addressed following the budget process.
Mr. Nick Nerangis, finance committee member, addressed the schools request and noted
it was his understanding that if the proposed budget increase would be 10 cents the full school
request could be funded, along with putting the county in good shape, long term, rather than just
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fixing it for this year.
Mr. Shickle stated that in the phone calls he had received concerning a possible tax
increase those constituents felt they could live with a possible 5 cents increase, but not a 10 or
20 cents. He felt he could support the 5 cents.
Mr. Sager stated that he too agreed with the 5 cents.
Mr. Longerbeam explained that he would like for this Board to be in a financial
position in the future that when a new school is needed that the Board would feel comfortable
in saying they would pick up the first 50% of the cost in cash. He does not feel the citizenry
would object to this if it is explained to them up front.
Mr. Orndoff asked if the revenue was figured on the high side this year.
Mrs. Shiffler, finance director, replied it was figured more accurately.
Mr. Shickle, addressed the area of the closeness of the actual numbers that were
budgeted in previous years. He wanted to see them closer and he feels that staff has tried to
make it more accurate. This is less conservative, but he does not feel it is dangerous.
Mr. Orndoff, Jr., treasurer, explained that he feels with now going into the fourth year
of proration the county is more comfortable with the revenues being closer and more accurate.
Mr. Shickle stated that he did not feel this tax increase of 5 cents would be a long term
fix, based on expenditures the county is looking at next year and in the future.
Mr. Longerbeam asked for some feed back on a 6 cent increase with 1 cent going
toward the start up of a Capital Account. He further asked if perhaps this should be referred
to the Finance Committee for their review and recommendation back to the Board.
Mr. Orndoff asked Mr. Riley about the cuts proposed for various items with regard to
the new building. If the building is completed in September of this year he wanted to know
where the funds would come from to pay for the equipment needed for the various offices that
would be located in this building.
Mr. Riley replied fund balance since these would be a one time expenditure.
Mr. Larry Van Hoose, chairman of the school board, appeared before the Board at this
time to address certain issues that had been raised by the Board. His first question had to do
with categorical spending. He does not feel it is the place of the board of supervisors to do
this. He feels this responsibility lies with the school board.
Mr. Shickle explained that he does not feel categorical funding prohibits the school
board from spending the money where they see fit, however it does make you come back and
do a check with someone else when you decide to use it from one category to the other. It
does not say that the board of supervisors is going to tell you that you cannot do that, it is
done for the Board to be informed and know what you are doing. It also provides a buy in and
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is an almost more cooperative venture if looked at that way rather than an adversary one. He
feels this would make everyone more accountable to those people that pay the taxes. It was not
said to indicate that the Board would be doing the job of the school board.
Mr. Van Hoose stated that he felt this was the job of the joint finance committee and he
felt this is what the committee had been working on.
Mr. Shickle explained that in information he had received from V ACo it was more the
norm than not the norm.
Mr. Malcolm explained that in a meeting he had attended this date of region four which is
composed of seventeen school divisions, he asked the representatives of the twelve that were
present, at this meeting, and only one out of the twelve districts have their school budgets
approved categorically, that being Warren County.
Mr. Longerbeam stated that he does not want to get involved with categorical funding at
this point, but he is like Mr. Shickle going to take a hard look at it. He feels it does tighten up
the process.
Mr. Van Hoose stated that for the Board to say that $900,000 is going to cover raises is
not being realistic at this point. He has to go back and look at the numbers.
Mrs. Marge Rowe, school board member, explained that there were other concerns the
school board had such as two way radios for the school buses.
Mr. Van Hoose stated that the school board would work with the Board in any way they
could. He further stated that the school board tried to come within the $900,000 and they could
not do it and therefore requested $1.2 million from the Board.
Mrs. Rowe explained that salaries have been addressed however adding additional
staffing has not, and this will mean larger classrooms.
Mr. Riley stated that he felt there could be some additional savings in the functional
consolidation, particularly as the health insurance issue comes before the Board. Working
together, perhaps a better plan can be put together that would save the school system, as well as
the county government money based on a plan that might be as good.
Mr. Shickle stated that any savings that can be realized he would like to see this passed
on to the school system.
Mr. Longerbeam explained that the $2.7 million that the schools received from the state
far exceeds more than the county could have given the schools.
Mrs. Douglas stated that one call she had received the citizens stated they were very
pleased with the school system and felt they were not paying enough taxes.
Upon motion made by Robert M. Sager, seconded by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., that a 5
cent tax increase is hereby proposed as the increase on real estate. The public hearing will be
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held on Wednesday, March 27, 1996 at Sherando High School at 7:15 P.M.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
James L. Longerbeam - Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye
Margaret B. Douglas - Aye
Robert M. Sager - Aye
Richard C. Shickle - Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye
UPON MOTION MADE BY CHARLES W. ORNDOFF, SR., SECONDED BY
ROBERT M. SAGER, THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME
BEFORE THIS BOARD, THIS WORKSESSION IS HEREBY ADJOURNED.
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