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March 27, 1996 Budget Public Hearing 536 A Regular Meeting of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, for purpose of conducting the public hearing on the proposed 1996-1997 Frederick County Budget, was held on March 27, 1996, at 7:15 P.M., at Sherando High School, in the auditorium, Stephens City, 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. INVOCA nON The invocation was delivered by Reverend Bill G. Johnson of the Stephens City United Methodist Church. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 1996-1997 FREDERICK COUNTY BUDGET Chairman Longerbeam read the Rules of Order at this time for the public hearing. Mr. John Riley, county administrator, explained that the budget presented tonight includes an additional $2.8 million in the General Operating Fund. The majority of this increase is made up of $675,500 to debt service for the new administration building and an additional $900,000 to fund the school operating fund. The budget also includes an additional $3.7 million in the school operating fund. The capital projects included in this budget are the completion of Redbud Run Elementary School and high school expansions, improvements to Senseny Road Elementary School, and the construction of a new Stonewall Elementary School. He further explained that with the county being faced with an original budget deficit of approximately $11 million, the proposed budget reflects a minimal tax increase while at the same time addresses the county's needs in all areas. He further addressed a bar graph that was recently published in the Winchester Evening Star and some of the figures with regard to parks and recreation, as well as the Department of Social Services were incorrect. The following citizens appeared before the Board to express their views on this proposed budget: Wendy Nadolny - Opequon District - President, Frederick County Schools Council. She stated that the council thought this year was going to be different in Frederick County. Does not feel this has come to pass. Feels the board of supervisors needs to look into their philosophy with regard to education funding as it relates to philosophy of this community. Teresa Plackett, Stonewall District, asked the Board to please fully fund the education budget. Marlene Cross, Opequon District, referred to comments made by various board members prior to last year's election. She does not feel the $900,000 is sufficient and more funding is needed. 537 Peggy Hahn, Back Creek District, representing Handley Library as representative from Frederick County. She thanked the Board for their continuing support of the library. Tish Grimes, Shawnee District, requested that the board fully fund the school budget and - find the additional $1.2 million for the 1996-1997 budget. She referred to the fact that the board members are looking at doubling their own salaries. Addressed the need of the two-way radios for county buses. Suggested that maybe a change of attitude and philosophy is needed as to how the tax money is spent. Tracey Drumheller, Gainesboro District, thanked the Board for what they do. Feels the biggest decision the Board will make will affect the children of the county and their future. Asked the Board to seriously consider funding the school budget as requested. Wally Kuchyt, Gainesboro District, has difficulty in accepting the 1996-1997 budget as presented with its deficit spending balance of $1. 7 5 million. Feels these figures are conservatively estimated as it relates to history, and that there is upside potential to increase the forecast. Asked the Board to reexamine both the revenue, budgeted figures, and expenditures and adjust them to reflect the historical trend. Asked that some of the revenue go to the schools as well as the sheriffs department. Larry Van Hoose, chairman of school board, stated that the $900,000 that the board of supervisors has said they will give to the school board, along with the $252,023 to be received in additional funding from the state, will allow the school board to give pay raises to the teachers and all other personnel, but not to the extent necessary to maintain competitive salaries in many areas. He noted at this time the things that would not be done as the funds will not be available. He requested that the Board reconsider and fund the entire amount that was requested. Kenneth Y. Stiles - Stonewall District, asked that everyone look at surrounding counties and notice what they are doing with their school budget, he feels Frederick County has done fairly well based on some of the surrounding counties. The number one priority of the Board financially is to return Frederick County's budget to a sound structural basis, as this has not been the case for the past several years, partly for the reasons Mr. Kuchyt touched on and partly for some other reasons. Sound budgeting and financing should take priority over everything else because that is what drives the decision as to what else can be done. What the schools are actually receiving is between 4 and 1/4 million dollars increase in funds next year. What they are requesting is between 5 and 1/4 and 5 1/2 million dollar increase in revenue for their budget. He feels if the county school system cannot manage their affairs with more than a 4 million dollar increase, then there are problems within the school system that mere money will not solve. He further stated that when the measure of performance of a school system or anything else is your unit cost of doing business, in a school systems case, the cost per student, and not actually the quality of what you are turning out, and in the case what the students actually are 538 learning, you are going to find people who are far better at spending money as in this case then they are in educating students. How much you spend per student is not, and has never been shown to be a measure of what the students are learning. This came across loud and clear at the Education Summit that was being held in New York these past few days. He addressed the matter of the local school television station and the fact that this has been used to request parents and citizens to attend this budget public hearing to support more tax money for the schools. He further addressed the fact that some of the PTO's have sent notices home with school children asking parents to attend this meeting. This is wrong, when the schools are using taxpayers money to do this in order to get more taxpayer dollars. Michael Wilson, Shawnee District, thanked the Board for having the integrity and the intestinal fortitude to stand up and do what they know is right. This country and our political structure, our Federal, State and Local governments have all come to face the reality that the "free lunch" was never here and never will be, we have to be responsible. There is not enough money to give everyone what they want. He referred to bar graphs from fiscal 1993 to 1997 for Frederick County. He addressed the amounts that had gone into the school system. He explained that all phases of county operation from fiscal year 1993 thru fiscal year 1997 have, and continue to operate at a lower outlay than the county made to them in 1993 in spite of increased demands for services on the Sheriffs Department, Public Works as well as other entities. Yet the school system continues to march to its own tune and to consume over 70% of the counties outlays, it cannot continue this way. He feels everyone has to work more efficiently and operations have to be streamlined, we have to be responsible as the good times cannot simply roll on. He addressed the fact that all entities, with the exception of the school system, submit a line item budget for board approval. He feels the spending of these funds without a full and line item accounting of all the budgetary expenditures is irresponsible and verges on, at least the appearance of an impropriety. It is time for the school board to get the budget out line by line in order that every item might be evaluated. Susan Luby, Shawnee District, addressed a recent school board budget worksession wherein she felt the board attempted to orchestrate a theatrical performance, the plot she felt was greed, deception and betrayal against the students and the taxpayers of Frederick County. Once again the school board is not satisfied with its 70% plus share oflocal spending revenue. She feels the school board would have the county citizens believe that their only option to make ends meet is to cut teacher positions, textbooks and school bus radios. Not one time did she hear any serious effort to cut administrative dollars in a system that is more than a little top heavy. How convenient it is that the school board chose to cut areas that will only serve to arouse the sympathies of parents who are unfamiliar with such schemes. How convenient that the true fat was left untouched. If this charade of a budget is the best the school board can do, 539 of its own initiative and accord, perhaps the day is not long off when Frederick County Taxpayers too will ask that there be public accountability for these decisions. Diana Giles, Stonewall District, President of Frederick County Education Association. Requested that school board budget be fully funded as requested. Pat Gochenour, Shawnee District, has lived in the county for thirty-five years. She feels there is uncontrolled growth in the county and that no tax increase is needed. Feels there is a breach of trust within the county as the elected officials are letting to much of the county rural area become residential. David Bolton, Stephens City, noted that he has been a consumer of the educational services within the county for a number of years and his daughter is a senior this year at James Wood. Has always felt education is a contract between a parent and a child and the provider. Feels that the local government is the provider ofa service to him and to the taxpayers. Feels that he has been well served by the education his daughter has received. He agrees there could be some paring of cost within the school administration, but he did not want to read in the local paper that the attitude of the board of supervisors is, have your public meeting, but it ain't going to make any difference to us, as you won't even entertain the comments from your own study finance committee. He felt the board of supervisors had a big job, but as near as he could tell, as individuals, they were not nearly big enough to solve the problem. Bryan Cooley, Opequon District, referred to this as the annual begging meeting for the Frederick County Schools. He feels one of the major problems with Frederick County is that the amount of revenue collected by the county does not meet all of the needs precipitated by the growth, and he feels the board must deal with that issue. Feels you cannot have unbridled growth without consequences. Tax rates cannot be frozen for years, as has happened during the past few years, and not face a fiscal problem years down the road. Challenged the board to investigate more creative ways to raise revenues. Alvin Johnson, county sheriffs department, thanked the Board for all they have given the department over the years. He asked the Board to consider the department's request and fund what has been asked for, if possible, for it is needed in order to keep up with the growth of the county and provide the protection to the citizens. Shan Kilby, Opequon District, requested that board of supervisors meet with various budget committees before approving the budget. Asked Board if they would have to increase taxes again next year and how could the school system deal with an increase next year of over 300 new students without adequate funding. Referred to all the trailers that are being used by the county school system. Marie Patterson, Opequon District, explained to the Board that those county citizens living on fixed incomes could not afford a tax increase. 540 Chad Massey, Shawnee District, does not feel taxes should be raised. Referred to construction waste within the room that this hearing was being conducted. Feels money needs to be used more wisely. Is opposed to board members having their salaries doubled. Donald W. Luttrell, Opequon District, asked the Board to abandon the plan to raise the real estate tax by even as much as 5 cents. Feels if the schools and county administration is operated as it should be, the $1.2 million that would be raised would not be necessary. Feels if taxes are raised by 5 cents, the administration will spend it. Regardless of how much it is raised the administration will still spend it. He referred to the areas that tax dollars were wasted last year with approximately one-half million dollars being spent on demolishing the Penny's building, Kraft Foods, and the county fire truck. Over $300,000 was spent to purchase landfill property. Over $2 million for unnecessary office space. He also addressed the area in front of the county courthouse and the fact that three board members and the county administrator wanted to give this in a land swap to Farmers and Merchants National Bank. He further referred to a recent study that was done by the county personnel committee that was agreed to by the county administrator and the previous board of supervisors. This study recommended that the salaries of ten staff members be raised to an amount that totaled $35,047, with 50% being effective July, 1995 and 50% effective July, 1996. He addressed the salary of the Personnel Director wherein she is currently making $46,000 and received an increase of $3,540 in 1995 and $3,540 in 1996 a total of $7,080 for a 15.4% increase in two years. He noted that this amounts to 79% of his annual social security salary. He further addressed another employee in administration that received an increase of$5,951 for a 13.6% increase. He asked at this time that between $500,000 and $750,000 be added to what is currently proposed for the school board with the understanding that $500,000 of this will be used for salary increases for all support staff of the school system. Richard Racey, Back Creek District, asked why the school board was not being held responsible for the funds they are spending. The same ones saying the same things year after year. He stated that he only makes $7 per hour and a tax increase is something that he does not need to hear. Feels the school board needs to set an example in how to handle funds and that they too should be held accountable as well as responsible. Bobby Orndoff, Shawnee District, is opposed to any additional funds going toward education and he feels the school board needs to have better rapport with the parents and tax- payers. He referred to a report that he had in his possession for the years 1982-83, grades 9 and 10, in class of Basic World Geography. He explained that this report contained student papers, as well as other work, and the students were classified illiterate. He further explained these were papers of students in the ninth and tenth grades that could not read or write. He stated that the observer was the assistant principal who noted in writing that these students 541 should be taught to read and write, not at the ninth and tenth grade level. Richard Crane, Stonewall District, addressed the message delivered earlier by Richard Racey noting that anyone that can live in Frederick County and make ends meet while only - making $7 an hour deserves a lot of credit. Feels board needs to govern by logic and not by emotion. Feels automobile decals should be given to those citizens upon paying their taxes, and a fine should be assessed for double the amount if vehicle is not displaying the decal. He addressed the area of salary increases based on what an employee is currently making. He further stated that he felt every member of the county school board should be on stage facing the general public just like the board of supervisors. Bob Seale, Back Creek District, a new resident since October of 1995, having moved here from Fairfax County. He addressed the expenditures of Fairfax County over the past number of years with regard to the school system and how much the budget had grown. He further stated that now there is a back lash from the taxpayers, and amazingly the school system is beginning to find ways to curb spending. He is seeing the same squeaky wheels in Frederick County that he saw in Fairfax County trying to get more and more money for the schools. The board of supervisors are saying to the school board we will support education in Frederick County, but not at any cost. Donnie Gladden, Opequon District, asked why taxes are being raised. Why is parks and recreation budget so big in comparison to the school budget. Why is the extra $312,000 needed? Why the supplemental salaries to the appointed and elected officials? Does not feel this is the time for members of the board of supervisors to raise their salaries. Why are airplanes assessed so low? He referred to a copy of a bill that was sent by Hewitt Feed Company that he obtained through the FOIA from the county. This bill was for pushing snow during the blizzard. The bill was made to Virginia Department of Transportation, yet it was paid by Frederick County. It was for 8 1/2 hours on Apple Pie Ridge and Waverly Road to get the trucks in he requested to know what was meant by "to get the trucks in". He referred to an ad in a recent paper for a county employee position wherein the salary being advertised was between $13,000 and $16,000, he feels those at the lower end of the pay scale need raises. He feels by the county continuing to raise taxes they are driving the poor, as well as those that want to remain self supporting, out of the county. Feels a better job needs to be done at spending his tax dollars. Susan Ritter, Opequon District, supported the school board and their request for $1.2 million dollars in new money. Leo Rossiter, Stephens City, feels there is unbridled growth in the county which is adding to the dilemma of the school system. Feels in time this will also increase the need for additional law enforcement personnel. Feels all governments need to live within their means. Feels there is some fat that can be cut. 542 Roy Lamb, Stephens City, stated that he could not go to his employer and ask him to increase his salary in order that he might pay more taxes. Referred to proposed salary increase for board members, and if this is done then the monies need to come from some place other than raising real estate taxes. He feels those that have the children in school are the ones that should be taxed. Ask the parents that have appeared here tonight, would they be willing to pay $500 per child, he doesn't feel if this were the case they would be so anxious for an increase. Janet Bixby, representing Access Independence, Frederick County is becoming more and more urban, and as this continues to happen there is going to be a need for some type of transportation other than the driven car, and there is no representation of that need within this budget. The Board needs to start thinking about this need. Glen Seymour, also with Access Independence, is not a citizen of Frederick County but he does use the facilities. Asked the Board to please consider the need for transportation within the county for the disabled and handicapped. Peter Dunning, representing Bluemont Concert Series, asked the Board to please reconsider funding the concert series as it is something that has been enjoyed by county citizens for many years, as well as what they have done within the school system. This program has been supported by the county for the past fourteen years. Jules Blazei, county citizen appearing before the Board on behalf of Bluemont Concert Series. Feels it is a great service to the county. Don Jones, Back Creek District, feels more and more working people will be attending these meetings iftaxes continue to go up. Feels every time the citizens turn around some type of new tax is being added. Feels the school board needs to take a long look at the construction of the schools. The space may be needed by the type of construction needs to be looked into. You don't need this type of luxury in order to educate the children. Kenneth Y. Stiles, he wanted to clarify something he said earlier. He did not mean to imply that all PTO's and schools sent out the newsletters using taxpayers dollars. It was his understanding that at least one of the schools did it at school expense. He referred to a paper that he had handed out to the board members with information and results from an exit poll done by the James Wood students on election day. Referred to other polls done by Frederick County students. Feels if the county is going to support Bluemont Concert Series then the City of Winchester should do their fair share also. He further addressed the blizzard of 1996 and the fact that dairy farmers in the area were not able to get their milk out as the trucks were not able to get to the farms. He did call Mr. Riley and VDOT and asked if something could not be done to get the road open in order to get the milk picked up. The cost for this should have been incurred by VDOT as this is a state maintained road and he resents the remark made by Mr. Gladden that there was any type of impropriety in what was done. 5431 Rick Miller, Back Creek District, everyone is looking for a way to get the $1.2 million dollars. The county has about 9,300 students in the Frederick County School System, the parents are the ones most concerned with the education. He is a homeowner and a small businessman and - he does not have any children, but does pay his fair share of taxes. If the parents want their children to get a better education then let them pay $100 per student and that amount equals to $900,000 which equals close to the $1.2 million that is being requested. Kevin Dougherty, Gainesboro District, he stated that Huyett Company had also dug him out during the blizzard, which he appreciated, and did not feel they had overcharged him. He addressed the area of school construction as it relates to this particular building, and with the exception of the brick walls in the auditorium, he felt the rest of the school was pretty much block and mortar and that is as basic as you can get. He referred to all the older schools within the county. He questioned the counties priorities. Thor Madison, Access Independence, not a resident of the county. Asked the Board to please consider the needs of the handicapped. Mr. Longerbeam stated that the Board had heard from the citizens and all of this will be considered in their decision making process. He feels the role of the board members is to manage the common interest against all of the parochial interest. The Board cannot fund everything, as this is impossible and still be prudent with the taxpayers dollar. He feels the person that is paying the taxes needs to be protected and this is what the Board wants to do and feels they are striving to see this is done. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THIS BOARD, THIS MEETING IS HEREBY ADJOURNED. k. ;J d / . /(C.c..<.CLf- -;~:../ -\.-~~/~ ames L. Longe eam Chairman, Board of Supervisors0