HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_05_13budget work session
Town Council Budget Workshop
May 13, 2002
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 6:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding.
Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald,
David Schmidt, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb.
Council members Absent:
Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Deputy Town Manager Phil
Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Acting Director of
Planning, Zoning and Development John DiZerga, Parks and Recreation Director Kaj
Dentler, Airport Director Doug McNeeley, Chief of Police Joe Price, Captain Claggett
Moxley, Information Technology Director Michel Agujia, Finance Director Paul York,
Utilities Director Randy Shoemaker, Budget Officer Mike Freda, Tourism Coordinator
Marantha Edwards, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, and Clerk of Council
Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Town Manager's Letter Outlining Proposed Reductions
Bob Noe advised Council, as requested, various departments have identified
$180,000 in reductions necessary to balance the budget.
B. Budget Balancing Sheet
Councilmember Atwell questioned how the Finance Department plans a
$10,000 reduction in parking attendant hours.
Paul York advised that one shift would be eliminated, the first one of the day.
Councilmember Zoldos proposed an alternative to the webmaster position.
He suggested it would be more useful to have a help desk person and continue with
the current service provider for another year.
After further discussion it was the consensus of Council to retain the
webmaster position in the budget.
Mike Freda advised the budget is now balanced unless there are any
additional changes Council wishes to make.
Mayor Webb expressed concern with Adelphia Cable revenues and the
possible impact of their diminishing customers.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would not like to see an increase in meals
tax or real estate tax and would maintain a 10% fund balance.
Councilmember McDonald asked if it would be possible to do CIP design in-
house. Tom Mason stated the Town does not have that level of expertise.
John DiZerga stated in the short term a consultant may be better, but for the
long term one or two people should be dedicated to design.
Town Council Budaet Work Session Minutes for May 13. 2002
Page 2
Councilmember McDonald stated he would favor limitations on increases and
could not support any more than a 20 V2 percent tax rate.
Councilmember Schmidt asked for come clarification on the Woodlea mini-
pressure zone.
Randy Shoemaker explained the need to create a mini zone within the
Western Pressure Zone because of low water pressure in Woodlea. He added the
design; construction and property acquisition would total $450,000.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified that 45-50 homes are affected by low water
pressure.
Mr. Shoemaker advised this project is included in the current budget.
C. Tax Rate
Councilmember Jackson discussed the tax rate stating that if it were lowered
this year, it would have to be raised next year.
Mayor Webb stated the last tax increase was 1996.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd and Councilmember McDonald stated they would
support elimination of additional budget items in order to lower the tax rate.
Council member McDonald proposed eliminating a zoning inspector, one
planner, the webmaster, one communications tech, one police car, a senior engineer
and the Capital Projects Inspector car.
Further, he proposed reducing the funding to the Loudoun Convention and
Visitor's Center by $10,000 and a 2% cost of living increase.
Councilmembers Zoldos, Jackson, Atwell, and Schmidt stated they would like
to hold the tax rate at .22 cents.
It was the consensus of Council to bring forward legislation to the May 13,
2002 meeting supporting at tax rate of .22 cents.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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Minutes: budgetws051302