Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/08/1993STEERING COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET 8 APRIL 1993 The City of South Burlington held a Public Hearing on the proposed 1993-1994 City and School District Budgets on Thursday, 8 April 1993, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. City Council Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; John Dinklage, James Condos, William Cimonetti School Board Members Present: Theodore Manazir, Chairman; Dennis Snyder, Francis Murray, Peter Cole, Julie Duppstadt, Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Lawrence Lecours, Superintendent of Schools; Margaret Picard, City Clerk; Peg Strait, Assistant City Manager; Leo Brown, School District; Claire Buckley, Amy Spokes, Margaret Minet, Community Library; Don Whitten, Water Pollution Control District; James W. Goddette, Sr., Fire Department; Brian Searles, Police Dept; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Department; Tom Hubbard, Recreation Dept; Bruce Ladeau S. Burlington Schools; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Sandy Greiner, Free Press; Darlene Worth, Mary Rutherford, Chuck Galvin, School District; Ann Pugh, Legislative Representative; Bill Schuele, Andrew Price, Kathryn Buley, Sean Leach, Hugh Marvin, Vince Bolduc, Mary Anne Murray, Rick Marcotte, Bud Bailey, Pete Crevier, James Leddy, Dave Maclaughlin, Robert DiFernando, David Ford, R. G. Hest, Maura Weatherly, Gerry Silverstein, Bob O'Brien, Stephen Dengler, Lisa Courcy, W. W. Stone, Jean Stone, Pat Irish, Linus Leavens, Karen Shilgalis Prior to the presentation of the budgets, Mr. Cimonetti noted that he had received a call from Ethan & Doro Sims who could not be present tonight. They offered thanks to the city staff and officials for jobs they have done and felt the budgets have been marvelously explained in the publications. They particularly commended the City Manager and noted they have lived in South Burlington a long time and appreciate the direction the city is now taking. 1. City Budget: Mr. Hafter presented the budget on behalf of the City. He showed a chart of this year's and next year's budgets and explained the Charter limitations. These limitation are based on economic growth. This year's Grand List is up 1% over last year. ($5,000,000, was lost when Digital closed). The maximum operating budget can thus increase 1%. Last year's operating budget tax rate was 63¢. The proposed rate for this year is 63.6¢, representing a 1% increase. The maximum operating budget is allowed to increase up to 10%; however, since the income for this does not exist, the budget cannot increase by this amount. The budget this year is $5,327,000, down $24,000 from last year and down $50,000 from the previous year. The total general operating budget last year was $6,427,000; the proposed budget is $6,484,000. Mr. Hafter thanked Department Heads for bringing in this budget which followed the guidelines established. Mr. Hafter then noted that though the budget is down, there is a tax increase. He explained this as follows: last year, the highway and landfill operation took in $400,000 in revenue. This year they will take in $140,000 because there is no longer a city landfill. The highway budget is down $70,000. Some planned capital projects have been put off. In addition, $90,000 was taken from fund balance to compensate for lost revenue. All money from the fund balance will be used for capital expenses (a police cruiser, copy machine, etc.). The increase in Water Pollution Control expenses is due to two factors: a permanent long-term solution to the sludge problem and the reduction in bonded debt through additions to the sewer rate. With regard to the sludge situation, sludge is currently being injected into the earth; however, the EPA is opposed to this (as are neighbors). So the city has invested in a pelletizing plant. Mr. Condos noted this is being done in conjunction with other communities, thus reducing the cost to the city. The reduction in bonded debt by adding to sewer rates is being done so that the sewer debt should be paid through sewer usage. Mr. Hafter noted S. Burlington still has the second lowest rate in the County. Bonded debt is up 1.9¢ due to three projects approved by the voters: the recreation path, purchase of parkland, and parkland development. Mr. Hafter noted that park development will go to bid next week and the park areas will be ready for use next spring. Mr. Hafter showed a chart of the operating tax increase in S. Burlington for the last 3 years. The total increase for the 3-year period is 3.4%, while the Consumer Price Index has increased 9%. For the average homeowner, the proposed budget will result in $18.90 more in property taxes. $4.38 of this is for the operating budget with the rest for voter- approved capital debt. In the 10-year capital budget, no new debt shall be incurred this year. Mr. Hafter noted that the city will most likely go to the voters for an expansion to the Bartlett Bay Sewage Plant. It is hoped that the city will be able to get a 0% interest loan under the President's new economic incentive plans. Mr. Hafter then outlined some noteworthy items in the budget. In the area of recreation, the basketball courts in JC Park will be rebuilt and new playground equipment will be installed at that Park. There will also be a new furnace in the O'Brien Center. The Police Dept. will begin a new Traffic Safety Department. They will add one new officer who will be in traffic safety full time. The program will also include an educational component. The new officer will be paid for through drug forfeiture funds and fines. The DARE program and Kids & Kops programs will continue as will the city's participation in the new Sex Crimes Unit. All of these programs have been tremendously successful. Membership in the Drug Enforcement Task Force will also continue. The Police Dept. has been receiving from $30,000-$50,000 a year in drug-related forfeiture funds. Two criminal justice students will be hired to patrol the Recreation Path during the summer months. The Highway Dept. will purchase a new tractor to mow sides of roads and rec paths. Road work will be done on the following roads: San Remo dr, Brookwood, Shamrock Rd, Country Club Estates, East Terrace, Williston rd. between Exit 14 and Dorset St, Williston Rd./Kennedy Dr. intersection, Airport Rd./Shamrock Dr. Mr. Hafter then opened the floor for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. O'Brien asked about the process for road repair. Mr. Hafter said the city has a 5-year plan on roads and is currently evaluating every road in the city. He felt that at some time there will have to be a bond issue to catch up on road work. Mr. Cimonetti then briefly explained which roads in the city are "state roads" on which the state will provide repairs. Mr. Leddy complimented the City Manager and staff for an outstanding job during hard times. He asked if city employees will be getting raises in the new budget. Mr. Hafter noted there will be a 2% increase this year. He added that employees are now participating in health insurance costs. Mr. Leddy noted the safety issue on Hinesburg Rd. heading north where there is no arrow to indicate which lane is for cars going straight ahead. This concern will be passed along. Mr. Leddy was concerned that the new police position will be funded by fines and didn't feel funding by such an unpredictable source was wise. Mr. Flaherty noted he has the same concerns. Mr. Crevier noted that there had been temporary improvements to Kennedy Drive between Dorset St. and Hinesburg Rd. He said the section of the road between Hinesburg and Williston Rds. is now deteriorating and asked the future status of this road. Mr. Hafter said there may have to be another temporary fix as the plan to redo the road is in the year 1994-5. Mr. Cimonetti noted that a complete rebuild of Kennedy Drive is in the State's 5-year plan to be voted on in the Legislature tomorrow. At the moment, at least 80% of this work will be done from federal funding. The time plan is shaky and it may not get done till 1995. 2. School Budget: The newly appointed Superintendent, Bruce Chapman, was introduced. Mr. Lecours noted that the city has a premier school system and said this is due to the partnership among families, schools and the city. He cited an excellent day-to- day relationship with the City Manager, Street Dept, Police Dept, etc. Mr. Lecours noted that 3 of the city's schools have been recognized with national awards for excellence. Mr. Lecours noted the same 1% increase in the Grand List. The gross budget is up 1.84% with operating expenses up 2.08%. Important factors involved in the budget include: Negatives: small increase in grand list; loss of State Aid (the city has lost $379,000 in the last 3 years), use of fund balance last year to make it through this year. Positives: a negotiation settlement has been reached with the teachers who will receive a 2% increase for each of the next 2 years. Enrollment at the schools is up from the original projection and is now anticipated to be 2120 students. The tuition students will also increase since the district will be providing bus transportation from the Islands. There is room in the high school and the income from tuitions is needed. Mr. Lecours noted that with more students, more and better programs can be offered. In addition, S. Burlington is a city, and the Island communities are rural. The mix is beneficial for all the students. The pupil-teacher ratio is 19-1 and will go up next year if the ballot item fails. The average cost per pupil is $7717, up 2.5% from last year. Mr. Lecours then explained the proposed ballot item. The total amount would be $376,000 (almost exactly what has been lost in state aid). This would cost the average home in the city $38.00 more per year. Mr. Lecours stressed that there were many efforts at "tightening up" in the budget. Six teachers were laid off and there was a 5% reduction in supplies. Retiring custodian and a teacher at Orchard School won't be replaced. There will be no sabbatical leaves. There will also be a reduction in guidance services and $20,000 reduction in administrative costs. If the ballot item does not pass, Mr. Lecours said the cuts that will have to be made will represent a chipping away at the excellence of the system, and this will hurt. He then outlined the specific cuts that would be made: Elementary Schools: enrichment teacher, custodians, support materials, a teacher (which will result in larger class size); Middle School: inter-scholastic programs, language arts teacher, custodian, library funds; High School: foreign language program, pep/jazz band, math and science minimum requirements, athletics, library, art, family living, business ed, field trips, custodian, co-curricular activity. There would also be cuts to Special Ed and the central office. Mr. Lecours then enumerated things that the city can be proud of in its schools. All 5 schools have now received PSA approval. The Chamberlin school has been given national recognition and its principal will go to Washington to receive the award and meet the President. The city schools are also now part of the New American Schools Program. The floor was then opened for questions from the public. Mr. O'Brien noted he lives near Chamberlin School and they are excellent neighbors. He then asked if the new settlement with teachers requires them to contribute to medical insurance. Mr. Lecours said it does not. Dr. Silverstein felt the salary range of teachers did not represent any dramatic cuts in the budget. He noted there will be no salary increases at the University this year because there is no money for this. Mr. Murray said that a system that is as good as South Burlington's is not an accident. He also felt it would be a mistake to pit the community against the teachers. The teachers work hard and make the system what it is and shouldn't be blamed for trying to support their families. Mr. Bailey felt the schools have to live with what they have and also that teachers should pay for half of their benefit package. Mr. Leddy was pleased that there is a settlement with teachers. He said he is more concerned where things will be a year or two down the road. He didn't feel the Grand List will turn around soon, and health costs are not likely to reduce. He felt there has to be a change in how education is funded so that it isn't based on the property tax. Mr. Marvin asked what effect there would have been if the teachers had settled for no increase in pay. Mr. Brown estimated $200,000. Mr. Marvin said he believes in a fine education system but felt teachers and administration should have showed their appreciation for being so well supported all these years by not taking any salary increases. MR. Leaves noted the amount spent on books per student is about $19.18 and felt this was not in proportion to that spent on teacher salaries. Mr. Lecours noted that over $600,000 has been spent on technology in the past few years. Ms. Irish noted the area has lost 900 jobs and won't get them back. She said taxpayers are running out of money. She said 80% of Vermont employers have co- insurance agreement with their employees and felt the schools have to do this. Mr. Crevier noted that under instruction programs, the district is constantly budgeting more than it uses. Mr. Brown explained that it is hard to project how many students will opt for certain programs (such as special ed, courses at UVM, etc.). Mr. Crevier then questioned the system by which surplus funds are used. Mr. Brown noted that the funds are not used the next year because the amounts are not known when the budget is prepared. They are used two years down the line. Mr. Manazir said it is better to underestimate income than to fall short. Mr. Bolduc empathized with the task of budget balancing. He said a good school system is an expense and felt the citizens have to reach deep to support it. He noted education in this country is falling behind internationally. Cuts in foreign language, math and science would be a tragedy as would requirements for graduation. Mr. Hest questioned the actual cost per pupil and what is charged for tuition students. Mr. Lecours explained there are certain things (such as bond issues) that you cannot bill to tuition students under state statute. Another member of the audience noted that once the proposed cuts are made, the programs they represent will never be seen again. She felt the school system needed to be supported and thanked the teachers and Board for settling the contract dispute. She felt the school system was tremendous. Mr. Condos noted that a recent study showed that when all factors were equalized, South Burlington was the fifth lowest in property tax of the 14 communities in Chittenden County. He also noted that in a bond rating review conducted for the solid Waste District this year, South Burlington was cited as one of the best municipalities as far as fiscal management is concerned. Mr. Cole said people have to consider the sacrifice of time made by teachers on behalf of the children of the city. Kids today need a lot more from the schools than they used to. He said he would like to see those efforts enhanced, and to ask the teachers for more and not offer some pay increase wouldn't be fair. As there was no further business to come before the hearing, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.