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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 31, 1978 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HONORABLE CITN COUNCIL OF TH@ CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGIIIIA Nlarch 31, 1978 The special meeting of the Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was called to order by Mayor Clarence A. Holland, in the Conference Room, in the Administration Building, Princess Anne Borough, on Friday, flarch 31, 1978, at 10:30 a.m., for the presen- tation of the proposed budget for fiscal year 1978/79. Council Members present: John A. Baum, George R. Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Ifolland, J. iienry flecoy, Jr., Council- woman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Poyne, Roger L. Riggs, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr. Council Members absent: Robert B. Crcmwell, Jr. ITEM #11@31 The City Clerk read the following noti(e from the City Manager calling for a special meeting: As prescribed by Section 2-9 of the Code of the City of Virginia Beach, I request that Council have a Speci&t 7Meetin,.g at 10:30 a.m. on Fri.day, March 31, 1978, in the Council Chambers of the Administration Building, Municipal Center. This meeting is for the presentation of the Fiscal iyear @l,,9.78.-17.9@Operdting ..Biidgef for the city of Virginia Beach. Ve ITEM #11@32 The City Manager stated that to aid thcse citizens on limited or fixed incomes, and to off-set almost all of the increase in average assessed values of residential properties for the 1978-79 fiscal year, he has recommended the tax rate te reduced by five-cents. It should be noted that a five-cent recuction in the rate is equal to a 6@/'@ reduction and that the average increase in assessed values was 7.7%; consequently, this offsets mcre than 80% of the increase due to inflation. It should be noted that if this recommendation is adol)ted that this is the second trUE tax rate reduction within the last three fiscal years. This reduction means that a majority of tax payers will pay 82-cents per $100 of assessed value, while rural residents who do not have mosquito control will pay EO-cents per @100 of assessed value. Virginia Beach will continue tc have the lowest tax rate in the Commonwealth in cities over 20,000 population. The City Manager stated the following factors allowing real estate tax rate reduction: 1. Tourism - This industry realized a 28,@@ increse in business during the last summer season. Sucha successful year has had a diiect financial impact on the city and has added to our economic condition. it is estimated that tourism brought in $12-million to the coffers of Vir--inia Beach last year. 3/31/78 3/31/78 - 2 - 2. @leiv Construction The Real Estate Assessor reports tliat an increase of 5% in new construction has been a tremendous plus factor e- conomically this year. 3. Financial Control During this fiscal year we have been able to realize unanticipated increases in revenqe. The rnanal-e.,-nent team, with the cooperation of departr@ient heads and their staffs, have held expenses to the absolute minimum. In order to prepare this budget the City Manager has made the following assutiiptions: 1. Reduction in the real estate tax rate by 5-cents. 2. Continuation of the existing tax rate in all other categories except real estate. 3. No significant decliile in the present economy. 4. The City will continue to receive School Impact funds. 5. The City will con-linue to receive CETA funds to fight unemployment. 6. There will be no substantial clianl-e in the amount of revenues collected. 7. Use of $8.3--million in unappropriated funds to balailee the FY 78-79 budget. The following is the budget in brief. Revenue Summary From the Commonwealth 45,139,722 29.56% General Property Taxes 39,965,059 26.18 Other Local Sources (Fines, Licenses, Sale of Property, etc.) 28,663,338 18.77 Other Local Taxes 23,942,000 15.68 From Unapnropriated Funds (77-78) 8,@@48,094 5.47 From Federal Government 6,627,668 4.34 $152,685,881 100.00% 3 / 3 1 / 7 8 - 3 - Appropriation Summary School Operations $ 66,219,845 43.37@, General Operations 61,934,012 40.56,@b Utility Operations 9,251,891 6.06 Utility Debt Costs 5,310,055 3.48 General Debt Costs 5,176,276 3.39 School Debt Costs 4,793,802 3.14 $152,685,881 100.00% The City Mana.-er further stated that with Council's approval, the City employees will receive a 10' increase on their gross salary. One being in October of 1978 and the other being in April of 1979. ITE?,l 1-11933 On motion by Councilman Ferrell, seconded by Councilman lvaterfield, and by acclamation, the meeting adjourned. e rl@ City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Special Meeting March 31, 1978 3 / 3 1 / 7 8