Board of Supervisors: March 11, 2008

March 11, 2008

Virginia:

AT A REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors at 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room located in the Nelson County Courthouse.

Present:     Thomas H. Bruguiere, Jr. West District Supervisor
       Allen M. Hale, East District Supervisor
       Constance Brennan, Central District Supervisor
       Thomas D. Harvey, North District Supervisor
       Stephen A. Carter, County Administrator
       Candice W. McGarry, Administrative Assistant/Deputy Clerk
       Betty M. Fortune, Planning Secretary
       Debra K. McCann, Director of Finance and Human Resources

Absent:   Joe Dan Johnson, South District Supervisor

I.   Call to Order

Mr. Harvey called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. with four (4) members present to establish a quorum.

A.   Moment of Silence
B.       Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Bruguiere led the Pledge of Allegiance
C.   Proclamation – (P2008-1) The Big Read, March & April 2008

Mr. Carter introduced this initiative and Ms. Brennan moved to endorse Proclamation P2008-1, Proclamation, Proclaiming March and April The Big Read 2008, Honoring the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Mr. Hale seconded the motion and Supervisors voted unanimously (4-0) by roll call vote to approve the motion, and the following proclamation was declared:

NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
PROCLAMATION P2008-1
PROCLAMATION, PROCLAIMING MARCH AND APRIL
THE BIG READ 2008, HONORING THE NOVEL TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

WHEREAS, THE BIG READ is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture and provides our citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within our community; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library invites all book lovers to participate in THE BIG READ that will be held throughout the months of March and April 2008. The Library's goal is to encourage all residents of Central Virginia to read and discuss TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee during this time; and
WHEREAS, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is the rare American novel that can be discovered with excitement in adolescence and reread into adulthood without fear of disappointment; and
WHEREAS, the Library is partnering with the Virginia Foundation Center for the Book in THE BIG READ which is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Arts Midwest;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Board of Supervisors of Nelson County, proclaim THE BIG READ during March and April 2008 and encourage all residents to read TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD during this time.

D.   Resolution – (R2008-16) Recognition of former Supervisor R. Roberts

Mr. Harvey read Resolution R2008-16, Resolution Recognizing the Late Ronald W. Roberts – Former North District Supervisor. Mr. Harvey added some personal remarks about Mr. Robert’s service to the County. Mr. Hale moved to adopt Resolution R2008-16 and Ms. Brennan seconded the motion. Supervisors voted unanimously (4-0) by roll call vote to approve the motion, and the following resolution was adopted:

RESOLUTION R2008-16
NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING
THE LATE RONALD W. ROBERTS – FORMER NORTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
(1976-1979)

WHEREAS, the Honorable Ronald W. Roberts, former North District Supervisor of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors from 1976 to 1979 has recently passed; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robert’s outstanding leadership and commitment to Nelson County served to inspire former and current Supervisors alike and;

WHEREAS, he was instrumental in the accomplishment of significant initiatives during his tenure, that have served the County well; and

WHEREAS, these contributions to Nelson County include: the endorsement of JAUNT in Nelson County, the addition of Street Lights in the town of Lovingston, the approval of significant funds for the construction of kindergarten facilities and the construction of two new school rooms at (old) Rockfish Elementary, the establishment of the Emergency Services Ordinance, the establishment of the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance, the establishment of the Elderly and Disabled Property Tax Relief and Land Use Property Tax Relief provisions; inclusive of serving on the first Land Use Panel, the adoption of an Affirmative Action Plan, the election of two (2) Supervisors on a biennial basis, the exemption of farm machinery and livestock from personal property taxes, and the adoption of an Ordinance regulating the disposal of Solid Waste; these being but a few of Mr. Robert’s accomplishments;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors wish to hereby recognize and commend the public service of the late Ronald W. Roberts, North District Supervisor from 1976 to 1979.

II.   Consent Agenda

Supervisors agreed by consensus to pull off the draft minutes for approval dated January 8, 2008, January 24, 2008, and February 12, 2008 from consideration on the Consent Agenda. Ms. Brennan moved to approve the Consent Agenda, less these draft minutes. Mr. Bruguiere seconded the motion, and Supervisors voted unanimously (4-0) by roll call vote to approve the motion and the following resolutions were adopted:

RESOLUTION (R2008-17)
AMENDMENT OF FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 BUDGET
NELSON COUNTY, VA
March 11, 2008

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Nelson County that the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Budget be hereby amended as follows:

   I.   Appropriation of Funds (General Fund)

       Amount   Revenue Account   Expenditure Account
       $   12,000.00   3-100-001401-0244   4-100-031020-1005
               2,000.00   3-100-009999-0001   4-100-031020-1005
       $   14,000.00   Subtotal Courthouse Security O.T.

       $ 240,516.00   3-100-003303-0030   4-100-091030-5630
       $ 240,516.00   Subtotal Blue Ridge Trail (Tea-21 Grant)

       $ 254,516.00   Total General Fund Appropriation

   II.   Appropriation of Funds (School Fund)

       Amount   Revenue Account   Expenditure Account
       $ 29,657.99   3-205-001899-0010   4-205-062100-9302

   III.   Appropriation of Funds (Textbook Fund)

       Amount   Revenue Account   Expenditure Account
       $ 203,620.00   3-206-001612-0003   4-206-061100-9401


        IV.   Transfer of Funds (General Fund)

   General Fund (Employee Benefits)

Amount   Credit Account (-)   Debit Account (+)
$    4,000.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-011010-1001
         306.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-011010-2001
$    4,306.00

General Fund (Employee Benefits) Continued

Amount   Credit Account (-)   Debit Account (+)
$    3,214.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012010-1001
           39.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012010-2001
         908.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012010-2002
         641.00     4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012010-2008
$    4,802.00

$    5,093.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012150-1001
      1,063.00    4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012150-2002
$    6,156 .00

$    1,533.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012180-1001
                 321.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012180-2002
       $    1,854.00

$       891.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032010-1001
                   59.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032010-2001
                 186.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032010-2002
       $    1,136.00

$    6,970.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032030-1001
      4,726.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032030-1003
      1,448.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032030-2002
                 687.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-032030-2005
       $ 13,831.00

       $    7,877.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-034010-1001

$    5,662.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-043020-   1001
                 330.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-043020-   2001
              1,247.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-043020-   2002
              2,542.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-043020-   2005
   $   9,781.00

   $    2,824.00    4-100-091030-5616   4-100-071020-1001
                 982.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-071020-2001
         381.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-071020-2002
$   4,187.00

                 $   3,391.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-081010-   1001
                                 982.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-081010-   2001
                                 736.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-081010-   2002
          $ 5,109 .00

General Fund (Employee Benefits) Continued

       Amount   Credit Account (-)   Debit Account (+)

       $   3,461.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-081020-   1001
                                747.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-081020-   2002
       $ 4,208.00

       $63,247.00   Subtotal County Employees

Amount   Credit Account (-)   Debit Account (+)

$    5,433.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012090-1001
         374.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012090-2001
      1,147.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012090-2002
      1,813.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012090-2005
$    8,767.00

$    4,831.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012130-1001
      6,500.00   4-100-012130-1003   4-100-012130-1001
      4,346.00   4-100-012130-2005   4-100-012130-1001
         970.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012130-2001
      2,618.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-012130-2002
                $   19,265.00

$    1,668.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-013020-1001
         367.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-013020-1003
           91.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-013020-2001
         352.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-013020-2002
$    2,478.00

$ 10,087.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-021060-1001
      1,505.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-021060-2002
             $ 11,592.00


       $    7,487.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-022010-1001
                 762.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-022010-2001
              1,572.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-022010-2002
       $    9,821.00

       $ 24,313.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-031020-1001
              2,380.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-031020-1002
              1,776.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-031020-1004
              4,988.00   4-100-091030-5616   4-100-031020-2002
       $ 33,457.00

       $ 85,380.00   Subtotal State Compensation Board Employees

       $148,627.00 Total Employee Benefits Transfer

RESOLUTION-R2008-18
NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APPROVAL OF COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE REFUNDS

RESOLVED, by the Nelson County Board of Supervisors that the following refunds, as certified by the Nelson County Commissioner of Revenue and County Attorney pursuant to §58.1-3981 of the Code of Virginia, be and hereby are approved for payment.

Amount       Refund Category           Payee

$202.99       Land Use Application Fee       Victor Steffanovics
                               8540 Taylor Creek Rd.
                               Afton, VA 22920

$66.75           Land Use Application Fee       Vera Falls
                               494 Spy Run Gap Rd
                               Vesuvius VA 24483

NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION R2008-19
AUTHORIZATION FOR DISPOSTION OF MODULAR CLASSROOM BUILDING AT ROCKFISH VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER

WHEREAS, the Rockfish Valley Community Center has requested the removal of the approximately 28ft. x 52 ft. old modular classroom building from Community Center grounds; and
WHEREAS, the use of said building by the County is not feasible nor desired; and
WHEREAS, the County Attorney has advised that disposal of said building is not subject to the disposal of real property requirements prescribed in §15.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended which requires a public hearing;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors do hereby authorize the County Administrator to dispose of the old modular classroom building located on the grounds of the Rockfish Valley Community Center.

RESOLUTION R2008-20

NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING TO REPEAL CHAPTER 9.5 SERVICE DISTRICTS, OF THE CODE OF NELSON COUNTY

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 24, Article 1, §15.2-2400-2403 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Supervisors authorized a local Ordinance establishing three service districts for the provision of street lighting facilities and services within Nelson County; and

WHEREAS, said local Ordinance, known as Chapter 9.5, Service Districts of the Code of Nelson County established the Lovingston, Arrington, and Shipman Service Districts and provided for the levying and collection of an annual tax, known as the Street Light Tax; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors proposes to repeal said local Ordinance abolishing said Service Districts and annual tax;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to §15.2-1426 and §15.2-1427 of the Code of Virginia 1950 as amended, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize the advertisement of a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance to repeal Chapter 9.5, Service Districts of the Code of the County of Nelson, Virginia to be effective on June 30, 2008.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the public hearing is hereby scheduled for the April 24, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting at 7:30 PM at the Courthouse in Lovingston, Virginia.

RESOLUTION-R2008-21
NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
2008-2009 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHALLENGE GRANT

BE IT RESOLVED, By the Nelson County Board of Supervisors that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute and submit an application for 2008-2009 Local Government Challenge Grant funding to the Virginia Commission of the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, said application is to include a local match of $5,000.00 to be confirmed upon formal adoption of Nelson County’s Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget by the Board of Supervisors.

The Minutes from January 8, 2008, January 24, 2008, and February 12, 2008 were then considered separately.
   a. January 8: Ms. Brennan moved to approve the minutes, Mr. Bruguiere provided the second, and Supervisors voted unanimously (4-0) by roll call to approve the motion.
   b. January 24, 2008: Mr. Hale moved to approve the minutes, Mr. Bruguiere provided the second, and Supervisors voted 3-0-1 by roll call vote (Ms. Brennan abstaining) to approve the motion.
   c.   February 12, 2008: Location of the February 12 meeting was corrected from Board of Supervisors Meeting Room to Circuit Court Room. Mr. Hale moved to approve the minutes as corrected, Ms. Brennan provided the second, and Supervisors voted 3-0-1 by roll call vote (Mr. Harvey abstaining) to approve the motion with the appropriate correction to the minutes.

III.   Public Comments and Presentations

   A. Public Comments

1. Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) representative for Nelson County, Ron Enders, introduced Peter Loach, Deputy Director of Operations for PHA, who presented an update on housing issues in the County; in particular, foreclosure issues. He reported that Nelson County has 220-447 sub prime loans, according to Federal Reserve statistics. The sub prime loan resets will peak in October 2008. PHA has helped 73 families this past year to avoid foreclosure in our region through counseling and negotiations with lenders, without grants. These services are available to any homeowner and Mr. Loach encouraged the Board to make this information available to the general public. He noted that this is a good time to buy, despite the slower market. PHA’s Regional Home Ownership Center has set aside $450,000 in SPARC funds for below-market mortgages for first-time home buyers in Nelson County, as well as other loan and grant assistance. He urges the public to seek help as soon as difficulty arises in meeting payments, rather than wait until it’s too late to get assistance. The contact number for PHA is 434 817-2436.

Mr. Bruguiere suggested that an article be placed in the newspaper and Mr. Loach agreed this would be very helpful.

2. Ms. Sarah Holt of VDOT reported that work is now complete on Rt. 6 bridge repair projects. Patching operations will begin soon, with secondary road re-surfacing beginning in early to mid-May. Approximately 2.5 miles of Rt. 29 N will be milled and paved in early spring. Preliminary revenue forecasts are predicting a cut of approximately 44% in secondary construction funding. A workshop needs to be scheduled with the Board to discuss secondary priorities for the County.

Mr. Bruguiere said that many gravel roads are in disrepair due to the heavy rains, i.e. Pigeon Hill Road, Jack’s Hill Road, and others. Ditches need to be cleaned out so that leaves will not collect and cause further erosion in the roads.

Mr. Hale said that a road adoption sign at 617 and 29N has been knocked over. Mr. Harvey added that VDOT supervisors need to drive over some of these primary roads during heavy rains to see where the shoulder is higher than the road surface, causing hydroplaning hazards.

IV.   Unfinished Business

A.   FY08-09 Budget (Work Session)

Supervisors agreed to address other agenda items before beginning the work session.

V.   New Business

There was no new business considered by the Board

VI.   Reports, Appointments, Directives, and Correspondence

A.   Reports

       1. County Administrator’s Report

The County Administrator reported on the following:

1.   2008 General Reassessment: The assessors (Wingate & Associates) have completed the 2008 General Reassessment of Real Estate. A summary copy of the certified reassessment was distributed. Additionally, staff has used the certified assessment to update real estate revenue information within the draft FY 08-09 Budget.

2.   Courthouse/Government Center Project: Work is in progress on the project’s final design and approaching 30% completion. A fire flow test was completed the week of March 3 by the Nelson County Service Authority and resulted in sufficient capacities (water flow and pressure) to enable Wiley and Wilson to eliminate providing for a fire pump and water tank in the project’s design. The County is producing geo-technical services necessary for the project’s design and will engage these consultant services the week of March 10. Final survey work is also in process and will be completed the week of March 10. An incumbent decision that will need to be made soon is whether or not the County will utilize USDA-RD funding for the project or seek other funding sources for this purpose. Another pending matter is the final acquisition of the adjacent private property on which the Courthouse expansion will be located. (Staff is focused on this responsibility.)

3.   Piney River 3 Project: The project’s construction (all phases) is on schedule and proceeding very well. As previously reported, Phase 1 is nearly complete. County staff has conferred primarily with NCSA staff on development of Phase IV, which, if successful (i.e. the previous funding from VA-DEQ can be obtained), would result in water service to the Roseland area, inclusive of those sections of Phase I and II that will not realize water service as an outcome of Phase III’s completion.

4.   Collection Centers Project: A) With the exception of very minor final punch list items, the construction of the two collections sites (Shipman and Massies Mill) is complete and presently ready for operational start up. B) Sealed bids were received on March 3 (six companies submitted bid proposals) for equipping the County’s collection sites. Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems (Bedford, VA office) submitted the low bid proposal, a total of $548,408.17, pertinent to the County’s specifications for purchase of solid waste compactors, open-top and recycling containers. The low bid amount was within the staff’s cost estimated (and budgetary provisions). A contract document has been submitted to MAWS, which has requested the County’s consent for the first equipment deliveries (the bid and contract documents enable the County to acquire equipment for one year at the costs proposed by the low bidder) to be received (Shipman and Massies Mill Collection Sites) by no later than April 17, with an earlier delivery anticipated. Thereafter, the Rockfish Collection Site will be equipped, with each remote (non-staffed) site to then follow. C) Staff is currently finalizing the issue of sealed bid requests for solid waste transportation services (transfer station to regional landfill and, as an option, collection sites to transfer station) and for purchase of roll off trucks and hoist equipment. The two IFBs will be issued concurrently in the ensuing two weeks (i.e. this will enable staff to evaluate purchase of the roll off trucks and hoist equipment in relation to the expense of continuing to utilize private collection services for internal system transportation.) D. Bids are also going out on fully equipped trucks. The cost is approximately $128,000 per truck, and if the order is placed this week, delivery is expected by July, 2008. Shipman, Rockfish, and Massies Mill are first priority for equipment, with other purchases being made later. The plan is to equip 4 staffed sites with 4 compactors for cardboard, the sale of which will bring in additional revenue. The cost of these compactors is $24,000 - $30,000.

Mr. Carter said that trash from the schools will continue to be handled by Waste Management; however, it could be brought into the County system at a later date.

5.   Solid Waste Environmental Management: Staff is working to address final comments received from VA-DEQ for close out approval of the County’s gas monitoring program and continues to anticipate the discontinuance of this responsibility. County and consultant staff (Draper Aden Associates) and VA-DEQ personnel met on March 10, ’08 with Norfolk Southern personnel pertinent to location of an off-site sentinel well for the County’s ground water monitoring program.

6.   Region 2000 Services Authority: The Authority conducted its second meeting on February 29 (staff attended and is serving as Treasurer) and is focused on a July 1, ’08 start up for its regional solid waste operations.

7.   Nelson Heritage Center: Supervisors Harvey and Brennan met on March 4 with representatives of the Millennium Group. No response has been received to date from the Group pertinent to the status of the gymnasium at the Heritage Center. Roof replacement and sign have been taken care of.
8.   FY 08-09 Budget: A budget work session is scheduled for March 11 regular session (both day and evening meetings).   As noted herein, updated budget information is included within the agenda. Staff has also compiled into a notebook binder the funding requests received from local/regional agencies and organizations, which is being forwarded to the Board with the 3-11 agenda.

9. Interoperability Project: The County’s efforts to secure state/federal funding for interoperability projects (i.e. communications) has resulted in a $1.3 million dollar award recommendation from the Regional Preparedness Advisory Committee (Region 3 of which the County is a member). The County is partnering with and will share grant funding, which is subject to final state approval, with Augusta County and, possibly, the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. A 20% local match is required, which can consist of in-kind funding. Please refer to the Department of Information Systems monthly report. And, it is noted that Susan Rorrer (Director of IS) has been instrumental in facilitating this reward.

10.   Staff Reports: Reports from County departments and offices were submitted to the Board via e-mail on March 10.

       2. Board Reports

Ms. Brennan:

Ms. Brennan reported that she attended a forum on affordable housing where she learned that only about 3% of the need for affordable housing in Nelson County has been met. She attended the Region 2000 water supply planning workshop in Lynchburg, met with the Millennium Group at the Heritage Center, and attended a PVCC dinner and Board meeting. She also attended the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission meeting where new state road system standards for subdivisions were discussed.

Mr. Bruguiere: No report.

Mr. Hale: No report.

Mr. Harvey: No report.

Mr. Carter stated that Mark Bolt, the Building Official has met with RVCC to go over their prioritized punch list and there is a potential buyer for the modular classroom building at Rockfish Valley Community Center and the County is working with them on this.

   B. Appointments

       1. Region Ten Community Services Board

A letter of resignation was submitted by Kathy Tolton who is moving from the County and can no longer serve on the Board. A letter of interest and application was received from E. Weston Matthews who is willing to fill the unexpired term of Kathy Tolton ending June 30, 2010. The position will be advertised and action taken on the request at a future meeting.

   C. Correspondence

There was no correspondence considered by the Board

   D. Directives

Ms. Brennan:
-   Needs a copy of a County map showing railroad crossings.
-   Expressed continued concern over wheelchair accessibility to the Courthouse.
-   Asked if there is a plan to revise the zoning ordinance to redefine the position of Zoning Administrator.
-   Would like Susan Rorrer to give a demonstration of GIS.
-   Asked if there is a plan to review the Comprehensive Plan.
-   Requested that a distress signal be placed in the BOS meeting room.
-   Asked what happens to delinquent taxes that are collected. Mr. Carter replied that the money goes into the general fund and is posted to a revenue account line.

Mr. Hale:
-   Signs need to be placed at collection sites as soon as possible to indicate when the new locations will be opened and the others closed.
-   Asked if the Blue Ridge Tunnel project is moving forward with project consultant Gene Whitesell. Mr. Carter expressed concern over the project consultant’s expediency and stated that Fred Boger is now the County’s project manager.

Following Directives, Supervisors took a ten minute break and resumed the meeting agreeing by consensus to consider the Unfinished Business scheduled for earlier in the meeting.

IV. Unfinished Business

   A. FY08-09 Budget (Work Session)

Mr. Carter, Ms. McGarry, and Ms. McCann presented to the Board a Reassessment Analysis using the $0.5962 Equivalent Tax Rate requested by the Board at the previous work session as follows:

Mr. Carter noted that the spreadsheet now includes the Assessors Certified Values and that $.0062 would need to be adjusted out of the budget in order to get to the advertised rate of $.5900. Mr. Carter also stated that due to the reassessment, between the June, ’08 collection period and January, ’09 there will be a windfall of approximately half a year of tax collection, currently approximately $2.25 million. Staff suggested that these funds should not be used for recurring expenses. Supervisors agreed to use $2.0 million of the $2.25 million to decrease the Courthouse Project debt, reducing it from $10.5 million to $8.5 million and reducing the interest rate from 5.5% to 4.5%.

The proposed budget for Nelson County Public Schools was discussed with Mr. Carter noting that the School Board had formally approved their budget without making any operational adjustments to accommodate the local funding figure of $2.1 million allocated to them by the Board of Supervisors at the last meeting. Mr. Bruguiere proposed $1.74 million which would include $781,892 to cover decreases in state, federal, and other funding, $70,000 for energy increases, a 2% salary increase (instead of the requested 4%), VRS increases cost, and health insurance increase costs. Mr. Harvey said that equivalent salary increases should be granted to County employees.

Mr. Bruguiere suggested lifting the penalty and interest for not paying the first half year of taxes by the June due date, if the full year’s payment is made by December. Mr. Carter said this allowance would be at the Treasurer’s discretion; however the deadlines are set in the Ordinance.

Ms. McGarry and Ms. McCann clarified that the percentage adjustment for equalizing the land use values adds back approximately $60,000 in tax revenues by reducing the deferred amount, before the adjustment for a 91% collection rate. It was explained that as the resultant tax rate decreases, the percentage adjustment to the land use values increases.

The Board discussed the best way to proceed with Mr. Bruguiere suggesting starting with the School Division. He suggested the local contribution to the Schools be set at $1,742,220 million which would cover the costs of the reduction in State funds of approximately 781,892, a 2% raise costing about $425,881, the increased costs for VRS of $217,074, $247,182 for increased costs of Health Insurance, and $70,191 for increased energy costs. The Board discussed the % raises for the schools and the County being equal with some discussion that the schools should have the discretion to decide how to utilize the local funding and what % raise to give. Ms. McCann noted that the School Division had reduced its budget by cutting out $218,000 of the high priority and new initiative items. She also noted that the $851,761 for employee raises included 4% plus a step and that a step was equivalent to approximately $250,000 with each % increase equal to approximately $150,000. In response to the Board’s questions, Mr. Carter clarified the Bright Lights program again noting the school division was asking the Board to make up the lost revenue from the program transitioning to the YMCA.

Staff noted that the lease costs for the school buses is shown in the debt service fund and is included in the Transfer to Debt Service line of the General Fund budget. The Board discussed the bus lease program with Mr. Harvey requested an analysis of the difference in the cost for purchasing buses rather than leasing for five years. He would like to move away from the bus lease program in order to save the interest costs. He noted that fuel cost is the floating factor. He suggested that a set amount be budgeted within a contingency fund on the County side to handle increased costs.

Mr. Hale suggested looking at past years to see how much additional local funding per year has been allocated to the schools. Mr. Carter stated that it has historically been $.5 million or $.75 million per year. He suggested that this could be the base amount and then the state shortfall amount could be added to this. Staff noted that using the $1.7 million contribution to schools has decreased the tax rate by one penny to $.5858 and that using $1.5 million, as suggested by Mr. Harvey, including the bus lease money and additional school nursing money would drop another penny in the tax rate to $.5765.

The approximate $2.5 million windfall was briefly discussed as a means to fund a lower tax rate in FY09; however it was reiterated that this is non-recurring money and if used to fund operations it would have to be made up with future tax increases. The Board acknowledged that this money should be used for one-time expenses such as buying down debt or making non-recurring capital purchases. Reducing the Courthouse debt to $8.5 million and the interest rate to 4.5% reduced the tax rate to approximately $.5512. Staff noted the pending legislation that would allow the VRA to finance public buildings which would be an attractive option for the County. Mr. Carter noted the possibility of using the County’s allocation of $7.5 million in RD funds for the next phases of the Courthouse project.

The Board re-visited the school bus lease issue with Ms. McCann noting the cost per bus is about $66,000 and the interest costs are about $55,000 over the 5 year lease period. Staff noted that the $.03 Capital set-aside amount could be used to purchase the buses outright. The Board briefly discussed bus transportation issues and costs.

The Board clarified their consensus on the school funding, stating that the $1,583,805 is a $719,000 increase in the local contribution over last year in addition to making up the State, Federal, and other funding shortfall of $781,000, the $80,000 for bus leases and $3,805 in the increased cost of school nursing which is a 15.78% increase in local funding over FY08.

The Board began a line-by-line review of the County’s operational budget with staff explaining any items questioned until the Board broke for dinner.

VII. Recess and Reconvene for Evening Session

At 5:00 o’clock p.m., on a motion by Mr. Bruguiere, and seconded by Mr. Hale, Supervisors voted unanimously by voice vote to recess and reconvene for the evening session at 7:30 p.m.

EVENING SESSION

I.   Call to Order

Mr. Harvey called the meeting to order at 7:30pm with four (4) members present to establish a quorum.

Prior to continuing to work on the Budget, the Board agreed by consensus to first consider item IV. Public Comments.

II.   Unfinished Business

A.   FY08-09 Budget (Work Session)

The Board continued its line-by-line review of the budget at the E-911 Department and the following changes were made:

The Building Inspections budget was reduced by $4,300, the Reverse 911 System cost of $32,000 was removed due to the potential for Federal Grant funds to cover this cost.

The following items were marked to come back to for further consideration:

Emergency Services (including the dispatch shift differential), Emergency Services Council, E-911 Program, Paid EMS, Tourism/Community Development, Extension Service, proposed Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator position, Motor Pool (Sheriff’s Vehicles), Health Department, Region Ten, PVCC, TJ Soil & Water Conservation District, and other Non-Departmental Agencies.

In conclusion, the Board reiterated its consensus to have staff forward the amount of new funds for the School Division of $1,583,805 for FY09 with Mr. Hale re-stating how the Board arrived at that figure and the associated percentage increase in local funding. The Board also asked for staff to provide a comparative analysis of what it would cost to purchase the buses and buy-out the current leases versus maintaining the lease program. The Board discussed possible meeting dates to work on the budget, deciding on Wednesday, March 19th at 5pm. At conclusion of the budget work session, The Re-assessment Analysis showed a resultant tax rate of $0.5664 as follows:

III.   Other Business

No other business was considered by the Board.

IV.   Public Comments

1.   William “Buck” Whitehurst, Faber/Schuyler

Mr. Whitehurst favors a lower than proposed tax rate and favors a more gradual phased increase versus so much all at once.

V.   Adjourn and Continue (Budget Work Session)

   At 8:40 pm, Mr. Hale made a motion to adjourn and continue the meeting until 5:00 pm on March 19th in the Board of Supervisors Room in the Courthouse, Lovingston Virginia. Ms. Brennan seconded the motion and Supervisors voted unanimously by voice vote to approve the motion and the meeting adjourned.