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December 3,2001 - Joint Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br />Mayor Crabtree expressed appreciation for what the City has been able to do and his concern <br />that, under current economic conditions, the City be able to maintain their current status. <br /> <br />School Board Chairman Davies said City Council has done a good job getting education (and the <br />City) to this point and, in light of changing times, encouraged Council to be willing to go beyond <br />traditional ways of acquiring revenues. Mayor Crabtree said them are future possibilities that it <br />is hoped will Pay off"in the long run", but it is Council's objective to be able to hold status quo <br />for the coming budget year. <br /> <br />Dr. Trollinger further stated that, with personnel costs being approximately eighty-six percent of <br />the school budget, consolidation of the K-2 schools would generate a projected annual savings of <br />$505,000 plus an additional $100,000 to move the Central Offices to the Clearview Elementary <br />School site. Mayor Crabtree said he hoped the closing of schools would not only produce a <br />budget savings but would improve education for all the K-2 students involved. Mr. Dallas said <br />he was. concerned about the low SOL scores and was not sure priorities were in the right place. <br />Mr. Finley said the school system is doing a good job, the Superintendent is doing a good job, <br />and the educational needs of the city students are being met, even with the changes in society that <br />make it more difficult for education to prevail to its fullest. <br /> <br />Chairman Davies suggested the need to look at school facilities in both the City and County for <br />possible consolidation of services and expenses. In answer to Mr. Davies' inquiry as to what <br />Council thinks school funding looks like for the next budget year, City Manager Reynolds said <br />no one knows at this point, but "'we should stay just where we are." Mr. Davies suggested <br />consideration of an additional tax, such as a cigarette tax. Dr. Trollinger indicated that the school <br />division's fund balance had been used to balance the city budget for the past two years. He <br />stated that the fund balance has been depleted and that $569,(500 in non-recurring funds would <br />have to be replaced in next year's school budget. <br /> <br />Dinner was served at 7:30 P. M. Upon motions'duly made and seconded by both groups, the <br />meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P. M. <br /> <br />Charles W. Davies, Jr., Chairman <br /> <br />~faqda W. Pulliam, Clerk <br /> <br /> <br />