Laserfiche WebLink
<br />May 16, 2005 <br /> <br />the department's expectation that higher electricity rates will require more funding for <br />energy assistance and that level funding the agency would not meet local matches for <br />employee benefits. Mr. Collins said Council could add back the $13,800 needed to fund <br />the original request from DSS. <br />Council also heard budget presentations from Ben Murdock of Citizens Against <br />Family Violence, Charles Toothman of the Virginia Department of Health's Martinsville <br />office, and Buddy Eanes of the Free Medical Clinic. After discussion of the medical <br />clinic, Council member Roop moved that Council make a $5,000 donation from current <br />fund balance, and after second, Council voted 5-0 to approve the motion. <br />At 3:19 p.m., Council discussed the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals <br />with local director Leslie Harvey. After discussion, Council directed Mr. Collins to include <br />$12,500 each in the FY2006 and FY2007 budgets for the SPCA capital campaign for its <br />new facility construction, and then consider any further city contribution. <br />After completing discussion of contributions to outside agencies, Mr. Collins <br />revisited past budget inquiries. He presented information to Council showing little <br />difference between taxation and utilities expenses between city and county residents. <br />He also distributed information showing electric and water and sewer rate comparisons <br />with other Virginia and similar North Carolina cities, stating that Martinsville is very <br />competitive with similar localities, especially in terms of considerations for economic <br />development clients. <br />Mr. Collins answered Mr. Roop's previous question about building and equipping <br />a separate E-911 center, stating that the rough estimate is $400,000-$450,000 in capital <br />costs if call volume is steady. <br />