Minutes 05/16/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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