Minutes 05/23/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~. .... J t.} May 23, 2005 After the presentation, Communications Manager Matt Hankins, who is overseeing the Martinsville Mustangs baseball team, made an appeal to the Council and television audience for additional host families to keep players for the 2005 season. Council member Roop asked City Manager Dan Collins to clarify the source of funds for school employee pay increases for Fiscal 2006. Mr. Collins indicated the raises would be funded with a combination of school board and city year-end fund balances. The City Manager presented information to Council showing that the city could drop its real estate tax to 22 cents per $100 assessed value if the state would fully fund its educational standards of quality. Mr. Collins presented information from the City of Danville showing its rate increases in water and sewer, gas and electric, and solid waste. Council member Ron Ferrill asked whether Mr. Collins had found a method to assist electric customers who struggle with Martinsville's 30 percent increase in electric rates. Council member Roop and Ferrill both expressed their interest in helping citizens internally and looking at a transition period starting at the time of the increase. Council suggested a $35,000 line item in the electric fund as an appropriation to assist needy citizens with electric bill payment. Mr. Collins indicated he would like to begin a citizens group to oversee and assist with the program. Mr. Collins asked Council if it had more questions about the budget. Council member Roop expressed several concerns, including efforts to clean up the city on major arteries, in its industrial and business parks and at the former YMCA building on Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Collins indicated that if the city was to demolish the building, it should do so before the landfill permanently closes in January 2006.