Minutes 04/16/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1998 could justify such an increase in salaries and not do the same for city employees, noting also that by his calculations there was an overall increase of 13% to 14% in her budget. Vice-Mayor Crabtree stated that he was going to need more information as well, as he had been expecting a level funding request or less. Council Member Haskell stated that she wanted information on client-based changes and how the requested funds related to actual costs. She also asked what pass-through monies were, which Ms. Martin explained. Mrs. Haskell then stated that she wanted to see a presentation similar to that of the other agencies, with greater detail on increase items. Council Member Dallas stated that he wanted to see the figures on the top five salaries in the agency. Mr. Teague then stated that he also wanted to see program highlights to be able to see what program changes had occurred. Ms. Martin stated that she would provide all information requested. Vice-Mayor Crabtree stated that he agreed with the questions asked by Council Member Haskell, and asked if the client numbers of the agency were rising. Mrs. Martin replied that they were dropping, not rising. Mr. Teague then noted that programs were up 7.9% in costs and administrative costs were up 20.2%. Mrs. Haskell stated that she did not understand the major increase in administrative costs, especially when welfare reform efforts were supposed to be resulting in savings to the taxpayers. Mr. Dallas stated that he did not understand why there were not reductions in costs with the reductions in caseloads. Council then agreed that they would provide an opportunity for Ms. Martin to return to cover her budget at a later date. Council next heard from the Martinsville-Henry County Health District. Dr. Elizabeth Roycroft, Director of the Health District, introduced Ms. Deborah Hill, Finance Officer, who presented their budget request. Ms. Hill noted that the only increase to the City was a 2.25% increase in salaries and pay-for-performance. Council Member Haskell asked where most of their clients came from and if their numbers were increasing. Dr. Roycroft responded that they come from throughout the region, and that increases are being seen in clients seeking septic tank and restaurant inspections, pre-natal care, well baby care, the WICK supplemental nutrition program, and tuberculosis supervision cases. Council Member Teague asked what the total budget for the operation was, and was told that is $565,398 between Martinsville and Henry County, with a 35.655%