Agenda 08/24/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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i b LI 87¸ TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1999 report his findings back to Council. Mayor Crabtree stated that he would be very disappointed if Henry County were sending its excess jail population elsewhere at a higher cost that what Martinsville offered. Further discussion then took place concerning jail population and programs. Council Member Haskell then asked about the apparent 57% increase in personnel costs in jail operations, and was told that this 'was a result of the closing of the City's Prison Farm and the incorporation of the personnel and programs of the farm into jail operations. Council next reviewed the budget for City Council. This discussion was very brief, as there were no significant changes from the previous year. 'Council Member Haskell asked about the strategy for filling the Public Information Position provided for in this budget, and City Manager Earl B. Reynolds, Jr. reviewed this for her benefit, as Mrs. Haskell had been absent during an earlier Council discussion of this matter. Council next reviewed the budget of the Commonwealth' s Attorney, as presented by Commonwealth Attomey Joan Ziglar. Highlights included the fact that Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Andy Johnson was now a full time employee, equipment needs had all been met, that there would be a request for the State to make a secretarial position full time, and a review of personnel costs anticipated. Mr. Reynolds noted that' Ms. Ziglar's net local costs were down 'from the previous year, and that 'she had done well in her efforts with the legislature in gaining financial support for her office. Council Member .Roop asked if the current · personnel compliment of the office would be adequate for the future, and was told that it was'not. Ms. Ziglar stated that the State Compensation Board had already approved an additional full time attorney and there was need for an additional paralegal, both of which she would appeal to the legislature' to fund. Mr. Roop then asked about the increase in Ms. Ziglar's travel budget, which she acknowledged, noting that her predecessor had paid for all his travel from personal funds. Council then complimented Ms. Ziglar for a job well done. Council next considered the budget for the City Manager's office. Following brief discussion of this budget, which showed no increase over the previous year, Council asked other questions about the overall budget. Council Member HaskeH asked about salary increases throughout the proposed budget, and Mr. Reynolds stated that State mandated increases were to be found in the budgets of all Constitutional officers,