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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999 <br />the members of the Legislature in order to get them to approve funding of a greater share of local costs for <br /> <br />PCS operations. <br /> <br />J07 <br /> <br /> Council next considered the budget request of the Piedmont Arts Association, as presented by its <br />Director, Mrs. Toy Cobb. Mrs. Cobb began by thanking Council for its support of PAA, and then reviewed <br />the activities of the organization over the previous year. She noted an increased level of corporate support, <br />then reviewed planned activities for the coming year. Mrs. Cobb cited the fact that the PAA was a strong <br />element of the City' s economic development and tourism efforts, attracting visitors from throughout the <br />nation and the world, and substantial media coverage. She then stated her hope that the Council would <br />provide the additional $5,000 in operating funds requested in her budget from the City in the coming year. <br />Mayor Crabtree noted that both the increase in operating funds and a capital contribution of $25,000 was <br />provided for in the recommended budget. Council Member Haskell commented upon the fact that the City <br />was increasing its emphasis on travel and tourism, and Mrs. Cobb pledged the PAA's support of these <br />efforts. Mayor Crabtree thanked Mrs. Cobb for hosting a recent meeting on travel and tourism initiatives at <br />the PAA facility. Council Member Dallas closed with a comment that children in the community really <br />enjoyed the programs offered by the PAA. <br /> <br /> Council next heard from Ms. Joyce Martin, Executive Director of the Henry-Martinsville Social <br />Services Department, on the budget request of that organization. Ms. Martin began by stating that an <br />increase of $14,078, or 6.02 % was requested for the coming year. She pointed out that her agency was <br />understaffed, by State standards, and that a 2.25% pay increase was included in the budget for all employees <br />with at least three years of service, along with a 4% cost-of-living increase for all employees. Ms. Martin <br />told Council that the State had approved an additional foster care worker position for her organization, but <br />that final figures on the level of State financial support had not yet been received. She noted a higher level <br />of State support for legal representation costs, with an 80% share of costs being provided by the State versus <br /> <br /> <br />