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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/11/2017 - Regular April 11, 2017 159 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of April 2017. Audio and video recordings of this meeting will be held on file for a minimum of five (5) years in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES Before the meeting was called to order an invocation was given by Pastor Eddie Crabtree of Valley Word Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph P. McNamara, Supervisors George G. Assaid, Al Bedrosian, Martha B. Hooker and P. Jason Peters MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Daniel R. O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer and Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1. Proclamation declaring April 9-15, 2017 as National Library Week (Toni Cox, Acting Director of Library Services) Proclamation was ready by the Clerk. Michael Ericson, RAL Automations Coordinator and Emily Roble, Assistant Reference Librarian provided a PowerPoint presentation on the new 3D printer. April 11, 2017 160 Supervisor Bedrosian commented on libraries and cautioned about the costs as we embark on the new libraries. Supervisor Peters commented on how well used the Vinton Library as what an asset it is to the community. Good economic driver. Supervisor McNamara commented on the various uses of today’s libraries and to keep up the god work. 2. Recognition of Department of Social Services employee, Danita Tucker, recipient of the 2017 Golden Halo Award (Joyce Earl, Director of Social Services) Joyce Earl introduced staff, Danita Taker, Sr. Family Services Specialist; Shannon Brabham, Assistant Director of Social Services and Janet Belton, Family Services Supervisor. Ms. Brabham outlined the award. Supervisors Hooker, Peters and McNamara offered their congratulations. IN RE: BRIEFINGS 1. Briefing to provide an update on the marketing of the Foster Parent Recruitment Program (Joyce Earl, Director of Social Services; Shannon Brabham, Assistant Director of Social Services; Brittany Shrock, Family Services Specialist) Joyce Earl introduced Shannon Brabham and Brittany Shrock. Ms. Brabham provided the PowerPoint presentation and Ms. Shrock provided the overview of the program. Supervisor Bedrosian asked some clarifying questions. First, the approved households (those in red on the presentation), are those the ones ready to take in a foster child with Ms. Shrock advising in the affirmative. Next, he asked how many foster children actually get into a home in a year. Is that number that is looked at? Ms. Brabham advised it is difficult to say as it depends on how many homes we have available at the time, the age of the children when they enter care, what their needs are. When a child comes into care or a sibling group, they put out notices to the families. Not only our families but also to treatment foster care agencies. Mr. Bedrosian then asked if the number were cumulative with Ms. Shrock advising in the affirmative. Mr. Bedrosian then asked how many other agencies were in Roanoke involved in foster care. Ms. Brabham responded six to eight (6-8). Since they are in the valley, all the children do not go into Roanoke County homes. Ms. Brabham responded a family can be a foster family and they do not have to live in Roanoke County. April 11, 2017 161 Supervisor Hooker stated she had a couple of questions as she appreciated what they are doing; needed work. First, when you have the community events, what kind of numbers are they getting with people interested in finding out more about fostering. Ms. Shrock advised this evening would be their second event. The first meeting they had about four families and this evening there were 15-20 people who have RSVP’d. Ms. Hooker stated she is pleased they are reaching out to the churches, thinks a great way to connect with people that already see what is happening and want to do what they can to help. She advised she is pleased with the number of young people who are getting involved in the process, even before they have their own children. On the private agencies, Ms. Hooker asked is it true that many times they are harder to place, emotional issues, sibling sets, etc. with Ms. Shrock advising that the treatment foster care homes are for those who have higher needs, but because of the discrepancy, they tend to have children in homes that do not need the high level of care. Ms. Hooker advised she appreciates what they are doing; we are the safety net and appreciates working as a team. Supervisor McNamara advised we are currently in budget time and wants to thank Ms. Earl for such a good job last year at this time in convincing the Board to keep the position in, which would improve the children’s lives and save us money. Thanked Ms. Shrock, because they have right person to do the job. It is a very nice story when we save money and improve the lives of our constituents. Next time, invite the Board through Mr. Gates office. 2. Briefing to discuss Roanoke County's Legislative Program and preparation for the 2018 session of the Virginia General Assembly (Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney; Tori Williams, Planner II; Eldon James, Eldon James & Associates) Ms. Kuhnel introduced Eldon James and Sue Rowland. Mr. James and Ms. Rowland went through a PowerPoint presentation. Supervisor Bedrosian asked if MVP had to follow rules that everyone else follows in the County. Mr. James advised the MVP would need to enter into agreement with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Localities do not have authority; it is vested with the DEQ. The State agencies are responsible to the governor and all tax payers. Ms. Kuhnel stated it is preempted by the Clean Water Act, federal, and administered by DEQ. There is federal oversight of the state agency. Local government does not have any enforcement power. Now, VDOT has the authority to put an agreement in front of them that they have to sign as part of the process. In the past, the General Assembly had not given that authority. Ms. Kuhnel advised the letter with MVP is a commitment letter, but the agreement would be with VDOT and any pipeline company. The bill is not specific to MVP. April 11, 2017 162 3. Briefing to update the Board of Supervisors on the Mountain Valley Pipeline project (Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator) Mr. Caywood provided the update and advised the new date is September 16, 2019, to start the 90 day comment period. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution approving the Regional Airport Commission budget for fiscal year 2017-2018, upon certain terms and conditions (Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Airport Commission) Mr. Bradshaw provided a PowerPoint presentation. Supervisor McNamara stated there had been some talk with the valley governments concerning a stop-gap or to subsidize carriers’ initial entry into a new marketspace. Has there been any talk with Frontier (Denver market). Mr. Bradshaw advised the low-cost carrier rely on a heavy volume business model and if we can generate enough traffic it would warrant them coming in. As far as a subsidy goes, they try to stay away from that but there may be an incentive offer to cover their first year or two of operations. In the long run, they do not want to get into that situation. Supervisor McNamara stated that is not what he is recommending, but he has heard for years that it will work. We only have to subsidize if not working. Mr. Bradshaw stated they continue to have talks, but it is hard for the low-cost carrier to come into a market of this size, especially flying from here to Denver on Frontier. Supervisor Bedrosian stated we had talked two years ago about business subsidies to the airlines, through advertisement. Does that work? Mr. Bradshaw stated that some of the larger employers have offered to be a part of that, does not like the word subsidy, it is more incentive, like business recruitment. There is significant interest in the private sector to help us in that regard. Supervisor Bedrosian asked how would they do it with Mr. Bradshaw responding there are two ways: a check or an agreement to buy so many tickets. The next step is to bring them to the table. Supervisor Peters thanked Mr. Bradshaw for the job he has been doing. RESOLUTION 041117-1 APPROVING THE ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 UPON CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHEREAS, Section 24.B of the Regional Airport Commission Act and Section 17.(a) of the contract between the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit its April 11, 2017 163 operating budget for the forthcoming year to the Board of Supervisors of the County and City Council of the City; and WHEREAS, by report dated March 28, 2017, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk of the Board, the Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission has submitted a request that the County approve the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia that the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget and proposed capital expenditures for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission as set forth in the March 28, 2017, report of the Commission Executive Director, a copy of which is incorporated by reference herein, is hereby APPROVED, and the County Administrator and the Clerk are authorized to execute and attest, respectively, on behalf of the County, any documentation, in form approved by the County Attorney, necessary to evidence said approval. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, Peters, McNamara NAYS: None 2. Resolution approving the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority (RVRA) budget for fiscal year 2017-2018 (Anne Marie Green, Director of Human Resources: Dan Miles, CEO, Roanoke Valley Resources Authority) Ms. Green gave brief introduction. City of Salem has been included and was a great transition. Mr. Miles provided a brief report. Supervisor Hooker asked if there was a fifty percent (50%) increase in tonnage with Mr. Miles confirming. RESOLUTION 041117-2 APPROVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORITY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 WHEREAS, Section 5.9 of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Members Use Agreement provides that the Authority shall prepare and submit its operating budget for the forthcoming fiscal year to the Board of Supervisors of the County, the City Council of the City of Roanoke, the City Council of the City of Salem, and the Town Council of the Town of Vinton; and April 11, 2017 164 WHEREAS, the Chief Executive Officer of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority has submitted the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for approval. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA that the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget for the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, is hereby approved, and the County Administrator and the Chief Deputy Clerk are authorized to execute and attest respectively, on behalf of the County, any documentation, in form by the County Attorney, necessary to evidence said approval. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, Peters, McNamara NAYS: None 3. Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal Property Tax Relief in Roanoke County for the 2017 tax year (Laurie Gearheart, Assistant Director of Finance) Ms. Gearheart outlined the resolution and stated this is an annual requirement from the State. RESOLUTION 041117-3 SETTING THE ALLOCATION PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE 2017 TAX YEAR WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 58.1-3524 (C) (2) and Section 58.1-3912 (E) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 1 of the Acts of Assembly and as set forth in item 503.E (Personal Property Tax Relief Program or “PPTRA”) of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly and qualifying vehicle with a taxable situs within the County commencing January 1, 2017, shall receive personal property tax relief; and, WHEREAS, this Resolution is adopted pursuant to Ordinance 122005-10 adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 20, 2005. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows: 1. That tax relief shall be allocated so as to eliminate personal property taxation for qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,000 or less. 2. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,001-$20,000 will be eligible for 56.14% tax relief. 3. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or more shall only receive 56.14% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value; and April 11, 2017 165 4. That all other vehicles which do not meet the definition of qualifying (for example, including but not limited to, business use vehicles, farm use vehicles, motor homes, etc.) will not be eligible for any form of tax relief under this program. 5. That the percentages applied to the categories of qualifying personal use vehicles are estimated fully to use all available PPTRA funds allocated to Roanoke County by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 6. That this Resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, Peters, McNamara NAYS: None IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING 1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the proposed fiscal year 2017-2018 Operating Budget and the proposed fiscal year 2018- 2027 Capital Improvement Program (Christopher R. Bever, Director, Management and Budget) Chairman McNamara opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to speak on this agenda item. IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF TAX RATES 1. Public hearing for citizen comment on the following items: Calendar Year 2017 Real Estate, Personal Property and Machinery and Tools Tax Rates (Christopher R. Bever, Director, Management and Budget) Chairman McNamara opened and closed the public hearing. The following citizen spoke: Steve Rosenthal stated he wanted to ask the Board to pardon him on the lack of understanding of the niceties. To him, the bottom line to this should be that the County should really freeze the overall revenue and adjust the tax rate so as to do that. He stated that he thinks the purpose of spending or overall spending should be held at a constant level and the biggest priority should be the reduction of the debt that the County has accumulated over the many years. It is his understanding that just the interest on the debt of $180 million, the interest is $8 million a year. If the debt were to be paid down substantially, the interest expense would be less, freeing up that money April 11, 2017 166 for many of the worthy programs that we heard about earlier today. Another thing that concerns him as a citizen and he has no axe to grind because he is not in business. Earlier today, the Pastor mentioned the importance of entrepreneurship or economy development. He mentioned that in his invocation. Certainly, small business owners, would really have a rough time when the County cuts into areas of business that the private sector would most naturally do. So, again, he urges the County to not compete with private business. Supervisor Bedrosian, over the last several years, has really pointed out these issues very well. He would urge the rest of the Board to follow his leadership in this area. He thinks that ultimately the County would be better off economically when we can say to businesses around the County or local entrepreneurs that we have a good business climate in the County and he thinks lowering that debt and if anything lowering the real estate tax assessments and rate to facilitate. Also, at the risk of being boastful, if the real estate tax bills go up, he personally would not have a problem with that. They could go up 5% a year and he would not have a problem paying it, but thinks it would be bad policy and he does know that some of his fellow citizens with whom he has talked to about this issue would indeed have a problem paying those increased property taxes each year. 2. Request to adopt the following tax rates: (a) Order setting the tax rate on Real Estate in Roanoke County for the calendar year 2017 Mr. Bever outlined the request to set the tax rate. Supervisor Bedrosian offered an amendment to decrease the tax rate from $1.09 to $1.07. There was no second and accordingly the motion failed. Supervisor Bedrosian provided a real estate tax history spreadsheet. (A copy of this spreadsheet is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board.) He made a copy of the presentation for each Board member. He took some time over the weekend to investigate real estate taxes from 2000 to the current year of 2017. He tried to simplify as much as possible onto one sheet. On the left column is the years 2000 to 2017; thanked staff for providing information. If he is says someone incorrect, please correct him if there is anything wrong because he wants it to be absolutely accurate. What we show here is every year from 2000 to 2017, the increase in the market value of real estate in Roanoke County. The second column next to the year is just the increase or decrease of the value of real estate. For example, in 2000 the real estate values went up $133 million and this is all the real estate that we have in the Roanoke Valley. It went up by $133 million. Every year, as you can see, all the way to 2017, in four years from 2011 through 2014, it went down. We had a decrease in the value of real estate in those four years. If you go to the next column, that shows the percentage. In 2000, we had an increase of $133 million that was basically 3.19 percent increase in the assessment of real estate in Roanoke County. If you go to the April 11, 2017 167 next column, which is the second to the last column on the right, you will see the tax rate that we had at the time. So, again, looking from the bottom, the tax rates, which have been discussed by the Chairman of Windsor Hills, we did have a rate of $1.12 back in 2000 all the way up to the year 2005. So, the rates were higher than they are now, which is an absolute fact. We always tout that we lowered the taxes from $1.12 to $1.11 and to $1.09, but the interesting thing about that is we were still bringing in lots of revenue because the assessments were way high. So you have two things you are working with here, you have assessment of the property. If your assessments are increasing, even though you may be decreasing the tax rate, we are still paying a higher tax. So that final column on the very right is the actual amount that Roanoke County citizens, as an aggregate, the entire population of Roanoke County is either paying more in real estate taxes or less in real estate taxes. When you add all the pluses and minuses, there are four years – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 – when actually your bill as a whole (again some people may have gone up and others down) went down. There were four years out of the 17 years. If you look at the very bottom right corner, that shows you the next. From 2000 to 2017, the citizens of Roanoke County have paid $27 million more in real estate taxes. So, when we talk on this Board that we have reduced taxes before that is a partial truth. We have actually reduced the rate. Again, it was $1.12 and went to $1.09, but the reality is even in those years we were reducing the tax rates, we were actually paying more in taxes. Again, over the 17 years, we have paid $27 million more in taxes than the baseline, which basically when you average it out, we are paying about $1 million to $1.5 million more each year than the prior year, on average and he just thinks it is important. One of the biggest surprises to him in government when he came to Roanoke County is the way we do the budget. We already have a budget that is basically locked and sealed and now we are looking at the tax rate. What makes it very difficult for someone to come up and say, “Let’s take the tax rate down.” Where are we going to find the money to fill the holes? He is looking at reducing taxes by two cents and this would give $1.6 million of the taxpayers’ money back to the taxpayers. It is their own money, it is not our money, it is their money, that gave it and we should be giving it back. We had a comment on the Board at the last meeting that this would only apply to land owners and not renters. Well, if you are renting a piece of property, your rates will also go up because in the free enterprise system, if somebody owns property and they have a renter and their costs go up, they just pass that cost down to the renter. So, whether you are a renter or an owner of real estate, you are paying more in taxes. Just to close here, he knows this Board is apt to go with keeping the rates the same, which basically will mean a tax increase. Not a tax rate increase, but this will be a tax increase to the citizens of Roanoke County. The citizens of Roanoke County, and these are the numbers offered to me by County staff, the citizens of Roanoke County will be paying about $1 million more this year. In 2017, it is $969,000 more in taxes. So, that is an increase, even if you keep the rate the same, it is an increase. Again, the homework that he did over the last 17 years shows that there has been $27 million in increases over the years in April 11, 2017 168 an aggregate and yes we have had declines in taxes given to Roanoke County but 13 years we have had increases, which way overwhelm any decrease that we have had with a net of $27 million extra. This is his reasoning for asking that we give back to the citizens of Roanoke County two cents, which would amount to $1.6 million. Supervisor Peters stated he listened to that, but if you do the numbers, and he does appreciate this worksheet, we are essentially working off of the same revenues that we had in 2008. If you take all the plus and minuses, we are essentially back to where we were in 2008/2009 year. He advised that he thinks we have achieved a lot, kept the government moving forward. We have also had to hire people. We all know about the fire and rescue issue and the other issues that we have had across this County. He thinks that this Board and the prior Board has done a good job through the recession and again if you look at these numbers, we are back looking at what we were bringing in during 2008. Supervisor Hooker asked Mr. Bever the current rate of inflation. She stated she was doing a quick check and looked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and it shows 1.7%. Is that about accurate for this area, are we in that range. Mr. Bever responded that we would be in that range and are projecting anywhere from 2% to 2.5% at the end of 2017. Supervisor Hooker stated so it is a little more and when she looks at our increase in market value being 1.1%, which is not even keeping up with the rate of inflation. So, continuing on with what Supervisor Peters said, she thinks it is important if we are going to do these things. We are fairly flat in our revenues and just trying to keep up with the rate of inflation is quite the challenge, plus trying to add more personnel as needed and petitioned by citizens. Supervisor Assaid asked Mr. Bever to remind us of the increases in real estate value; self-imposed by property owners. Mr. Bever advised the increase in market value are based on the market value as to what the sales are in the neighborhoods. Supervisor McNamara stated he thinks this is a great chart, but it does not say what you want it to say. It says Roanoke County has done a great job. When you look at, he heard someone say, what they really want is for the tax bill to be the same as it was last year. How about if your tax bill is the same as it was in 2008 and that is what this chart says. If you add the last column over and you are going to back to the rate that we were achieving in 2008. So, we are taxing at a rate the same as 2008. Every locality around us has raised their rates over that time frame, we have not. We have lowered our rates. We have not lowered them as some people may want and we did not lower this particular rate in that period of time, but we have lowered our tax rates. We have resisted the urge and have not added trash pickup fees, stormwater management fees. We have kept a very, very tight budget so it is nice to see what happened back in 2008, but he would challenge anybody as he has been in business since 2000 and one business is the exact same business as it was 17 years ago and he knows what he paid in 2000 for his employees and guess what, first of all he would be breaking the law if he paid the people now what he paid them in April 11, 2017 169 2000. Secondly, nobody would come work for him. So, to put together analysis based on nominal amounts without any appreciation to the change in the general price level he thinks is misleading. Even so, he thinks it demonstrates beyond any shadow of a doubt that this is a conservative Board, even though it might be colored otherwise. This is a conservative Board that is making do on an inflation adjusted lowered amount of revenue year after year after year. Supervisor Bedrosian commented this was good discussion. He thinks that looking at an arbitrary date or year does not help with your argument. You cannot just say draw a line at 2008. He tried to give it a long enough history to really be far, but what he could have done is look at the last three years and show millions more. He put negatives and positives in there and really gave it some length and some history. If you also average out the rates, the increases were almost at 4% over the average of the last twenty years. In order to get really valid statistics, you cannot limit the amount. You need the broadest amount of data points and we should respect that on this Board and not pick and choose. This was done so we had a really good view of it. We had a lot of people and Supervisor McNamara was on the Board at the time. We spent a lot of money and had a lot of money coming in to the Board from 2000 all the way to 2010 and we spent a lot of money, which has caused the fact that we need to continue to spend. We continue to have our assessments and cannot give money to the citizens by lowering the taxes. That is very important, again, look at the bottom line figures. It is $27 million over the last 17 years. The other thing that you have to look at is our debt. It is hard for him to put everything on this table, but if you look back at about 2004 or 2005, we had debt of $125 million. That debt is now going to be, after the Board approves the money for Cave Spring, close to $200 million again. So, when you talk about taxes, that is one element of tax rates and taxes, which he thinks is too high and should be lower but the fact that we are paying $8 million worth of interest were before we did not is also another tax on the people, which because they paid the money and they get nothing for it, just plain interest. So, if you couple those two things together and history shows that over 17 years that we are spending more money than we should be in Roanoke County and we should be giving some of this money back to make the citizens of Roanoke County whole. We have had this discussion and he will end with the discussion of employees in Roanoke County and how we have to make them whole because of inflation and all these things and we want to give them raises and health care subsidies to make them whole and yet the citizens of Roanoke County are getting back $0.44. We passed the maximum tools the last time and that actually amounts to $0.44 a person in Roanoke County. He is talking about giving the citizens of Roanoke County back some real money by lowering the tax rate. Supervisor Peters stated there were a couple of things he would like to point out. One, if you remember back two years ago, just in our public safety arena, we lost 26 employees. There is value in keeping employees whole because those 26 employees when they left, we had to hire new people. Our Chiefs told us that is cost roughly $10,000 per person to train them. So, we gave up $260,000. So, is there April 11, 2017 170 value making sure our employees are whole, he would say so because we have the numbers presented to us about how many employees have left Roanoke County and subsequently we had to hire new people; we had to train them and the associated cost involved with that. Secondly, he keeps hearing about the debt. What you won’t say is that the debt has been reduced by $30 million in the time he has been on the Board. This is a great thing, 17 years, but he was not here 17 years ago. He can attest to what is happening during the time he has been on the Board and he thinks this Board has been very knowledgeable with what the debt is and wanted to reduce. This has taken place and you can review the notes for yourself. He added his last statement, as he has heard this each year, we want to reduce the tax rate, but what has never been presented to this Board and each one of us have more than enough time to review the debt, is if we cut the debt, cut the tax rate, what are you going to cut? The numbers are there. We have a budget that we have requirements from the State that we have had to increase our CSA, other things have happened. If we cut those, we have to cut somewhere else in our budget and that has never been presented. He has heard this argument every year, but what has never been presented is if we do this, and in this case it would be $1.65 million, what are the subsequent cuts within our budget? Supervisor Bedrosian stated he appreciates the supervisor from Vinton and wants to go over a couple of things. We say the debt has been reduced by $13 million since you have been on board. We postponed the debt, we are catching up with it this time. He does not like it when we take slivers of years to accommodate. Let’s look at the big, big picture. We will add almost $30 million this year from the $20 we saved over the last two years. So, let’s be truthful about that. He added that he could give you four things right now that could take the place of that right now, but you all have voted to put these things in our budget and he voted against them. First of all, broadband, which adds with the debt and operating costs about $700,000 a year. The Woodhaven property, which we got involved in the free market added another $400,000. Outside agencies, which you will be voting on today, non-contractual ones are about $330,000 and we increased the school budget by $250,000 on a declining enrollment. He stated he does not think you should cut the school budget, but the reality is why are we adding to it when the school enrollment went down 200 students. So, if you add those numbers together, you have your $1.6 million you could use to pay for this two cent tax cut. Chairman McNamara stated we are not talking about a Capital Budget right now, but the one that is proposed does not have Cave Spring High School debt on it for this year as a point of information. ORDER 041117-4 SETTING THE TAX RATE ON REAL ESTATE SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017 April 11, 2017 171 BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2017, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $1.09 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable real estate and mobile homes classified by Sections 58.1-3200, 58.1-3201, 58.1-3506.A.8, and 58.1-3506.B of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, situate in Roanoke County. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian (b) Order setting the tax levy on Personal Property situate in Roanoke County for the calendar year 2017 Mr. Bever outlined the order. Supervisor Bedrosian moved to approve at a rate of $3.40. There was no second so the motion was declined. ORDER 041117-5 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON PERSONAL PROPERTY SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017 BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2017, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $3.50 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property, excluding that class of personal property generally designated as machinery and tools as set forth in Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and excluding all those classes of household goods and personal effects as are defined in Sections 58.1-3504 and 58.1-3505 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, but including the property separately classified by Sections 58.1-3500, 58.1-3501, 58.1- 3502, 58.1-3506 in the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, of public service corporations based upon the assessed value thereof fixed by the State Corporation Commission and duly certified. 2. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1- 3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and adopted by Ordinance No. 121592-11, and generally designated as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans. 3. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2017, be, and hereby is, set at fifty (50%) percent of the tax rate April 11, 2017 172 established in paragraph 1 for the taxable, tangible personal property as herein established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully defined by Section 58.1-3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian (c) Order setting the tax levy on a classification of personal property - Machinery and Tools - situate in Roanoke County for the calendar year 2017 Mr. Bever outlined the order. Mr. Bedrosian provided an additional file. To put things in perspective for our citizens. We set the max rate last week on the tools and took it down five center. Basically, we allowed the free-market economy, this is the way he looks at it, allowed the free market economy to keep $45,500 more of its own money. Basically, if we did not do this, we would be taking the money into Roanoke County government. By doing this, it is a good thing, a small thing, but tax reductions are good. If you spread out what we did, it is forty-eight cents per citizens. Now, again, back to the conversation the conversation he had prior. We talk about making employees whole, and he absolutely agrees it is important. All employees want to feel like they are being taken care of by their employer and he agrees with that. But, we make a big talk about that and emphasize that a lot, but yet when it comes to the citizens of Roanoke County and supposedly we work for them, which is interesting, but we cannot give them back any money and make them whole. As inflation is two to three percent (2 to 3%), we raise their real estate tax rate and they are getting hit by a lot, but we don’t give them back any of their money. In essence, we are, forty-eight cents per citizen. So, the family of our, you got about $2.00 back this year from the Board of Supervisors. This is the tax cut we are doing, just to put into perspective. There was no further discussion. ORDER 041117-6 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON A CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - MACHINERY AND TOOLS - SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017 BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: April 11, 2017 173 1. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1- 3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as machinery and tools. 2. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2017, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $2.85 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property as herein established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully defined by Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as machinery and tools. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION 041117-7 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM J- CONSENT AGENDA BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for April 10, 2017, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 5 inclusive, as follows: 1. Approval of minutes – January 28, 2017; February 7, 2017 2. Resolution granting a waiver to Hollins University under Section 13-23 of the Roanoke County Code to the provisions of the County’s Noise Ordinance, Article II. Noise of Chapter 13. Offenses – Miscellaneous 3. Observance and Proclamation of Friday, April 22, 2017, as National Arbor Day in Roanoke County 4. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County to Lois A. Roche, Deputy Circuit Court Clerk III, upon her retirement after more than twenty five years of service 5. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County to Timothy L. Wyatt, Police Officer-Sergeant, upon his retirement after twenty-five years of service April 11, 2017 174 On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: None RESOLUTION 041117-7.a GRANTING A WAIVER TO HOLLINS UNIVERSITY UNDER SECTION 13-23 OF THE ROANOKE COUNTY CODE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTY’S NOISE ORDINANCE, ARTICLE II. NOISE OF CHAPTER 13. OFFENSES – MISCELLANEOUS WHEREAS, Hollins University, a private university located in north Roanoke County, will be holding an outdoor concert for the campus community on Saturday, April 22, 2017, ending at midnight on the grounds of the University in the back quad area; and WHEREAS, Hollins University is also having a spring cotillion near the chapel on April 29, 2017, ending at midnight; and WHEREAS, in order to accommodate the advertised time frame and to mitigate economic hardship by enhancing students’ sense of connectedness with Hollins and the Roanoke Valley through social interaction that supports recruiting and retaining students that in turn affects the economic vitality of the University and Roanoke County with this event, Hollins University is requesting a waiver of the County noise ordinance for (2) hours from 10:00 P.M. till midnight, on Saturday, April 22, 2017, and two (2) hours on Saturday, April 29, 2017; and WHEREAS, Section 13-23 of the Roanoke County Code establishes certain standards for the Board of Supervisors to grant waivers from the provision of the Roanoke County Noise Ordinance to avoid undue hardship upon consideration of certain factors set forth in sub-section (b) of Section 13-23 and after making certain alternative findings. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the provisions of Section 13-21. Specific acts as noise, sub-section (5) and Section 13-20. General prohibition of Article II. Noise be WAIVED for a period of two (2) hours until midnight on Saturday, April 22, 2017 and for a period of two (2) hours until midnight on Saturday, April 29, 2017. 2. That this Waiver is granted specifically to Hollins University for the events scheduled at the University on Saturday, April 22, 2017 and Saturday, April 29, 2017. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters April 11, 2017 175 NAYS: None A-041117-7.b RESOLUTION 041117-7.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO LOIS A. ROCHE, DEPUTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK IV, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, Lois A. Roche was employed by Roanoke County on March 16, 1979 through October 31, 1982; and was rehired on September 6, 1985 on a part-time basis and September 20, 1999, on a full-time basis. WHEREAS, Mrs. Roche retired April 1, 2017, after twenty-five years and three months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, during Mrs. Roche’s tenure with Roanoke County, she has served as a County Police/Youth Officer in the Sheriff’s Office, Clerk Typist in the Sheriff’s Office, Police Records Clerk with the Police Department and Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I, II, III and IV in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court; and WHEREAS, during Mrs. Roche’s tenure with Roanoke County she worked tirelessly in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office’s Criminal Division, moving up from Deputy Clerk I to Deputy Clerk IV/Supervisor. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to LOIS A. ROCHE, for more than twenty-five (25) years of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: None RESOLUTION 041117-7.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO TIMOTHY L. WYATT, POLICE OFFICER – SERGEANT UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, Sergeant Wyatt was employed by Roanoke County on March 23, 1992; and April 11, 2017 176 WHEREAS, Sergeant Wyatt retired April 1, 2017, after twenty-five years of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, during Sergeant Wyatt’s tenure with Roanoke County, he has served as a Police Officer in the Uniform Division, the Traffic Enforcement Unit, and as a School Resource Officer, as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, and as a Sergeant in the Special Operations Division, and has served with professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, during Sergeant Wyatt’s time with the Roanoke County Police Department, he was an original member of the Department’s traffic unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2003 and was assigned to supervise the Traffic Enforcement Unit in Special Operations until his retirement. He was pivotal in ensuring the roads of Roanoke County were safe to travel on for the majority of his career. He was an instrumental member of the Blue Ridge Transportation Board. In 2012, he created the Scan Ed program that he taught to high school students. The Scan Ed program utilizes a crash car that teaches the students the dangers of distracted driving to include Driving under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol. The crash car has bar codes that the students can scan to explain to the student what danger that each code was that caused that particular damage. In 2015, Sgt. Wyatt was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for Traffic Safety. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to TIMOTHY L. WYATT for twenty-five years of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters NAYS: None IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS The following citizen spoke: Noah Tickle, Catawba Magisterial District; Roanoke Co resident since 1956. For the love of sharing ideas, I am a team player to the extreme. I study history, my passion. I talk to lots of folks as I do with staff and reps here in county administration. I hear this constantly from lots, "Why should I work harder, longer, make more money, compromise life and limb, abuse my health, spend less time with my family, ignore my congregation at church, my neighbors, my community, etc. The list April 11, 2017 177 goes on and on. Considering all of this "WHY" does governance punish productivity by taxing more, more and more, "perpetually?" That's like putting the brakes on WE the People's obsession to be safe and prep for hard times as WE have done throughout history. A punishing governance destroys productivity to the realms of socialism as is with our foreign kin. Governance greed destroys productivity. This is history repeating itself over and over into spaces of what we refer to as "The Dark Ages." "WHY?" Is energetic productivity "NOT" rewarded? Governance should reward energetic productivity "NOT" tax Punish. It destroys the harmony in society. The citizenry are very forgiving as is a parent toward a greedy child till something has to be done as indicated on the Virginia State Flag. The citizenry endures tax punishments till it can no longer be endured. Our forebears come running to America to escape tyranny of this sort. At this present time, we all have this credit card mentality. I am hearing, along with local governance imposed tax, exists a huge debt of sorts. I am hearing like 200 million. On top of this banana split exists the cherry on top INTEREST DEBT of $8 million, $8 million of the people’s money? How can this be and not have history repeat itself over and over again. Rome of history, before and today Greece. How bout we have Clark Howard or Dave Ramsey “show up” and teach us how to get out of debt. He would appreciate that. Human nature cannot help but destroy the very THING it seeks to preserve. “A TRUTH, ALWAYS”. IN RE: REPORTS Supervisor McNamara moved to receive and file the following reports with Supervisor Hooker seconding. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, Peters, McNamara NAYS: None 1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report 2. Outstanding Debt Report Supervisor Bedrosian asked for clarification of debt, stating we have had discussion on the Board about debt for schools. At looking at our ten-year CIP, we are borrowing some money this year and again the 2019. His question was in looking at the outstanding debt as of April 11, 2017, $170, million. At this time next year, what will it be if we do everything that is on the plan to do for fiscal 2017/2018. Ms. Owens responded that we have one more principal payment between now and June 30, 2016, on one of our outstanding bonds, so in additional to the almost $11 million that we are deleting off of this current fiscal year, we will have approximately another $1 million. At June 30, 2017, we will be at approximately $169 million of debt. Supervisor Bedrosian April 11, 2017 178 stated if we do everything we are scheduled to do, it will be what? Mr. Bever responded if you look on page 137 of the proposed CIP, there is a chart that lists the existing debt issued through 2016 and then stacked on top of that an additional debt. This assumes it will be about $187.4 million, but that assumed $20 million for Cave Spring would be borrowed in fiscal 2018 and there has been discussion that borrowing would not take until fiscal 2019 based upon the timing of that project. Supervisor Bedrosian stated we did at one time propose at the end of fiscal 2018, we would have approximately $190 million in debt. Mr. Bever repeated on page 137, at the end of 2018 it would be $184 million. Supervisor Bedrosian stated and he following year, Cave Spring would have additional funds and there was some more money, but we would be paying off debt so we would be staying about the same for fiscal year 2019. Mr. Bever responded in fiscal 2019 it would drop about a million. Supervisor Peters stated we would pay off another $10 million. Ms. Owens responded that was correct, if we wait. 3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of January 31, 2017 4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and Encumbrances as of January 31, 2017 5. Accounts Paid - January 31, 2017 IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Hooker advised there would be two work shops that she would like to mention that Economic Development has been gracious enough to hand her the information and to help publicize these worthwhile efforts. First is an IPAD Creative , workshop, which is going to be on April 252017, from 9:00 to 11:00 am in the Vinton Library. It appears to be free, so it is great thing that Economic Development is doing for our community and our businesses. Then on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, there is going to be a career lifestyle fair at the Berglund Special Events Center. It will be essentially a job fair. It is also free and would like to encourage our citizens to take advantage of those worthwhile events. One other thing that she was made aware of today, an email from Chief Simon, we had a tragic event over the weekend where a young man fell on the trail going to McAffee’s Knob and we got a great email from the family, really supportive, really appreciative of all that was done on their behalf. Just a couple of sentences out of a lengthy email singing their praises and from several departments. “Last, but certainly not least, they would like to give high praise to all the Rescue personnel in sharing their talent in caring and professionalism. To a person, each volunteer and career rescuer was excellent in his and her duties and caring and communicated with us about what was happening and how the day would progress.” Just kudos to that department and the Police Department got a great shout- out too. She is proud of what our people do. April 11, 2017 179 Supervisor Peters thinks with regard to citizens and what they are getting for their tax rates, we need to bring back in perspective. We had over a thousand citizens take part in our Strategic Plan. They laid out what they wanted us to be looking at, what they wanted us as a government to achieve on their behalf and part of that was economic development and broadband. Honestly, he is hearing more about this. He is hearing people ask, “When are you going to expand.” Let’s put the brakes on at this point. They have concerns is about recycling. He would like if the County Administrator or General Services would put together something about more pickups or drop offs for their recycling. He knows there is a problem in the Vinton area, people from Mt. Pleasant. One he spoke with yesterday drives 12 miles to the William Byrd Middle School to drop off his stuff and some days it is not there and other days it is running over. He does have an issue being at our school, unfortunately because of the world we live in. He does not know if he wants recycling bins at the schools, but if we are not going to push for curbside recycling, then we need to make those items more accessible to our citizens because they are asking for is. That is one of the top calls that he receives is the recycling and the need for closer drop offs or however we can work that out throughout the County. He would like to remind everybody that we have achieved a lot with our budget. We have not borrowed money. We have taken into account what our citizens have asked for. We are working on the 419 project, Explore Park and we have also talked about taking our properties that have set in the market for years, the old 419 library, the Vinton Library, the old schools and we have put those back into the market, whether they are apartment, restaurants, health care facility at the old Library on 419. He thinks we have done a lot over the last three years and whether you want to admit it or not, we can talk about future projects all we want to, but this Board has been mindful of the debt and as illustrated a moment ago by Ms. Owens, it has been reduced by $30 million over the last three years. Lastly, he appreciates the employees, he does have to say as many know he is a volunteer in Vinton for Fire and Rescue and had a new appreciation last Wednesday night as he had not run calls in a little while. He went on call at 6:00 pm and by 11:00 pm, they had already run eight calls. He now has a new appreciation for what everybody is doing out there in our community, not only with public safety but all of our employees and he thanked them for what they do. Supervisor Bedrosian stated first of all he appreciates the discussion on taxes. That is our role in government, to make sure that we are really looking at how we spend the people’s money and how much we take from the citizens to do the things we do. He knows that it seems like we are getting into these hot debated conversation, but he thinks it is good. It is our role, this is what we should be doing and the viewer and those that are watching right here need to take it in and make the decision for themselves. He had an appreciation when he looked over those 17 or 18 years; it gave him a good insight into rates going up, down, the amount of revenue going into the County. Quite frankly, he was kind of shocked himself that we did take in that much more money from citizens at Roanoke County while we were lowering their tax rates. It April 11, 2017 180 was good to see it on a piece of paper. So, even if your tax rates go down sometimes, you are still putting money in. His thing, what he looks at, is how much is the actual tax itself that you are writing a check for to the government. Rates and other things can be deceiving. It was good to get that full history perspective. We all have our views up here and know that we do all of these great things and the citizens are demanding it. As a citizen, most of the time, 99.99% of the citizens do not pay attention to what we are doing and that is the reality. They are living their lives doing the things that they do and expect that we (the Board) are running this correctly and that we are watching out for them. So, he would be leery to say citizens are demanding certain things from us. It has been rare to see this room full and even when we have these great community events, if we get a hundred people showing up that is big. We have 94,000 citizens in Roanoke County, be careful there. One thing that he found very useful and he just kind of stumbled into this. He actually had a constituent who he later found out lives in Catawba, but they have a church campus and they are looking to do some things and asked him if he could talk to somebody that could help him. Every Wednesday in this building, we have the Community Development group with the Fire Chief and others come into the room and have an hour meeting with anybody that wants to come in and talk about plans that they may have for their property or business owner may have questions, but the hour slot can be reserved and have everybody that you need right there instead of one person coming out at a time. Everybody is right there. Somebody is coming over this Wednesday and it will be his first time to sit with this constituent and have everybody in Roanoke County that would need to be involved at what this person is looking at doing, expansion, etc. As always, he likes to end to have people contact the local United Way. This is big on the national news, we hear about it all the time. The pro-life movement is getting stronger and stronger in America. In fact, the home schoolers’ life group is collecting baby sock to take to Congress. He thinks right here in the Roanoke Valley they have collected 888 pair for 888 babies that were aborted last year and there is a nationwide group going to Congress. He thinks they are collecting over 400,000 little baby socks. It reminds him that we give money to the United Way, which gives it to Planned Parenthood and she should not do that. Please thank United Way for all the good things they do, but please tell them to get out of the Planned Parenthood business. Supervisor McNamara congratulated again Social Services. It was a good day for their employees; they represented themselves great. They all did a fabulous job, thank you. We will be going into work session as we are not finished with the budget. We appreciate anybody’s thought and ideas. Will our budget increase debt, it may or may not, he would assume it would, but we will look at what the citizens needs are: We look to be good stewards to that money. th At 5:24 p.m. Chairman McNamara recessed to the 4 floor for work session. April 11, 2017 181 IN RE: WORK SESSIONS 1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors departmental budgets, outside agencies, and fees and charges for services as part of the County Administrator's proposed fiscal year 2017-2018 operating budget (Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Christopher R. Bever, Director, Management and Budget) Mr. Bever reviewed the PowerPoint presentation. Supervisor Peters asked when we would hear about the federal grant for the additional firefighters. Chief Simon responded approximately July of 2017. Supervisor McNamara asked about a buyout for employees with over 20 years of service. Mr. Gates responded they are looking at. Supervisor McNamara asked about the increase in the Registrar’s office with Mr. Gates responding it was the increase in pay for election officials. Supervisor McNamara then inquired if the Foster Program having an impact on CSA costs with Mr. Gates responding in the affirmative. Supervisor Hooker advised with regard to the outside agency requests she is waiting on CCAP information because she would like to see what we are getting. Additionally, she inquired about Mill Mountain Zoo. She added it is a valuable resource and 80% attendance is Roanoke County residents. She would like staff to think about. Mr. Gates advised staff is concerned about the long-term financial viability and added they are not accredited. Supervisor Peters advised his concerns were with CCAP and the Vinton History Society. Supervisor McNamara stated he was concerned about CCAP; changing sends the wrong message. His suggestions was to stay at $150 and see what it takes to expand. He suggest reducing the Vinton Historical slowly. With regard to the Zoo, he would suggest looking at over several months, and take out of Board Contingency. Mr. Gates reminded the Board that we are a month away from first reading. There are plenty of opportunities to talk. He indicated that he has had a conversation with Virginia Western and may have more certifications. Change can be effectuated at any time. He is working on additional information. Mr. Bever advised that they would make the changes and put out in the next budget memo. Supervisor McNamara stated the Board is not in agreement to fund a person in the Treasurer’s Dept. Mr. Hutchens, Treasurer asked the Board to look at the numbers. Supervisor McNamara stated there was no one on the fence; no additional positions with the exception of fire and rescue. Supervisor Assaid recommended outsourcing with Mr. Hutchens responding the cost for outsourcing is 20%. 182 April 11 , 2017 The work session was held from 5:46 pm until 6:50 pm IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. ubmitted by: Approved by: 4 ill�,40/1 Deborah C. Fs o eph P. McNamara Chief Deput 'lerk to the Board airman