The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – LeeAnn Tyler, finance director, gave Clifton Forge Town Council an overview of the draft budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011 at Tuesday night’s meeting held in the Clifton Forge Library.
The proposed budget has no increase in any fees or taxes and there are no increases in water or sewer usage fees.
The general fund portion of the budget is 7 percent less than the current budget, $2,617,804, down from $2,841,077.
The water fund has an increase of 2 percent, $914,077 to $933,000 and the sewer fund has an increase of .2 percent, $1,215,458 to $1,218,000.
Tyler said the budget is 4 percent less than the current budget. The reduction is primarily related to carry forward funds of $200,000 that will be expended in the current budget cycle and will not carry forward into next year.
There are no employee pay raises included in the budget although the town will be picking up the cost increase for each employee’s health insurance coverage.
Tyler said “The budget, as always, is very conservative. We are extremely lucky to have incorporated the reduction in state funds into the proposed budget with no increases in fees or taxes of any kind. We have incorporated all loan payments on the water plant and water meters into the budget without an increase in fees at this time.
“We will be having a public hearing and the first reading of the resolution and ordinance for the budget at the next council meeting May 25. The second reading and adoption of the budget is scheduled for June 8. The proposed budget, resolution and ordinance are available in the town manager’s office and the library for the public to look over.”
In another report, Tyler noted the need for a public works facility, saying the present facility is in the flood zone and the buildings are in very poor condition. She said there is money for the Nettleton Addition Bridge in the budget and this project will move forward. The town has a $14 million credit line, and the money owed on the water plant, water meters and sewer plant comes on the category of funds that are paid by users fees and do not count against the town credit rating.
Council member Johnette Roberts said she is in favor of a public works facility but cannot support the new building on Chestnut Street until council has a plan for the future. “We need to move forward with a plan,” she commented. She recommended that a committee be appointed to work on a Comprehensive Plan for Clifton Forge.
She added, “The Town is out of compliance with state requirements for such plans. It is necessary to have short, mid, and long-term goals if the town is going to move forward, and this includes capital improvement plans.
Clifton Forge has smart citizens who are willing to work on this committee with town council,” she said.
Council voted to appoint a Comprehensive Plan Committee for Clifton Forge. Residents willing to serve on the committee include Rick Tabb, John Hillert, Tom Dean, Tim Bryant, members of the planning commission Nellie Friel and Norman Rice. Others will be appointed later. Council members also serve on the committee.
Council approved a contract with the Humane Society and the monthly fee will be $1,995.59 for 11 animals per month. Alleghany County will be paying $5,959.08 for 34 animals; and Covington will be paying $4,408.15 for 25 animals per month. It was pointed out that the town looked into placing the animals with others areas but found the cost would be greater than what they will be paying the local Humane Society.
One of the biggest objections council members have with the contract is that Clifton Forge is paying $100 per month for veterinary fees for 11 animals while Alleghany County is paying the same for 34 animals and Covington is also paying the same for 25 animals.
Carol McGuire Bishop, a member of the board of the Humane Society, told council that she was upset with the comments made against the Humane Society, stating the town is getting a bargain for the use of the facility to take care of the animals.
One of the residents who spoke against the Humane Society contract was Carl Brinkley. He said that towns are not responsible for animal control, only cities and counties are responsible. He said his suggestion is that the town contact the county as far as animal control in Clifton Forge is concerned.
“We paid the same tax rate as county folks and we do not receive some of the services that are offered to the residents of the county. I would also appreciate it if you would give the citizens of Clifton Forge the honest figures as to the cost of this service. Our citizens deserve to be informed of the way their money is being spent,” Brinkley said.
Mayor Don Carter gave Brinklley the figure of $1,995.59 monthly for 11 animals.
Brinkley also brought up the matter of the new public works building and said, “I personally feel this is a very poor decision at this time. There are other viable alternatives as far as this facility is concerned that will cost the taxpayers of this town considerably less than the present proposal.
“Two possible sites are the county building in the west end and the present Rescue Squad building which should be available when they complete the construction of their new facility.”
Brinkley said the town cannot afford the additional debt. He said he has been told by officials that the town is in good financial condition, that the water meters, water treatment plant upgrades, the new sewer plant loans are not included as debt since they are paid by service fees. He said he disagrees wholeheartedly with this summation. Whether it is a tax increase or increase in service fees, it is still an increase to taxpayers. It is still debt.
He said a $50,000 grant carrot offered as incentive to borrow $1 million does not make good business sense, especially in these austere times.
In another item, council approved a donation of $500 for sponsorship of a booth at the Greenbrier Classic PGA Tournament.
The town was turned down
by the VML Insurance Program to provide insurance for the July 3 fireworks display for the reason of the high number of claims over the past few years. The celebration is planned for July 3 in Clifton Forge because the 4th of July falls on Sunday. Jack Backels is chairman of the celebration.
The Architectural Review Board reported it had approved six applications, including rehabilitating and restoring the windows in the Masonic Theatre.
Also approved is a 9 foot by 20 foot American Flag on the side of the building at 536 Main Street, that is being painted by Backels for the July celebration.
Several people spoke during the Public Comment period including Rick Tabb who spoke on the National Railroad Day at the Heritage Center held Saturday. He said it was a success but next year he suggested that Magic in the Mountains pick another weekend rather than joining with the Railroad Day.
John Hillert announced the activity and shows that are coming up at the Masonic Theatre.
Preston Reid told council about the activity of the Challenge Team of special children, now numbering 12, who play and practice every Sunday afternoon at Mathews Park.
David Kleppinger, AHEDC Director, spoke on marketing the land on Fairview Heights that is a proposed site for the new public works facility.
Others that spoke included Doug Glass, who said he has purchased the alley behind his house and that he agrees with Brinkley about postponing the public works building. He also asked where the parking would be for the proposed seven guest room home on Jefferson Street.
He also inquired about the severance pay allotted the former town manager. He was told by Attorney David Davis that council cannot answer that question.
Mrs. Dreama Woodward wanted to know why she could not park in front of her house.
Robert Garden wanted to know the uses for all the grant money. Mark Dobbs, who is a public works employee, told council that he needed about three or four additional summertime employees because the 12 people on the public work crew are not enough to keep up with the special events and grass cutting.
Diana Kling Smith said that Clifton Forge should get help in writing applications for grant money before applying again. She also said that the town should sell the high school to Mrs. Louise Belmont so she could move along with the art school.
Council went into closed session on personnel matters after the regular session.
