For all interested parties, here’s a schedule of all council budget work sessions:
Feb 25th 5:30 council chambers – presentation of City Managers budget
Feb 27th – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
March 3rd – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
March 5th – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
March 10th – Chambers – 7:30 public hearing re: city managers proposed budget
March 12th – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
March 26th – Public works – 5:30 Council budget work session
March 31st – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
April 2nd – Public works – 5:30 Council budget work session w/ schools
April 7th – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
April 14th – Council Chambers – 5:30 Presentation of Council proposed budget
April 21st – Council Chambers – 7:30 public hearing on Council proposed budget
April 23rd – 2nd floor – 5:30 Council budget work session
April 28th – Council Chambers – 5:30 First reading of FY09 Budget
April 30th – 2nd floor – 5:30 Special meeting about results from first reading.
February 18, 2008 at 5:26 pm
That is a lot of meetings.
February 18, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I would urge anyone who is considering running for Council next time around to attend all of these meetings…..
February 22, 2008 at 5:46 pm
While the Manassas City Manager’s proposed 2009 FY budget and CIP
may not be the “perfect storm”, it could easily bring some rough
weather and major turbulence.
– The Richmond Rascals are in the process of cutting state aid to local
jurisdictions, adding to a long list of unfunded mandates AND slicing
established local taxing authority.
– The housing market is sinking and taking property taxes, the major
source of local revenue, with it.
– The Manager will present his proposed budget this Monday at the
regular meeting of the council – this will be followed by a four hour
work session on Wed. night. (A finance committee – starting at 9:30 PM-
follows that meeting) – that should get everyone started. Note: these
are PUBLIC meetings – please attend it you can. Thanks to Andy
for putting the information on his blog.
February 22, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Cutting the buget or keeping it to a certain inflation rate is a grand
idea in the abstract, but difficult in the specific for local government. An
example is item #18 in Monday night’s agenda – an “Authorization
to Add Fire Positions to the Pay and Classification Plan” – It calls for
the immediate addition of up to five paid fire fighters.
In the agenda statement the manager notes our present staffing level,
in his view, “poses a threat for injury or death, and property loss.”
A troubling observation to say the least.
A 2-20-2008 letter from President Pandolfi and Chief Ward isn’t
nearly as dire, but notes the department’s need and appreciation
for the new staff. “For the past 116 years, the Manassas Volunteer
Fire Company Company has put the safety of the citizens of Manassas
as the first priority …. we ask the City Council to look
favorably on this request.”
I’m sure there will be discussion, but even in a tight
budget year, the City Council must support our public safety agencies
at a level that ensures the continuation of quality services
for our citizens.
February 22, 2008 at 6:49 pm
FYI: The agenda packet for Monday’s meeting is on the city
website.
February 23, 2008 at 11:40 am
Also note that Item #17 on Monday’s agenda is titled
“Memorandum of Agreement between United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the City of Manassas
Police Department”
Staff Recommendation: “Staff recommends City Council authorize
the Chief of Police to sign the 287(g) ICE Memorandum
of Agreement on behalf of the City of Manassas.”
February 23, 2008 at 7:57 pm
It is good to hear of this agenda item for Monday’s council meeting. And equally as good that “staff recommends City Council authorize the Chief of Police to sign 287(g) ICE Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the City of Manassas.” Our city has suffered as the result of the impact of illegal criminal population growing in the region.
February 25, 2008 at 8:55 am
@Steve Randolph:
“item #18 in Monday night’s agenda”
Exactly WHY I mentioned in a comment a couple weeks ago the REAL CHALLENGES that will be faced regarding public safety this FY.
March 19, 2008 at 10:46 am
that is a lot of meetings… how do handle the stress?