No tax increase part of Charles City’s proposed FY2020-21 budget recommendation

A proposal for a $16 million local budget that includes no real estate tax increase was part of Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson’s proposed budget for FY2020-21 during Tuesday night’s board meeting.

Johnson proposed a budget of $16,466,545 for the upcoming fiscal cycle. That figure does not include money from the state or federal governments.

Johnson’s presentation covered several areas of the proposed budget. Among them include Charles City’s Fire and EMS. Of the 76-cent tax rate per $100 of assessed value, approximately 14 cents will be dedicated to the Fire/EMS $1,186,724 budget for next year. With grants and additional funding, that department will work with a budget of $1,295,950.

Included in that budget is the purchase of a new ambulance and working with New Kent County to join their Emergency Radio System. According to Johnson, agreements are in place that will see the county contribute $124,520 over a 10-year period to finance the radio system, and a $36,613 annual payment for the next seven years to purchase the ambulance, which the county agreed to pay for half of the cost as part of a matching grant. Total cost of the radio system is $1,604,987 and is expected to last at least 15 years. The county will also contribute additional fees of $57,227 in FY20-21 to assist with the service before that amount increases to $81,000. In comparison, building a system to just serve Charles City would cost $2.4 million and only provide bare minimum equipment according to the county administrator.

As part of Johnson’s recommendation, performance-based raises of one percent in the amount of $33,921 is also part of her budget. A human resource salary survey ($20,000) and third-party consultant ($15,000) are also services she recommended.

The addition of personnel for the next cycle was also light in comparison to previous years. The addition of three new firefighters and one communication officer for the sheriff’s department were listed as new proposed hires by the county administrator.

An increase of $103,192 in the social services department was also recommended by Johnson. Johnson commented that turnover in that department continues to be high, and the additional funds could assist with retaining staff. In total, the proposed budget for social services is $504,726 from the county.

Charles City County Public Schools budget is tentatively set for $9,243,372. Of that amount, $5,680,941 is listed as contributions from the county. Johnson commented that the school system is still working on their figures and for budgeting purposes, she recommended level-funding for the upcoming year. According to the county administrator, the schools are expected to finalize figures after their May 5 work session.

The county’s total Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) carries a proposed tag of $1,623,900 for FY2020-21. Of that amount, $883,044 is designated for county projects. Among those projects include the aforementioned Fire/EMS radio system, upgrading HVAC at the government and administration building ($88,600), new playground equipment at Harrison Park ($25,000), a new animal control vehicle ($32,000), and leases for two sheriff’s office vehicles ($45,000).

A recommended level-funded budget of $790,856 for Charles City School’s CIP was also made by Johnson. She once again said that the number may change based on requests from the schools.

A public hearing on the budget is expected to take place within the next couple of weeks, with a possible final decision to adopt the proposed funding for the county taking place at the end of May.