CC supervisors pass budget, announce DEQ settlement

By Andre Jones | April 25, 2013 1:55 pm

Charles City’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county’s FY2013-14 budget at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

The $20,951,528 bottom line remains unchanged after minimal comments arose at a public hearing on April 17.

County schools will receive $10,906,036, or 51 percent of the budget. Of that amount, $4,801,288 are local funds.

Schools had asked for level funding at $4.7 million dollars for the upcoming school year. That figure dwindled to a recommendation of $4.5 million dollars.

Supervisors then agreed to an additional amount of just over $200,000 provided that money goes toward helping with Gov. Bob McDonnell’s two percent pay raise ($67,579), HVAC repairs ($86,150), and schools’ textbook fund ($66,378).

Chairman Floyd Miles Sr. addressed supervisors’ decision on funding for schools.

“At the beginning of the budget time, we asked organizations to come forward with what they need,” he said. “We went through the requests and knew what you all wanted, but this was the biggest we can do.

“It is our desire to work with every organization in the county,” he continued. “This job isn’t easy.”

Still facing $200,000 in other cuts, school board members return to the table tonight (April 25) for a budget work session at 6:30 p.m.

In other news, District 2 representative Bill Coada updated violations at the county’s wastewater treatment plants.

Coada said “diligent work by county staff” and several meetings with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have resulted in a settlement on a civil fine.

Because of poor water quality at several wastewater treatment plants in the county, DEQ levied fines totaling $85,000. Now, the county will only pay $45,000 due to successful negotiations and cooperation by Charles City staff, according to Coada. That amount will be payable in quarterly payments of $11,250.

“We are extremely happy with the outcome,” he said. “DEQ was pleased with the way we have stayed in talks with them and how staff has worked with them to get a reduced rate.”