Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 29, 1991 TAG: 9103290691
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-5 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Last year I likened the budget process to the miracle of the loaves and the fishes," Superintendent Wayne Tripp said. "This year, I think another biblical phrase is more appropriate: `Lo, I am with you always.' "
The $18.2 million "bare bones maintenance" budget is actually $120,000 less than the current year's spending plan. Salem handled its share of the drop in state education funding primarily with a 15 percent reduction in spending for everything but employee salaries.
"There will be less painting, less new carpet, less furniture replacement, fewer computer and other equipment purchases," Tripp said. "It is not the type of budget that we are accustomed to having in Salem. But it is the kind of budget that times dictate."
The city lost $340,000 in state funding for the coming fiscal year. That loss was offset somewhat by increases in federal and local funding and in anticipated sales tax money.
Still, the loss left a total $176,065 decrease in the school operating fund, the bulk of the newly adopted budget.
"I'm disappointed we don't have raises, no health insurance increases and no new programs," Tripp said. "But I'm an optimist. Not only will we endure, but we will prevail."
The budget, which will go to City Council for approval next month, includes several fee increases.
School lunches would increase by 10 cents, generating $23,450 in new revenue. Textbook rental fees would rise by $1 at each grade level. And the cost to learn how to drive would increase by $15.
Gov. Douglas Wilder's proposed $15 million restoration of school funding would give Salem another $42,000, Tripp said. Most of it would be used for maintenance, he said.
The budget was based on an enrollment of 3,500 students. The current year's budget initially was based on an enrollment of about 100 fewer.
by CNB