Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 22, 1993                   TAG: 9305220071
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                LENGTH: Medium

NO NEW TAXES (AND MAYBE EVEN A DECREASE)

Town Council got its first formal look at Dublin's 1993-94 fiscal-year budget Thursday, and while spending is projected to rise slightly, revenues next year are expected to go up even more.

The budget estimates that the town will spend just over $1.69 million in 1993-94, a 2.7-percent increase over this year's spending. However, revenues will go up by about 8.6 percent.

Town Administrator Gary Elander said town coffers will benefit from an increase from 4 percent to 5 percent in its share of sales-tax revenues, which is based on a census of school-age children living in Dublin. The town also anticipates an increase in meals-tax revenues.

Linkous suggested his colleagues consider lowering the real-estate tax rate from 24 cents per $100 valuation to 23 cents as an incentive to prospective businesses. Town residents also pay Pulaski County taxes.

He also suggested cutting the town's allotments for travel and conventions and dropping Dublin's Virginia Municipal League and Chamber of Commerce memberships and contributions, which would total $1,690 next year. Overall, Linkous said he could easily lop $40,000 from the spending plan.

As he has before, Councilman David Stanley said "eliminating town government altogether" might be a better approach, but Linkous indicated he wouldn't go that far.

Councilwoman Elsie Repass also expressed concerns about rising vehicle expenses and the police department telephone bill.

Council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed budget for its next meeting, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.

In other business, council voted 5-1 to approve a grant application to start a tree-planting program. The town hopes to get $4,000 in matching funds from the state Division of Forestry. The town also got a $500 donation from a resident for new trees in the downtown area and at major entrances to Dublin. Linkous voted against the motion.

Council also:

Unanimously approved a new subdivision plat for West Main's Hensel Jones subdivision.

Approved a resolution to establish Amtrak rail passenger service through Radford.

Designated Stanley to serve on a countywide oversight committee being formed to periodically review town contributions to volunteer organizations. The issue arose after an investigation of Pulaski County rescue squad funds was started.