Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 22, 1994 TAG: 9402220246
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KAREN BARNES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BEDFORD LENGTH: Medium
The budget includes $68.8 million in revenues, up 7 percent from last year, but calls for $70 million in spending.
The largest single increase, both in dollars and percentage points, is the landfill fund. An increase of $800,000 in operating costs is anticipated, bringing spending on the landfill to almost $1.9 million. Last year's budget included tipping fees for only 10 months; this year's calls for a full 12 months' worth, said Deputy County Administrator Kathleen Guzi. Another $837,000 is earmarked for closing the old trench and saving to open a new one in about four years, she said.
The landfill is set up as a separate business, forcing the county to pay tipping fees to use its own landfill, she said.
Other items contributed to the spending increase. Although some departments have kept their budget requests level for years, others face higher operating costs.
All county employees - including constitutional officers - are scheduled for a 1.5 percent cost-of-living raise, plus a possible 2.5 percent merit raise.
In addition, the Sheriff's Office asked for four new deputies to be funded by the State Compensation Board. However, the board has said there will be no money available for additional deputies, Guzi said. If the board denies Sheriff Carl Wells' request, the county will consider hiring one officer with state grant money, she said.
The Community Development Office also has requested extra staff, she added.
The budget also recommends that the county start to pick up insurance for volunteer rescue squads, an expenditure of $160,000. The policy will cover buildings, equipment and disability insurance.
The Board of Supervisors will begin chipping away at the deficit at a budget workshop Wednesday. The board will seek to balance the budget without increasing taxes, said County Administrator Bill Rolfe.
Last year, the board added 3 cents to the real estate tax, making the rate 65 cents per $100 of assessed value. Personal property taxes, paid on 20 percent of assessed value, jumped 50 cents to $6.50. That translates into $1.30 per $100 of assessed value. The proposed 1994-1995 budget does not call for additional tax increases, Rolfe said.
Meanwhile, the school budget includes a 2.3 percent raise for teachers and other personnel.
One of the proposed $40.3 million school budget's largest expenditures will be providing funding to replace Montvale Elementary School, construction of a new elementary school and a middle school in Forest, and renovations to several other facilities.
Overall, spending in the proposed budget is up 5 percent over last year's figures.
The School Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed budget Feb. 24.
BEDFORD COUNTY BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
No proposed tax increases.
A 1.5 percent cost-of-living raise for all county employees and constitutional officers.
Landfill spending nearly doubles, to $1.9 million, plus $837,000 for closing the old landfill.
Four new sheriff's deputies.
Insurance coverage for volunteer rescue squads.
by CNB