Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 25, 1995 TAG: 9503270002
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
County police officers are complaining about low salaries and pay inequities. County firefighters and social service agencies want more money, too.
"It's time for the annual rites of spring in Roanoke County," Supervisor Bob Johnson said. "Everyone is asking for money."
Considering the competition, Johnson said Friday, it's too early to know whether the supervisors can approve the School Board's request.
But Supervisor Harry Nickens didn't sound optimistic. He said he was disappointed that the School Board approved a budget with a $961,524 deficit Thursday.
"I suggest they look within the budget to find the money," Nickens said. "I'm hearing the taxpayers say that 'enough is enough.'''
The School Board's request could be a test of its clout as an elected body. Three members were elected last fall, and two others will be elected this year.
The board does not have the power to tax. It still must rely on the supervisors for funding, the same as when its members were appointed.
Johnson sees the request for more money as the first volley in what could be a conflict between the supervisors and the School Board on budget issues.
"It could be ugly and contentious, but I won't go down that road," Johnson said. "I will look at their request and consider it."
Nickens said it's easy for the School Board to submit a budget that is out of balance when it doesn't have to raise the money.
"Let them have to raise the money, and they might look at it differently," Nickens said.
Supervisor Lee Eddy said the potential showdown could be avoided if the School Board had the authority to tax and raise its own funds.
"I favor the board having taxing power. Now it sets up a conflict," Eddy said. "School Board members can promise the moon, but they don't have to worry about raising the money."
School boards in 26 states have the power to tax. Once school boards are elected, there frequently is a move to give them taxing authority.
County School Board members said their main concern is the schools' needs, not trying to pressure the supervisors for more money.
"Our request reflects the extent of our needs," Chairman Frank Thomas said.
Still, several members said the board must press its case for more funds. They will ask school supporters to attend the supervisors' budget hearing.
"We know the supervisors will test us, but we must not back away," said Michael Stovall, who represents the Vinton District. As School Board members, he said, they have a duty to present the case for the schools.
The School Board is asking for more money so it can provide average raises of 3 percent and an additional 1 percent scale adjustment for teachers. The 1995-96 budget is $75.9 million, 3.4 percent more than this year's.
Johnson said teachers have been patient with small raises in recent years as the county has concentrated on such projects as the Spring Hollow Reservoir and the Smith Gap Landfill.
Some School Board members believe the school system has come up short in the competition for county tax money.
Supervisors' Chairman Fuzzy Minnix said schools have been the county's priority, but he doesn't know if the board's request can be granted.
County Administrator Elmer Hodge has agreed to give the schools an additional $2.6 million next year - half the projected $5.2 million increase in county revenues. Historically, the county has shared half of its revenue increase with the schools each year.
But school officials said that is not enough to provide teacher pay raises and cover other higher expenses.
Johnson said he understands why elected School Board members might feel frustrated sometimes.
"It is tough to be in an elected position and have no avenue or means to address a problem," he said.
Some School Board members support taxing power for the board, but they doubt that the General Assembly would approve it soon.
In the meantime, they must try to use their influence as elected officials, with their own constituencies, to persuade the supervisors to provide the funds they believe that the schools need.
But several supervisors said they feel no more pressure to provide more money for schools from an elected board than from an appointed body.
"It makes no difference to me," Nickens said.
by CNB