Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505190034
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The proposed budget, however, is filled with several uncertainties:
Vinton's share - at least $1.2 million - to upgrade the Roanoke Regional Waste Water Treatment plant.
A study that indicates a need for a substantial pay increase for town employees.
Continued residential development but only a modest growth in real estate values.
The unknown effects of federal and state budget cuts on town revenue.
Decreases or only modest growth in various fees such as motor vehicle licenses, meals tax, ABC profits and court fines.
The development of two new water wells estimated to cost $280,000.
Council accepted Goodman's proposed $5,717,250 budget and set a work session for June 6 at 5 p.m. Until then, however, Goodman said several committees of town officials will continue to review and revise the proposed budget.
The proposed budget does not call for a property tax increase, but Goodman said an increase in utility fees is likely.
It includes an increase of $800 for sewer connections but no increases for water connections. In a budget summary, Goodman said Vinton must pay at least $1 million for the treatment plant upgrade and another $60,000 to upgrade and enlarge the Tinker Creek sewer interceptor line.
Residential growth in the town resulted in the need for a larger Tinker Creek line, and Goodman said he thinks that cost should be recovered through an increase in connection fees for new users.
Town officials also are studying the Wolf Creek sewer interceptor line, and Goodman said additional costs may result if it is found that line needs to be upgrade.
On the pay matter, Goodman said a study indicates that Vinton's pay is below the average of comparable municipalities. Although the proposed budget includes a recommendation for a 21/2 percent pay raise for some employees, it doesn't have enough funds for across-the-board pay increases, Goodman said. It does, however, allow for annual performance increases of 3 to 5 percent.
Goodman's preliminary budget also points to the need for Vinton to start a long-range capital improvement program that could amount to about $3.2 million over the next five years.
But, he is recommending only $400,000 which, will address about 45 percent of the need, in the 1995-96 fiscal budget.
The capital improvement fund would touch all activities in the town - public safety, public works, cultural and recreations and general administration.
by CNB