THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504220084
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Mac Daniel
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
The city is considering the creation of a school construction fund and other initiatives that will combine resources and eliminate duplication between the city and the Suffolk School District, according to City Manager Myles E. Standish.
Both the city and the school board have agreed to begin examining the prospect. Some items discussed as possible scenarios include: creating joint financial management of school and city funds, overseen by both the city manager and the superintendent of schools; combining vehicle maintenance and repairs; combining building maintenance and repairs; and combining some purchasing.
Standish said during a Wednesday work session that he will seek a third-party analysis of the proposal. ``If the benefits initially outweigh the costs, then we've made headway,'' he said. Decision pending
The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has agreed to wait and see if the city can save them money by moving into the abandoned Suffolk High School building. The SRHA Board of Commissioners on Tuesday said they would agree to the move if the cost of the renovation suits the housing authority's needs.
The housing authority, an autonomous body, recently voted to move their headquarters to the old Paul D. Camp Community College building outside of downtown Suffolk. The City Council grew angry with the authority after it learned of the move since the council has been trying for the past year to revitalize downtown. The housing authority's move went against those plans.
Two weeks ago, the city announced plans to examine if they could move the housing authority, the health department and social services into the abandoned high school, thus bringing the authority closer to downtown and combining city services.
But the housing authority has said they need to save money with the move - money they wish to place back in the city's housing program. If the city can guarantee that the housing authority would still be able to save the same amount of money they would save by moving into the Paul D. Camp building, they have said they will agree to the change.
The housing authority has given the city until May 31 to come up with figures on the renovation.
``If we feel as a council that it's important to have them downtown, then we have to step up to the plate,'' Mayor S. Chris Jones told the council. Trash under study
The city is considering hiring the Southeastern Public Service Authority to pick up trash at some city facilities. If the city can save money, they will agree to the offer. City Manager Standish said the move could save the city between 15 percent and 20 percent.
Contracts with private haulers run out for the city on June 30. If approved, SPSA would begin picking up city trash at 35 public facilities. SPSA has estimated they can provide the service at an initial cost of $8.50 per trash can. The city is currently paying $10 per can.
SPSA is asking for $40,800 for the service, which would begin June 30. Suffolk would be bound by a five-year contract if approved.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL SUFFOLK CITY MANAGER SPSA SUFFOLK
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