DATE: Monday, May 5, 1997                   TAG: 9705030005

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Editorial 

                                            LENGTH:   57 lines

NORFOLK BUDGET TIGHT BUT AMBLE THE CITY PROPOSES PRUDENT IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES BUT IS FORCED TO CONTINUE TO HOLD THE LINE ON SPENDING.

Norfolk's proposed 1997-98 general-fund budget tops a half-billion dollars - $509.7 million. Increased state funding for public education accounts for some of the 4.5 percent increase over fiscal 1997, which ends June 30.

The state has slightly loosened the purse strings for schools, but more funds are also expected because of a projected rise in the number of children in Norfolk classrooms. Enrollment is edging upward in part because of new housing for Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their dependents. In part, too, because new houses are popping up elsewhere in the city - notably, in Ocean View, Lafayette Shores and Middle Towne Arch, but also in established neighborhoods on sites formerly occupied by decayed structures.

City Manager James B. Oliver Jr. has presented a credible budget. But many Norfolk taxpayers and some commuters may be less pleased because of wastewater, parking, telephone-line and monthly parking charges. The fee increases are proposed in part because of a state-mandated reduction in business licenses.

The real estate tax rate is holding firm at $1.40 per $100 of assessed value, but property assessments have gone up by about 1.2 percent citywide. Values jumped 5 percent in some neighborhoods while remaining flat in others. The city assessor reports that the assessments reflect the prices paid for real estate. Citizens will be able to speak to the topic at the public hearing on the budget scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday (May 7) at Chrysler Hall.

The budget provides more money for the public library, which has suffered in recent years from inadequate funding. The library hopes to use the increase to equip a better bookmobile and hire of additional staff. That's progress, but not yet enough.

The proposed budget fully funds the schools and promises to enhance public safety. In his budget message, Oliver notes the city's gratifying crime drop, attributing much of it to the Police Assisted Community Enforcement (PACE) program that brings police, citizens and social-welfare agencies together to increase security. PACE is a excellent law-enforcement/crime-prevention instrument, but crime rates are down nationwide.

They are not down so much that citizens feel as safe in the 1990s as citizens felt in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the scant drop in aggravated assaults in Norfolk is worrisome, and the City Hall should redouble community efforts to bring them down faster.

Norfolk's government is sound financially, but cash-pinched. A shortfall in projected revenue forced City Hall to freeze hiring and institute other economies in the last quarter of the fiscal year.

The pinch will continue for a couple of years, until MacArthur Center, the Hilton Suites Hotel and the new upscale residential development downtown are generating revenues for the municipal treasury. No central city can take anything for granted, but Norfolk appears to have weathered the worst.

Perhaps not so much that Norfolk could by the year 2000 shave a penny or so from the real estate tax rate. But City Hall ought to aim to do just that.

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