Central Virginia Times

 Interim City Manager, Michael C. Rogers, comments on the FY 2022-2023 budget adopted by City Council at their special meeting on April 12, 2022.

"I am pleased to announce that Council adopted the FY 2022-23 Budget last night.  I believe that this budget reflects the priorities of the community and Council.  It reflects a significant investment in our workforce, the organization’s capacity to get the work done, affordable housing, and schools," says Rogers.

"As we continue to move beyond COVID, real estate assessments are up and trends for several of the City’s larger tax revenue sources such as meals tax, lodging tax, and sales tax also continue to show growth," he adds.  

The Adopted Budget for next year is $212,889,291 which represents an increase of 10.76% over last year’s budget of $192,212,843.  A few other important highlights are:

• Effective July 1, 2022, a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) will be provided to employees.  This budget also covers a full year of a FY 2022 midyear 6% salary increase which was received in January 2022.  Retirees will receive a 2% COLA increase.
• There are no changes to employee health care insurance premiums or the gym subsidy program.
• The Real Estate tax rate will increase $0.01 on July 1, 2022.  The current rate of $0.95/$100 of value will increase to $0.96/$100 of value.
• The Meals Tax Rate will increase from 6% to 6.5% effective July 1, 2022.
• This budget continues a very strong commitment to the City Schools, providing $62.9 million in operating funding, an increase of $4,216,341 over FY 22.  Through the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), $7.11 million is provided for school related projects.  And, the five-year CIP includes $68.8 million for the Buford School Reconfiguration Project.
• $3.1 million is funded for rent and tax relief programs
• A total of 13 new FTEs will be added in various departments to enhance customer service efforts, comply with FOIA demands, labor relations, project management and development review
• The 5 year CIP plan at a total cost of $153.2M which includes $68.8M for the reconfiguration project ($25.98M in FY 23)

"Charlottesville’s tradition of sound fiscal management has served and will continue to serve the community during Fiscal Year 2023 as an asset and opportunity.  Our sound financial management will continue to move us smoothly through the waning days of the pandemic and allow the City to continue to work in concert with the community to support key priorities, deliver services optimally, and engage in efficient and effective business models," said Rogers.

"It is a privilege to serve as the Interim City Manager for Charlottesville at this time, and I appreciate the opportunity to present a balanced budget on behalf of the extremely talented team of employees with the City of Charlottesville, showing how we stand ready to address challenges, seize opportunities, and most importantly serve our community to the best of our abilities," he adds. 

For more information about the FY 2022-2023 budget, please visit www.charlottesville.gov/budget

Original source can be found here.