It’s budget time again in Charlottesville, and at the November 18 City Council meeting, City Manager Sam Sanders gave council members his first budget brief of the fiscal year.
Sanders highlighted a number of upcoming meetings and hearings, including a Planning Commission work session on November 26 and a public hearing on December 10. Sanders and city staff will also speak with the public about “things that they’d like to see discussed and/or considered for the budget” at the December 12 community forum.
As part of his presentation, Sanders outlined areas requiring additional regular expenditures, primarily to advance the city’s social equity goals. One area of significant investment that may see an increase is the Pathways Fund, which helps connect community members experiencing housing insecurity with resources. The program has had an increased and accelerated need for money beyond the quarterly funding schedule over the last year which, according to city staff, indicates not only a rise in costs, but local need.
“This is the second time this year we’ve asked to front the money earlier, so that we are not leaving a community member in a gap. But what that does mean is that more of our community members are in need, that is even with us putting some limitations on the funding to allow it to stretch as far as it can,” said Deputy City Manager for Social Equity Ashley Marshall. Beyond answering calls and connecting people with resources, human services employees also assist individuals and families in need.
While the details of Charlottesville’s annual budget are still unknown, Sanders says he is working to present a balanced budget that meets council’s priorities without additional tax increases.
“It is my desire that I can bring to you a balanced budget that does not rely on a tax increase. … I am not confident that I’ll be able to do that,” said Sanders. “I would like to have a lower surplus, and I would like to have a budget that I can bring to you that does not require a tax increase. I believe our public has made it clear that it is becoming more and more difficult for them if that is how we continue.”
The initial reading of the American Rescue Plan allocation was originally on the meeting agenda as well, but was pushed to a later date. Council has until the end of the year to finish allocating the more than $7.5 million in funding.
A majority of the remaining ARP funds are expected to go toward efforts to open a low- barrier shelter in the city and expanded social services programming.
The next City Council meeting is Monday, December 2.