Minutes 04/29/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 29, 1987 In monetary amounts, the proposed income limits will be increased from $12,000 to $15,000 and financial net worth from $40,000 to $50,000. If you adopt this recommendation, it will be the fourth consecutive year that you have approved an increase in tax exemptior for the elderly. It is interesting to note that the cost of this bene~i~ amounts to one cent on the real estate tax rate paid by ali landowners. Proposed Expenditures Despite major budget cut$of requests made by department heads, the following areas reflect increases which will expand services and therefore deserve special mention. Public Safety I am recommending four new police officers for continued walking beats, directed patrol, and three non-uniform personnel who would relieve three police officers now doing funcIions that could be per- formed by others. This action will have the impact of adding seven new police officers. Suchc~ntinuing efforts to replace uniform witt non-uniform personnel are needed and will continue. As you are aware, in 1974 we received helicopters at no cost to the City through the Civil Defense program. Therefore, we were able to get'into a valuable service with no capital costs. Because the purchase of parts was through Civil Defense, the operational costs were reduced. Today, however, the equipmen~ is outdated, and sinse this type of helicopter and its parts are no longer made, replace- ment for a new and more efficient craft is necessary. Therefore, I have included funds for the lease purchase of a turbo jet helicopt that would carryfour passengers and could also be used for rescue m~sslons, if necessary. A new helicopter will improve the efficien~ of our public safety operations and expand our offerings to other departments. Also this year, Computer Assisted Dispatching previously approved will be added to all public safety vehicles IPolice, Fire, and Ambulance]. Als'o, the third ambulance will ~e operational during this fiscal year, expanding our advanced life support capabilities. Our commitment for public safety remains high in order to ensure residents and visitors to this City that Portsmouth continues to be a safe place to live, work, and visit. Parks and Recreation It is anticipated that City Park will be open during the fiscal yea~ and [ have included three new positions and additional part time funding to adequately staff the Park. I believe City Park will be- come our "Central Park" with beautiful natural amenities plus those man-made improvements you authorized. This Park will be central to Portsmouth and the region, and will a~rac~ thousands of individuals to'our City. I feel that it will be a financial asset as well. Upc completion of renovation, I will request you to advertise Request fc Proposals [RFP's~ for an attractive marina and a high-quality resta~ rant overlooking the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River -- one o~ the most beautiful settings in Hampton Roads. Refuse Disposal The disposal of refuse continues to be a costly necessity. The Southeastern Virginia Public Service Authority (SPSA) will begin operation of its refuse derived fuel (RDF) plant in onr City this year. All refuse from Southside Hampton Roads will be shredded and used as fuel for the operation of steam boilers in the Naval Shipya~ The cost per ton will increase from S16.50 this year to ~23 in 198~- 88, a total cost of $900,000. Although it is significant, it is $2 less per ton than th~ cost figures projected when we initiated this ~roject four Fears ago.