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May 3, 1984
<br />
<br />RETIREMENT PROGRAM
<br />
<br /> During the past year the Director of Finance has coordinated an acturial
<br />mine the costs and benefits of the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System as
<br />Portsmouth Retirement System,
<br />
<br />study to deter-
<br />compared to the
<br />
<br /> A discussion of the pros and cons of the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System versus
<br />the Portsmouth Retirement System is not conducive to a forum such as this budget message.
<br />Therefore, I am not proposing any change at the present time in our retirement program. How-
<br />ever, I am proposing that the actuary meet with our employees (police officers, fire fighters,
<br />and general employees) to explain each system in detail and subsequently to allow our employee
<br />the opportunity to determine, on their own by majority rule, which system they prefer.
<br />
<br /> During the study it was discovered that funding provided for the retirement of police
<br />officers and fire fighters is so great, that if our police officers and fire fighters were to
<br />choose the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System, City Council could award an additional
<br />10% pay raise at no additional cost and still pay 100% of the employees retirement contributic
<br />
<br /> In this budget I have included funds to pay the employees contribution of retirement for
<br />Constitutional Officers and their employees, beginning January 1, 1985. Although these posi-
<br />tions are created in the State Constitutidn, they are so closely related to the City that con-
<br />fusion exists cQncerning benefits and salaries as compared to city employees.~. No other
<br />mental 6~ployee is.required ~o pay their contribution~.for, re~ir'ement.-, Therefore, I have in-
<br />cluded sufficient funds to offset this discrepancy in benefits.
<br />
<br />PUBLIC UTILITIES
<br />
<br /> I am not recommending an increase in water or sewer rates at this time; however, I feel
<br />that a word of caution should be mentioned. If the Environmental Protection Agency proceeds
<br />with its plans to require the establishment of secondary sewage~treatment at the Pinners Point
<br />Plant, I will have no recourse but to recommend to you substantial rate increases. The
<br />capital and operating costs necessary to purify waste water to the level that EPA is re~
<br />will not only be costly to the citizens, but will not materially affect the quality of water
<br />in the Elizabeth River. Independent studies conducted by the Hampton Roads Water Quality
<br />Agency support this statement.
<br />
<br />SUMMARY
<br />
<br /> This proposed Budget represents the best balanced program of municipal services that can
<br />be offered within the limitations of revenue available. In addition, it recognizes your com-
<br />mitment to the citizens in the delivery of services, quality education, relief for the elderl
<br />and disabled, efforts of the employees and most importantly your commitment to Economic Devel
<br />merit for the revitalization of our City.
<br />
<br />IN APPRECIATION
<br />
<br /> The preparation of an Annual Operating Budget is a true team effort. Many have cooi
<br />to accomplish the results contained in this document. Most of the preparation work, however,
<br />was conducted by Mr. Roy Cherry, Director of Finance and Mr. Peter Teig. Therefore, I wish
<br />to express my appreciation to them and to all the Department Heads as well as the Superinten&
<br />of g~fooD~ZuT£ their assistance in the preparation of this budget.[
<br />
<br />The following citizens spoke:
<br />
<br /> Helen H. Jones, 1006 Robinson Road, Chairman of the Sbhool Board, endorsed the proposed
<br />budget for the School Board and expressed the School Board's appreciation. (See Exhibit 84-1z
<br />
<br /> Robert Hargraves, 1411 Darren Drive, representing Portsmouth Community Services Board,
<br />asked the City Council to support the City Manager's recommendation and requested that the
<br />two proposed additional positions recommended for deletion be reinstated in the final budget.
<br />
<br /> Britt Hughson, 3825 High Street, representing Portsmouth Fire Fighters Local 539, requesl
<br />ed the position of Assistant Chief be reinstated.
<br />
<br /> David A. Carter, 2115 High Street, representing Voluntary Action Center, requested that
<br />funds for VAC be included in the approved budget.
<br />
<br /> John F. Bailey, Jr., 203 Dixie AvenUe, representing Health, Welfare, Recreation Planning
<br />Council, spoke concerning the services of VAC and asked that VAC be funded in the proposed
<br />budget.
<br />
<br /> Edwin L. Ellis, 313 Wynn Street, stated that the proposed budget for the teachers does
<br />not allow a 10% increase for all teachers and requested that funding for the school budget
<br />be the number one priority.
<br />
<br /> Richard L. Morgan, 3604 Kingman Avenue, representing Retired Policemen/Firemen Associa-
<br />tion, spoke regarding retirement benefits and requested that Section 31-155 be amended to
<br />require adjustments as has been provided in 1970.
<br />
<br />J. Brewer Moore, 308 Bobby Jones Drive, spoke concerning retirement benefits.
<br />
<br />Dianne W. Gee, 1423 Welcome Road, requested additional funding for the teachers.
<br />
<br />
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