Time runs short in regional revenue tiff

[Blue_Tires]

Charlottesville and Albemar-le County leaders said Monday that they’d rather find a solution to a divisive money battle through compromise than by allowing funding to be renegotiated by state legislators.
But they’re running out of time.

A state budget proposal that would change how much Charlottesville and Albemarle get in state education funds, introduced by Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle County, would take $2.8 million from the city and give it to the county in fiscal 2012. The amendment has been included in the House’s version of the budget that was released Sunday, clearing a large hurdle toward its passage, but Bell has said he would be willing to withdraw the amendment if city leaders agree to sit down with their county counterparts and work out a compromise.
“The only problem is this short period of time,” said Kenneth C. Boyd, a member of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors.
Bell’s amendment was introduced to have the state’s composite index account for the localities’ 1982 revenue-sharing agreement, which has resulted in the county giving tax revenue to the city annually in exchange for the city having not annexed county land. But to come up with a compromise that could prompt a withdrawal of Bell’s amendment, city and county leaders would have to meet in the next few weeks, as both localities start their budget processes.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult to schedule a joint meeting of the City Council and Board of Supervisors on quick notice,” Albemarle Supervi-sor Dennis S. Rooker said.

On what course of action the city will take, Mayor Dave Norris said, “I hesitate to say anything definitive yet.”
“I will say that I’m encouraged to hear he’s willing to withdraw the amendment and we’re discussing what our next step should be,” Norris said. “We look forward to engaging in constructive discussions at some point with Albemarle County and putting this behind us.”
Del. David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, has also called for officials to sit down to talk about future collaboration that could save both localities money and bring them closer together. Yet he proposed that such discussions take place only once the current General Assembly session adjourns.

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/time_runs_short_in_regional_revenue_tiff/52652/#comments