Mind on the money

Charlottesville City Council delayed its anticipated June 2 vote on a multimillion dollar surplus allocation, rescheduling the vote to allow for a second public hearing.

City Manager Sam Sanders announced the allocation will total $8.69 million, down from the $12 million previously discussed. The reduction was partially prompted by recent federal government action, namely the inclusion of Charlottesville on the since-deleted list of sanctuary cities and the decision to rescind the approval for Charlottesville City Schools to acquire the former Federal Executive Institute.

Among the priorities no longer receiving funding in the surplus allocation are Downtown Mall lighting improvements, the creation of a Mall manager position, and the installation of meridian barriers, a set of barricades meant to keep pedestrians safe from vehicles during large events.

The second public hearing on the allocation, and the vote by City Council, will be held on June 16.

File photo