Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As the last busy workweek of the year unfolds for local and regional governments, Charlottesville City Council is addressing critical issues in its final meetings. Sean Tubbs of Infocville highlighted the importance of these discussions on Cville Right Now Live. Among the key items on the agenda are budget briefings focused on transportation and public safety, as well as decisions on how to allocate the city’s remaining COVID relief funds before the December 31 deadline. 

A major focus is the allocation of $3 million in Federal American Rescue Plan funds to expand the Salvation Army shelter on Ridge Street. “The city is going to use $3 million of these Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for that purpose,” Tubbs explained, emphasizing the goal to increase capacity.  

Council is also exploring plans to convert the Salvation Army’s thrift store on Cherry Avenue into a low-barrier shelter, addressing a critical community need. However, details, including who will operate the shelter, remain undecided. “As of the last time this went before council… it still wasn’t known if the Salvation Army themselves would actually run that shelter,” Tubbs noted.  

With these budgetary priorities, Council will also finalize its fiscal year 2024 audit results, which may reveal a surplus. Tubbs noted the city’s tradition of using such funds to bolster public services rather than cutting taxes, setting Charlottesville apart from neighboring jurisdictions. 

Listen here for the full conversation: