FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — The proposed Fairfax County budget comes with a hefty real estate tax increase, and a lot of opinions from community members.
The proposed budget includes a 4-cent increase in the Real Estate Tax rate, potentially bringing it to $1.135 per $100 of assessed value.
The county estimates that increase would result in an average tax bill of a little more than $524 for Fairfax County homeowners.
Tuesday night, the first of three public comment hearings was held. Seventy-nine people signed up to speak.
"We can not afford to expand our family here in Fairfax County," said one woman, who stood before the board members holding a baby.
At one point, she paused and addressed the board members directly.
"I'm not quite sure what is in front of you and I see a lot of you have been glancing at your cell phones. I've now sat here for an hour and a half and I would like your attention while I'm speaking," she said before continuing to explain her concerns regarding the budget.
For about four hours, residents got up and shared their thoughts. Many explained the hardship a tax increase of this nature would cause.
"Prices of everything are going up," said one woman.
Another told the supervisors that "the last five years have become so unreasonable."
"You can tax us too much and if you do we leave," said Arthur Purves, the President of the Fairfax County Taxpayers' Alliance.
"We were anticipating a ‘troubling revenue picture and tight budget for FY 2025.’ At that time, we projected flat residential assessments, slight growth in commercial real estate, and potential interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve," wrote County Executive Bryan Hill in a message in February.
He wrote that while they are seeing some residential growth, commercial values have declined.
"Paired with significant expenditure pressures – particularly for employee pay and benefits, transportation requirements, and continued inflationary impacts – balancing this proposed budget has required difficult decisions," Hill wrote.
It's not just taxes that will go up. The County says there will also be an increase in various fees, ranging from athletic services to senior centers.
"The proposed budget also includes nearly $3 million in increased fees on everything from athletic fees, to a doubling of senior center memberships, to zoning and permitting fees," Supervisor Pat Herrity wrote in a newsletter.
"An increase of 50% is just too much for us to be able to deal with," said Lois Ruckert, the President of the Little River Glen Senior Center Advisory Council.
The county attributed much of the need for a increased budget, to a request from Fairfax County Schools.
"The Superintendent’s operating transfer request is an increase of $254.0 million, or 10.5 percent over the FY 2024 Adopted Budget Plan. This is the largest school operating request by percentage since FY 2007 and the largest request, in terms of dollars, in history. Based on other significant budgetary pressures, I have not been able to include full funding of this request in my proposed budget," wrote Hill.
Tuesday night, some people eluded to why FCPS might be in need of such a large increase in funding.
"The superintendent is paid this one really knocks me for a loop $407,832. That's more than the president of the United States who makes $400,000. These are examples of overpaid executives," said Charles McAndrew.
But others blamed a lack of support from Richmond, as to why this request was made to the county.
"Schools are being underfunded by Richmond," said one person.
"Find a way to fund our schools," said Chris Lewis.
Others told the supervisors, they need to reevaluate their priorities.
"I think we have a spending issue," said Keith Elliott.
"Why don't we grow a bigger pie. Where else can we think about about growing our revenues," questioned Lisa Zargarpur.
There's still time to share your thoughts. In addition to Tuesday's budget public hearing, hearings are scheduled for April 17 and April 18.
To sign up to speak at one of the hearings, click here