County Executive Bryan Hill presented his proposed FY2021 budget and strategic plan to the Board of Supervisors today.

The proposed strategic plan will serve as a guideline to direct the more than 1,200 County-wide initiatives that serve to empower all residents to live safely, healthily, and with equal opportunity. The budget, which allocates funding for services across the County, is based on the priorities and vision set by the Board of Supervisors. The final vote on the budget will be May 5.

This year’s Real Estate Tax rate is proposed to increase by $0.03. $0.02 for the County’s General Fund and $0.01 specifically dedicated to affordable housing. The additional penny will serve as a local funding source with the flexibility to preserve and promote affordable housing throughout the County.

The total increase in the General Fund’s budget is estimated at $159.14 million. Some of this includes the funding of police body-worn cameras, the Diversion First program, increasing hours at the public libraries, and reducing the County’s carbon footprint. There is also a Market Rate Adjustment and adherence to our pay plan for the County’s employees who provide exceptional services to Fairfax.

The County Executive’s proposal fund Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) with $85.72 million, which is approximately 52.6 percent of the General Fund. This significant contribution is the tenth straight year the budget has increased funding to FCPS and highlights education as a top priority for the Board of Supervisors.

“This year’s proposed strategic plan and budget is a positive sign that the County and Board are on the same page as the community. The budget is a success for FCPS and for expanding affordable housing to every corner of Fairfax,” Chairman McKay said. “As Chairman, I am responsible for all of our residents’ needs including schools, parks, libraries, public safety, and human services. I also am constantly working to balance these long-term needs with our residents’ ability to pay. I am concerned that the largest increase in real estate assessment values are in our most market rate affordable communities. This exacerbates our affordable housing challenge and we must be mindful of that. I look forward to working with the community as our Board works to fine tune this proposal and pass a balanced budget on May 5.”

Also included in the County Executive's proposal is a 4 percent Admissions Tax on events, one of only two taxing authorities Fairfax County has outside of property-related taxes. The revenue will serve to increase the funding of crucial Fairfax arts and cultural programs including ARTSFAIRFAX, the Fairfax Symphony, Wolf Trap, and Visit Fairfax.

Residents will be able to comment in district meetings in February and March and in public hearings from April 14-16.