Let's talk budget!

The County Manager presented his proposed $1.69B budget Saturday. See below for more details on his proposal, how to share your input, and County Board review timelines.

In the meantime, I hope you can join me Sunday March 8 (International Women's Day) at 3pm to talk more about your budget priorities and concerns. Please RSVP and bring a friend.

Budget Numbers:
• The County Manager's proposed $1.69B budget includes a 1.5 cent increase in the real estate tax rate (to $1.048 per $100 assessed value).
• This would fulfill collective bargaining commitments to our public safety and trades employees, eliminate 55 county positions, increase health care premiums and deductibles, and reduce fire, recreation, and library services.  
• That would be an increase of $422 for the average single family home and $298 for the average apartment (from both rate and assessment changes).
• Tuesday, after considerable debate, the board voted to advertise a maximum 2.0 cent increase in the property tax rate. This gives room to evaluate additional budget changes to avoid layoffs and fund public safety and schools. This does NOT mean a 2.0 cent tax rate increase is inevitable.
• I was the sole vote to advertise a lower maximum rate. While I hope we will land on a lower adopted tax rate, I feel especially obligated to closely examine tradeoffs and prioritize true needs when many are dealing with economic shocks and uncertainties.
• Top expenses remain schools, human services/housing, public safety, and environmental services (water, sewer, streets, etc). 

Civic engagement is at the heart of Arlington. Find a way to make a difference — share feedback today or get more deeply involved.