Board of Supervisors approves restrooms for high school stadiums

A carryover budget package for fiscal year 2022 approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 11 includes several items relevant to the Annandale/Mason District area.

The BoS approved $7.5 million in carryover funds to provide permanent restrooms at the outdoor stadiums at 15 high schools, including Annandale, Justice, and Woodson.

Currently, those schools rely on portable toilets for students, athletes, and community members.

The cost of permanent restrooms is approximately $0.8 to $1.2 million per school. The Fairfax County School Board will cover half the cost.

“This is a matter of equity,” said Board Chair Jeffrey McKay. “No matter which school a student goes to in Fairfax County, it is expected they receive not only a high-quality education, but that they are provided high-quality, accessible facilities, as well.“

“These stadiums are also enjoyed by the entire surrounding community, and permanent bathroom facilities should be a standard feature, not a matter of where you live,” McKay said.

The carryover budget also includes $175,000 for a picnic shelter, ADA-accessible pathway, and picnic tables at Justice Park in Seven Corners.

Another $1.5 million would support the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in fiscal 2023, including support for the nonprofit operator, maintenance, and shelter unit rent during construction of the new transitional housing facility at the same location. Construction of Patrick Henry Place is slated to begin next fall.

The carryover budget also includes $2 million to be held in reserve to support compensation costs related to the establishment of a comprehensive hiring incentive program. These funds would bring the reserve total to $4.1 million.

Last month, the BoS authorized the county executive to grant bonuses of up to $15,000 for new hires in positions that have been hard to fill, including police officers and mental health treatment staff.

The carryover budget increases funding for pedestrian and bicycle improvements ($25 million), electric vehicles and charging stations at county properties ($2 million), and converting existing streetlights to LED streetlights ($1.8 million).

The carryover budget consists of the annual allocation of unspent revenue from the previous year’s budget. In Virginia, localities are required to balance their budgets annually, so any leftover funds from the previous fiscal year are used to bolster county reserves, fulfill obligations, and fund priorities.