Board of Supervisors budget would retain current tax rate
That means the final budget approved for 2022 cannot exceed that amount. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an advertised budget for fiscal year 2022 March 9 that would retain the real estate tax rate at $1.15 per $100 of assessed value, the same rate in effect for the current year.
The board rejected the budget proposal submitted in February by Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill calling for a 1-cent decrease in the tax rate. Hill had told the board the decrease would help offset a big increase in real estate assessments.
“I am fully aware that many residents’ assessments are on the rise, many folks are struggling, and that also vital county services are needed now more than ever,” said Board Chair Jeffrey McKay.
Related story: Draft county budget would cut real estate tax rate
The increase in real estate value means most homeowners will have a bigger tax bill. The average increase would be $285 (4.25 percent). In Mason District, the average assessment is up 5.13 percent.
Mason Supervisor Penny Gross is holding a virtual town hall on the budget March 15 at 7 p.m. For information on how to participate, send an email to [email protected] by March 11.
The Board of Supervisors is holding public hearings on the budget April 13-15 and is scheduled to adopt a final budget on May 4.
The Board of Supervisors is not controlling spending. With the appreciation in property values, the county will rake in many millions of dollars in additional revenue. Rather than continue to soak taxpayers, who were hit with higher tax bills last year on account of rising property values, the Board of Supervisors should be making a serious cut to the tax rate. Readers should understand that tax bills are rising faster than the rate of inflation — and this rising cost when compounded year after year will hurt many people.
My increase is double what the "average" is. The Board at first talked about reducing the rate by a penny (a ridiculously small amount), but even that reduction is too much for the big spenders on the Board. I agree with the 4:04 comment that the Board is not controlling spending or even trying to. It just seems like Christmas every year as they reap higher and higher benefits from our property taxes and think of new ways to spend the money. It is time to vote on a new board.
Well, at least the Board did some real work and passed that historic ban on plastic trash bags. Their hard work and dedication really paid off. Job well done, BOS!! **eye roll**