FY 2027 budget would retain current tax rate

Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill presented a FY 2027 advertised budget to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 that proposes maintaining the current real estate tax rate of $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value.

If that rate is adopted by the board, the average homeowner’s tax bill is projected to increase by approximately $356 due to increases in equalization.

The proposed budget incorporates targeted reductions and strategic investments in schools, employees, facilities, and services for vulnerable residents, Hill told the board. “This budget reflects a full recognition of the fiscal challenges we face, while continuing to invest in our community and workforce.”

The FY 2027 budget proposal includes $32.9 million in program cuts and the elimination of 107 merit positions. The cuts would affect services for troubled and at-risk children, public health centers, home repairs for lower-income residents, staff for libraries undergoing renovations, Connector bus routes, and much more.

New funding is directed primarily toward employee compensation, debt service, contractual adjustments, and essential operations.

While Hill said funding for Fairfax County Public Schools remains the county’s highest budget priority, the Advertised Budget includes a $99.2 million increase in operating funds for FCPS, which falls short of the FCPS superintendent’s budget request of $138.4 million.

“We hope to work with our partners in the General Assembly to help fill that gap, as Virginia underfunds public education compared to most states,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay.

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The budget fully funds collective bargaining agreements, includes a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment, and supports performance, merit, and longevity increases. It also reflects rising benefit and retirement costs, partially offset by savings in retiree health obligations.

The budget includes a 5 percent increase for the Consolidated Community Funding Pool and $5.5 million in additional funding for emergency housing and food assistance.

Hill’s recommendations would also prioritize investments in aging facilities, as he noted that 75 percent of county facilities are at least two decades old.

Baseline funding for capital renewal would be restored, with adjustments to the bond program to focus resources on critical building systems and maintenance needs. Several projects have been deferred or restructured to manage long-term debt service.

Other investments include support for the Park Authority’s implementation of a sliding fee scale and new positions to address growing workload demands related to affordable housing.

The Advertised Budget also includes $23.2 million in discretionary funding that the Board of Supervisors could use for tax relief, FCPS transfer funds, restore funding cuts, or support priorities such as affordable housing.

“The budget reflects cautious optimism following stabilization in residential and non-residential property values, while acknowledging continued uncertainty tied to state budget actions, federal policy decisions, and commercial market performance,” Hill said.

“This is an especially challenging budget year, requiring tough decisions,” said McKay. “Federal government cuts, economic uncertainty, and competing priorities demand careful planning and thoughtful action. It is my goal to keep the real estate tax rate flat while maintaining core local government responsibilities. This is not the time for new programs.”

Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez is hosting a virtual town hall on the budget on March 2, 6-7:30 p.m., with Hill and Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson. The event will be livestreamed.

Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for April 14-16. The Board of Supervisors will adopt a final budget on May 5. The 2027 fiscal year begins on July 1.

Residents can submit feedback on the budget via email to [email protected] or by calling 703-890-5898 and entering code 6733.