Mason District schedules budget meeting for March 15

Mason district residents are encouraged to attend a community meeting March 15, 7 p.m., at the Mason Government Center, on the proposed Fairfax County budget for fiscal year 2011. Similar meetings have been scheduled for other districts throughout the month.

With the county facing a projected budget of $257.2 million, the proposed budget calls for deep cuts in many popular programs and services, such as libraries, parks, public safety, and other areas. Overall, the proposed budget calls for a spending cut of $103.3 million. It would trim $16.3 million in fund transfers to the Fairfax County public schools, and raise $121.4 million in “revenue enhancements.”

The advertised budget recommends a maximum eight-cent increase in property taxes per $100 in assessed value. That would give the board of supervisors some leeway to approve a smaller tax increase. The median value of homes has declined about 5.5 percent over last year countywide, which means an increase in the tax rate won’t mean a large tax increase for most homeowners right away.

Additional revenue would be raised by imposing a $33 vehicle registration license fee and increasing the fees for the school-age child care program, stormwater services, and other services.

The board of supervisors will adopt a final FY 2011 budget April 27. Residents can submit comments on the budget online or call the budget hotline at 703/324-9400 to record feedback. Public hearings on the budget will be held April 6 at 6 p.m., and  April 7 and 8 at 3 p.m. If you want speak at a hearding, contact the Office of the Clerk to the Board at 703/324-3151 or sign up online.