Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Another sticker shock – soaring personal property taxes

Faced with “unprecedented increases” in personal property taxes, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill has proposed lowering the assessment ratio for the 2022 tax year. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross discussed that issue, along with other highlights of the advertised budget for FY 2023 at a community meeting March 10. “Most vehicles typically depreciate annually,” Hill wrote … Continued

FCPS proposes a $3.3 billion budget

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has proposed a $3.3 billion budget for FY 2022-23 that includes a 4 percent cost-of-living increase for employees. That would add $100 million to the budget. Brabrand also proposes adding $55.3 million for step increases for eligible employees. Keeping pace with the cost of living “has been our … Continued

COVID takes a big bite out of county budget

Fairfax County Chief Financial Officer Joe Mondoro and Mason Supervisor Penny Gross speak at a virtual Mason District Budget Town Hall.  A virtual budget town hall hosted by Mason Supervisor Penny Gross revealed how much Fairfax County’s economic picture has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. At the last Mason District budget town hall, on … Continued

Revised school budget reflects impact of COVID-19

A screen shot from a virtual school board work session April 9. From the left: school board chair Karen Corbett Sanders (Mount Vernon), Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee), Megan McLaughlin (Braddock), and Superintendent Scott Brabrand. Fairfax County Public Schools will have far less revenue and more expenses than previously anticipated, due to the coronavirus pandemic. As … Continued

Metro board saves 3A and 29W bus routes, but more funding cuts likely due to coronavirus pandemic

The 3A bus on Annandale Road. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s budget, approved by the board on April 2, would not eliminate the 3A and 29W Metrobus routes that traverse the Annandale area. However, the budget for the year beginning July 1 will be re-evaluated as more details emerge in the coming weeks on … Continued

Fairfax County expects huge revenue losses due to coronavirus

The Budget Committee meeting on March 31. Board members Penny Gross (Mason) and Dalia Palchik (Providence) participated remotely.  The advertised budget for FY 2021 presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in February is outdated due to a decline in revenue and increased expenses projected for dealing with the coronavirus crisis. A revised draft … Continued