Tag: funding
Opinion: Park Authority funding priorities address community needs
The following opinion piece, by William G. Bouie, chairman of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, was submitted in response to Jan. 19 article by Marie Reinsdorf raising concerns about the board’s decision-making focus on revenue generation. We live in an age when relying on solid facts is more critical than ever. Just part of the … Continued
Opinion: How the Park Authority’s increasing focus on parks-as-a-business is bad for us
The pool at the Oak Marr RECenter has a beach area and hot tub. By Marie Reinsdorf A friend returned from a swim at Oak Marr RECenter recently and proclaimed: “It’s big, beautiful! Compare it to Providence. Where Audrey Moore is the Chevy, Oak Marr is the Cadillac.” Well, I told her, that is by … Continued
Park bonds: The public needs good reporting
This chart is from a Park Authority brochure on the 2020 park bond. By Marie Reinsdorf A few weeks ago I wrote about my experience looking into bond fund expenditures at the John & Margaret White Gardens. I decided to write more about park themes and issues. In this piece, I take a quick look … Continued
The John & Margaret White Horticultural Gardens: What happened to the bond money?
The meadow at the White Gardens. By Marie Reinsdorf The family of John and Margaret White deeded their property, at 3301 Hawthorne Lane in the Falls Church area of Mason District, to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1999. They wanted their land to be preserved as a horticultural park, rather than developed with houses, … 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 county budget drops tax increases
The Fairfax County Government Center Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill submitted a revised FY2021 budget proposal to the Board of Supervisors April 7 that addresses the economic losses and hardships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a major change from the advertised budget presented by Hill in February, the new version would not increase the … Continued
Financial aid available for small businesses hurt by pandemic – apply now before the money runs out
If you own a small business that’s facing economic hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic, several new federal programs could provide a lifeline. The office of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) has prepared a guide on the assistance available to small business under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other sources. These … Continued
Fill out a Census form and help your community
Everyone is urged to take part in the 2020 Census, because much is at stake, including representation in Congress and $1.5 trillion in federal funding. The Census Bureau has mailed out invitations to participate in the Census with instructions on how to respond. People can fill out a Census form on a computer, smartphone, or … Continued
Tax increase would fund county priorities
Mason Supervisor Penny Gross told the audience at the Budget Town Hall she has signs to give out to residents concerned about speeding on neighborhood streets. Contact her office if you want a sign. At the Mason District Budget Town Hall March 12, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill and Chief Financial Officer Joe Mondoro explained … Continued
Proposed budget would raise real estate taxes and impose a new admissions tax
The Fairfax County Government Center Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill presented an FY 2021 advertised budget to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 25 that calls for a 3-cent increase in the real estate tax rate and a new 4 percent admissions tax. The 3-cent increase would bring the real estate tax rate to $1.18 per … Continued
New Braddock supervisor outlines priorities
James Walkinshaw speaks at a Braddock District Council meeting. A top priority for James Walkinshaw, the newly installed Braddock representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is getting the state government to contribute more money to the county. As chair of the board’s Legislative Committee, Walkinshaw told the Braddock District Council (BDC) Jan. 8, … Continued
School bond referendum would fund an addition at Justice High School
Braddock Elementary School A $360 million school bond referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot will provide funds for several projects in the Annandale/Mason District area. Those projects include $33 million for renovations of Braddock Elementary School, $53.5 million for renovations at Frost Middle School, $14.6 million for an addition at Justice High School, and $1.17 … Continued
County budget fully funds schools
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a $4.4 billion budget for FY 2020 May 7 that fully funds Fairfax County Public Schools, boosts employee pay, and retains the existing real estate tax rate. The adopted budget represents an increase of $50.56 million, or 1.1 percent, over the current year budget. While the tax rate … Continued
Evans proposes leveling the playing field for school sports funding
Schools in Mason District, such as Annandale High School, are able to raise much less money that schools in more affluent areas. The top priority for school board member Sandy Evans (Mason District) during her last year on the board is a plan to bring equity to funding for sports and other extracurricular activities. Some … Continued
County budget proposals target Annandale/Mason projects
The $4.4 billion FY 2020 advertised budget for Fairfax County, presented by County Executive Bryan Hall to the Board of Supervisors last week includes a few small items that would specifically benefit the Annandale/Mason District area. In one example, just over $222,000 is proposed for expanding the Opportunity Neighborhoods initiative to Annandale. This program, administrated … Continued