Tag: taxes
$140.7 million shortfall projected for Fairfax County schools budget
A class at Falls Church High School. Every year, Fairfax County Public Schools officials start getting ready for the budget cycle with dire predictions about the lack of funds—and somehow they find the money to keep going. This year, it’s a lot worse, says Superintendent Karen Garza. There is a $140.7 million shortfall, which Garza … Continued
Governor candidates attack each other’s credentials and agendas
Terry McAuliffe (left) and Ken Cuccinelli attack one another during a debate. [Photo by NBC4.] At a lively debate Sept. 25, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, Terry McAuliffe emphasized his business background and mainstream agenda, while Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli focused on his experience as attorney general and downplayed his ties to Gov. McDonnell’s … Continued
Lieutenant governor candidates Jackson and Northam clash in debate
From the left: E.W. Jackson, Ralph Northam, and Peggy Fox. [Photo by WUSA9.] At a debate Sept. 24 that pitted E.W. Jackson, the Republican candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor against Democrat Ralph Northam, Jackson tried to downplay some of the more controversial statements he’d made in recent months. Those statements—such as “gay people are perverted” … Continued
Annandale SkillSource Center provides free tax assistance
IRS-certified volunteers are providing free income tax assistance to lower-income people at the Fairfax SkillSource Center, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West, Annandale (the Heritage Center). If could qualify if you earned less than $51,000 in 2012. This service is available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., through April 13. … Continued
Real estate assessments up nearly 4 percent in Annandale
The mean real estate tax assessment for residential properties in Annandale (zip code 20023) is $380,715, in 2013, a 3.99 percent increase from 2012, the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration reports. That compares to a 3.5 percent increase county wide from 2012 real estate assessments. The mean assessed value countywide is up 3.13 percent … Continued
Virginia Senate passed bill to raise gas tax
More state transportation funds are needed for projects to relieve traffic congestion, including roads like Little River Turnpike as shown here. The Virginia Senate passed a transportation package this week that would generate $900 million in new revenue for annually and enable localities to put in place additional funding to meet their transportation needs. The … Continued
Free income tax help available in Annandale
AARP volunteers are providing free walk-in tax preparation assistance at the Mason Government Center from Feb. 1 through April 15. This service will take place on Mondays and Thursdays 1-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All returns will be filed electronically. Bring last year’s tax return, a photo … Continued
Transportation funding: Lots of complaints, few solutions
Little River Turnpike in Annandale. At the final meeting of the Board of Supervisors’ outreach sessions on transportation funding last night, residents of the Braddock District had plenty to complain about but offered few solutions on how Fairfax County should pay for road improvements. Here’s a sampling of citizens’ comments: The county shouldn’t be paying … Continued
Mason District residents weigh in on transportation funding
By Roger Hoskin and Carol Turner Mason District residents offered some creative solutions to Fairfax County officials Oct. 1 at a lively community outreach meeting on transportation funding. There’s a $3 billion deficit, so the county is holding a series of meeting to determine how local residents feel about the possibility of new taxes to … Continued
Community meetings address tax options for funding transportation
Biesiadny Fairfax County can no longer county on state funding for transportation projects to relieve congestion. The county needs $3 billion over the next 10 years, while state funding has dropped to zero and federal funding for transportation has been allocated through 2018. So the county either has to come up with a new revenue … Continued
Community input sought on how to pay for transportation as state funding runs out
Fairfax County will be holding a series of community outreach meetings over the next couple of months to explore what the public thinks should be done about paying for transportation in light of diminished state funding.Various options are on the table, including a meals tax. The meeting for Mason District residents will be Oct. 1, … Continued
Taxes and spending concerns dominate Mason District budget meeting
Griffin Outgoing County Executive Anthony Griffin and Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross addressed local residents’ concerns about taxes and spending at a Mason District Town Hall Meeting on the Fairfax County budget March 14. Griffin, who’s retiring in April after serving as the county’s CEO since 2000, presented an overview of the advertised budget for … Continued
Annandale homeowners face slight rise in tax assessments
Most Annandale residents can expect a slight increase in their property tax assessments for 2011. The assessed value of residential properties in Annandale (zip code 22003) rose 0.06 percent from 2010, Fairfax County reported. That’s below the countywide increase of 0.71 percent. The average value of assessed residential property in Annandale was $366,097, compared to … Continued
FXCO advertised budget includes 2 percent salary increase
The advertised budget presented by Fairfax County Executive Anthony Griffin to the board of supervisors Feb. 28 calls for a 2.18 percent salary increase for county employees and increases in stormwater and other fees. The $3.52 billion budget estimates revenue to increase a moderate 3.4 percent in FY 2013. While the budget document anticipates a … Continued
AARP volunteers provide free tax assistance
AARP volunteers are providing free walk-in assistance with federal and state taxes at the Mason District Government Center beginning today and continuing through April 17, this year’s deadline for federal tax returns. The AARP volunteers will be available Mondays and Thursdays,1-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The … Continued