My colleagues and I voted in early March to advertise a tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value in a 9-1 vote. The increase was in line with County Executive Bryan Hill's proposed budget, and can be finalized at a tax rate matching or less than, but not exceeding, 2.5 cents at budget adoption on May 1.

In the proposed budget, the tax rate increase provides full funding of FCPS, staffing for the new South County Police Station, and investments in the County workforce by way of an MRA increase and required benefit adjustments. If passed, FY2019 would be the eighth consecutive year that has seen a budgeted increase in the transfer to the FCPS Operating Fund.

It is clear that our needs and priorities are outpacing revenue growth, which must be addressed. To do this, I believe that we must look at our two-year budget projection. It is critical that we think beyond single-year budgets as we balance our long-term needs with our long-term revenue growth. We cannot rely on real estate tax increases to balance the budget, and we need to immediately start our focus on FY20 and the need to make structural changes. We must also be conscious of our residents' ability to pay for services during tough economic times.

Advertising the rate the County Executive presented will allow our Board to have a full conversation with the community about its priorities in the upcoming budget. We cannot cut off conversation, nor should we enter this budgetary process with our minds already made up about how we'll vote on May 1. I am confident that this budget will provide the level of service that our community needs, but agree with the County Executive that we cannot rely on the real estate tax for much longer. As federal and state support slips, there will be an increasing need for diverse revenue sources.

EQAC's chief function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving the county's efforts in environmental protection and enhancement.  During monthly meetings, issues such as water quality, air quality, land use, transportation, solid waste, ecological resources, deer management, climate change, energy, hazardous materials, noise, light pollution, visual pollution and environmental stewardship are investigated.  In addition, EQAC holds a public hearing each year for the purpose of obtaining input on issues of environmental concern.

The council generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. 

If you are presently a sophomore or junior in good standing and if you would be interested in serving as EQAC's student member during your junior or senior year, please see the Science Department Chair, Career Counselor or Principal of your school for an application and further details.  Further details and the application form are also available here. If you have questions about EQAC, contact Noel Kaplan of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-324-1369, TTY 711 (Virginia Relay).

This year marks the 45^th anniversary of Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that works with residents with disabilities across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.

MVLE has connected those residents with job training and employment opportunities, giving them an opportunity to be part of our workforce and growing our economy at the same time. Through MVLE, countless residents with disabilities have been able to provide for themselves and contribute to their communities.

Their work has touched the lives of many, and is a great force for good in Fairfax County. I can speak for all when I say that we are very thankful for the last 45 years, and look forward to a bright future powered by their successes. To learn more about them and ways you can help, visit their website at www.mvle.org