With a new year, comes new budget challenges. The Board of Supervisors aims to adopt a budget that provides adequate funding for essential services including education, public safety and human services while controlling the tax burden on homeowners. Without the meals tax, the County's budget challenges are daunting but the Board will work with the community to address them.
The County Executive will release his Advertised Budget to Board members, County staff, and the public on
February 14, 2017. The Board will authorize the proposed tax rate on
February 28, 2017, will hold public hearings on the budget on
April 4, 5 and 6, 2017, and will adopt the FY 2018 budget on
May 2, 2017.
Prior to the Board public hearings, Supervisor Foust will join the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) and the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) at public meetings to discuss the Advertised Budget. Joe Mondoro, Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Department of Management and Budget for Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) representatives will also participate in these public meetings. Details for the meetings are included below:
Great Falls
Tuesday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
Great Falls Library
9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
McLean
Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean
Both meetings are free and open to the public.
To ensure that the County has the resources it needs, the County must work deliberately to pursue economic opportunities and revitalization opportunities and to support and encourage a healthy partnership with the business community. As chairman of the County's Economic Advisory Commission, Supervisor Foust will continue to work with County staff, the Economic Development Authority, businesses and nonprofit groups to implement the numerous recommendations of the Strategic Plan to Facilitate the Economic Success of Fairfax County.
The County is also undergoing a multi-year review of its Lines of Business (LOBs). Phase I, which was collecting feedback from residents on County services, was completed last year. Phase 2 will begin soon and will focus on the programs and services to be reviewed for improved efficiency and effectiveness. This will lead to the Board's approval of a sustainable financial plan to invest in the County's future success. Supervisor Foust intends to form a Citizens Advisory Committee to evaluate and make recommendations on the LOBs.
