|
|
| Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova |
|
| Sign up for the Bulova Byline
|
| Stay Connected |
|
Email
Website
Office
(703) 324-2321
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, concerns or ideas.
I look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
|
 |
|
Greetings,
In mid-February, two black vultures began perching outside the
window of my Chairman's suite.
One or both of them stay for hours peering out over the
Government Center's back lawn.
They seem riveted when county employees come out at lunchtime to play Ultimate Frisbee.
Vultures are really big, interesting birds. They do nature's dirty work. My staff posted photos on Facebook and I loved the comments. My favorite was from someone who warned "Don't lie down!!" My Communications Director, Lindsey, who likes alliterations, named our visitors Victor and Vivian the Vultures.
You may ask, who cares and what does this matter?
Well, Byline reader, apparently vultures are loaded with symbolism. Despite their unattractive appearance (in some eyes, anyway) vultures are a sign of safety and purity, "the elements necessary for life to begin." In many ancient cultures, vultures
symbolize patience, tolerance, protection and cleanliness (well, yes...). Importantly they can also symbolize renewal, a welcome message as our Board begins work on the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget and focuses on other major challenges of the day.
At the very least, Victor and Vivian have been an amusing diversion.
***
On February 14
th
, County Executive Ed Long released his Advertised Budget. This begins the process for the Board of Supervisors, in partnership with our community, to adopt a final funding plan for the next fiscal year.
The proposed General Fund budget is $4.10 billion. If you include other appropriated funds such as federal and state grants, the total budget is $7.99 billion.
Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised the County Executive's proposed budget, which is based on our current tax rate of $1.13 per $100 of assessed value. When the Board adopts a final budget on May 2, it can set the tax rate lower, but not higher, than what was advertised.
Every year, our Board works to strike a balance between providing quality services our residents expect and rely upon while making sure taxes remain affordable for our residents. The Advertised Budget is an increase of $88.2 million, or 2.2%, over the FY 2017 Budget. Of that, $50.95 million - or 58% - is allocated to our Fairfax County School System.
Fairfax County continues to be challenged by a tepid recovery following the Great Recession and cut backs in federal
contracting - the bread and butter of our local economy. Additionally, State law in Virginia limits our revenue sources, resulting in an over reliance on real estate and personal property taxes, which make up about 80% of the revenue we have available to fund schools, public safety, libraries, parks and other local services. A meals tax referendum was not successful when put to the voters last year and would have increased County revenue by about $100 million. Given that, we will do the best we can with what we have.
If the Board of Supervisors votes to adopt the advertised tax rate when the budget is adopted on May 2, the average Fairfax County real estate tax bill would increase by $40.69 annually due to a slight average increase in assessments this year. You can see how your real estate tax dollars are currently being spent by using Fairfax County's online real estate tax calculator.
 |
|
|
Breakout session at previous budget town hall meeting in South County |
There are many opportunities for residents to share comments and concerns regarding the County budget between now and Budget Markup on April 25. In addition to budget town meetings and forums throughout the County, three days of budget public hearings will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center on April 4, April 5 and April 6, 2017. Residents can sign up to speak at budget public hearings here.
***
At our Board Meeting on February 28
th
, nine members were appointed to a new Police Civilian Review Panel. They were selected from more than 145 outstanding resumes. I want to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in the establishment of this Panel. Our Board will have a deep bench to choose from when future vacancies occur.
Each appointed member will bring a valuable perspective, extensive knowledge and years of community involvement to the table. Together with their impressive skillsets, this group of individuals will set the bar high for how the Civilian Review Panel will operate. I am very proud of our Fairfax County Police Department. This Panel will contribute to making us a model of excellence for the nation.
The Civilian Review Panel
will act as an independent "portal" for residents to submit complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by a Fairfax County Police (FCPD) Officer. The Panel will also have the authority to request and review completed Police Department internal administrative investigations regarding a civilian complaint against an officer.
The Civilian Review Panel will not address potentially criminal use of force or police-involved shootings. Cases of that magnitude would likely involve an investigation by the Commonwealth's Attorney and would be monitored by the Board of Supervisors' newly hired Police Auditor, Richard G. Schott.
***
On the Environmental front, Fairfax County has
updated our website
to highlight some of
the progress we have made,
especially in the area of energy efficiency.
While the county has increased its building square footage,
energy saving
strategies have produced a 21% reduction in the carbon footprint from our buildings from 2006 - 2015.
See more information in this Byline regarding Fairfax County's Environmental Vision and more!
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
|
|
|
|
| Board of Supervisors Advertises Flat Real Estate Tax Rate for FY2018 |
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors advertised the County Executive's
proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018, which is based on a tax rate of $1.13 per $100 of assessed value. $1.13 is Fairfax County's current FY2017 tax rate. When the Board adopts a final budget on May 2, it can set the tax rate lower, but not higher, than what was advertised.
Following this timeline, the Board of Supervisors will now hold public hearings and meetings, make revisions to the proposed budget, and adopt the FY 2018 budget on May 2. The FY2018 budget then becomes effective on July 1, 2017 and will last through July 1, 2018.
|
| Police Auditor Hired and Civilian Review Panel Members Selected |
On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed nine Fairfax County residents to serve on the newly established Police Civilian Review Panel. The creation of a Civilian Review Panel was recommended by the
Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
in their October 2015
final report
to the Board of Supervisors.
The Police
Civilian Review Panel
will promote further transparency and openness in community policing. This Panel will contribute to making us a model of excellence for the nation.
The
Civilian Review Panel will act as an independent "portal" for residents to submit complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by a Fairfax County Police (FCPD) Officer. The Panel will also have the authority to request and review completed Police Department internal administrative investigations regarding a civilian complaint against an officer. The Panel may hold public meetings to review police administrative investigations and walk through with members of the community how the investigation was conducted, including findings of fact, evidence collected and witness statements. Examples of complaints and cases for the Civilian Review Panel to receive and review may include:
- The use of abusive, racial, ethnic or sexual language;
- Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, familial status, or disability;
- The reckless endangerment of a detainee or person in custody;
- Serious violations of Fairfax County or FCPD procedures.
The Civilian Review Panel will not address potentially criminal use of force or police-involved shootings. Cases of that magnitude would likely involve an investigation by the Commonwealth's Attorney and would be monitored by the newly hired Police Auditor,
Richard G. Schott
.
The Board of Supervisors has appointed Adrian Steel to serve as the first chairman of the Civilian Review Panel. All subsequent chairmen will be selected by members of the Civilian Review Panel in a manner that will be determined by the Panel's bylaws. Panel members will serve three year terms with a two term limit, although some inaugural members will serve for less time to allow for staggered terms.
The first orders of business for the Civilian Review Panel include writing bylaws detailing how the Panel will function, and training Panel members on current police practices and policies in Fairfax County. Once those items are complete, which may take a number of months, the Civilian Review Panel will begin their work of requesting and reviewing cases.
|
| Diversion First: 375 People Diverted from Potential Arrest in One Year |
|
|
|
|
Diversion First, which officially launched in Fairfax County on January 1, 2016,
offers alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness or developmental disabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system for low level offenses. The goal is to intercede whenever possible to provide assessment, treatment or needed supports. People needing diversion may also have a substance use disorder, which often co-occurs with mental illness. Diversion First is designed to prevent repeat encounters with the criminal justice system, improve public safety, promote a healthier community, and is a more cost effective and efficient use of public funding.
I am pleased to announce that in 2016, 375 people were diverted from potential arrest and linked to mental health supports. In 2017, Fairfax County will continue build on this foundation by focusing on the role of the court system in the diversion process. Take a look at the Diversion First
Annual Report
for 2016 data and more information on where we're headed. And please remember, if you call 911 for a mental health crisis or emergency, request that a CIT trained police officer respond. You can also call CSB emergency services at 703-573-5679.
|
| Immigration in Fairfax County |
As the new Administration continues to implement changes in how federal immigration enforcement is carried out around the country, I'd like to share with you the relevant roles of Fairfax County government agencies: fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2017/immigrants.htm
|
| Community Council on Land Use Engagement |
|
 On Monday, March 13 at 7:30pm, I will host the third meeting of my Community Council on Land Use Engagement. The meeting will be held in Room 11 at the Government Center and will include a panel discussion on how different Magisterial Districts seek citizen engagement on land use. I've invited Supervisor Linda Smyth to talk about her process in the Providence District. Other invitations are out to district land use committees, civic organizations, the Planning Commission, and the development industry. This panel will allow the Council members to take a deep dive into the engagement processes around the County and develop an understanding of just how different land use engagement can be.
If you can't make it to the meeting, it will be filmed and available online mid-week. You can also view the two previous meetings and check out the presentations at the Council's website:
fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/communitycouncil.htm
. The Council will deliver recommendations later this Spring aimed at improving Fairfax County's public outreach and community engagement in the land use and development process.
|
| Know Your Code - Construction Projects Requiring Permits |
 Fairfax County requires a Building Permit for all new residential and commercial construction. Some examples of construction projects requiring permits include home additions, finishing a basement, enlarging a kitchen, building a shed or moving walls. Permits are important in these cases in order to
ensure a
standard level of
building
safety for current and future occupants.
If you notice suspicious new construction, demolition of an existing structure, construction vehicles, mud on the streets or work occurring late at night, you can call Fairfax County's Department of Code Compliance to confirm if there is an active building permit associated with the address. For more information on permit requirements, please visit the DCC website or take a look at the Building and Trades Permits flyer.
|
| Now Live Streaming and Televising Board Committee Meetings |
|
|
|
Conference Room 11, Fairfax County Government Center
|
As of February 21, you can now tune in to Board of Supervisors Committee Meetings on any computer or mobile device or on Cable Channel 16! Board Committee meetings have always been open to the public, but now residents have the option of watching from anywhere anytime through the live stream or video archive.
Committee meetings serve as work sessions for the Board and County staff to share information and strategize on how the County should tackle important issues involving transportation, public safety, human services, housing, land use, the environment and legislation coming from the Virginia General Assembly. Committee meeting work sessions tee up important decisions that the Board ultimately votes on at Board of Supervisors Meetings in the Board Auditorium. "Watch the sausage being made" and stay informed on the latest local issues.
|
| Seeking Feedback on Fairfax County's New Website Design |
 A modern and resident-focused website is critical for Fairfax County Government's digital business and informational future. In order to serve residents best, the County website needs to be more up-to-date and easily viewable on all devices, including tablets and phones.
I am pleased to share that a draft new website is now available for your review and feedback. P
lease visit:
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/using/newwebsite to take one or more brief surveys, which will be available until
March 19.
All feedback will be considered and factored into the next draft version of the new website. We hope to launch the complete "new and improved" website later this year.
|
| Local Environmental Initiatives |
Did you know that Fairfax County has an Environmental Vision that guides the County's sustainability initiatives and programs? The Vision was adopted by the Board in 2004 and was last updated in 2007. Currently, the Vision is undergoing an update that will be adopted later this summer. A draft of the update is available online to peruse and is open for public feedback until March 6. Please feel free to take a look and provide your feedback.
In addition to the Environmental Vision update, the County is continuing to update its energy webpages. The Cool Counties webpage now includes information on the initiative, the most recent Council of Government's (COG) Fairfax County regional inventory, and the County's progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The County has reduced its per capita emissions by 10% from 2005 to 2012!
The County's energy data pages have also been updated. The pages display the amount of electricity and natural gas consumed by County facilities from 2006-2015. Also featured are graphic representations of the levels of carbon emissions released, which are equivalent to the County's energy usage. Fairfax County has actually decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings by 21% from 2006 to 2015, even though County properties have actually increased in square footage! The County is continuing to work toward reducing its energy usage, and in fact, has saved up to $1 million in utility bills from 2012-2014.
Keep a lookout for more fresh information to be released later this year. Soon, the energy data pages will be updated to include 2016 data, as well as energy narratives about specific County Government buildings. COG's next inventory, containing 2015 data for the Fairfax County's region's carbon emissions, will also be released later this year.
Following the adoption of the Environmental Vision later this summer, I will also be bringing together members of my Private Sector Energy Task Force and other community stakeholders to present and highlight what progress and achievements have been made in energy efficiency. Fairfax County Government is only responsible for a small part of the greenhouse gas emissions in the County (~3%) while residents and businesses are responsible for the rest (~97%). Cooperation between all parties in our community is key to sustaining our environment!
|
| Come to Chantilly for SpringFest this April! |
Clean Fairfax will host its annual Earth and Arbor Day celebration, SpringFest, on Saturday April 29 from 10 AM to 4 PM. This year, SpringFest will be held at The Sully Historic Site in Chantilly. Come enjoy the vendors, exhibitors, food trucks, pony rides, environmental crafts and a whole lot more. There is no better place than SpringFest to learn about and participate in environmental awareness, which helps ensure that Fairfax County continues to be a place that is green, clean and sustainable for all. Free admission and family friendly!
|
| Spring 2017 Kids Camping Trip at Wolf Trap National Park |
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is sponsoring its sixth exciting campout adventure for 5th & 6th grade first-time campers on April 22 - 23, 2017 at the Filene Center. Students can spend their weekend in the great outdoors and learn about the essentials of camping! Activities will include archery, fly fishing, hiking, tent pitching, bird watching, learning fire safety skills, outdoor cooking, performing camp fire skits, roasting s'mores, plus other fun educational programs. Space is limited so sign up fast! http://fowt.info/
|
| Grow Your Leadership and Management Skills with Leadership Fairfax |
|
|
|
|
