March 1, 2023

Neighbors,

My office has heard from residents concerned about increases in their 2023 Real Estate Assessment and the impact on their Real Estate Tax. I can empathize – the assessment on my home went up 12%. The Board of Supervisors has a lot of work and discussion ahead on the proposed FY 2024 budget to balance the costs of critical county services and workforce needs without overburdening homeowners. Here is some additional information that I hope you find helpful:

Fairfax County’s real estate assessments must reflect fair market value, according to state law. For most residential property, that value is determined annually by comparing property to sales of comparable properties by appraisers with the county’s Department of Tax Administration. That value is what is reflected in the assessment you received. Click on the map to view the county's GIS application that shows the 2023 median changes in assessed value, as well as recent sales in your neighborhood.

While the Board of Supervisors has no role in determining the value of your home, we do approve the Real Estate Tax Rate each year as part of the budget process. Next Tuesday, March 7, the Board will vote on the advertised tax rate, which is not the actual tax rate but the highest rate that the Board can consider before voting on the FY 2024 budget and tax rate in May. If you have questions or comments regarding the Real Estate Tax Rate, I encourage you to participate in one of my town halls, March 20 or March 28, or email my office at [email protected].

If you believe that your real estate is incorrectly assessed, or have questions, you are encouraged to contact the county's Department of Tax Administration:

• Schedule a phone or video appointment to talk to staff at your convenience.
• Send an inquiry by email.
• Call 703-222-8234, TTY 711, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Finally, in Virginia local governments may only enact laws and raise revenue when explicitly authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia under a process known as the Dillon Rule. Our residential homeowners have long borne the brunt of the local tax burden because the Board of Supervisors is unable to employ any other significant revenue source beyond the property tax. I have long advocated for revenue neutral tax reform that would relieve the burden on homeowners and better align the financial needs of our schools, first responders, parks, libraries, and other critical local functions with local economic activity.  

Additional Resources:

• Appealing Your Real Estate Assessment
• Tax Relief and Exemptions

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors had several committee meetings yesterday, including a joint meeting with the School Board to discuss our proposed FY 2024 budgets. Click on the links below to view the presentations.

• Information Technology Committee
• Environmental Committee
• Health and Human Services Committee
• Budget Policy Committee Joint Meeting with School Board 

The Board of Supervisors will next meet on Tuesday, March 7.

Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting, Monday, March 6

The Reston Town Center North Task Force meeting is Monday, March 6, 7 p.m. in the North County Governmental Center Community Room, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston. The county's Department of Management and Budget will discuss how the county finances public facility improvements and there will also be a presentation on surrounding properties and their associated development plans. Learn more. For more information on the task force meeting, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Sugarland Run Bridge Replacement Set to Begin

Early this month, the Fairfax County Park Authority will begin to install a new pedestrian bridge in the section of Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park between Heather Down Dr. and Eddyspark Dr. This replaces a bridge that washed out 15 years ago and will reconnect the neighborhood along Heather Down Drive with the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail – and a much-needed shortcut to Herndon High School. This project includes the demolition and removal of the remaining structures from the earlier bridge, installation of a prefabricated pedestrian steel bridge, construction of 10-foot-wide connecting approaches to the bridge, and related clearing and site work. Construction is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2023. For more information, email project manager Sayonara Aguilera or call 703-324-8534.

Lake Anne Community Survey Open Until March 10

An online survey has been developed by the county's Department of Planning and Development and partner Streetsense to gain an understanding of the perspectives of residents, business owners, and visitors of Lake Anne and what they see as challenges and opportunities for the area. The survey will be open until March 10. More information and to take the online survey, click here.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. 

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 816 293 203# For more information contact Shruti Nallappa

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 104 024 042#. For information, contact Shruti Nallappa.

Reston Comprehensive Plan

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.

• Board Matter: Reauthorization of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study
• Watch Jan. 24 Board Discussion
• Watch Jan. 26 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion

From Fairfax County Police Department:

As the weather gets warmer, door-to-door solicitors will be out and about in neighborhoods. Fairfax County requires peddlers and solicitors to be licensed before they solicit. If someone is going door-to-door in your neighborhood soliciting for home improvement, tree work, driveway paving/sealing or any other services and does not have a license, call the Police Department's non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. Learn more.

Note: No one may solicit at a residence which posts a no peddlers or solicitors sign. Window decals (work same as a sign) are available from my office or most county police stations. For information on how to get one, contact my office at [email protected]

Summer Camp Registration Begins Soon!

The 2023 Vienna Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Guide is available to help you start planning your child's summer fun. Camp registration starts March 6, 8 a.m. for Town residents and March 13 for non-residents. Learn more.

How to Protect Friends and Family from Opioid Misuse

• Don’t encourage someone to take pain or anxiety pills without a prescription
• Lock up your pills so others can’t get them
• Find a drop-off site to get rid of unused pills safely

Learn more

Food Insecurity in Our Community and How to Help

• Capital Area Food Bank Annual Impact Report
• Changes to SNAP Benefits Begin in March
• How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

COVID-19 Resources

• Updates from the Fairfax County Health Department
• COVID-19 Case Data
• COVID-19 Vaccine Data
• What to Know About Long COVID

Mark Your Calendar for the third Annual Tour de Hunter Mill, May 7

It may still be winter (technically), but we have the Tour de Hunter Mill to look forward to in May! Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 7. Last year we had a great time in Vienna and the Tour de Hunter Mill is returning to the Reston/Herndon area for the 2023 event. Details, including the routes and fee, will be posted here when available.

Library Hosts Virtual Panel Discussion to Celebrate Women's History Month March 8

On Wednesday, March 8, 7 p.m., the Library is hosting a virtual panel discussion that will explore American women’s journey to the right to vote, the struggles for suffrage after 1920, and the continued importance of the vote to women’s voices today. 

This program is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters. Learn more and register.

Volunteer in the Great Outdoors

The Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program is a community-based project designed to reduce invasive plants on our county parklands. This program gives volunteers an opportunity to connect with like-minded people while taking care of natural resources. Learn more.