March 6, 2024

Neighbors,

My favorite part of being your supervisor is getting out in the community and meeting our residents! We are very lucky to live in an active and engaged community. Here are some of the highlights of my recent travels:

One of the highlights of my year is participating in Read Across America at Buzz Aldrin Elementary School in Reston. I had a great time reading "Too Many Kangaroo Things to Do" (which also included math activities) to Ms. Edwards' third grade class last Thursday. Thank you to the school administrators for inviting me!

It's no secret that Hunter Mill District is an attractive location for businesses, from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 headquarters. Late last month, I had the opportunity to visit Peraton, a national security and technology company based in Reston. We had a good conversation about how the company is involved in helping the community on several levels. They also have a lot of job openings if you know anyone looking for a position in this field. (photo: Peraton) 

Leadership Fairfax is a community-building nonprofit organization that for more than three decades has been training residents to become more effective community members and leaders. Last Thursday they hosted the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards at Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. And yesterday, I joined my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to recognize Reston resident Karen Cleveland for her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Fairfax. Thank you Karen for all you have done for Fairfax County!

Last Friday I joined my friend Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid to watch the South Lakes boys basketball team take on Hayfield High School. It was an exciting game! The Seahawks won and are continuing to the state championship on Saturday in Richmond. Join me in wishing them good luck!

I saved the best for last – this past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting one of our oldest (if not the oldest) residents, Ed Biggar. Ed is 105 and I ran into him while he was working out at the YMCA in Reston. After joining the Y last summer (when he was 104), he uses the machines there for upper body strengthening. Exercise is important to Ed and he is definitely an inspiration. Go Ed!

I hope to see you at an upcoming community event soon!

Regards,

Walter

While the Board of Supervisors has no role in determining the value of your home, we do set the Real Estate Tax Rate each year as part of the budget process. Yesterday at the Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved an advertised 4-cent increase in our FY 2025 tax rate which would fund the County Executive’s Advertised Budget. This is not the actual tax rate but the highest rate that the Board can now consider when approving the FY 2025 budget and tax rate in May. If you have questions or comments regarding the Real Estate Tax Rate, or what your taxes fund or are not funding, I encourage you to participate in one of my town halls or other options listed below.

The county executive presented his proposed budget for FY 2025 to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 20. The county budget affects everyone in the county, so I encourage you to take a look at the links below and provide your input.



What to Know:

• Proposed Budget Presentation (PDF)
• Budget At A Glance (PDF)
• FY 2025 Budget Timeline
• Watch the FY 2025 Proposed Budget Presentation

Ways to Provide Your Input on the Proposed Budget and Tax Rate:

Email me at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov

Hunter Mill District Town Hall Meetings:

• March 20, 7 p.m. in-person at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. East, Vienna.
• March 25, 7 p.m. virtual, 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: 952 967 568# For more information email paul.davisjr@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-478-0283.

In addition, you now have the option to text input and provide feedback in multiple languages. More information:

• Online at FY25 Advertised Budget - PublicInput (fairfaxcounty.gov)  
• Text FY25Budget to 73224 
• Call 703-890-5898 
• Testify at budget public hearings held April 16-18 either in person, by video or phone. Sign up or call the Clerk to the Board's Office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) or email for more information.

Real Estate Assessment Questions

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.

Tax Relief Workshops

Staff from the Department of Tax Administration will be at the North County Governmental Center and several other locations countywide to assist residents with filling out the 2024 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. Learn more.

From Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance:

Many people love sharing their home with an animal, but few may know the Zoning Ordinance regulates the types, numbers, and ways that animals can be kept. Here are some of the most common zoning considerations. Learn more.

• You can have up to two dogs on any lot. If you want more than two, it will depend on the size of your lot. Note: dogs must be licensed in Fairfax County. Learn more
• Roosters are only permitted as part of an agricultural operation, like a farm.
• You need at least two acres for chickens and other poultry, and livestock, such as horses, goats, and llamas. 
• Structures, such as barns, beehives, cages, and pens, must meet location requirements (PDF) so that they are setback from property lines to minimize impacts on other lots. 
• There are no zoning limits on cats, but residents are encouraged to consider microchipping, spaying, or neutering to prevent growth of community cat populations.

The Department of Code Compliance is available to help if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone 703-324-1300, or visit in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035. 

From the Fairfax County Health Department:

There have been recent reports of outbreaks across the county, including in the Northeast, of Norovirus (sometimes called stomach flu or stomach bug). It is a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. You can help prevent infections by washing your hands, practicing food safety, and taking steps to avoid spreading it to others if you do get sick. Learn more.

Volunteers and Donations Needed: How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

Vesper Trail Reopened in Tysons: Update from Dominion Energy

Construction to install underground duct banks required an extended closure along the Vesper Trail in Tysons. Dominion Energy recently announced that they have completed this portion of the project, and the Vesper Trail has been reopened to public use. You may notice continued construction and restoration activities along parts of the trail since the project is still in active construction. Dominion Energy does not anticipate any long-term closures in the near future. However, there may be periodic, short-term trail impacts to ensure the safety of our crews and the public. We will be mindful of trail users and will communicate impacts ahead of time when we are able.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18 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: 717 339 775# For more information email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 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: 425 509 381# For more information email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123.

Nominations For Volunteer Service Awards

Nominations are being accepted for individuals and groups until April 1 for outstanding volunteer service to the Town of Vienna over the past year. Awardees will be recognized at the Mayor’s Volunteer Reception on Tuesday, April 16. Learn more.

Animal Services Consolidation Proposal Town Halls

The Department of Animal Sheltering and the Fairfax County Police Department are hosting two town halls to discuss uniting animal care and control services under one department. For more information on the proposed consolidation of animal services, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/fairfax-county-animal-services-consolidation-proposal.

Town Hall: Monday, March 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Michael R. Frey Campus, 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax

Town Hall: Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton

Menstrual Supplies Drive Through March 29

Period poverty is defined as the lack of access to safe and clean menstrual products. Support our local shelters and nonprofits by donating new and sealed packages of tampons, pads, liners, and menstrual cups. You can drop off donations at several sites countywide through March 29, including my office at 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Learn more.

Paid Internship Opportunity: College Students/Recent Graduates with Disabilities

Established by the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board, the John Hudson Internship Program is open to college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. This paid internship is full-time, with interns working Monday through Friday. A typical schedule is 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Applications are due Friday, April 12. Learn more.

New Land Development Services Education and Outreach Webpage

To improve customer access to services, Land Development Services (LDS) has developed the Education and Outreach Events webpage which details the different types of educational opportunities and outreach events available, including Building Permits 101, Silver Shield, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and other topics. Learn more.