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This year's budget process takes place against the backdrop of severe state underfunding of schools, the continued weakness of the commercial office market, and tremendous economic uncertainty created by the reckless actions of the current Administration in Washington. Those challenges combined present a sobering reality and the need to acknowledge that we are, for the foreseeable future, in an era where we have to find ways to do more with less.
The proposed budget includes a 1.5 cent increase in the real estate tax rate, $60 million in cuts to County programs, and the elimination of 208 County positions. While the budget envisions a reduction in force — meaning that some County employees would lose their current positions — the County Executive expressed that his goal would be to identify other opportunities within the County workforce for those individuals. The budget also does not fully fund the Fairfax County Public Schools' request for a 10.4% increase in County funding, but does provide a $119 million increase.
While not included in his proposed budget, the County Executive did note that the implementation of a tax on prepared food & beverage would provide enough revenue to eliminate the proposed increase in the real estate tax, with much of that revenue coming from those not living in Fairfax County.
Budget Town Hall
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I look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns about the County budget before it is adopted in May. To that end, I'll be hosting a virtual Braddock District Budget Town Hall on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. with County Executive Bryan Hill.
You can watch the town hall three different ways:
Do you have a question to submit for the town hall?
The Board will also be hosting a series of Budget Public Hearings from April 22-24 at the Government Center. We want to hear from residents and encourage you to sign up to speak in person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.
The County has expanded the methods for residents to offer feedback on the Budget. The online and text option for leaving comments will go live on Monday, February 24. We will share those links in next week's Advisory once they are active. In the meantime, you can share your comments using these methods:
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Resources for Federal Employees
- Upcoming Reduced Fee Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
- Fairfax County Celebrates Black History Month
- Apply to be the School Board's Student Representative!
- Burke Volunteer Fire Department's Blood Drive
- Statewide Spring Burn Ban is Active
- Scam Tracking Site Launched
- GMU Summer Camps
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Resources for Federal Employees | |
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Fairfax Launches Resource and Service Site
Thousands of County residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s recently announced plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The County has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
As the employment landscape is shifting in the Greater Washington region, there is a job for everyone in Northern Virginia – your skills and experience are valuable, and companies are looking to hire YOU.
Actions to Take to Find a Job and Get Hired:
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Browse 90,000+ open positions with companies currently looking to hire YOU in Northern Virginia.
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Visit your local Virginia Career Works Career Center or make a virtual appointment.
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Connect with Fairfax County’s One-stop Employment Resources Center services.
Join a Weekly Webinar to Stay Informed
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a free, weekly webinar designed to connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a job or supporting displaced staff, these sessions are packed with valuable insights on actions to take to get re-employed. View how to register here.
Federal Representatives
Each member of Fairfax County's Congressional Delegation has provided access to resources, including the opportunity for federal employees to anonymously report abuses of power, review employment rights/civil service law, and understand whistleblower protections. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, review and share these resources, and subscribe to your federal representatives’ newsletters to stay informed.
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Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
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Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
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Upcoming Reduced Fee
Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
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As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets without the cost of a veterinary exam. All clinics are first-come first-served and are cash only.
The next clinic will be on Friday, February 21, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Visit FCAS' website for more information and dates.
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Fairfax County Celebrates Black History Month | |
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Fairfax County will host “Unite, Uplift, and Celebrate: A Black History Month Celebration” on Friday, February 21, at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) beginning at 5:00 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Building on a Legacy” and will feature local performances, interactive activities, discussions, and refreshments.
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Apply to be the School Board's Student Representative! | |
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Each year, FCPS students can apply for the student representative position for the School Board.
The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information on this role, see FCPS Policy 1802. The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) student delegates will vote to elect the representative to the School Board.
Eligible students are:
- Currently in grades 9, 10, and 11.
- A resident of Fairfax County or Fairfax City.
- A student in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students do not need to be current members of SAC to apply. The first part of the application is due by Monday, February 24. Read more on FCPS' website.
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Burke Volunteer Fire
Department's Blood Drive
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The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will host a blood drive with INOVA on Thursday, February 27, from 1:00 - 5:30 p.m. at the Burke Volunteer Fire Station (9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Donors will receive a stainless steel tumbler, while supplies last. Sign up today or call 1 (866) 256-6372 and use code 8509. For more information, email John Ronan.
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Statewide Spring Burn Ban is Active | |
Scam Tracking Site Launched | |
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It is impossible to list all of the known scams in one place, but being aware of current scams, and well-known warning signs, can help keep you, your information, and your money safe.
Fairfax County has launched a website to keep track of scams reported locally.
The best way to defend yourself from scams is by being alert. Stay aware of current scams and know the common warning signs. Experts recommend you pause and verify the situation if you encounter any of the following:
- Anyone looking for payment in gift cards or money cards
- Cashier’s checks in exchange for you sending payment elsewhere
- Sending money by wire transfer
- Anyone asking for your credit card number, login information, or other personal details
- Direct links and phone numbers in emails, letters or texts
- Pressure to respond immediately
Sometimes just taking an extra five minutes to verify the situation can save the day. When in doubt, disconnect and go to the source directly. If you suspect something may be a scam, you can visit Fairfax's new website or call the police non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131.
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It’s never too early to begin making plans for the summer!
Keep your children engaged through academics, the arts, and sports/recreation camps at George Mason University.
Programming covers a variety of interests including conflict resolution, conservation, game design and technology, podcasting, theater, music, and much more. Visit GMU Camps' website for details.
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