Arlington Considers Revised FY2021 Budget Due To Coronavirus

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz has presented a revised Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Budget that better reflects the realities the county is facing due to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The revised proposal focuses on providing core essential services, while keeping the existing workforce and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

“What was unthinkable two months ago is now in front of us,” Schwartz said, in a release. “Businesses have laid off staff, residents have lost jobs, schools have closed and only the most essential functions continue.”

The original $1.4 billion budget proposal Schwartz submitted to the Arlington County Board in February targeted $848 million toward county operations and transferred $550 million to Arlington Public Schools. According to county staff, the anticipated revenue for the new FY 2021 budget is now expected to drop by $56 million, split $21.6 million for the county and $21.6 for Arlington Public Schools.

The revised budget plan retains the same level of services, but removes all salary increases and places many projects on hold. It also uses funds from the Stabilization Reserve and drops nearly all of the additions that were proposed a few weeks back.

In addition, the openings of the Lubber Run Community Center and the Long Bridge Park Fitness & Aquatics Center have been delayed until FY 2022.

The revised budget does include funding for the COVID-19 response to help meet demand for life and safety services for county residents. This includes money for housing grants and permanent supportive services. It also dedicates $2.7 million for emergency needs, such as food services, and sets aside $7.5 million to help small businesses and nonprofits, employee support, and service delivery, and the possibility of additional revenue shortfalls.

The County Board will host a public hearing on the new FY 2021 budget proposal, followed immediately by a tax hearing, on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. On Thursday, April 30, the Board will vote on the amended FY 2021 budget.

In February, the Board voted to advertise a tax rate of $1.013 per $100 of assessed value for Calendar Year 2020 ($1.026 including stormwater). By law, the Board cannot adopt a tax rate higher than the advertised tax rate.

Related:

Arlington County Rethinks FY2021 Budget Due To Coronavirus

Arlington Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

FY 2021 Budget Proposal Would Raise Overall Tax Burden