No Real Estate Tax Hike Proposed In 2020 Alexandria Budget

ALEXANDRIA, VA—City Manager Mark Jinks proposed the 2020 fiscal year Alexandria budget to City Council Tuesday. The proposed budget includes no tax hikes. The real estate tax rate would remain $1.13 per $100 of assessed value.

"As a result of fiscal direction by City Council and prudent financial management and innovative thinking by staff, this is the second year in a row that my proposed budget includes no tax rate increases, no major service reductions, full funding for the Superintendent’s request for the Alexandria City Public Schools operating budget and full funding of the School Board’s adopted 10-year capital plan," said Jinks in a statement.

While the real estate tax rate could stay the same, property owners could see tax bills go up based on assessments. The city estimates homeowners could have average 1.9 percent increase ($118 per year) on their tax bills.

The proposed $761.1 million general fund budget reflects a 1.7 percent increase over the current year. Some highlights are:

• The budget includes $232.3 million in operating funds for Alexandria City Public Schools, which fully funds the superintendent's proposed budget. This is a $8.5 million increase from the current budget.
• There are no stormwater or sewer fee hikes proposed, but the city proposes increasing the annual fee for refuse and recycling collection from $373 to $406.
• The city would increase transit funding by $5.3 million, which includes a $4.3 million increase for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
• DASH Bus fares would increase from $1.75 to $2 if approved by Alexandria Transit Company’s Board of Directors. The monthly pass rate would also increase from $45 to $50. The rate hikes would not take effect until WMATA's summer Metrorail shutdown is finished.
• The windshield decal for the personal property tax would be eliminated with October 2019 renewals.
• A racial and social equity officer position would be created for the City Manager’s Office.

The city would also put $1.62 billion over 10 years in the Capital Improvement Program. This includes:

• $478.8 million for Alexandria City Public Schools' 10-year plan
• $71 million in stormwater funding to address long-term infrastructure needs as required by the state
• $143.3 million in WMATA capital funding
• $51.1 million for the city’s street reconstruction and repaving program

Before budget approval, there will be 10 budget work sessions, a public budget presentation on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, and several hearings. City Council is expected to adopt the budget on May 1. Members of the public can submit comments online or at the public budget presentation and public hearings.

To see the full budget and approval schedule, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Budget.

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch