5.5 Cent Tax Hike Proposed In Falls Church Budget

A 5.5 cent real estate tax increase is proposed in the 2019 City of Falls Church budget due to debt service and Metro funding obligations. City Manager Wyatt Shields' proposed $93.9 million budget for fiscal year 2019 is a 7.6 percent increase from the current fiscal year.

Under the city's proposal, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority would get a whopping 141 percent increase, or $1,350,181 more, from the city. That amount could be lower, depending on what the state government allocates. Over the weekend, the General Assembly reached a deal to give Metro $154 million.

Another notable increase for the Falls Church budget would go toward the debt service. The 49 percent funding hike would provide $10 million for George Mason High School, $11 million for City Hall and $ 1 million for Mary Riley Styles Public Library.

SEE ALSO: Real Estate Assessments Increase 3.4 Percent In Falls Church

The operating budget for government and schools would have shaved 3 cents from the city tax rate if not for additional debt service and Metro expenses. The budget calls for a 1.7 percent increase in operating funding and 2.8 percent increase for Falls Church City Public Schools.

Community members can comment on the budget at City Council meetings March 26, April 9 and April 23. In addition, city and FCCPS officials will hold a town hall Sunday, March 18 and Sunday, April 8, on the 2019 budget, George Mason High School project and West Falls Church Economic Development project. Both meetings are at 2 p.m. in the Community Center.

City Council will adopt the 2019 budget on April 23. The new fiscal year starts July 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/Budget.

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