Town Calls for Public Input on 2012-13 Budget

The Herndon Town Council solicited comments on the fiscal year 2012-2013 annual budget.

Town Manager Art Anselene said the town is seeking comments from the public on the town’s budget process. There will be two more public hearings on the town’s proposed budget scheduled for April that will take input collected into consideration.

Anselene and town staff have been working to visit homeowners associations in the town to inform them of the budget process. He said the town will continue to gather input from town residents, businesses and organizations over the next month and a half. 

Richard Downer spoke as treasurer of the Herndon Historical Society and co-chairman of the Herndon Historical Society’s planned 2013 re-enactment of Mosby’s Raid on Herndon Station. Chuck Mauro is also serving as co-chair of the event.

Downer said the raid originally took place on St. Patrick’s Day in 1863. There were re-enactments conducted in 2001 and 2003 that each attracted about 2,000 attendees, he said.

The Herndon Historical Society will be seeking support from the town for the 150th anniversary of the event, which the Society feels will be “an excellent economic development tool” and will attract those interested in Civil War History.

Downer said they are planning two re-enactments to take place, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will seek support and contributions from local businesses as well. He said they will need services of the Herndon Police Department and the Department of Public Works but don’t have a specific dollar amount for what will be needed yet.

The Herndon Historical Society is looking for volunteers who would like to serve on the Mosby’s Raid Committee as well, Downer said.

Herndon resident Barbara Glakas requested that consideration be given to fund economic development within the town to help execute the town’s economic development plan as recommended by the town’s Economic Development Task Force.

Councilman Bill Tirrell said it’s important that the word get out and people let the town know what it is they think their tax dollars should be spent on. He said they can’t guarantee to honor every request but it’s important that the Town of Herndon and the Council know what people want.

Tirrell said if people wait until the 11th hour to voice their opinions it’ll be too late. The town has February, March and April to work on the annual budget, he said.

Councilwoman Sheila Olem also urged town residents to speak up if there are services that are important to them, such as the fall and spring cleanups, services at the community center or other amenities provided by the Town of Herndon.

Town residents and business owners speak during the Comments from the Public portion of any public hearing between now and April 24. Town Council public hearings will be held Feb. 28, March 13 and 27, and April 10 and 24, and begin at 7 p.m. at the Mary Ingram Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.

Herndon residents and business owners can also email budget@herndon-va.gov or call 703-435-6817 to provide input on the 2012-13 budget.