Fairfax County Board Approves FY 2027 Budget Markup, Lowers Real Estate Tax Rate

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a budget markup for fiscal year 2027 that includes a slight reduction in the real estate tax rate, though rising property assessments mean most residents will still see higher tax bills.

The board voted 8-2 to set the real estate tax rate at $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. This represents a quarter-cent decrease from the previous year's rate of $1.1225.

Despite the rate cut, the average homeowner's tax bill is expected to increase by approximately $337 due to an average 3.77 percent rise in residential assessments. Without the rate reduction, the average bill would have risen by $357 under the budget initially proposed by County Executive Bryan Hill.

Board Chairman Jeff McKay attributed the board’s ability to lower the rate to the county’s new meals tax, which provided an alternative revenue stream.

“People are suffering right now,” McKay said, noting he hoped future budgets would allow for further reductions.

The markup session serves as the final step before the formal adoption of the $5.9 billion budget, scheduled for May 5. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

The spending plan restores some previously proposed cuts but still includes approximately $32 million in reductions to various county programs and services. These cuts, along with a funding gap for Fairfax County Public Schools, drove opposition from some members of the board.

Based on the FY 2027 budget markup approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, here are the key highlights:

Tax Rate Adjustments

• Real Estate Tax Reduction: The rate was lowered by one-quarter cent, moving from $1.1225 to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value.
• Homeowner Impact: For the average homeowner, this change reduces the projected annual tax bill increase from $357 down to $337.

Major Investments & Program Restorations

The board restored partial funding for several community programs and increased support for housing:

• Affordable Housing: An additional $8.8 million was dedicated, bringing the total annual baseline investment to approximately $52.7 million.
• Behavioral Health: $310,000 restored for "BeWell" behavioral health support.
• Preschool Services: $200,000 restored for the part-time preschool program.
• Senior Services: $130,588 restored for home-delivered meals.
• Home Repairs: $250,000 restored for a low- and moderate-income home repair pilot program.

Operational & Fiscal Strategy

• Reserve Strengthening: $4.7 million was added to the Reserve for Economic Uncertainty to buffer against future fiscal pressures.
• School Support: Over $3 billion (more than half of the county budget) continues to support Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
• Workforce: The budget fully funds collective bargaining agreements and pay adjustments for employees.
• Deferred Realignment: The board delayed the realignment of transition services for high school students with IEPs by one year to allow for better coordination with FCPS.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to formally adopt this FY 2027 budget on Tuesday, May 5.

Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), who joined Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) in voting against the markup, said the impact on social services outweighed the benefits of the tax cut.

“I cannot support a reduction of the real estate tax rate — even only a small amount — while also cutting services across several programs to some of our most vulnerable residents,” Alcorn said.

Herrity, the board’s lone Republican, argued the reduction was insufficient to provide meaningful relief to taxpayers.

“Here we go again — tax bills are still going up,” Herrity said. “Our taxpayers have not been a priority.”

The budget allocates $52.7 million for affordable housing and includes a $4.7 million balance directed to the county’s Reserve for Economic Uncertainty.

Other board members characterized the plan as a necessary compromise. Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer (D-Braddock) said the package represented "reasonable tradeoffs" given current fiscal conditions, while Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Franconia) said the budget provides for the “safety, stability and well-being” of residents while delivering tax relief.

Also See ...

• Hunter Mill Supervisor Opposes FY27 Budget Markup Over Service Cuts
• Budget Shortfalls, Aging Facilities Discussed By Fairfax Co. Officials At Town Hall
• Real Estate Tax Bills To Increase In Fairfax Co. Under FY2027 Budget Proposal