Politics & Government

Arlington County Manager Proposes Half-Cent Tax Hike

Manager's proposal would cost the average Arlington homeowner an extra $118 annually.

Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan on Wednesday proposed a $1.03 billion general fund budget that includes a half-cent tax increase and funds several new facilities, increases county employee compensation and fully restores library branch hours that were cut in 2009.

Donnellan previewed her spending plan during a county board work session. She will make a formal presentation before the board Tuesday afternoon.

“This is basically a continuing services budget,” Donnellen said. “We are very fortunate to be able to do that.”

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On Tuesday, the board must agree on the ceiling for any potential tax hikes. The county manager recommends setting a 1.5-cent real estate tax increase ceiling in order to give the board "flexibility" to address strategic priorities like affordable housing, social safety net programs and maintenance.

Last month, the county realized an overall real estate assessment increase of 6.6 percent. That breaks down to a 0.7-percent increase in the residential tax base, which includes condos, and a 13.5-percent increase in the commercial tax base, which includes apartments.

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Because of that, even if taxes remain flat, the owner of an average home in Arlington County would see their taxes increase $92, to $6,619, in the fiscal year that begins July 1. The average assessed value of a home is $519,400.

A half-cent increase means the average homeowner’s taxes would jump $118 next year, and a 1.5-cent increase equals $170 more.

In other words, each half-cent increment represents $26 more in property taxes per year for the average homeowner.

The county is planning to hear from commissions, department heads and the public on the budget and the tax rate.

Donnellan’s budget represents a 2.1-percent increase over the current spending plan, which clocks in a little below inflation. Inflation is at 3 percent.

It funds new facilities like a planned , , the Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence, and developments at .

It meets the county’s increased obligations to Metro and debt service.

And it makes targeted investments in travel and tourism promotion efforts, and affordable housing planning and support. It also adds a human resources position that will focus on diversity.

“By and large, it’s focused on the basics,” said Michelle Cowan, the county’s director of management and finance. “These investments are targeted in areas the board has long been interested in.”

Under Donnellan’s proposal, Arlington Public Schools would receive $397 million, which includes $18.3 million in new ongoing revenue. Of that, an estimated $8.3 million would fund the new enrollment of 821 students.

The .

The county's total budget is currently $1.29 billion. Under the manager's proposed budget, it would increase to $1.33 billion.


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