Politics & Government

This Week: County Meetings on Budgets for 2014, 2015

Officials seek input in Fairfax, Reston on how to address projected yearly shortfalls of $100 million.

Fairfax County officials want public input on possible cuts and funding priorities in the Fiscal Year 2014 and 2015 budgets.

According to a presentation by county staff, revenues for the next two years are expected to grow minimally – less than 3 percent. But expenditures are projected to be closer to 5 percent.

This leaves the county with a projected shortfall of $100 million per year, said County Executive Ed Long.

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“The combination of flat revenue growth due to the slow economic recovery and increasing demand and requirements for services means that the county faces a projected budget shortfall of more than $100 million in both FY 2014 and 2015,” Long said in statement.

The two meetings closest to the Oakton area are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Fairfax County Government Center, and 9 to 11 a.m. at the Reston Community Center.

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In light of these factors, Long has already instructed county agencies to identify potential cuts that would reduce their 2014 General Fund needs by 5 percent.

Now the county is reaching out to the public for suggestions on how to deal with the shortfall.

”We want your ideas on how we can continue to move forward in a way that protects the quality of life we value in our community,” Long said.

According to the presentation, General Fund disbursements have been reduced by $150 million from FY 2010 to FY 2013, and in the last four years, 525 positions have been cut.

Residents are encouraged to take a brief online survey, which is open through Nov. 30.

There are also three public information meetings scheduled for this week. All meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

  • Wednesday: South County Government Center, Conference Room 221, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.
  • Friday,: Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 9/10, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
  • Saturday: 9 to 11 a.m. at Reston Community Center, Lake Anne Plaza Large Meeting Room, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.


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