The proposed budget presents several options for increased services that would be funded by dedicated tax and fee increases, if adopted. These options include Citywide transportation improvements for DASH service, Metro station improvements, high capacity transit corridors, and alternative transportation programs that would be funded by a 3-cent increase in the commercial real estate property tax rate. Other options include infrastructure improvements that address flooding and stormwater pollution funded by a new stormwater utility fee; and sanitary sewer capacity improvements funded by an increased water usage fee.

 

City employees would receive merit-based step increases, but no cost of living adjustment. They would pay a higher percentage of their health care premiums. No employee furloughs have been proposed, but the budget eliminates 67 positions. Staff reductions would result in reduced service hours at some City facilities, and cuts to programs and services.

 

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) proposes $612 million in expenditures over the next 10 years, prioritizing maintenance of existing City and Schools facilities and infrastructure, completion of the new Police Headquarters currently under construction, and a limited number of new or expanded facilities for ACPS and the Fire Department. In the proposed CIP budget, many projects would be delayed, reduced in scope, or eliminated.

 

The public is encouraged to provide input about the proposed budget online (alexandriava.gov/Budget). City Council will host 11 work sessions to review the proposed budget with City staff. These sessions are open to the public and will be recorded and posted online. The public may provide comments at a budget public hearing on Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m. and a tax rate public hearing on Saturday, April 17, at 9:30 a.m. The Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program are scheduled for adoption by the Alexandria City Council on May 3, 2010. Details about the public meetings, proposed budget, and online comments are located at alexandriava.gov/Budget.

 

For more information, contact Tony Castrilli, Director of Communications, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3958 or tony.castrilli@alexandriava.gov or Bruce Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Management and Budget, at 703.746.3735 or bruce.johnson@alexandriava.gov.