Arlington County Board Sets Guidelines for County Manager’s 2012 Budget Proposal

The Arlington County Board announced today that they have instructed the County Manager to create a limited proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year. They have limited spending growth to 1.14 percent, which reflect the inflation over the past year. 

While spending is reduced, the board has noted that there will be some necessary further spending. The County Manager has been told to abide by the revenue sharing agreement with schools. They have also committed to continue in investing in affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and the health and safety of all Arlington residents. 

The Board insisted that the County Manager follow through not only on these more broad objectives, but also four projects that the board had committed to in the past. Additionally, there are commitments to debt services and other contractual obligations which must be taken in to account as the County Manager creates the budget proposal. 

While there have been modest growth revenues to help the Manager with these commitments, there are additional obstacles. There are cost pressures due to increase in School enrollment, personnel costs, and higher health care costs. To assist in future planning, the manager was also urged to eliminated inefficiencies or duplication in County programs. 

The Board voted 5-0 on these budget guidelines and the County Manager, Barbara Donnellan, will present her proposed Fiscal Year 2012 Budget to the Arlington County Board in February of 2011.