The Arlington City Council is gearing up for its Fiscal Year 2025 with a proposed $722 million operating budget, unveiled on August 6. According to the City of Arlington, the budget emphasizes cost-saving measures without skimping on the promise of voter-approved amenities. A major talking point for the council and community members will be the suite of rate hikes, from property tax to water and garbage fees, aimed to position the city towards its six priorities, among them public safety and community cleanliness.
In a move to offset modest tax revenue growth against climbing costs, the Council is considering a one-cent property tax rate adjustment to $0.5998 per $100 of assessed value. This change harkens back to the rate applied in Fiscal Year 2023, crafted to sustain services that resonate with residents' needs, as detailed in the City's recent Citizens Satisfaction Survey. The Council is also looking to sustain a range of property tax exemptions for different resident demographics, including the state's maximum allowed homestead exemption.
Not just property taxes but also water, garbage collection, and stormwater fees are on the hike. Plans put forward, as per the City of Arlington, show a 5% increase in the water rate for the average resident and a corresponding 5% increase in garbage collection rates. Combined, if adopted, these increases would lead to the average homeowner in Arlington paying an additional $13.50 monthly across the gamut of proposed new rates.
Investments to improve public safety account for a substantial share with $212.2 million allocated for Police and Fire departments. Noteworthy within this figure is the match for 24 police officer salaries as part of the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Additionally, a substantial budget slice is earmarked for street maintenance, with an additional $6 million tagged to enhance Arlington's thoroughfares.
Arlington invites its citizens to engage in the upcoming budget decisions through two town hall meetings. The first will commence at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, located at the City Council Chamber, and the second will follow on Monday, August 26 at the same time, but at the Arlington Police South District Service Center.
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