There is “a solid basis for optimism” about Arlington’s financial recovery, according to County Manager Barbara Donnellan, who presented an overview of her proposed fiscal 2012 budget to the County Board Tuesday.
Donnellan’s $985.2 million budget includes a 3.1 percent increase in the county’s general fund budget and a 4.9 percent increase in the budget for Arlington Public Schools. However, it also includes an $800,000 fund to help stabilize the budget in the event that funding from the state is affected by the General Assembly or the county’s economic recovery stalls.
The budget maintains current rates for property taxes, business and professional licenses, and the commercial transportation tax. Fees for trash and recycling will actually decrease 5 percent.
Donnellan does propose a 25-cent hike in the county’s hourly rate at parking meters to pay for additional staffing and safety needs at Arlington’s Emergency Communications Center.
The county manager will formally present the budget to the Board Feb. 15 at the County Board meeting.
