Fairfax County is poised to inject more than $17 million into affordable housing projects in coming years, according to those involved in closed-door budget talks this week.
The county plans to devote $4 million next budget year to more than 360 families requesting housing and invest $13 million over the next few years for the rehabilitation of Alexandria’s Lincolnia Senior Center and construction of 67 North Hill Park homes.
The county has been criticized in recent years for spending too much on housing that continues to decline in value.
“Increasing taxes to fund $17 million in new affordable housing is unacceptable,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity, R-Springfield. “This is not an aid to help people get off their feet. It’s recurring government subsidies.”
Supervisors on Friday are scheduled to iron out how to meet a $257 million shortfall before adopting the budget later this month.
The real estate tax rate is expected to rise from $1.04 to $1.09 per $100 of assessed value, according to officials, and the proposed $33 vehicle registration fee also will remain in the budget.
A handful of cuts suggested by County Executive Anthony Griffin will not be included when the board votes later this month, officials said.
Supervisors will not eliminate 26 school resource officers stationed at county middle schools or a six-person fire and rescue battalion.
Cuts to the county’s libraries will be reduced to about 10 percent, among other changes.
Griffin set aside roughly $22 million to account for uncertain state aid. Officials said they will dip into that money to fund the restorations, leaving around $7 million in reserve.
Multiple officials also said the county would give the school board $16 million less than requested, saying money tied to Virginia Retirement System savings should be enough for schools to fund its programs.
Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay said supervisors will fund the schools without giving them “$1 more than necessary.”
