By James Jarvis in FFXNow

Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors plans to use a $260.6 million budget surplus for improvements to roads, schools, parks, public safety and other community services.

The surplus is due to increased revenue, decreased spending and funds left from the American Rescue Plan Act, County Executive Bryan Hill said in a July 29 memorandum to the board.

According to Hill, the general fund’s expenses for fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, were projected at $1.98 billion, but actual spending was $1.87 billion, resulting in a $109.72 million surplus. The county also collected $5.22 billion in revenue, surpassing projections by $71.66 million, and it has $59.22 million in unspent federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Hill recommended using the leftover funds to support infrastructure and capital projects, public safety, technology and IT upgrades, environmental initiatives, community services, and other needs, including preparations for the presidential election in November.

The board is slated to vote on the carryover budget package at its Sept. 24 meeting.

Infrastructure and capital projects

Hill’s proposal earmarks $38.14 million for a capital sinking fund to support future infrastructure projects, including schools, parks, walkways, roads, and revitalization efforts.

An additional $25.43 million is designated for enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the county. The plan also devotes $8 million to emergency repairs on aging facilities and $5 million to construction cost increases.

Other allocations include $2.5 million for resurfacing and enhancing outdoor basketball and tennis courts at Lower Potomac Field in Mason Neck, $5 million for park authority capital projects, $1.86 million for furnishing the Franconia Governmental Center and Kingstowne Regional Library complex that’s currently under construction, and $1 million for improvements at the Workhouse Campus in Lorton.

Public safety

Public safety is another key focus, with Hill allocating $5.36 million to establish a pharmacy within the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to comply with new federal regulations.

Another $3 million is aimed at replacing emergency vehicles like ambulances, while $2.5 million would fund a down payment for new self-contained breathing apparatuses for firefighters.

The Police Operational Support Bureau is slated to receive $1 million for new equipment and furniture, and the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department will get $480,000 for equipment costs.

The package also includes $1.13 million to enhance public safety radio services, $960,000 for victim services programs and $420,000 for security upgrades across county facilities.

Environmental and energy initiatives

Another $4 million would be allocated for energy improvements, evenly split between county and park facilities.

A $2.7 million allocation would enable the county to install electric vehicle charging stations at 10 sites. Additionally, $1.35 million would be dedicated to implementing programs to support the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan and Resilient Fairfax initiative.

Community services

If the package is approved, the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will get $1.93 million for recruitment and retention efforts.

Hill’s budget includes $1.39 million to support the temporary overnight shelter that opened last month at the North County Human Services Building in Reston. The building also hosts a hypothermia prevention shelter between December and March.

About $150,000 is also requested for the park authority’s annual Summer Entertainment Series.

Miscellaneous
The carryover package devotes over $13 million to the county’s information technology needs, including $7.16 million to improve and secure the county’s digital systems and storage capabilities.

Other relatively small miscellaneous items include:

$1.68 million to ensure the smooth operation of the Nov. 5 general election
$500,000 for traffic calming initiatives in residential areas
$320,000 for additional positions in the commonwealth’s attorney’s office
$250,000 for refuse collection routes
Funds are also proposed for running bamboo mitigation, zoning violation appropriations, salary supplements for state employees, and compensation adjustments for the Police Civilian Review Panel.