FY 2025 Budget: A Bigger Government For A Growing City
Budget negotiations continue with department heads justifying their requests for 15 more staff. Focus on the three biggest departments – City manager’s office, public safety and public works.
Budget negotiations continue with department heads justifying their requests for 15 more staff. Focus on the three biggest departments – City manager’s office, public safety and public works.
The $138.3 million FY 2025 budget is a 16% increase that includes $11.8 million of capital spending. City staff will receive a 6% pay raise while real estate taxes average increase is 2.4%.
The capital plan (CIP) projects for 2025 total $18.3m. Over the next 6 years, the CIty plan has $191m of projects that will require about $60m of debt to be issued.
Construction of four W&OD trail crossings will last until August. Expect periodic road closures on Great Falls St, N Oak St and N Spring St.
The 2024 Falls Church Women’s History Walk on Saturday May 11, 10 am – 3 pm, Cherry Hill Park, is a self-guided tour to learn about the women who shaped our City.
OakPark Townhomes is the first to take advantage of the new T-Zone proposal, with the maximum density and size allowed. Expected price is around $1m.
The City Manager proposed funding the $20+ million cost of adding sewage capacity with City funds and $14.3 million bond issuance. City Council asked why growth isn’t paying for growth, what other options.
The 7-story Maple and Annandale proposal brings minimal commercial revenue, fully occupies the lot and bulges out over the sidewalk. Otherwise, it is an interesting building.
Demographics data from 2021Census shows the impacts of growth. Housing affordability is not only affecting renters but also homeowners without mortgages.