ARLINGTON CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS $ 518-MILLION BUDGET , FIFTH CONSECUTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE REDUCTION
In September , the Arlington City Council adopted the $ 518-million Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget , which includes a property tax rate reduction for the fifth year in a row , no increases in residents ’ water and sewer rates , and slight increases in the garbage collection rate and storm water fee .
Budget plans for the fiscal year , which began October 1 , includes long-term neighborhood investments such as a $ 200,000 corridor planning study along south State Highway 360 , an expansion of the Via rideshare service funded by a federal grant , and $ 211,392 to fulfill a federal COPS grant that has added 15 police officers to provide immediate public safety support .
Property Tax Rate and Exemptions
Council also voted to lower the City ’ s property tax rate for a fifth consecutive year , down from $ 0.6240 per $ 100 of assessed value to $ 0.6225 per $ 100 of assessed value . The City ’ s property tax rate , which remained flat for 14 years prior to the series of reductions , will now have dropped by about 2.5 cents since 2016 .
The Arlington City Council also reauthorized a variety of residential property tax exemptions , including the largest homestead exemption allowed by state law of 20 % of the property value .
Improving Equity
Improving equity and equality in Arlington is also a top priority . The recently appointed Unity Council will spend the next few months studying the best approaches to accomplish this . In the meantime , good , practical solutions are already being implemented .
For example , City Council approved the elimination of the $ 20 public safety fee for police-initiated tows for uninsured motorists as well as the expansion of the “ Build-a-Dream ” scholarship program that allows youth to participate in parks programs . The City will also now begin refunding residential water deposits for customers with excellent payment history for 12 continuous months .
Council Priorities
Arlington ’ s proposed budget and business plan is built around supporting the City Council ’ s five priorities : Champion Great Neighborhoods , Support Our Youth and Families , Invest in Our Economy , Enhance Regional Mobility and Put Technology to Work . Proposals include investing $ 27 million in road maintenance , nearly $ 159 million in public safety , $ 16.5 million for parks and $ 8 million for libraries .
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