Arlington City Council Adopts $552 Million Budget, 6th Consecutive Property Tax Rate Reduction
By Office of Communication
Posted on September 15, 2021, September 15, 2021

Budget and Business Plan

The Arlington City Council on Tuesday adopted the $552 million Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget, which includes a property tax rate reduction for the sixth year in a row, and slight increases for residents’ water rates, the garbage collection rate and storm water fee.

Plans for next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, include investments in public safety, information technology, the implementation of the Unity Council recommendations, and support for Arlington’s award-winning parks and recreation amenities. This includes new playgrounds and money to make sure parks services are available for low-income residents.

The budget also includes $7.2 million to restore key services, $200,000 for more LED streetlights and $2.3 million for generators. Federal funding from the recent American Rescue Plan is also helping Arlington overcome the negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council also voted to lower the City’s property tax rate for a sixth consecutive year, down from $0.6225 per $100 of assessed value to $0.6198 per $100 of assessed value. This change will result in tax savings for some residents.

The council also reauthorized a variety of residential property tax exemptions, including the largest homestead exemption by state law of 20% of the property value. The City also offers a senior tax freeze as well as $60,000 exemptions for those who are over 65, disabled veterans and disabled persons. Exemptions are also available to surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members and first responders who are killed in action. Seniors over the age of 65 in Arlington may also be eligible to defer payments.

Arlington's budget and business plan are built around supporting the City Council's six priorities: Build Unity, Champion Great Neighborhoods, Support Youth and Families, Invest in Our Economy, Enhance Regional Mobility and Put Technology to Work. Plans for next year include investing $54 million in road maintenance, $169 million in public safety, $21 million for parks and $9 million for libraries.

Arlington strives to provide quality services and amenities to its residents, visitors and business community at the lowest possible cost. In addition to a slight 3% increase to the City’s water rate for the coming fiscal year, the council approved a modest increase to the garbage collection rate and an increase to the stormwater rate by 50 cents.

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