County Executive Takes Questions on FY2013 Budget

Fairfax County Executive Anthony Griffin answered questions regarding the proposed fiscal 2013 county budget during an online chat with residents Wednesday.

The $6.7 billion budget – a 6 percent increase from last year – includes an almost 2.2 percent pay increase for county employees.

The increase is the first in two years and was achieved through diligence and management of vacant positions, Griffin said.

“I am grateful that we can start recognizing this effort in FY 2013 with a 2.18 percent market rate adjustment (MRA) and by maintaining our commitment to our retirement and health benefit packages,” he said.

The budget does not restore any previously cut programs, including the county’s bike program.

The proposed budget does eliminate the police cadet program, Griffin said.

During the chat, which lasted from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., 20 questions were asked and answered. 

One commenter asked why so many county positions held by women seem to be getting cut. Another implied that the county’s FOCUS information technology plan was a failure.

According to Griffin, “The additions and deletions [of positions] reflect changing priorities. It is not anticipated that anyone in a job to be eliminated will lose county employment.”

Board of Supervisor budget committee meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 13 and 10 a.m. on March 27. Public hearings will be held at Fairfax County Government Center on April 10 at 6 p.m. and April 11 and 12 at 3 p.m. The full budget schedule can be found here. 

For more information on the county budget, see Patch’s story about .

The full transcript of the chat is available online.