Arlington sets 2021 budget, property tax with hopes of ‘better days ahead’
The Arlington City Council on Tuesday approved its budget and property tax rate changes, as officials count on more losses to come as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Arlington residents will pay around $34.35 more in property taxes under the plan, or $2.86 per month, due to a 20-cent hike in garbage rates and 25-cent rise in storm water rates. Property taxes on average homes will also increase by $2.41 per month.
The council unanimously approved the budget that will go into effect Oct. 1, as well as a property tax rate of 62.25 cents per $100 valuation. The adopted budget also raises garbage rates by 20 cents per month and storm water rates by 25 cents.
The city projects sales tax revenue will decline by 9% in the upcoming year. Similarly, Arlington is expected to make $9.3 million less in property taxes than the city is projected to make this year.
The budget is the culmination of cutbacks across city departments totaling over $8 million, as well as funds set aside for social equity measures, transportation initiatives and park development. The city has also sought grants to help fund programs.
“We are looking forward to better days ahead after this pandemic,” Mayor Jeff Williams said after the vote.
Social equity measures include doubling park performance funds to make public programs more affordable to under-served communities; eliminating fees for residents who ask Arlington Police to call or direct towing services; and refunding water service deposits for those who have consistently paid their bills on time.
The budget also sets aside $461,000 for implementation of the Unity Council’s recommendations expected in February.
Officials unanimously passed the plan on both readings, but Williams said budget discussions were particularly arduous as departments scaled back and officials budgeted from the reduced amount.
“Know that we didn’t have a lot of discussion tonight, but there’s been a whole lot of discussion” over the last few weeks, he said.
