Friends,
This Friday, as the week comes to a close, I want to update you on the County's response to the Coronavirus (COVID 19), the Board actions at the February Board meetings, the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget, and provide you with a few updates that may be of interest.
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COVID 19 is the scientific name for the Coronavirus, which is a new virus that was first detected in Wuhan, China and has spread to the United States. Arlington County has been monitoring this situation closely and will continue to. For information about the virus and County's response, please watch the above video and click on the blue button titled "Latest Updates ..." as well.
COVID 19 is a serious public health issue and there are some steps we all should take. The symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. As you may know, three cases of Coronavirus from a couple and an individual in Montgomery County were announced last night. Each had been overseas, is in good condition, and have been quarantined. An investigation has been launched to seek to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face are the most important steps you can take to avoid contracting the virus. Staying home if you are sick is also critical. To see full responses to your questions, please click on the above link and review it with your family.
Let's remember that if we think scientifically about this--and are careful--we can decrease our chances of contracting the disease. Science also can help us avoid unnecessary anxiety: the County is monitoring this very carefully and taking every appropriate action as quickly as possible. For now, County meetings and business are continuing as is, with the following critical actions: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and stay home if sick.
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This 2 minute 30 second video is the best way to understand the process: for our FY 2021 operating budget and our capital needs.
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On to our County Board actions this month, starting with the FY 2021 Budget. At our Tuesday, February 25th Board meeting, we advertised a flat tax rate. I supported that step because our revenues will be up significantly due to growth in assessment of commercial and residential property of more than 4%. That increase would effectively be more than the tax rate increase we enacted last year.
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After we acted on Tuesday the 25th, the proposed Arlington Public Schools Budget came out last Thursday the 28th. It includes a projected budget gap of $27 million based in part on an increase in teacher and employee compensation, as well as English learner and special education needs.
Ultimately, over the coming 7 weeks, the County Board has responsibility for either keeping the tax rate flat or decreasing it, if we see fit, and, eventually, for allocating the overall level of funding for Arlington Public Schools.
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In light of the schools and the need for funding for affordable housing, you might ask why we did not consider a rate increase? The tax increase in real dollars with a flat tax rate this year on the "average" homeowner would be more than $376, a greater amount than when we increased the tax rate by 2 cents last year. Think about that: even keeping rates flat would result in a significant increase due to higher property values.
I believe we can and should make smart investments within the $40 million in increased real estate revenue we will see due to increased assessments and commercial tax revenues. That said, I will be supportive of an increase in the cigarette tax if the Legislature gives us that option, which would result in some additional funding.
As we make the decision on whether to keep the real estate tax rate flat or provide a slight decrease over the coming month, I am and will be committed to the priorities we share: housing affordability, our schools, fighting climate change, and inclusive economic growth. There is much more work to do as this is the beginning of the budget process. Please stay engaged and email me if you have thoughts on this.
I also want to update you on all the other actions we took this month, including working on housing for those with disabilities with Habitat for Humanity. See this 8 minute segment for that update:
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I joined County Board Chair Libby Garvey for the County Board Wrap Up this Month: I think this 8 minute video is easier to listen to than last month's longer Missing Middle video segment.
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If you want to see the full County Board Wrap up segments on Crystal City's Phased Development Site Plan, the Shirlington Employment and Education Center move, and our other actions, go here:
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I want to close with 4 personal updates. First, if you want to see my thoughts on Elizabeth Warren ending her campaign and the responsibility we all have to help win this critical election, please go to my personal facebook page:
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Second, I want to update you that I have decided to create a Go Fund me page to help pay referees here in Arlington that the County is legally unable to pay as we do not have a contract with them. For more information, go here:
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Third, for transparency and because I believe not all of you have seen or are aware that County Board Chair Garvey and my colleague Christian Dorsey had comments at our Saturday, February 22nd Board Meeting on an issue of concern. Please click on the button if you have not seen these 3 minutes 30 seconds:
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Chair Garvey's and Mr. Dorsey's statements capture my views. We all make mistakes--these were not insignificant--but we are all better than our worst decisions. We should root for others--and in this case, sufficient words and actions were taken, so I am rooting for and supporting my friend Christian Dorsey as we move forward as a community. (Email if you have questions.)
I want to close by acknowledging that many of you have reached out to me about our friend, colleague Erik Gutshall, who has been hospitalized and is being treated for a brain tumor. Words do not adequately cover my feelings. They cannot. I mention it to acknowledge your concerns and ask that you join me in respecting his family's desire for privacy. (If there are ways we can help, the Gutshalls will let us know. Email if you have questions.)
This is not an easy moment. I take comfort and strength from my friend Tim Kaine: tough times don't last, tough people do. I hope that thought helps you, too.
Sincerely,
Matt
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