This Tuesday 3/18 marks a big milestone in the Fairfax County budget process. The Board of Supervisors will advertise the cap for the Real Estate Tax and advertise if they will consider a Meals Tax and if so, up to what amount within the 6% allowed by state law. This caps the amount of revenue the county has to work with for the FY26 budget (they can always go lower, but may not go higher than what is advertised in this meeting).  Fairfax County is facing a nearly $300 million deficit in 2026.  Without independent taxing authority, FCPS relies on the county government for about 80% of its roughly $3.7 billion in annual funding.

For a typical Fairfax County household with middle-income earnings, a 3% tax rate would add about $150 to the cost of purchasing meals and prepared food over the course of a year and would generate approximately $48 million in revenue.  At 4%, it would be about $65.1 million.  It is expected that one-third of the food and beverage tax would be paid by non-Fairfax County residents who are commuting to or visiting the county. Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William County are considering an increase in meal taxes, while Fairfax City, Herndon, Vienna and Clifton, already have a tax.

The tax rates the BOS are currently considering are not enough to fully fund the negotiated salaries and benefits for FCPS employees. The BOS has already funded collective bargaining agreements for public safety, but appears to be reluctant to do so for FCPS.  If you are a Fairfax resident, are connected to FCPS, or work and spend money in Fairfax County we encourage you to write and call Chairman McKay plus your district supervisor before Tuesday to urge them to advertise high on both so that our schools may continue to be properly funded in order to provide the quality education our families deserve and expect.