North Fairfax News

In a warning from the Fairfax County Republican Party, concerns are mounting over the proposed Fairfax 2023 $435 million school bond, as officials highlight significant financial burdens and a history of circumventing referenda for contentious projects. Taxpayers are being urged to assess the potential consequences before the upcoming vote, according to a report.

Fairfax County is projected to allocate $100 million toward bond interest payments this year, potentially resulting in a $230 increase in the average real estate tax bill for residents. 

Concerns have been raised regarding spending patterns, with a historical allocation of $360 million (plus interest) for four projects since 1994, which have faced controversy. These projects include the purchase of the Herrity and Pennino buildings in 1994 for $117 million, the construction of South County High School in 2003 at a cost of $55 million, the acquisition of the Gatehouse Administration Building in 2005 for $61 million and the procurement of a new public safety building in 2014 for $127 million.

Additionally, it has been highlighted that the Board of Supervisors opted to circumvent referenda by utilizing the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to issue "revenue bonds" typically reserved for projects generating income through fees, such as toll roads. However, it's argued that these EDA revenue bonds are ultimately funded by taxpayers' money, resembling the financial burden of bonds approved through referenda, raising questions about their legality.

Additional concerns have arisen as the county reportedly did not conduct a cost comparison study between constructing a new public safety building and renovating one of the numerous abandoned office buildings, leaving the fiscal implications of such a decision unexamined.       

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Capital Improvement Plan has been criticized for the absence of any explicit emphasis on frugality in the design of renovations and new buildings, with the term "frugal" notably missing from the comprehensive 288-page plan.

Concerns have been raised over the growth of FCPS's ending balance, which has surged from $140 million in FY2018 to $331 million in FY2023, despite an enrollment decrease of 8,000 students. This $190 million increase has prompted discussions about potential returns to taxpayers or its allocation toward renovations and construction projects, potentially reducing the necessity for bond issuance.

The November 2023 general election ballot will feature a School Bond Referendum with a principal amount of $435 million.

“This collective investment is part of building our future,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent.