Council Questions #3

of 23

COUNCIL BUDGET QUESTIONS – APRIL 12, 2021 1

Q. What are the revenue projections for the next 5 years (and do they include the pipeline of 2 approved projects like Founders Row, Broad and Washington, and West Falls?) Page 15 of the 3 budget book says we need minimum $50M per year in new construction value to sustain city 4 services without tax rate increases. Does the pipeline of current projects meet that? (HARDI) 5

Broad and Washington and the West Falls Church (WFC) projects are awaiting final approval 6 from the Planning Commission and/or City Council. If they are approved in the next couple 7 of months, construction may begin in late 2021 with occupancy expected for Broad and 8 Washington in 2024 and WFC in 2025. Based on the expected construction values and 9 schedules of these two projects and taking into account the WFC PILOT agreement, the 10 remaining construction value of Founder’s Row, as well as smaller commercial improvements 11 and residential construction, we could possibly see construction value of $50M per year for 12 the next 5 years. Two projects also came in for application recently from Atlantic Realty and 13 Founders’ Row 2. Major commercial investments take several years to come to fruition so it 14 is important to keep them moving at a steady and constant pace, and provide an environment 15 that encourages these investments. 16

17 Q. For the $1.8M in Founders Row VC expected this summer ‐ per the budget book, it's going 18 into reserves with a potential use to either pay for improvements at TJ or high school debt 19 service. When do we have to decide? What are pros and cons of either option? Is there any 20 benefit to apply it towards debt itself? (HARDI) 21

There is no time restriction on the use of these funds. We can decide at any time to use these 22 towards debt service for the high school in lieu of capital reserves or we can make this 23 decision when we are analyzing the debt insurance for the TJ improvement project. The only 24 advantage that may be had for using it towards the TJ improvement project is the ability to 25 reduce debt issuance in a potentially higher interest rate environment. 26 27 The library VC funds of $296,817 were apprpopriated in February 2020 for the Mary Riles 28 Library renovation project. 29 30 The Proposed FY2022‐27 Capital Improvement Plan includes allocation of the Parks and 31 Recreation VC funds ($150,000) in FY2024 to offset the cost of Berman Park Play equipment. 32 Details are included in the FY2022‐27 CIP Chapter 9 located at 33 https://www.fallschurchva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13963/09‐Recreation‐and‐Parks. 34 35

Q. Per this week's discussion, I think pay equity across all of the city's front line workers is 36 important ‐ their jobs have similar tight working conditions where working from home or social 37 distancing is infeasible. How much would it cost to supplement pay for DPW operations so they 38 receive comparative hazard pay as what police did in 2020? (HARDI) 39

The public safety personnel are provided $2.50 per hour in hazard pay. To provide equitable 40 hazard pay to operations crew would cost approximately $150,000 per year. The City 41

of 23

conducted a compensation study for DPW operation staff which resulted in pay adjustments 42 implemented this year (see reference, below, at line 232.) 43 44

Q. Provide a prioritized list of unfunded needs. This would assist in appropriate use of ARPA 45 funds. (HARDI) 46 47

The City Manager and staff are developing a recommendation on the top priorities for 48 funding unmet needs and capital needs through the use of ARPA funds, as well as through 49 the federal appropriations process. This work has been made more difficult by the lack of 50 clarity from the US Treasury on the amount of the ARPA funds that will be allocated to Virginia 51 localities in particular. The US Treasury allocation and rules for ARPA are not expected until 52 May. Planning a investment strategy around $16 million over four years is a very different 53 exercise than planning for $3 million over four years. Nonetheless, an initial framework for 54 the two cases will be provided for discussion prior to the April 19th work session. It will be 55 the staff recommendation that the ARPA allocation to the City be handled through a budget 56 amendment to FY22 Budget. 57

58 Q. In the CIP for the coming 4 years ‐ which projects (and how much) are funded as pay go/cash 59 vs debt financed? (For ARPA discussion) (HARDI) 60

The tables below provides the projects organized by funding source for General Fund, 61 Transportation Fund and Utility Funds. The tables are color coded for funding sources. 62 However, it should be noted that local funds under transportation include Commerical and 63 Industrial Equivalent which has to remain locally funded to leverage NVTA 30% and 70% 64 funds. 65 66 The City Manager’s proposed FY2022‐27 Capital Improvement Program is posted on the City’s 67 website at https://www.fallschurchva.gov/1519/FY2022‐2027‐Capital‐Improvements‐68 Program. 69 70 Chapter 3 includes information on the General, School, Transportation and Utlity funds at 71 https://www.fallschurchva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13967/03‐‐General‐School‐72 Transportation‐and‐Utility‐Funds. 73 74 75

of 23

76 77 78

79 80

GENERAL FUND GENERAL FUNDFire Station 6 Reinvestment 150,000$ -$ -$ -$ 150,000$ 17.14% Fire Station 6 Reinvestment 900,000$ 600,000$ -$ -$ 300,000$ Public Facility Security -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Public Facility Security 750,000$ 750,000$ -$ -$ -$ Public Safety Radios (NEW) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Public Safety Radios (NEW) 1,228,750$ 1,228,750$ -$ -$ -$ IT Core Infrastructure Reinvestment 250,000$ 250,000$ -$ -$ -$ 28.57% IT Core Infrastructure Reinvestment 900,000$ 900,000$ -$ -$ -$ Gen. Govt Facilities Reinvestment 200,000$ -$ 200,000$ -$ -$ 22.86% Gen. Govt Facilities Reinvestment 1,825,000$ -$ 1,825,000$ -$ -$ School Facilities Reinvestment 125,000$ -$ 125,000$ -$ -$ 14.29% School Facilities Reinvestment 1,075,000$ -$ 125,000$ -$ 950,000$ Thomas Jefferson Elementary -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Thomas Jefferson Elementary 3,500,000$ 3,500,000$ -$ -$ -$ Fellows Property -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Fellows Property 400,000$ 400,000$ -$ -$ -$ Park Master Plan Implementation 150,000$ 150,000$ -$ -$ -$ 17.14% Park Master Plan Implementation 1,850,000$ 1,700,000$ -$ 150,000$ -$ Acquisition of Open Space (Modified) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Acquisition of Open Space (Modified) 2,000,000$ -$ -$ -$ 2,000,000$ Synthetic Turf Replacement -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Synthetic Turf Replacement 450,000$ -$ -$ -$ 450,000$

General Govt. and School Subtotal 875,000$ 400,000$ 325,000$ -$ 150,000$ 100.00% General Gov. and School Subtotal 14,878,750$ 9,078,750$ 1,950,000$ 150,000$ 3,700,000$ TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATIONInfrastructure Program - Bridges 240,000$ -$ -$ 240,000$ -$ 5.08% Infrastructure Program - Bridges 3,337,000$ -$ -$ 3,337,000$ -$ Infrastructure Program - Pavement -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Infrastructure Program - Pavement 8,100,000$ 2,692,980$ -$ 5,407,020$ -$ Infrastructure Program - Traffic Signals -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Infrastructure Program - Traffic Signals 4,793,000$ 1,771,620$ -$ 3,021,380$ -$ Downtown Area POA Program 814,000$ -$ -$ 814,000$ -$ 17.23% Downtown Area POA Program 10,192,000$ -$ -$ 10,192,000$ -$ Kaiser Parking Garage Elevator -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Kaiser Parking Garage Elevator 650,000$ -$ -$ -$ 650,000$ Neighborhood Traffic Calming 100,000$ -$ 100,000$ -$ -$ 2.12% Neighborhood Traffic Calming 600,000$ -$ 600,000$ -$ -$ Multimodal Connectivity and Accessibility 649,000$ -$ -$ 649,000$ -$ 13.74% Multimodal Connectivity and Accessibility 8,121,000$ -$ -$ 8,121,000$ -$ WMATA Annual Cost 1,567,000$ -$ 1,226,000$ 341,000$ -$ 33.16% WMATA Annual Cost 11,990,000$ -$ 7,356,000$ 4,634,000$ -$ North Washington POA Program -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% North Washington POA Program -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ West Broad Street POA Program 1,155,000$ -$ -$ 1,155,000$ -$ 24.44% West Broad Street POA Program 2,256,000$ -$ -$ 2,256,000$ -$ WFC Revitalization District 50,000$ -$ -$ 50,000$ -$ 1.06% WFC Revitalization District 7,600,000$ -$ -$ 7,600,000$ -$ Sidewalk and Streetlights 150,000$ -$ 150,000$ -$ -$ 3.17% Sidewalk and Streetlights 900,000$ -$ 900,000$ -$ -$ S Wash POA Program -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% S Wash POA Program 1,300,000$ 470,140$ -$ 829,860$ -$ West End and Gordon Road Triangle POA -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% West End and Gordon Road Triangle POA -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Transportation Project/ Grant Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00% Transportation Project/ Grant Development 300,000$ -$ -$ 300,000$ -$

Transportation Subtotal 4,725,000$ -$ 1,476,000$ 3,249,000$ -$ 100.00% Transportation Subtotal 60,139,000$ 4,934,740$ 8,856,000$ 45,698,260$ 650,000$ TOTAL 5,600,000$ 400,000$ 1,801,000$ 3,249,000$ 150,000$ TOTAL 75,017,750$ 14,013,490$ 10,806,000$ 45,848,260$ 4,350,000$

FUNDING SOURCE - FY2022 ONLY FUNDING SOURCE- 6-YEAR PERIOD FY2022-FY2027

TBDFY2022FY2022

PCT6YR

TOTALS GRANTS GRANTS

PAUG & C&IE

TBDDEBT DEBT PAUG &

C&IE

FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 6YR

TOTALS FY2028-FY2031

10 YR TOTALS

PUBLIC SAFETYFire Station 6 Reinvestment (Debt) -$ -$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 600,000$ 600,000$ 1,200,000$ Fire Station 6 Reinvestment (Unfunded) 150,000$ 150,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 300,000$ -$ 300,000$ Public Facility Security (Debt) -$ -$ -$ 750,000$ -$ -$ 750,000$ -$ 750,000$ Public Safety Radios (NEW) (Debt) -$ -$ -$ 1,228,750$ -$ -$ 1,228,750$ -$ 1,228,750$ Total Public Safety 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 2,128,750$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 2,878,750$ 600,000$ 3,478,750$

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYCore Infrastructure Reinvestment (NEW) (Debt) 250,000$ 200,000$ 150,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 900,000$ 400,000$ 1,300,000$ Total Information Technology 250,000$ 200,000$ 150,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ 900,000$ 400,000$ 1,300,000$

PUBLIC FACILITIESGen. Govt. Facilities Reinvestment (PayGo) 200,000$ 310,000$ 310,000$ 335,000$ 330,000$ 340,000$ 1,825,000$ 1,200,000$ 3,025,000$ School Facilities Reinvestment (PayGo) 125,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 125,000$ -$ 125,000$ School Facilities Reinvestment (Unfunded) -$ 175,000$ 150,000$ 125,000$ 150,000$ 350,000$ 950,000$ 600,000$ 1,550,000$ Thomas Jefferson Elementary (Debt) -$ -$ -$ -$ 1,000,000$ 2,500,000$ 3,500,000$ -$ 3,500,000$ Total Public Facilities 325,000$ 485,000$ 460,000$ 460,000$ 1,480,000$ 3,190,000$ 6,400,000$ 1,800,000$ 8,200,000$

TRANSPORTATION (see separate special trans. fund)

RECREATION & PARKS/FIELDSFellows Property Parkland (Debt) -$ 400,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 400,000$ -$ 400,000$ Park Master Plan Implementation (Debt) 150,000$ 150,000$ 200,000$ 300,000$ 400,000$ 500,000$ 1,700,000$ 900,000$ 2,600,000$ Park Master Plan Implementation (VC) -$ -$ 150,000$ -$ -$ -$ 150,000$ -$ 150,000$ Park Master Plan Implementation (Unfunded) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 2,000,000$ 2,000,000$ Acquisition of Open Space (Modified) (Unfunded) -$ -$ 1,000,000$ -$ 1,000,000$ -$ 2,000,000$ 1,000,000$ 3,000,000$ Synthetic Turf Replacement (NEW) (Unfunded) -$ -$ -$ -$ 450,000$ -$ 450,000$ 900,000$ 1,350,000$ Total Recreation & Parks/Fields 150,000$ 550,000$ 1,350,000$ 300,000$ 1,850,000$ 500,000$ 4,700,000$ 4,800,000$ 9,500,000$ TOTAL GENERAL FUND 875,000$ 1,385,000$ 2,110,000$ 2,988,750$ 3,580,000$ 3,940,000$ 14,878,750$ 7,600,000$ 22,478,750$

Total Debt Financed 400,000$ 750,000$ 500,000$ 2,528,750$ 1,650,000$ 3,250,000$ 9,078,750$ 1,900,000$ 10,978,750$ Only if grant/revenue offset 150,000$ 325,000$ 1,150,000$ 125,000$ 1,600,000$ 350,000$ 3,700,000$ 4,500,000$ 8,200,000$

Grant Funded -$ -$ 150,000$ -$ -$ -$ 150,000$ -$ 150,000$ Total "Pay as you go" 325,000$ 310,000$ 310,000$ 335,000$ 330,000$ 340,000$ 1,950,000$ 1,200,000$ 3,150,000$

Total Sources 875,000$ 1,385,000$ 2,110,000$ 2,988,750$ 3,580,000$ 3,940,000$ 14,878,750$ 7,600,000$ 22,478,750$

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMGeneral Fund and School Fund

City Manager Recommendation - March 8, 2021

SOURCES

of 23

81 82 Q. What would it take to pilot a mental health model for efficiency and outcome for the 83 residents for long term benefits? What other things can we do to reduce secondary 84 responsibilities for the police officers? (HARDI, HISCOTT, SNYDER) 85

We are currently tracking a pilot project with the Fairfax‐Falls Church Community Service 86 Board (CSB), Diversion 1st Program. This program is a co‐responder program where a mental 87 health provider is partnered with a first‐responder (Police, Sheriffs and Dispatchers). The 88 program is being tested in Fairfax County’s West Springfield and Mount Vernon Police 89 Districts. The Falls Church Police have requested to be a part of the pilot and/or in the 90 rotation for this program. The pilot coordinator has been in direct contact with a Falls Church 91 Police Commander and has explained that the pilot program has gotten off the ground and 92 they have found significant issues that will require working through new policies and 93 procedures. We will closely monitor the progress of this co‐responder model for Falls Church 94 opportunities. 95 96 The Diversion 1st Program with CSB has been exceptional resources for the City. The addition 97 of the co‐responder program will not necessarily relieve the time an officer must spend on 98 these type of calls, as they typically are potentially dangerous and police protection is 99 required. This model will, however, offer an additional measure of de‐escalation because the 100 community member suffering a mental health crisis will be interacting with a mental health 101 professional first, with the protection of an officer as the co‐responder. 102 103 It is the staff recommendation that the City maintain our mental health services for the 104 community through the CSB and continue to seek to enhance our staff training and staff 105 resources through the CSB. 106 107

FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 6 YR TOTALS FY2028-FY2031

10 YR TOTALS*

SEWER UTILITY

Arlington WPCP Non-expansion Capital 384,000$ 490,000$ 786,000$ 999,000$ 958,000$ 286,000$ 3,903,000$ 222,000$ 4,125,000$ Alexandria Wastewater Treatment Upgrades

602,642$ 489,587$ 373,473$ 591,585$ 538,780$ 546,986$ 3,143,054$ 563,450$ 3,706,504$

Alexandria Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity (Local (Debt)

-$ -$ -$ 2,000,000$ -$ -$ 2,000,000$ -$ 2,000,000$

Alexandria Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity (Availability Fees)

-$ -$ -$ 4,000,000$

-$ -$ 4,000,000$

-$ 4,000,000$

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (PayGo) -$ -$ -$ -$ 750,000$ 750,000$ 1,500,000$ 3,000,000$ 4,500,000$ Total Sewer Utility 986,642$ 979,587$ 1,159,473$ 7,590,585$ 2,246,780$ 1,582,986$ 14,546,054$ 3,785,450$ 18,331,504$

Total Debt Financed 986,642$ 979,587$ 1,159,473$ 3,590,585$ 1,496,780$ 832,986$ 9,046,054$ 785,450$ 9,831,504$ Granted Funded -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Total "Pay as you go" Financed -$ -$ -$ -$ 750,000$ 750,000$ 1,500,000$ 3,000,000$ 4,500,000$ Sewer Availability Fees -$ -$ 4,000,000$ -$ -$ 4,000,000$ 4,000,000$

TOTAL SOURCES 986,642$ 979,587$ 1,159,473$ 7,590,585$ 2,246,780$ 1,582,986$ 14,546,054$ 3,785,450$ 18,331,504$

STORMWATER UTILITY

Stormwater Flooding Remediation 1,099,282$ 793,152$ 903,537$ 1,183,473$ 1,452,462$ 1,473,227$ 6,905,133$ 1,250,000$ 8,155,133$

Four Mile Run -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 15,000,000$ 15,000,000$ TOTAL STORMWATER UTILITY 1,099,282$ 793,152$ 903,537$ 1,183,473$ 1,452,462$ 1,473,227$ 6,905,133$ 16,250,000$ 23,155,133$

Total Debt Financed 1,099,282$ 793,152$ 903,537$ 1,183,473$ 1,452,462$ 1,473,227$ 6,905,133$ 1,250,000$ 8,155,133$ Granted Funded -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Total "Pay as you go" Financed -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Only if grant/revenue offset -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 15,000,000$ 15,000,000$

TOTAL SOURCES 1,099,282$ 793,152$ 903,537$ 1,183,473$ 1,452,462$ 1,473,227$ 6,905,133$ 16,250,000$ 23,155,133$

TOTAL UTILITIES 2,085,924$ 1,772,739$ 2,063,010$ 8,774,058$ 3,699,242$ 3,056,213$ 21,451,187$ 20,035,450$ 41,486,637$

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMUtility Funds

City Manager Recommendation - March 8, 2021

SOURCES

SOURCES

of 23

Q. How would the Body Worn Camera program work? Explain the various funding sources and 108 the scope of the project? What are the maintenance costs and staffing level requirements? 109 When is it realistic that all our officers will have body worn cameras? (DUNCAN) 110

The BWC program will be managed by the Police Department. FCPD has an established In‐111 Car‐Camera system which will be modified to add this additional platform. The system is 112 supported by an automated download options where the officer’s video evidence is collected 113 upon their mere arrival at the station ~an automatic upload. 114 115 Scope: Body‐worn cameras produce objective, unbiased evidence that can help determine 116 the facts regarding questionable interactions between officers and community members. Not 117 only do body‐worn cameras provide an up‐close, unbiased perspective, but they also have 118 the potential to act as a potential calming mechanism, providing positive pressure to both 119 citizens and the officers interacting with them to behave courteously and professionally. All 120 officers and Public Safety Aides in the Department will be issued Body‐Worn Cameras for use 121 on Patrol, during investigation of crimes, during execution of Search Warrants, during 122 potential civil unrest, and large scale community events. 123 124 Data storage of all video files will be through a “cloud based” system managed by our current 125 vendor of our In‐Car Video system and the Evidence Library software. The retention schedule 126 of recorded events will be set in consultation with our Commonwealth’s Attorney Office and 127 our City Attorney. 128 129 We have been notified that the BWC grants has been awarded to the City in the next couple 130 of weeks. The Grant is for $50,000 and a required matching $50,000 in local funding. The 131 reoccurring maintenance cost will be $45,000 a year. 132 133 In this and recent General Assembly Sessions, several bills have been submitted to require all 134 Virginia law enforcement agencies to have BWC. To date, these bills have not passed into 135 law. 136 137

Q. The budget includes unfunded request for additional police officers. What would those 138 officers do? (DUNCAN) 139

Two additional officers would supplement Operations (Patrol) staffing to bring a more 140 reasonable workload, assure days off, training days and support the training needs of the 141 Department detailed in the Use of Force Review Committee’s Recommendation Area 6. 142 Recommendation Area 6 – Personnel and Training Guidance: 143 • The UFRC recommends the Police Department hire a full‐time certified trainer to offset 144 training responsibilities from current personnel. This position would enhance training in areas 145 such as new use of force policy, best practices, and procedures; enhanced bias reduction and 146 restorative justice techniques; and new approaches for managing situations with special 147 circumstances and vulnerable populations (per Recommendation 4). 148

of 23

• The UFRC recommends the Police Department increase staffing to adequately address 149 population levels and increased public expectations on law enforcement. 150 • Commensurate with this increase, the Police Department should clearly define, monitor, 151 and report increased instances/frequency of officer training, mentoring, and performance 152 within General Order guidelines. The UFRC recommends analyzing training efforts and results 153 in conjunction with data on reported incidents. This effort should be coordinated with the 154 CRB (as described in Recommendation 2). 155 156 In recent years, the City Police Department has responded to the increased calls for service 157 by assigning the following specialized positions to routine patrol: former Community Services 158 Officer (CSO), the Traffic Enforcement Officer, and the detective assigned to the regional 159 Financial Crimes Task Force. In addition to the needs spelled out by the UFRC, restoring these 160 specialized positions over time would have great value to the City and the Deparpment. 161

162 Q. What should we be advocating in terms of automated speed enforcement going forward? 163 (SNYDER) 164

The current Photo Enforcement Programs include: Photo Red Light Enforcement and The Stop 165 Arm Program. These programs take considerable time and expertise from a variety of sworn 166 employees. By State law a sworn officer must download, view and verify each and every 167 violation generated from these automatic systems. This process from the time of violation 168 to verifications must legally take place within a designated time period. All violations that are 169 contested must be scheduled for a court hearing and the officer involved must be prepared 170 for testimony. 171 172 Adding the Speed platform is an opportunity we could manage if we boost our staffing with 173 a Temporary Part Time Officer, as proposed in the Manager’s budget. After reviewing 174 programs throughout the state, we have observed other Police Departments (Fairfax City) 175 finding efficiencies by hiring Temporary Part Time (TPT) officer to assist with these type 176 programs. The TPT sworn officer can also be assigned to other duties such as background 177 checks, quality of life type investigations to relieve the heavy workload of our Criminal 178 Investigations Unit. The TPT officers can also be deployed on special events and other duties 179 as assigned at a much lower cost than hiring a FTE. 180 181

Q. Could any of the public safety budget issues that are being discussed be resolved through 182 regional funding or programs? (SNYDER) 183

We are currently look at the conversion of the Emergency Communication Center with a 184 regional center approach. From recent discussions, it has become obvious this is a 185 complicated conversion which needs to be studied and all jurisdictions involved must be 186 readied for implementation. There are many services, hardware efficiencies, protocols and 187 mutual understandings to be worked out before we know that this is a viable public safety 188 solution for emergency communications. 189 190

of 23

Q. What is the benchmark of the size of our police force compared to jurisdictions of our size in 191 population and crime rate. Benchmark by function would be helpful. (HARDI, HISCOTT) 192

The following chart provides the number of sworn officers per resident population for the 193 City and nearby smaller jurisdictions. A breakout of positions by function and data on crime 194 rates was not immediately available for comparison purposes in this chart. 195

196 197

Q: What types of projects and maintenance activities will VDOT assist with? (SNYDER) 198

VDOT provides assistance with managing CIP projects. As an example, the City will use VDOT 199 to manage construction of the S. Oak Street Bridge. As an another example, we used VDOT 200 staff to prepare the cost estimates for the Park Avenue Great Streets project. DPW will 201 continue to explore having VDOT manage CIP projects in the future. 202

203 Q. Do we have enough funds in the budget to maintain new CIP infrastructure such as, new 204 stretches sidewalks, intersections, bus shelter, bike racks etc. (HARDI) 205

We are able to maintain most of sidewalks; however, bigger items such as street paving and 206 brick crosswalks pose issues. 207 208 The proposed budget for FY22 allocates $400,000 for street paving, which paves 1.6 lane 209 miles. The City is responsible for approximately 80 lane miles of roadway, which means we 210 are currently on schedule to pave a street every 50 years. Clearly, this funding level is 211 insufficient to meet the need, as the average life expectancy of our roadways is 5‐10 years 212 before it needs to be repaved. The Manager’s proposed budget increases paving by $150,000 213 as a step in multi year effort to grow the paving budget to $1 million per year, which is the 214 level of funding needed to keep up with the re‐paving need. 215 216 Brick crosswalks present a significant maintenance challenge relative to zebra striped 217 crossings. The City is currently able to keep up on smaller repairs, but when the all of the 218 bricks need to be replaced, the estimated cost is $150,000 per intersection, which is not 219 currently budgeted. 220

221 Q. How are we planning for Public Works Supretendent’s retirement (Mr. Goff)? (CONNELLY) 222

Mr. Goff is an enormouse asset to the City and will be missed after his planned retirement in 223 early July this year. We are in the final stages of appointing Mr. Goff’s successor and expect 224

Jurisdiction Population

Non

Sworn

Pop Per

Sworn

Ofc

Falls Church Police 14,772 34 Officers 15 434

Herndon Police 25,545 72 Officers ? 355

Fairfax City Police 24,000 69 Officers 18 348 *4 Contract officer Request + (5) FY22

Vienna Police 16,556 41 Officers 11 404

Leesburg Police 54,000 90 Officers 18 600

Manassas Park Police 17,478 34 Officers 11 514

Sworn Additional Notes

of 23

that the new superintendent to start in May to build the necessary relationships and 225 knowledge prior to Mr. Goff’s retirement. 226 227 There are currently eight vacancies in DPW operations out of a work force of twenty seven. 228 This is of serious concern, and it is a focus of City management to retain our experienced and 229 highly valued staff as we also recruit to fill these vacancies. The department is implementing 230 internal promotions and re‐assignments to better structure our work crews and redistribute 231 projects and workload within DPW. City HR, at the request of the DPW Director, initiated a 232 pay equity study for DPW operations staff, which resulted in pay adjustments for certain staff 233 members that was implemented this current fiscal year. This study also addressed 234 compensation equity for Recreation and Parks maintenance staff. 235 236 237 238 239 240 BUDGET QUESTIONS – APRIL 5, 2021 241 242

Q. Provide an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a list of expenditures 243 that might qualify as eligible uses of these funds. 244

Allocation amount to the City still remains unknown pending US Treasury verification. 245 However, based on the CDBG formula allocation used to determine the share of Virginia 246 counties, City’s share could be $3.1M which is consistent with the 2020 CARES Act CRF 247 funding allocation. 248 249 Timing – Half of the toal allocation would be released by the US Treasury by May 11 (60 day 250 legislative requirement), along with the certification requirments. Because the City is smaller 251 than 50k population and not entitled to receive CDBG funding directly, our allocation will be 252 routed through the state, which could possibly add up to another 4 weeks to the timeline. 253 The remaining funds would be released after a year of the first allocation. Receipt of critical 254 US Treasury guidance, i.e. retroactivity, fiscal year covered period, definitions, is still pending 255 and may not be issued prior to the May 11th date. 256 257 Possible eligible uses‐ eligible uses of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Funding 258 (CSLFRF), per the legislation, include:: 259

(A) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 260 2019 (COVID–19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, 261 small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, 262 and hospitality; 263

(B) to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health 264 emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers of the State, territory, or Tribal 265 government that are performing such essential work, or by providing grants to eligible 266 employers that have eligible workers who perform essential work; 267

of 23

(C) for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of 268 such State, territory, or Tribal government due to the COVID–19 public health emergency 269 relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the State, territory, or 270 Tribal government prior to the emergency; or 271

(D) to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. 272 273 Additionally, there are two restrictions on eligible uses: 274

Funds cannot be used to directly or indirectly offset tax reductions or delay a tax/tax 275 increase; funds cannot be deposited into any pension fund. 276

Funding available through and must be spent by end of calendar year 2024. 277 278

Guiding Principles‐ per Council request staff has draft guiding principles for Council’s 279 consideration. The Principles are framed from Council comments and ones issued by the 280 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Council’s input on the following draft is 281 requested: 282

Provide tangible relief to the community (i.e. residents, businesses, schools, 283 employees). 284

Invest in long‐held city priorities consistent with adopted Vision and work plan (i.e. 285 housing, walkability, stormwater). 286

Create lasting, transformational impact with long‐term recurring investment, if 287 permissible under U.S Treasury guidance. 288

Incorporate community, school and department input. 289 Expenditures related to the ARPA funding should be spread over the qualifying period 290

(through December 31, 2024) to enhance budgetary and financial stability. 291 Care should be taken to avoid creating new programs or add‐ons to existing programs 292

that require an ongoing financial commitment, but rather supplement existing 293 programs with clear one‐time additions. 294

Use of ARPA funds to cover operating deficits caused by COVID‐19 should be 295 considered temporary and ensure structural balance in future budgets. 296

Expenditure list that may qualify‐ staff has begun to develop a preliminary spending plan 297 based on $3M conservative allocation total with $1.5M distributed per each tranche. The 298 expendures are based on the above legislative elibible uses and are categorized as: 299

Supplemental community health and economic impact needs‐ Community Services 300 Fund (CSF) Grants, Financial Asst (Rent/Utility), Food, IRis vulnerable population 301 referral software, R&P Scholarships, small business grants, “get the word out” and 302 community education and assistance efforts for vaccination. 303

Supplemental capital economic impact needs‐ CIP cash funded versus debt issuance 304 (Fire Station 6 Bay Doors, Park Master Plan, School and General Government Facilities, 305 Sidewalk/NTC, 306

Essential worker compensation‐ additional pay for those who are considered essential 307 workers during the pandemic. 308

Infrastructure Investment‐ use cash versus debt for sewer capacity and treatment 309 needs to reduce need to increase the rate 310

Note this eligible use list is only for the local government component; separate relief funding 311 is available for transit and K‐12 education. 312

of 23

313 [Additional information at the question line 174 from the March 22, 2021 response] 314

of 23

COUNCIL BUDGET QUESTIONS – MARCH 22, 2021 315

Q. For Intersection Projects that affect a corridor, are they coordinated with adjacent counties? 316 (CONNELLY) 317

For traffic and pedestrian intersection improvement projects that occur on Rt. 29 and Rt. 7 318 (i.e. S. Washington and S. Maple or N. Washington and Columbia as well as Gresham) the City 319 coordinates closely with adjacent counties on design and traffic flow/timing. 320

321 Q. Are the public safety radios compatible with the school radios? When was the last time they 322 were replaced? What brand did we upgrade to? (CONNELLY) 323

The last public safety radio upgrade occurred in 2015 as the XTS radios were no longer 324 compatible or supported. The public safety radios are not compatible with the school system 325 which supports their facility and transportation needs. The schools provide a portable radio 326 to the Police which is maintained in the Police Command Vehicle to enable communication 327 with school personnel in case of an event or emergency at the schools. 328

329 Q. Please list the three turf fields in the City.(CONNELLY) 330

Yes, the three turf fields are located at Larry Graves Park, High School football field and soon 331 the High School practice field. 332

333 Q. What are we doing with the $1.8M from Founders Row VCs? These should be recorded 334 separately and a spending plan should be brought to council for action. (CONNELLY) 335

This is currently placed in capital reserve but designated for school construction/debt service. 336 In the FY2022‐FY2027 CIP, there is a plan to expand and renovate the Thomas Jefferson 337 Elementary School and this VC can be used towards this project. The VC may also be used to 338 pay for debt service on GMHS as the construction included expansion to accommodate 339 anticipated increased enrollment from new development. 340

341 Q. Explain the variance in revenue categories – Hotel Tax, charges for services, pg 67 342 (CONNELLY) 343

Hotel Tax – unlike meals tax, hotel taxes have been slow to bounce back. At the preparation 344 of the FY2022 budget, hotel tax receipts were coming in at 35% of normal levels; whereas the 345 FY2021 budget includes projection at 65% of normal levels. Based on this, and also on 346 uncertainties still surrounding vaccination and customer confidence in travel, the projection 347 in FY2022 has been reduced to about 55% of pre covid levels. 348

Charges for Services – The decline in this category comes from from a contractual 349 arrangement with Arlington County for Aurora House. Per our agreement, Arlington County 350 makes a payment to Falls Church based on projected expenses of Aurora House and their 351 projected usage. A reconciliation adjustment is then required to be paid by them or refunded 352 to them based on actual results two years after. For budgetary purposes, this reconciliation 353 is recognized when it is due (i.e., two years after). In FY2020, Aurora House budget was 354 underspent by a significant amount due to vacancies and also, Aurora House fee revenues 355 were received from other sources in excess of projections. These two items result in a 356 “refund” to Arlington County as they overpaid for their share in FY2020 and is due to them in 357 FY2022. 358

359

of 23

Q. Unmet needs from the City Attorney includes funding request for an attorney position as 360 well as outside consultants. Which would be more effective? (CONNELLY) 361

Addressing the funding request for the attorney position would be more effective. Much of 362 the City Attorney’s time is spent working on large, complex projects such as the west 363 end. Things like that, and assisting the Economic Development Authority with the acquisition 364 of 302 Shirley cannot, and should not, be just farmed out to outside attorneys. However, this 365 results in a steady diet of more “routine” matters, such as reviewing contracts, obtaining 366 easements for City projects, and similar things getting inadequate attention. They sometimes 367 languish because there simply isn’t time to focus on them, but because they are small, they 368 don’t warrant hiring an outside attorney. Additional assistance from another attorney in the 369 office, either half‐time or full time, would enable these matters to be more regularly 370 handled. In addition, the office could be more proactive on updating ordinances and 371 addressing new legislation. Having additional outside counsel money would be less helpful, 372 because it is not easily used (it takes time to hire and arrange for the project) for all of the 373 types of projects that need more attention. 374

375 Q. Why is the Property Tax Relief for FY2022 lower than FY2020 actual? (CONNELLY) 376

FY2020 Actuals were higher than what we expect for FY2022 as it included a little over 377 $52,000 in refunds to Disabled Vets for prior years. Prior year refunds happen when a Veteran 378 receives a 100% disability rating from the Veteran’s Administration that is applied 379 retroactively to their date of discharge up to 3 years for retroactive payments per the state 380 code, which was also confirmed by the City Attorney. The 3 veterans with this situation 381 applied for refunds on taxes paid in 2017‐2020. 382

383 Accounting for this one‐time $52,000 in Veteran’s prior year refunds from the budget 384 overage, and one property that was sold and is no longer in the program, the projection for 385 FY2022 has been adjusted to $432,000 which is $42,000 over the FY2021 budget of $390,000. 386

387 Q. Is the $100k for Affordable Housing going to be used for matching funds for the Amazon 388 Grant? (CONNELLY) 389

The $100k budgeted for Affordable Housing in FY2022 is intended to be used as a match towards a 390 second application for the Amazon REACH grant through Virginia Housing. Those application 391 guidelines have not been released yet, but we anticipate applying for another $3.75M for next year. 392 393

Q. Is the power pole on N. Washington by State Theatre and Clare and Don’s included in the 394 Park Avenue Great Street Project? (DUNCAN) 395 396 The power poles on Park Place are not part of the Park Avenue Great Streets project. The Broad 397 and Washington Project will remove power poles at the frontage of the City parking lot on Park 398 Place, but they did not agree to remove the three power poles at the Clare and Don’s frontage. 399 To remove those remaining three poles, the City will need to be a new, as yet unfunded capital 400 project in the future. 401 402 Q. Status of resolving the non‐ADA compliant streetscape near Spectrum/Bedo’s? (DUNCAN) 403

The incomplete streetscape section along the frontage of Bedo’s, adjacent to Spectrum, will be 404 performed as part of the W. Broad Multimodal CIP project. The project is currently at 30% design and 405 staff are determining the right of way needs to bring the area into conformance with the Streetscape 406

of 23

Standards and current ADA requirements. The existing right of way ends at the back of the existing 407 concrete sidewalk and right of way will need to be obtained to complete this portion of sidewalk. 408

409 Q. Provide a list of unfunded citywide position requests. (HARDI) 410

Citywide personnel requests that are not funded in the FY2022 budget total $2.4 million. The 411 following table provides a breakdown by position and its estimated costs. This list also 412 includes four vacant positions that are frozen for six months in the FY2022 Proposed Budget. 413

414

Department/Division Description of NeedEstimated

CostLegislative

City Clerk

Records Administrator to assist all departments in managing records and facilitating innovative technology to increase public access to records/open data and for public access to meetings 80,000

City Attorney Full-time Assistant City Attorney 135,000 City Attorney Legal consulting services 25,000

240,000

Executive ManagementOffice of Communications Full-time Communications Specialist 90,000 Information Technology Public Safety Project Manager/Lead Systems Engineer 142,000 Information Technology Security/Infrastructure Engineer 129,000

Information TechnologyDevelopment Services & Public Works Project Manager/Lead Systems Engineer 142,000

Information Technology Library Project Manager/Lead Systems Engineer 85,200 Information Technology Systems Technician 67,500

Environmental Sustainability Full-time Environmental Department Administrator/Outreach Specialist 72,000 727,700

FinanceFinance Full year funding of Budget Analyst (funded at 6 months) 60,000 Finance Procurement Assistant 110,000 Real Estate Assessor's Office Senior Real Estate Appraiser 140,000

310,000

Commissioner of Revenue Full year funding of Revenue Assistant (funded at 6 months) 35,000

Additional 1 Revenue Assistant 70,000 Promotion of 1 Sr Revenue Asst to Deputy Commissioner of Revenue 10,000

115,000

Treasurer Part-time (0.625 FTE) Treasurer Assistant 43,000

Registrar Increase hours for Deputy Registrar position by 0.5 FTE 40,000

Sheriff Full year funding of Chief Deputy (funded at 6 months) 65,000

Full year funding of Deputy (funded at 6 months) 45,000 Additional Full-time Deputy Sheriff 75,000

185,000

Public Safety Six Police Officers 480,000

Public Works Facilities Technician 70,000

Recreation & Parks Farmer's market coordinator 10,000

Library Services

Full-time Technology Librarian. Use the .6 IT salary/benefits located 7301 at $68,605 and add .4 to bring to full time. Position would be direct report to the Library Director. 31,395

CPEDSEconomic Development Downtown Coordinator 85,000 Economic Development City Marketing, trade specific and tourism 85,000

170,000

GRAND TOTAL 2,422,095

of 23

Q. What is the timing and magnitude of anticipated federal and state stimulus funds as per 415 recent legislation? Is there a plan to utilize these funds? (HARDI, LITKENOUS, SNYDER, TARTAR) 416

The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides federal COVID‐19 relief funding vaccine 417 and testing response, individuals, businesses, transit, education, rental/ utility assistance as 418 well as state as and local government. The funds must be spent by December 2024. The 419 state and local government funding will be distributed in two equal tranches with the first 420 within 60 days of legislation enactment and recipient certification. If the locality receives their 421 funding from the state the Governor has an additional 30 days to distribute the 1st tranche. 422 The second tranche 12 months from the date of the first distribution. US Treasury guidance 423 for use and implementation of these funds is not issued yet. 424 425 Confirmation of the City’s allocation is in process. Preliminary estimates indicate two 426 amounts of $3M and $13M so the allocation range is $3M to $16M. Since the City is not an 427 entitled community, under CDBG regulation which is the determining formula for the local 428 relief funds, the City’s allocation may be distributed as a pass‐thru by Virginia. Staff continues 429 to work these items with national, state and regional organizations as well as the City’s 430 federal congressional delegation. 431 432 City Manager, in consultation with City Council will be establishing a taskforce to prepare a 433 strategic funding utilization plan to maximize community benefits in mitigating the impact of 434 the COVID‐19 pandemic. The legislation provides the following four categories of eligible 435 uses which will be further defined in the federal guidance: 436 (A) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 437 (COVID–19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small 438 businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and 439 hospitality; 440 (B) to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health 441 emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers of the State, territory, or Tribal 442 government that are performing such essential work, or by providing grants to eligible 443 employers that have eligible workers who perform essential work; 444 (C) for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such 445 State, territory, or Tribal government due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative 446 to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the State, territory, or Tribal 447 government prior to the emergency; or 448 (D) to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. 449

450 Q. Streetlights pilot program: please provide the schedule for the pilot lighting installation, and 451 details on the light selection for Frady Park (HARDI) 452

453 Based on Dominion Energy Virginia (DEV) equipment delivery the pilot project is planned for 454 the August 2021. The full project deployment would then begin in the fall of 2021. 455 456 457 The Frady Park selection of Clear Decorative Acorn maintains the current Victorian style per 458 the adopted R&P master plan. It is not dark sky compliant but has minimal up lighting due to 459 cap design. 460

of 23

461 The March 15th work session staff report attachment 7 provides a detailed project status for 462 the LED conversion project. 463

464 465 Q. Please provide an update on the Broad Street multimodal project. (HARDI) 466

The purpose of the project is to enhance multimodal improvements along West Broad Street 467 to increase pedestrian safety and accessibility, especially for people crossing W. Broad Street. 468 The project will install missing pedestrian crossing signals, relocate or remove sidewalk 469 obstructions like utility poles, use standard brick paver sidewalks and crosswalks per the City’s 470 Streetscape Standards, improve intersection geometry to shorten crossing distances, and 471 install a new midblock crossing in the 400 block of W Broad Street (between Virginia Ave. and 472 Chanel Terrace). 473

474 Q. What is the City’s fleet conversion plan to incorporate green vehicles for at least the new 475 vehicle procurements? (HARDI, TARTAR) 476

The City currently uses biodiesel fuel for our diesel trucks. As of now, many of our trucks 477 don’t have an electric alternative and those that do lack the range or quick charge times to 478 support 24/7 operations during emergencies, natural disasters, and snow 479 removal. Technology is changing rapidly and we are looking for developments that will 480 support 24/7 operations without significantly increasing our fleet size. The smaller vehicles, 481 such as the half ton pickups, have viable hybrid options on the market currently, with 482 expected electric vehicle (EV) options in the next couple of years. Additionally, the City’s 483 Environmental Programs Coordinator is researching grant opportunities to support EV 484 conversions and charging stations. 485 486 The City is currently reviewing a plan for converting our public safety fleet to electric vehicles. 487 We are considering replacement of our police administrative and criminal investigations 488 vehicles first as these vehicles carry far fewer options such as lights, powered sources that 489 drain batteries, than a regular patrol vehicle. This will allow us time to assess the options 490 needed in a patrol vehicle and also assess maintenance cost. The timing will be coordinated 491 with other City departments to ensure that there is the availability of charging stations where 492 needed. 493

494 Q. I just watched the video regarding the sidewalk concerns in Whittier Park. I didn't realize 495 their concerns were about their brick sidewalks and not the typical concrete sidewalk where 496 the annual spring smoothing process would address the issues. It triggered a few questions as 497 it relates to upcoming budget: (HARDI) 498 499

1) Just like paving, do we have adequate maintenance budget for sidewalks, especially these 500 more expensive brick ones? (And why did we do brick ones in this residential development ‐ 501 seems like it should just be commercial areas and Park Ave.) Currently the City’s budget 502 provides for the maintenance of paver sidewalks in the streetscape areas only. Paver 503 sidewalks, such as in Whittier, do not have the same base and tree pits that encourage longer 504 life of the pavers. Due to the design of paver sidewalks typically found outside of streetscape 505 areas we are extremely limited in how many issues we can address. For four of the last six 506

of 23

years, we have focused on Whittier and have fixed less than 10% of the sidewalks each year. 507 Additionally, brick paver crosswalks will reach the end of the useful life at some point in the 508 near future and expected cost to replace all four crosswalks at an intersection is approximately 509 $150,000 in 2021 dollars which is currently not included in the City’s budget. 510

511 2) When we did the library tour, both Lionel and Jenny brought up the brick sidewalk 512 requirement and the concern about budget, maintenance, and accessibility issues for their 513 senior patrons. I think those are all valid, practical concerns. Did the Streetscape Task Force 514 consider stamped concrete or brick‐like pavers that look like brick, but perform and wear 515 better? Should we be considering those options going forward? 516 The Streetscape Task Force did briefly consider stamped pavers; however, stamped pavers 517 don’t have the same authentic feel that pavers do. The bricks in our streetscape design have 518 a good structural base as well as other components, such as tree pits, that extend the life of 519 the pavers and keep paver movement to a minimum. Wear and tear from pedestrian use is 520 minimal and repairs are general due to pavers that have shifted rather than worn out. 521

522 Q. What does a 2.6 cent property tax rate cut do to our budget and does it fully counteract the 523 increase in the assessment base? (LITKENHOUS) 524

525 In order to counteract market appreciation only (ie, not including AV increase due to new 526 construction) would require a reduction of 1.5 cents in the real estate tax rate. The Proposed 527 Budget includes 1 cent reduction; the remaining 0.5 cents can possibly be addressed by 528 removing $200k in contingency. 529 530 In order to counteract both market appreciation and the value of new construction, a real 531 estate tax reduction of 3.6 cents would be required. The proposed budget includes a 1 cent 532 reduction, and if the Council choose to cut the Contingency, that gets one to 1.5 cents. The 533 additional 2.1 cents would equates to $960,000 of further expenditure reductions that would 534 require Council direction. 535

536 Q. Rate to advertise should be $1.33 (LITKENHOUS, DUNCAN) 537

Advertising at current rate allows for flexibility for any unanticipated expenditures or 538 priorities until the budget adoption. 539

540 Q15. How is our proposed tax rate compared to other jurisdictions? Federal funding? (SNYDER) 541

The chart below provides current Real Estate Tax rate for some of the neighboring 542 jurisdictions along with their proposed FY2022 rates. Budget deliberations are in progress and 543 changes are possible until adoption. 544

545

FAIRFAX PRICE WM LOUDOUN ARLINGTON CITY OFCITY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY ALEXANDRIA

2021 Town / City $0.2250 $0.2650 $1.3550 $1.0750 $0.1840

2021 County $1.1500 $1.1500 $1.1500 $1.1250 $1.0350 $1.0350 $1.0130 $1.1300

Total $1.3750 $1.4150 $1.1500 $1.3550 $1.0750 $1.1250 $1.0350 $1.2190 $1.0130 $1.1300

2022 Projected $0.2250 $0.2650 $1.3450 $1.0800 $0.1840

2022 Proj. County $1.1400 $1.1400 $1.1400 $1.1250 $1.0050 $1.0050 $1.0130 $1.1100

Total $1.3650 $1.4050 $1.1400 $1.3450 $1.0800 $1.1250 $1.0050 $1.1890 $1.0130 $1.1100Includes Refuse? Y Y Y Y

Proposed Change -$0.0100 -$0.0100 -$0.0100 -$0.0100 $0.0050 $0.0000 -$0.0300 -$0.0300 $0.0000 -$0.0200

VIENNA HERNDONFAIRFAX COUNTY

FALLS CHURCH

LEESBURG

of 23

546 547

548 Q16. What is student population likely to be based on current rate and from the new 549 apartments that are coming up. Is potential increase properly funded? (SNYDER) 550

Here is a response provided by the School Administration: 551 552 FCCPS receives school enrollment projections from the Weldon‐Cooper Center at the University 553 of Virginia. Their projections do not consider local development, but instead rely on birth data 554 and fall membership counts. Birth data are obtained from the Virginia Center for Health Statistics 555 and enrollment is projected based on the division’s current enrollment and age specific fertility 556 rate and child bearing aged population. No changes in local housing or economy are factored into 557 enrollment projections. 558 559 The Cooper Center also does the projections that the state uses to allocate Sales Tax. Weldon 560 Cooper recommends that enrollment projections are updated annually to account for any 561 changes in enrollment trends. 562 563 FCCPS’ projected enrollment for FY 2022 is 2,605 which reflects an increase of 101 from the 564 current year’s September 30th enrollment. The current year’s enrollment was lower than 565 projected; however, we are already experiencing enrollment recovery during this school year. 566 For next school year, should enrollment be higher than projected, additional staff would only be 567 added if the number of students at a specific grade level caused all of the class sizes to exceed 568 FCCPS’ class size. For example, at 5th grade there are 194 students projected. With class size set 569 at 24, there needs to be 9 teachers to keep all of the classes under 24. FCCPS could have 22 more 570 students enroll prior to needing another teacher for 5th grade. As we are hiring for each school 571 year, we continue to monitor enrollment to make adjustments in hiring and/or reallocating 572 teachers across grades as needed to balance class sizes. 573 574 In terms of the impact of development occurring within Falls Church City, using historical data 575 both within Falls Church and from surrounding school divisions, good indices exist that can be 576 used to estimate student ratios and estimate new student populations from a new development. 577 For example, according to one index, a brand‐new apartment complex will likely yield 17 students 578 per 100 units, or a 0.17 ratio. Yield ratios tend to increase as housing ages and becomes 579 increasingly affordable for families with children. In the future, FCCPS would like to work with a 580 demographer, in concert with the General Government, to fully evaluate our housing inventory 581 and develop local yield ratios which would allow a more refined approach. 582 583 Included in the budget document is a section titled Students By Dwelling Type which begins on 584 page 71. Those charts follow and provide the ratios over multiple years for housing developments 585 within Falls Church which can also be used to estimate the impact of developments. 586

- Town's tax change is 100% from the County

of 23

587

of 23

588

of 23

589

of 23

590

591

of 23

592 593

of 23

594

Council Questions #3

Documents

Transcript of Council Questions #3