By JillAnderson

It’s been a big week of discussions related to the proposed Fairfax County FY2011 Budget and the potential cuts to programs.

My friend, Ellie wrote an update on her blog (Around Annandale) regarding the Proposed Library cuts in Fairfax County. The proposed cuts are indeed devastating. You can read it about it HERE.

And more disturbing news: – According to the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance blog posting School Board Urges Higher Taxes to Pay for Pensions:

While attending the Fairfax County Budget Forum at Marshall High School on Feb 20th:

The FCTA asked why the school board is urging the supervisors to raise taxes by $81.9M although only $9M is needed to pay for next year’s expected increase in student enrollment.

The school superintendent acknowledged that the reason is the increased cost in employee benefits, especially pensions. According to the schools’ proposed FY2011 budget, employee benefits costs are increasing by $98M, of which $71M is for pensions and another $15M is for retiree medical benefits.

(Side Bar: I have no affiliation with the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance nor do I know if their numbers are correct. You’re on your own here).

More on Fairfax County (proposed) Budget Cuts:

Today’s Washington Post has an article “Fairfax County budget proposes tax increase, cut in school funding” – read it HERE.

The Washington Post 2/22/10 – Demonstrators Urge Lawmakers to “save our schools“

Watch this Youtube video of County Executive Anthony Griffin talk about the FY2011 Proposed Budget explaining the funding for schools.

Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance FY2011 Budget Notes with download-able spreadsheets.

It’s going to be an interesting Spring as the budget gets marked up (April 20) and approved (April 27). If you’re interested in having YOUR voice heard then plan on attending one of the Budget Public Forums on April 6th, 7th & 8th. You can Sign up HERE