Fairfax County’s leadership unveiled the Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget Plan on Feb. 17, 2026, setting the stage for weeks of public hearings and community debate about taxes, schools, services, and spending priorities.
County Executive Bryan Hill presented a $5.98 billion spending plan that keeps the real estate tax rate unchanged at $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value, while relying on higher property assessments and modest revenue growth to fund county operations and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Under Hill’s proposal, the real estate tax rate remains flat, but the average homeowner would still see a roughly $357 increase in their tax bill because property assessments continue to rise. This underscores how tax burdens can grow even without a rate change when assessed values climb.
County officials project about 3.7 percent revenue growth overall — the slowest increase in several years — but still a “healthy” uptick compared with historical trends.
Hill’s budget leverages multiple revenue sources: real estate taxes remain the largest source and personal property taxes are estimated to climb modestly.
The new food and beverage tax — in its first full fiscal year — is expected to generate more than $135 million.
Hill highlighted targeted investments — particularly in county employees and essential operations — while also proposing $32.9 million in reductions and eliminating 107 merit positions to help balance the budget.
Employee Compensation: a 2 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment for all county employees and incremental increases tied to collective bargaining agreements.
The county’s living wage would rise to $18.50 per hour as part of a multi‑year plan to reach $20 by 2029.
The plan targets administrative positions and some programs, with county leaders stressing efforts to transition affected employees into other roles where possible.
Increased funding for facilities maintenance, technology upgrades, and Parks programs. Additional resources for emergency housing, food assistance, and community funding pools.
Funding Fairfax County Public Schools remains the largest single budget priority. Hill’s proposal includes about $99.2 million in additional operating support for FCPS — higher than what was projected in early forecasts, yet still below Superintendent Michelle Reid’s $138.4 million request.
The budget also adds $7.5 million more for the School Construction Fund and more than $11 million for school debt service.
County officials point to additional state revenue and savings from reduced retirement contributions as factors giving FCPS more flexibility, but supervisors acknowledge the transfer does not fully meet the school system’s ask.
Public Hearings and Key Deadlines:
Feb. 17, 2026: Budget presented by County Executive.
Feb. 24, 2026: Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Budget Committee meeting.
Feb. 26, 2026: School Board adopts its FY 2027 Advertised Budget.
March 17, 2026: Board of Supervisors sets advertised tax rates and conducts its Third Quarter Review.
Public Hearings on FY 2027 Budget
April 14–16, 2026: Board of Supervisors holds public hearings on the FY 2027 budget, the FY 2027–FY 2031 Capital Improvement Program, and the Third Quarter Review.
April 28, 2026: Board mark‑up session, where final adjustments are made.
May 5, 2026: Adopted budget expected to be approved.
Fairfax County School Board Budget Actions
May 12, 2026: School Board holds public hearings on the approved budget.
May 21, 2026: School Board adopts its final FY 2027 budget.
July 1, 2026: FY 2027 officially begins.
