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Fairfax budget fight centers on school tuition spike, potential tax increases and arts funding
Summary
At a March 25 public hearing and work session, residents urged the city to preserve arts funding while the school board chair described a $12.6 million tuition increase to Fairfax County Public Schools; council discussed meal‑tax increases, a proposed real‑estate tax rate adjustment, a 10% reduction exercise and one‑time cash options.
Fairfax City’s March 25 meeting included an extended public hearing and a budget work session focused on a proposed FY2026 plan that would rely on a mix of revenue and expense changes to close a funding gap.
During the public hearing, arts and community groups asked the council not to cut support for Fall for the Book, the City of Fairfax Theater Company and the City band. Tamara Harvey, chair of Mason’s English department and a longtime resident, appealed to council to keep the city’s $25,000 annual contribution to Fall for the Book, arguing the festival generates economic activity for local businesses. Leaders of the City of Fairfax Theater Company and the City band described cultural and economic benefits and urged continued support.
School Board Chair Carolyn Pitches presented the school system’s budget context. She said roughly 90 percent of the city’s school…
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