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Arlington County hears split public testimony on proposed 2026 tax rates; board carries hearing to April
Summary
Residents, business leaders and advocates offered sharply different advice at a public hearing on Arlington’s proposed 2026 tax rates and budget — some urged steep cuts, others urged modest or larger tax increases — and the County Board voted to recess the tax-rate hearing and take action at its April 2026 meeting.
The Arlington County Board heard nearly a dozen public speakers on the proposed calendar-year 2026 tax rates and associated fee and zoning-code amendments before moving to recess the tax-rate hearing and carry action to its April 2026 County Board meeting.
Board Chair Matt DiFrante opened the session and described the hearing format, then called for two-minute and three-minute public comments. After public testimony, DiFrante moved to close and carry the tax-rate hearing to the April meeting; Vice Chair Maureen Coffey seconded and members voted in favor.
Public commenters were sharply divided. John Antonelli argued that Arlington taxes have risen for 25 years and urged deep budget cuts — naming library closures, arts programs and bus-service reductions as possible savings — and suggested reducing…
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