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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 emergency services capacity if necessary. "It is time for serious budget cuts and no tax increases," Antonelli said.
Jeremiah Howard told the board Arlington’s "revenue model is collapsing," warned the county is shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners and small businesses, and urged eliminating what he called "vanity projects," cutting fees and easing regulations instead of increasing taxes.
By contrast, Michael Beer and Alice Hogan urged the board to raise rates to preserve services. Beer argued higher taxes fund the quality-of-life services residents expect, while Hogan — speaking as a lifelong Arlington resident and homeowner — said she would support a one-cent increase or a half-penny to protect schools, public safety, transit, libraries and services for vulnerable residents. "We need more funds to keep Arlington running as the amazing community that it is," Hogan said.
John Musso, government affairs manager at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, urged the board to remove proposed fee increases that would affect development costs, warning that steep hikes in certain land-use and adaptive-reuse fees could deter smaller developers and nonprofit projects.
Audrey Clement and Kim Edwards highlighted fiscal and household impacts. Clement said the FY2027 budget maintains a $1.69 billion bottom line, with 56 fewer employees, the elimination of one library and one athletic program, and a 4.8% tax increase that she said would raise the average household bill by about $422; she also cited an office vacancy rate she put at roughly 23.5% and urged Arlington Economic Development to recruit new businesses. "How can the county demand that you pay more for less?" Clement asked. Resident Kim Edwards, a 47-year homeowner, asked the board to reject or reduce the increase and pressed the county on protections for moderate‑income homeowners who do not qualify for relief programs.
After the public record closed, Chair DiFrante formally moved to "close the public hearing on the calendar year 2026 proposed tax rate and fees and to carry over action to the April 2026 County Board meeting." Vice Chair Maureen Coffey seconded. Members responded “aye,” and the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote tally or a formal recorded breakdown by member.
The board announced a brief technical recess to allow staff to resolve virtual‑meeting difficulties before resuming the continued budget public hearing.
