Government agency needs pile up in county despite massive deficit

The proposals — a list of 35 “have to have” programs — would cost another $13 million and range from increased staffing for mental health programs and criminal justice to improved funding for roads and technology upgrades.

However, the county’s $51 million deficit is expected to climb due to hundreds of new foreclosures and sinking property values, complicating already difficult budget negotiations.

The county also is facing spending needs from the school board, which counted on $32 million in improvements.

Supervisors eager to improve services are wary, however, about increasing the average tax bill to pay for the new programs.

“There’s a worthiness in every argument, but you can’t do it all,” said Supervisor Wally Covington, R-Brentsville, noting a reluctance to increase taxes.

“I’m starting to be concerned about foreclosures and where we are with that. You can only put so much burden on people.”

Many of the plans have small introductory costs next year and would grow over the next four years. The overall package starts at $13.7 million in fiscal 2009 and surges to $47 million in 2012.

“We’re trying to provide the appropriate balance between the level of service we need to maintain a first-rate community and at the same time not overburden the taxpayers,” said Supervisor Mike May, R-Occoquan.

Adding new programs will be difficult without more cuts in spending, Chairman Corey Stewart said.

But County Executive Craig Gerhart noted in an October financial briefing that Prince William County is spending about $900 less per resident than nearby Northern Virginia counties on core services, and budget increases will be needed to improve the quality of life.

A budget update to the Board of Supervisors this afternoon is expected to highlight the challenges county administrators face balancing the budget and funding the upgrades.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com