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Projected deficit turns $27M surplus for Prince William
Washington, D.C. -
Emergency spending reductions, hiring freezes and other cost saving measures this spring helped Prince William County government officials build a $27 million surplus out of a projected deficit. By leaving positions vacant, cutting some department resources and delaying key expenses, agency leaders ended the year with an unexpected cushion. Facing Northern Virginia’s punishing reshousing market, the extra cash will address problems in the $850 million budget and help fund new programs. Among the beneficiaries are the technology department’s replacement fund; a project to expand Minnieville Road; and efforts to develop the county’s controversial new illegal immigration policy. “Agencies put off short-term expenditures last year and did not fill the normal vacancies as they watched their budgets closely,” Assistant County Executive Melissa Peacor said. “Because they were so cost-conscious, we now have more money to address a few priority issues.” About $9.4 million will go to the county’s rainy day fund and additional funds will fortify the county against dropping real estate tax revenues, Peacor said. New efforts to curb illegal immigration will receive $900,000 according to the staff proposal and Police Chief Charlie Deane will ask for additional money later, Peacor said. “We wanted to take this opportunity to address this board priority,” Peacor said. Money will address several fronts, from helping educate county residents about new police efforts to check legal residency status to developing a system denying some county services to illegal immigrants. Supervisors expect some cost increases as a result of the new immigration policy, but the price should not be too significant, board Chairman Corey Stewart said. |
