State Budget
The State Budget topic tracks the Virginia General Assembly's annual and special session budget processes and their impact on the City of Fairfax Schools.
Historically, state budget delays have created planning challenges: for FY25, the General Assembly did not adopt a budget until September — three months into the fiscal year — and included an unexpected additional 2% compensation increase that required a mid-year budget revision. During the FY26 budget cycle, state revenues were described as "woefully short," and the state budget was typically expected to wrap up around the end of March. A pivotal development came in 2026 when the General Assembly's 2026 Special Session I state budget amendments authorized localities in Planning District 8 (which includes Fairfax City) to levy a general retail sales tax of up to 1% for school capital construction/renovation or public transportation purposes, subject to voter referendum.
As of June 2026, the state budget was still pending final action, with decisions expected through June 30, 2026. By July 1, 2026, the authorization was confirmed and the School Board unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a referendum on the 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax, citing the Special Session I budget amendments as the enabling authority.
Still open
- City Council must pass its own resolution to initiate the voter referendum on the 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax (referenced deadline of July 28, 2026, with advertising requirements tied to a July 21 deadline).
- Voters of the City of Fairfax must approve the 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax at referendum before it can be levied.
- Ongoing monitoring of any further final state budget actions and their potential impact on schools and localities, as noted by Dr. Wright at the June 1, 2026 meeting.
What members have said
At the June 1, 2026 meeting, Dr. Wright reported that the FY27 city budget had been passed and stated the district would continue to monitor any final state budget actions and their potential impact on schools and localities, noting that budget decisions from Richmond were expected to continue through June 30, 2026.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
councilcommissionMinutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting, Sep 9, 2024 onward.
History
Filled dots are actions on this topic; open dots are mentions.
- Jun 1, 2026School Board
Dr. Wright stated he will continue to monitor any final state budget actions.
- Jul 1, 2026School Board · item 4.03Adoption of a Resolution Supporting a Referendum on the 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax
[4.03] The resolution referenced the 2026 Special Session I state budget amendments authorizing localities in Planning District 8 to levy up to a 1% general retail sales tax for school capital or public transportation purposes.
passedAdopt the Resolution Supporting a Referendum for a 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax in the City of Fairfax✓ Pitches✓ Hickman✓ Bartelme✓ Kelsey✓ Cecere