Fairfax Confronts A Deeper Fiscal Hole

$650 Million Gap Would Require Job, Service Cuts

Fairfax officials warned county employees yesterday to prepare for layoffs and residents to brace for deep cuts in services next year as the county grapples with a projected budget gap that has widened to nearly $650 million, driven in large part by housing values that have plummeted beyond expectations.

In July, Fairfax County officials had predicted a 10 percent drop in house values, which would have resulted in a $430 million deficit for the 2009-10 budget year. The latest snapshot, based on fresh assessment data, shows that house values have fallen 14 percent since January.

County Executive Anthony H. Griffin disclosed the new figures during a budget meeting with the Board of Supervisors yesterday, in advance of the board's breakfast today with members of the General Assembly.

"We're at a point now where it's starting to impact the delivery of services," said Griffin, who proposed $1.5 million in immediate cuts. Griffin will present his recommendation for next year's budget in February.

Local governments across the region are struggling with the ailing economy. Prince William County cut 36 jobs last week and is considering canceling tax breaks for nonprofit groups. Alexandria officials have begun eliminating programs to free millions of dollars needed to balance the city's budget. In Maryland, Montgomery County school employees have agreed to forgo a 5 percent wage increase. Prince George's County officials are considering laying off as many as 500 employees.

Fairfax board members have already signed off on a hiring freeze, put off some construction projects, approved a one-day furlough for nonessential employees and let go some temporary workers in an effort to balance the $3.4 billion budget.

But the more they cut, the more challenging their job becomes.

"We're trying to achieve every kind of efficiency we can," said Belinda Buescher, a spokeswoman for the Department of Family Services.

"At the same time, the demand and the need for public assistance is escalating dramatically. So the existing workload is skyrocketing" among permanent employees, she said.

Yesterday's announcement was a reminder that the spring will bring one of the most difficult budget seasons in decades and is likely to be painful for permanent county employees and for the rising number of county residents who seek government assistance in tough economic times.

Supervisor Pat S. Herrity (R-Springfield) accused fellow supervisors and the county's staff yesterday of delaying action on what he said were "no-brainer" cuts. For example, he said, the county ought to act quickly to close community libraries on Fridays and to cut transportation services for some Medicaid recipients who can get those services free through other means.

"I know you have a list in your head already that you're going to put on the table starting July 1," when the next fiscal year begins, Herrity told Griffin. "I think we need to take that list that's in your head and take some of the no-brainers . . . and get them done sooner rather than later."

But Supervisor Sharon S. Bulova (D-Braddock), chairman of the budget committee, advocated "a more deliberative approach" rather than a "chaotic process where you're trying to change the tire while you're driving down the highway."

Bulova and Herrity are competing to replace board Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D), who in January will resign to take a seat in the House of Representatives. The election will be Feb. 3.

In the spring, the board is likely to sign off on the reduction in community library hours, which would save the county more than $3 million. But Griffin said it is not something to be rushed through, because it would result in the elimination of 32 regular positions and more than 100 temporary ones. Many of the more controversial cuts will have to go through a public hearing process, he said.

Herrity countered that it would be folly to remain devoted to process if it hinders quick results.