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Herndon passes $43 million budget
The Herndon Town Council kept taxes flat while approving $43 million in spending for fiscal 2009.
Councilman Harlon Reece was the only member to vote against the budget, saying it uses more of the undesignated fund balance than he is comfortable with.
The approved budget represents a 4.1-percent increase from the fiscal 2008 budget but keeps the town's real estate tax at 24 cents per $100 of assessed value; retains the town's meals and hotel taxes at 1.5 percent and 6 percent, respectively; and increases water and sewer service rates by 3 percent.
Among the amendments to the budget recommended by Town Manager Art Anselene on March 28 were changes to the Capital Improvements Plan that the Herndon Planning Commission recommended April 1.
For 2009, the approved CIP focuses on infrastructure improvements such as stream bank stabilization, park equipment replacement, Metrorail station area plan and technical studies, improvements to Station Street and the Park-Monroe intersection, and improvements to the town shop. The council budgeted a total of $3.6 million for capital projects.
Funding of $40,000 was provided for streetlights, $100,000 for storm drainage improvements, and an additional $40,000 for sidewalks and minor trails in 2009. Anselene's proposed funding for Herndon gateway signs, totaling $60,000, was deferred until fiscal 2010, but $900,000 for the construction of a new shop for the Department of Public works remained in the 2009 budget.
Under the approved budget, the town will issue a $1.25 million bond in June 2009, an increase of $180,000 over the the town manager's proposed bond issue of $1.07 million.
The council also adjusted employee compensation to fully fund the cost-of-living increase for sworn police personnel at 2.96 percent and to fund an average pay-for-performance award for non-sworn employees at 3.75 percent.
Under the approved budget, general fund recurring budget expenditures increase 2.2 percent over fiscal 2008 expenditures, to total $31.7 million.
Copies of the approved budget will be available beginning July 1 on the town’s Web site, www.herndon-va.gov.
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