The Arlington City Council has begun scrutiny of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, weighing in at a hefty $750.7 million. According to details shared by the City of Arlington, the budget plans to offset a $20 million shortfall that threatens the standard of city services with an assortment of cuts, new fees, and a property tax bump.
The city’s financial strategy calls for a property tax adjustment by three cents, alongside price hikes to water, garbage collection, and stormwater fees. This multifaceted approach aims to pull Arlington’s fiscal needs over the finish line. Meetings have been slated for public input, highlighted by town halls on August 14 and August 21. The City Council will finalize this budget matter in September, following these pivotal community discussions.
Residents of Arlington should brace for a real-world impact if these proposals pass muster. They could be staring down an additional $12.28 monthly, which rounds up to $147.39 over a year, calculated on average for the combined uptick in property tax, water and sewer fees, and waste management costs. Undoubtedly, eyes will be fixated on how these adjustments play out in practical terms…