001We went to the first public hearing in Fairfax County as leaders try to hash out a budget that wrapped up about 15 minutes ago and people started sharing their thoughts at 5:00 p.m. So yes, they are passionate about the possibility of big cuts and higher taxes. Our Kitty Lasso is sharing some of their concerns tonight. By the number of people we saw here tonight and the people who rallied before this hearing began, it is clear that there is a lot of interest in how this budget plays out. We have to go and look at our community and say, pull ourselves up and say, "What can we do for ourselves?" When residents are frustrated by tax increases, teachers and schools are blamed. Inside the Fairfax County Government Center, pay us what we deserve. And outside Fairfax
002County residents did not hold back on their feelings about the proposed county budget. We have to get things under control. We have to get our programs under control. Fairfax County is worth fighting for. For Cassandra, the proposed tax increases are a concern. Real estate taxes have been raised year after year and it's becoming very unaffordable. The board is also considering a 4% food and beverage tax, a concern for some restaurant owners. The industry is already suffering and working hard to get through it. I just don't think that's the time. But the money generated, the board says, could help offset some of the proposed tax increases. I'm all in favor of raising the real estate tax and also for the meals tax. Molly Sullivan, a parent and FCPS teacher, says that money could help keep after
003school programs afloat. As people are starting to lose their jobs in the area, too, like with federal workers, a lot of people aren't going to be able to afford private tutors. After school clubs at the middle school are the only level that is completely free to every single student. Speaking of schools, they're facing cuts, too. Their budget had included a 7% salary increase for all FCPS employees. We want to give them the right amount. But when we look at the administration with a $200,000 per year type of income, it's just not a fair thing. 7% is very frustrating. But Sullivan says it's deserved. We are one school district and we all work together. Everyone deserves a raise. The proposed budget also includes cuts that would impact first responders. Elimination of frontline units that provide the
004service to the community will delay our ability to to respond to the call and provide that care that the people in Fairfax County have come to expect. Now, tonight was just the first of three public hearings scheduled for this week. We've put more information on how you can sign up on our website, w USA9.com in Fairfax County. I'm Katie Lasso, W USA