001Also, right now, dozens of people are waiting to speak at a public hearing about next year's budget. It's the first of three meetings happening this week. And here's what's at stake. The county is facing a $300 million budget shortfall. And to close that gap, the county executive wants to raise taxes and cut spending. Our Katie Lusso is at tonight's hearing. And Katie, what our neighbors saying right now? Yeah, well, Lorenzo and Leslie, the public testimony portion of this really only got underway about an hour ago. I want to take you inside the room, take you into a live look at one of the speakers right now. From what I understand, speaking with county officials here. This is speaker number 17. And let me add that there are 120 people signed up to speak tonight. So
002they have a long road ahead of them. A lot of people weighing in tonight. So again, this meeting is extremely important, but we're seeing how important it is to the community by that list of people signed up. And this is only the first night of public testimony. They still have two more nights of this. And from what I understand, they've got a long list of speakers for both of those nights as well. Now, again, this budget is drawing a lot of reaction from people, and the reason is there are a number of things at stake here. The county executive's proposed budget includes $60 million in cuts. Some of the potential cuts would be to public safety and education. More than 50% of the county budget goes to education. Also on the table, though, a tax
003increase, and on top of that, the board is also considering a proposed food and beverage tax. Now, prior to the start of these hearings, there were rallies outside with those who are concerned about more taxes and that proposed meals tax speaking up. I I know they need money. Everybody needs money. Everyone's has everyone has budgets, but I just I just don't think a meals tax on the one particular industry is the way to go about it. The industry is already suffering and working hard to get through it. I just don't think that's the time. Plus, to be honest, in the past when this has come up for vote, the residents have voted it down. We have to find a a a real balance here uh between making sure that the quality of services people in
004the county expect uh remain intact but at the same time um I am very concerned about the tax rate. So again a lot of people wanting to have their voices heard tonight. Again as I mentioned in the beginning more than 120 people are signed up to speak and I believe speaker number 17 just finished. So now they are moving to speaker 18. A long list of people still waiting. This meeting will likely go on throughout the evening. Of course, we are going to continue following this. The budget itself will not be decided until May 6th, but we will have more reaction coming up tonight on WSA9 News at 11 in Fairfax County. I'm Katie Lasso. Back to you. All right, we will look for that update tonight at 11 o'clock. Katie, thank you.