Follow the Money, Loudoun: County Budget Schedule Released

With Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet set to present his proposed FY 2015 operating and capital budgets to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 5, Wednesday the board released its anticipated negotiation and hearing schedule.

The schedule comes two weeks earlier than usual, according to an announcement by Board of Supervisor Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large). The Town of Leesburg released its schedule Thursday.

The budget process takes two months and includes public hearings and other opportunities for the public to offers input.  After Hemstreet’s presentation, the proposal and other information will be available for review as it comes available at www.loudoun.gov/budget, at the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg and throughout the Loudoun County Public Library system.

The board has scheduled budget public hearings, work sessions and a joint meeting with the School Board in advance of the budget presentation (set for 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Leesburg).

The Loudoun County Public Schools School Board will present its requested operating and capital budget requests at 6 p.m. Feb. 18. The school board has a public hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

The county board will then hold public hearings:

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 3 – 5 p.m. and and 6 – 10 p.m., County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, Leesburg (a recorder will be set up for those unable to stay for their turn to speak)

Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 – 10 p.m., County Government Center (only if speakers who sign up Wednesday cannot speak before that hearing ends)

Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. to noon, School Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, in Ashburn.

The public is also welcome to send comments to the board via email, snail mail or phone:

• loudounbudget@loudoun.gov
• Board of Supervisors
  1 Harrison Street
  5th Floor
  Mailstop #01
  Leesburg, VA 20175
• Comment Line, 703-777-0115.

After the hearings, supervisors will participate in work sessions on the budget and capital improvement plan, beginning March 3 with a work session about the school budget. Most work sessions will take place on Monday and Thursday evenings, with some possible Saturday sessions, through March 24. All of the dates are posted online on the county’s calendar.

In addition to specific budget hearings, comments can be made during the board’s regular business meetings March 5 and March 19 during the public input sessions that begin at 6 p.m.

Supervisors are expected to adopt the budget and the tax rate on April 2. Keep up with new information at www.loudoun.gov/budget.

FOLLOW LEESBURG PATCH VIA: FACEBOOK | TWITTER |EMAIL | MOBILE