State Budget
The State Budget has been a recurring concern for the City of Fairfax School Board, primarily because of its direct impact on school revenues, staffing costs, and capital funding.
Historically, the General Assembly has finalized state budgets late — in at least one instance (FY25) not until September, three months into the fiscal year — requiring the Board to adopt mid-year budget adjustments. Throughout the FY26 and FY27 budget cycles (2025–2026), staff monitored state revenue forecasts and flagged them as falling short of needs. A major development came with the 2026 Special Session I, in which state budget amendments authorized localities in Planning District 8 (including the City of Fairfax) to levy up to a 1% general retail sales tax for school capital construction/renovation or public transportation purposes, subject to a local referendum.
As of June 2026, final state budget actions were still anticipated through June 30, 2026. By July 1, 2026, the Special Session I amendments had been confirmed, and the School Board unanimously adopted a Resolution Supporting a Referendum for a 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax, with the referendum itself requiring subsequent action by City Council and approval by voters.
Still open
- City Council must pass its own resolution initiating the referendum — outcome not yet recorded in the material.
- The referendum must be approved by voters of the City of Fairfax before the 1% local option sales tax can be levied.
- The July 21 deadline was cited as the cutoff for the General Assembly to have passed the relevant state budget language in time to advertise the referendum — it is not confirmed in the record whether that deadline was met without issue.
What members have said
At the June 1, 2026 meeting, Dr. Wright reported that the city council had passed its FY27 budget and stated the board would continue to monitor any final state budget actions and their potential impact on schools and localities, noting that state decisions were expected to run through June 30, 2026.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
councilcommissionMinutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting, Sep 9, 2024 onward.
History
Filled dots are actions on this topic; open dots are mentions.
- Jun 1, 2026School Board
Dr. Wright stated he will continue to monitor any final state budget actions.
- Jul 1, 2026School Board · item 4.03Adoption of a Resolution Supporting a Referendum on the 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax
[4.03] The resolution referenced the 2026 Special Session I state budget amendments authorizing localities in Planning District 8 to levy up to a 1% general retail sales tax for school capital or public transportation purposes.
passedAdopt the Resolution Supporting a Referendum for a 1% Local Option Sales and Use Tax in the City of Fairfax✓ Pitches✓ Hickman✓ Bartelme✓ Kelsey✓ Cecere