Work on Loudoun County's FY11 budget got off to a good start on Tuesday December 8th with public input hearings at the Board of Supervisors' meeting room in Leesburg. This was the first time ever that public input hearings were held before a proposed budget has been developed. The break with precedent came about because of the county staff's projection, made in September, of a $157 million FY11 budget shortfall.

Over 200 people were present and well over 50 people were signed up to speak.

Chairman Scott York started the proceedings with a short PowerPoint presentation on the budget. He covered ways of addressing the shortfall – tax increases, spending cuts, or a combination of both. York looked back at last year's budget, and reviewed historic and forecast budget and demographic numbers. The numbers review touched on the many factors influencing the county budget, among them population and student enrollment, debt service forecast, historical average house value, and usage of the various county services.

Speakers were limited to two minutes each. Advocates of the public library system were well-represented with testimony from several library advisory boards, members of the library Board of Trustees, and general residents. Many made the point that libraries represent only 1% of the county budget and provide valuable services, including Internet access and job search ability, that would be greatly impacted if staff is cut and opening hours reduced.

Members of the Community Services Board spoke about the serious personal consequences to individual clients if there are additional cuts to the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services.

Advocates from Lincoln and Hillsboro argued in favor of small schools remaining fully operational. Representatives of Loudoun's teachers made the case for better funding of the school budget. The Carver Adult Day Care Center and the Master Gardener Program were also defended. Several teenagers and their parents spoke compellingly about how they had benefitted greatly from "Family Connections" a seven-week program for managing difficult teens.

While a number of speakers indicated their willingness to accept a tax increase, others argued strongly for lower taxes, reductions in county spending, and living within the county's means. One speaker advised the supervisors to look hard at programs that are inefficient, overstaffed, duplicative, or no longer required.

Sitting on the dais with the nine supervisors were several top county staff, including the newly appointed Loudoun County Administrator, Tim Hemstreet, who will prepare the FY11 budget. Fresh from the City of Miami Beach, Florida, it was his second day on the job, and he had quite an earful from Loudoun's public.

Another public input session was held December 10th at the School Board headquarters. Important dates in the New Year are January 30th for a "Community Budget Dialogue Workshop" and February 8th when Mr. Hemstreet presents his proposed FY11 budget.

More public hearings will follow in February. The supervisors adopt the FY11 budget in April. Community members can provide direct input to the supervisors by calling 703-377-0204 or e-mailing BOS@loudoun.gov.