Politics & Government
Final Budget With Tax Rates, School Funding Approved By Manassas City Council
The final budget includes decisions on utility rate hikes, tax rates and funds for Manassas City Public Schools.
MANASSAS, VA — Manassas City Council gave final approval to the city budget on Monday, keeping the real estate tax rate the same.
The adopted $488.2 million City of Manassas budget — which accounts for local funding and other revenue sources — is an increase from last year's $486.5 million budget. It includes a $158.3 million general fund and $160.5 million for Manassas City Public Schools, as well as other funds like the fire and rescue fund, debt service fund, water, sewer and electric funds and the airport fund. The $158.3 million general fund decreased, partly attributed to last year's budget using one-time funds for property acquisitions — purchases of the former Marsteller School site and Manassas Shopping Center.
The $160.5 million total budget for MCPS increased from last year but was less than the $184 million in the Manassas City School Board's approved budget. The school board had sought a larger increase to the city's contribution, noting that its staff salary increases alone would cost $1.7 million.
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City Council also approved first-year capital budget funding of $69.4 million for capital projects and $7.3 million for maintenance capital projects as part of the five-year capital improvement program.
City Council endorsed the real estate tax rate during first reading on May 12. The existing $1.26 per $100 of assessed value rate kept in the new budget would increase average tax bills by $406. The rate includes a $1.07 general rate and $0.19 fire and rescue levy. Several members had pushed for a tax rate reduction, but there wasn't a majority in favor to approve it.
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City Council also endorsed keeping a $3.60 per $100 of assessed rate for the general personal property tax on vehicles. That same rate was approved for computer equipment and peripherals used in data centers. A lower $2.15 rate was adopted for computer equipment and peripherals for other businesses and trades.
Sewer, water and electric rate increases are on the way. Inside NOVA reported that the average utility bill will increase by $22 per month.
Check back on the city's budget website for updates on the adopted budget.
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