More Reserves, Fewer Donations in Proposed Budget

Lost revenue from the sale of refuse bags and additional money for the town's contingency reserve are among the changes Vienna officials have made to the town's proposed $21.9 million general fund as they approach an April 2 public hearing on the spending plan.

which is 6.1 percent larger than, was unveiled by Town Manager Mercury Payton late last month. A more than 15 percent increase in the water and sewer fund accounts for much of that increase.

At a series of work sessions this month, council members trimmed some expenditures and bolstered others to account for revenue losses not outlined in the initial proposal, namely, the decision to stop selling refuse bags at town hall, which typically turns $4,500 revenue over to the town, and a transfer of $5,940 from the general fund to the town's contingency reserves.

The town also decided to spend about $1,500 more on town board promotions and training; $2,000 more for town service awards; and a $3,731 salary boost for Town Clerk Melanie Clark.

To compensate, council members decided to cut about $6,500 in donations to local organizations, offering more even donations to some groups while offering alternatives, like in-kind services, to others.

They also decided to save nearly $1,600 by skipping out on printing and mailing postcards for town elections in May; reduce legal and prosecution services by about $1,800, cut a $2,000 relocation fund and reduce the town's contribution to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission by $2,500.

For a full list of adjustments, see the chart in the media player above.

Changes to spring budget schedule

The public hearing on the budget begins at 8 p.m. April 2 -- a date added to the town's original schedule in order to hear input on the budget only. A separate tax rate and water and sewer rates public hearing will be held at 8 p.m. April 16.

The council moved forward the date to adopt its budget and tax, water and sewer rates to May 7 from May 21. They take effect July 1.

It's not clear what impact will have on the schedule.

For a look at the $31.7 million budget for fiscal year 2013 proposed last month,