PURCELLVILLE, Va. May24, 2017 — At the May 23, 2017 Town Council Meeting, the Purcellville Town Council adopted theFiscal Year (FY) 2018 Budget, Appropriations Resolution, Capital ImprovementProgram, and Master Tax and Fee Schedule. The result of 10 budget work sessionsdating back to the fall of 2016, the FY 2018 budget represents continuity ofall Town services, reconfiguring of expenditures, and careful review of ongoingoperational needs. The FY 2018 Budget keeps all taxes at the same level,imposes no new taxes, and ensures that water and sewer rates to remain flat (noincrease) from current rates. The resources provided in the FY 2018 Budgetgives departments the staffing and operational support to continue the highlevel of quality services that Town residents and businesses expect. Thisbudget adheres to the Town Council’s Strategic Initiative to Practice GoodGovernance by incorporating cost of service strategies to ensure operationalefficiencies across all Town departments.
The Adopted FY 2018 Budget includes$9,782,114 in General Fund expenditures and retains all existing staffpositions and programs. Enhancements in the General Fund include: payadjustments for employees, recognizing their hard work and dedication to thecommunity; new Police equipment and vehicle, replacing an existing vehicle thatis no longer operational and adding an additional officer to patrol thatreplaces a recent retired position that was administrative; ongoing operationalfunding for key Maintenance activities; and funding for vital studies in PublicWorks and Community Development.
The Parks and Recreation Fund retains itscurrent level of service, including event support and management,community-focused activities and programs, and maintenance of Town facilitiessuch as the Train Station, Fireman’s Field, and Bush Tabernacle. Residents andvisitors continue to express significant enjoyment of Parks and Recreationactivities, such as the Music and Arts Festival, Wine and Food Festival,Parades, and variety of recreation amenities.
The Utility Funds (Water Fund andWastewater Fund) saw strategic expenditure reductions through re-structuring ofthe utility chargeback. Through this effort, the Town Council was able toreduce expected rate increases, so there are no changes in water or sewer ratesfor FY 2018. In addition, the Town Council has identified a plan for addressinglong-term debt and structural balance of the Utility Funds so that user rateswill not see dramatic increases in future years.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includesprojects funded by grant dollars received from Loudoun County, VDOT, and theNorthern Virginia Transportation Authority, along with proffers and cash. Examplesof CIP projects included in FY 2018 include improvements to Hirst Road, aRoundabout at 32nd Street and A Street, Nursery Avenue improvements,12th Street Road and drainage improvements, A Street Sidewalk project (BlueRidge Middle School to Maple Avenue) and replacement of the N. Maple Avenue water line.
Upon adoption of the FY 2018 Budget, MayorKwasi A. Fraser said, “Thisbudget establishes the framework for our Town to better manage expenses,service debt, increase revenue, deliver excellent service to our citizens, andmaintain our financial health, stability, and strong bond and credit rating aswe address current and future growth pressures. There will be no increase intax rates but many will see a small increase in their property tax due toincrease in County assessed property values. In addition, there will be noincrease in water and sewer fees. And we are anticipating a surplus on top ofthat, which is good. Thanks to our Town Council and Staff for all their hardwork to produce this budget.
