Marc Schwartz, the Arlington County Manager has recommended raising property taxes "to address the 'extraordinary' funding needs of Metro and enrollment growth in the Arlington Public Schools."
The County Board accepted that recommendation in choosing a maximum tax rate to advertise. In addition, the Board directed the County Manager to prepare and distribute a package of potential budget reductions prior to the public budget hearing.
These budget reductions are equivalent to a 1-cent decrease and constitutes what Schwartz would recommend cutting if the County only increased the rate by 1-cent. That list is complete and it includes
21. Trail Snow Removal: Eliminate Multi-Use Trail Snow Removal
Description of Current Service: As of FY 2015, DPR assumed responsibility for snow clearing on the County’s major multi-use commuter trails. This responsibility extends to almost 10 miles of high-volume, multi-use trails during the snow season and include the following: 5.2 miles of the Custis Trail from Lynn Street to the W&OD Trail; 1.25 miles of the Bluemont Junction Trail; 2.25 miles of the Four Mile Run Trail; and 0.4 miles of the Route 110 Trail. The County’s goal is to give these multi-use trails the same snow removal priority and response time as primary arterial streets. This snow removal is accomplished by using two specialized vehicles to treat and plow in small spaces and run with three-man crews.
Impact of Reduction: By eliminating the staff and equipment budget related to trail snow clearing, these major multi-use commuter trails will not be cleared of snow during major snow events at the top priority level. Snow removal will only begin after parking lots and other DPR assigned street routes are cleared.
Reductiion - $50,700
Hopefully, it won't come to that.
Don't want it cut? Email [email protected] and CC [email protected] and express your support and appreciation for trail snow clearing!
Posted by: Chris Slatt | March 20, 2017 at 08:47 AM
While Metro is failing, and our roads are jammed, bike commuting is one of the bright spots. It works, its growing, and its cheaper than everything except walking. Failing to clear snow on the trails impacts the most cost effective transport system in the region.
Posted by: SJE | March 22, 2017 at 12:02 PM