In this Issue
Statement on Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
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Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Adopted
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Experience the Solar Eclipse with PRCS
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Share Your Thoughts on Cascades Library Renovation
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Update from EPA on Hidden Lane Superfund Remediation
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Small Business Summit
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National Vietnam War Veterans Day
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Upcoming Public Meetings
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Briskman Statement on
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
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This week, seven innocent aid workers were killed by an Israeli strike while trying to deliver humanitarian aid in central Gaza. The strike also obliterated three World Central Kitchen vehicles. It is unclear if the strikes were intentional or a tragic mistake by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Both scenarios are unacceptable.
I have watched the violence in Gaza with a heavy heart and growing concern over the unimaginable loss of more than 30,000 innocent lives, the majority being non-military women and children. Over 75,000 people have been wounded, and more than one million are experiencing catastrophic food insecurity.
I condemn the heinous terrorism of Hamas, including their attack on October 7th and the taking of hostages. However, Israel’s response has gone beyond proportional. The IDF and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have demonstrated a disdain for human life. The IDF just this week attacked an Iranian embassy in Syria, threatening to expand the war. This situation is just as dangerous as the war started by Russia against Ukraine.
I have heard from many members of our community who are experiencing extreme pain and anguish over these events. They are begging for the violence to end. While I have minimal influence over foreign policy as a County Supervisor, I feel obligated to use my voice.
Israel has a right to defend itself, but aid from the United States cannot be without conditions. I support an immediate ceasefire to end the human suffering in Gaza.
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Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Adopted |
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The Board of Supervisors formally adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget at this week's Business Meeting. This budget funds a 7% merit increase for the general county workforce, as well as an average pay increase of 12.4% for uniformed Fire and Rescue personnel and Sheriff's Deputies.
I am proud to share that I worked with my colleagues to reduce the real property tax rate an additional full cent this year, from the proposed and last tax rate of $0.875 to $0.865. This was made possible through a reduction in the transfer to LCPS by $9 million, because we expect $19 million in K-12 funding to come from the state. Additionally, we forwarded the equivalent of a half-penny for the Housing Fund to the fund balance discussion in December. To be clear, if the Governor does not sign the budget sent to him from the General Assembly, we will find a way to make up the $19 million short fall in the LCPS budget. This would likely come from fund balance, but the board will have to decide when/if that time comes.
The tax rate has not been increased during my time on the Board of Supervisors since 2020, and in fact we have lowered it by 17 cents since I first took office that year. In fact, since 2012 the average home value in Loudoun County has gone up 83% while the average tax bill increased just 23%. Our Board has worked hard to balance funding needs while limiting the tax burden on residents, despite the impact of increasing home valuations.
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Experience the Solar Eclipse with PRCS |
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Join Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) to witness the rare solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. PRCS facilities and parks are celebrating this historic day across the county with free viewing events for all ages. All PRCS event sites will include free eclipse safety glasses (while supplies last).
Monday, April 8 Solar Eclipse PRCS Event Locations:
- Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Banshee Reeks Eclipse Party, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Bluemont Community Center, Cosmic Celebration, 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Dulles South Recreation and Community Center, Solar Eclipse Watch Party, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, Solar Eclipse for All Event, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, Solar Eclipse Festival, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Loudoun Valley Community Center, Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Lovettsville Community Park, Eclipse Watch Party, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Lucketts Community Center, Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Senior Center of Leesburg (Adults 55+), Solar Eclipse Festival, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Cascades Library to Host
Renovation Community Meeting this Friday
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Cascades Library is seeking community input on its upcoming renovation plans! As we build new libraries and renovate existing branches in the coming years, we need to know what your dream library looks like and what your needs are.
Please join us on Friday, April 5th at 11 AM in Meeting Room A at Cascades Library. My staff will be in attendance, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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Update from EPA on
Hidden Lane Superfund Remediation
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began excavation of the TCE source area the week of February 20th and started stockpiling contaminated soil near the excavation area to prepare for off-site disposal. EPA anticipates that off-site disposal of the non-hazardous contaminated soil will begin in early April. The disposal facility that has been selected is located in eastern Virginia. Trucks leaving the site will travel along Persimmon Lane and McPherson Circle to get to the Algonkian Parkway. From Algonkian Parkway, they will head south towards Route 28. Please see map below for proposed route.
Please note that “Trucks Entering Highway” signs have been placed on Persimmon Lane to alert drivers that trucks will be entering and leaving the site throughout the day. EPA has been working with Loudon County Public Schools regarding the school bus schedule and will work with its contractors to minimize disruption during the school bus pick up and drop off times.
Friendly Reminder – We would like to remind the community that the Superfund Site is an active construction zone with many safety hazards and trespassing is NOT permitted. Access into the work zone may result in injury or loss of life. Please adhere to EPA’s instructions and signage.
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As part of Loudoun’s 11th Small Business Week Celebration, the Loudoun Department of Economic Development proudly announces its 2nd Annual Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit to be held on Tuesday, April 30th, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at The Lodge at Hanson Park in Brambleton.
The summit aims to provide invaluable resources and connections for small businesses across all industries, whether they are at the inception stage or seeking expansion opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with fellow entrepreneurs.
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National Vietnam War Veterans Day |
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I was deeply honored to attend last week's ceremony at the county courthouse recognizing National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans. Their legacy of service continues to inspire us all. |
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All meetings of the Board of Supervisors are held at the Government Center
- Finance / Government Operations & Economic Development Committee
- Tuesday, April 9 at 6pm
- Public Hearing
- Wednesday, April 10 at 6pm
- Business Meeting
- Tuesday, April 16 at 4pm
Agendas for upcoming public meetings are available on the county website a few days prior to each meeting. Your engagement and input are valued as we discuss matters important to the future of Loudoun County.
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Follow us on social media! |
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Juli E. Briskman, Vice Chair & Algonkian District Supervisor
We want to hear from you! Share your concerns, questions, or events that you would like to see featured in upcoming newsletters.
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