Fairfax County must continually examine its operations to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used as effectively as possible. The county government and school system should work in closer partnership to identify potential areas of duplication and explore opportunities for consolidating or sharing services where it can reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Greater coordination can generate long-term savings and free up resources for priority investments in education, infrastructure, and community services.

At the same time, the county should take a hard look at how year-end budget surpluses are managed. Rather than allowing recurring surpluses to accumulate without clear purpose, these funds should be evaluated for potential return to taxpayers or reinvestment in areas of greatest need. For retirees and families on modest or fixed incomes, the burden of ever-increasing property taxes threatens financial stability. A more disciplined and transparent approach to fiscal management will help maintain affordability for residents while sustaining the county’s long-term economic health.