Growls

We’ve growled several times (most recently here) about the Arlington County Board’s claim of being a 'caring community,' but do you know the price?

We are certainly fans of the Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR), but we don't learn enough from the CAFR to decide if the price of a 'caring community' to too high. We do learn, though, that spending for health and welfare in the latest fiscal year is $103.1 million, which ranks second just behind public safety at $106.7 million. In addition, we learn that spending for health and welfare increased 61.1% from 2000 to 2009, going from $63.96 million to $103.06 million.

There is a report, though, that does provide a look at whether the Arlington County Board is spending too much, too little, or about the right amount for health and welfare in the county. It’s the Comparative Report of Local Government Revenues and Expenditures, which is available from Virginia’s Auditor of Public Accounts. According to the Auditor of Public Accounts, the report “is a valuable analytical tool to review local government fiscal activities.”

The comparative report is useful because it is presented on a per capita base. So while a large county such as Fairfax can achieve some efficiencies of scale, the APA’s comparative report enables citizens to look at per capita spending amounts for the various functions in local government. For example (all amounts are for FY 2008):

• Health: in the Commonwealth as a whole, local governments spend $26.24 per capita. However, Arlington County spent $106.49 per capita (405.87% of the state average) while Fairfax County spent $74.29 per capita (283.15% of the state average). On the other hand, Loudoun spent $14.73 per capita and Prince William spent $15.72 per capita.

• Welfare and Social Services: in the Commonwealth as a whole, local governments spend $182.20 per capita. Arlington County spent $468.14 per capita (256.94% of the Commonwealth average); Fairfax County spent $260.51 per capita (142.98%); Loudoun spent $180.26 per capita (98.94%); and Prince William spent $124.37 (68.26%).

Supporters of big government would undoubtedly argue that Arlington County is spending the appropriate amount for welfare and social services, or should spend even more while taxpayers who believe in less government might say Loudoun and Prince William counties are spending the appropriate amount.

Unfortunately, neither the CAFR nor the budget documents begin to provide citizens and the Arlington County Board with the information needed to make the needed judgements. The Arlington County Board should direct the County Manager to explain the cost of goods and services provided by Arlington County agency or department vis a vis those provided by the neighboring jurisdictions. With the information, citizens and the Arlington County Board can then decide if there are any operations that can be eliminated/consolidated, or no longer deserve the priority they once had.