STAFFORD, Va. — The average homeowner in Stafford County will pay $130 more in property taxes starting July 1, 2025, after the Board of Supervisors approved a three-percent increase to the real estate tax rate—the county’s central funding source for local government and schools. Homeowners with a property assessed at the county average of $434,400 will receive a $4,069 bill.
According to data from Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky, average residential tax bills have increased 62% since 2012, when the typical homeowner paid $2,506. Over the same period, the average home value rose nearly 60%, slightly trailing the pace of tax increases.
After a marathon meeting that stretched past midnight on April 15, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors adopted a $399 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, along with a $1.45 billion, 10-year Capital Improvement Program. The board’s vote also set the new real estate tax rate at $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value, effective with the June 2025 tax payment. Supervisors Meg Bohmke (Falmouth), Crystal Vanuch (Rock Hill), and Darryl English (Hartwood), all Republicans, voted to oppose all tax increases.
The decision followed hours of tense debate, marked by pointed exchanges between board members as they wrestled with competing priorities. Despite the friction, the board passed a budget that prioritizes education, public safety, and capital infrastructure, while cutting more than $4 million from earlier proposals.
Key Budget Outcomes
The adopted budget includes:
- $11.8 million in additional funding for Stafford County Public Schools, supporting teacher raises and debt service for three new schools.
- A 2.75% mid-year raise for county employees, effective January 1, 2026.
- $4.5 million for public safety, including funding for a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- $3.9 million for general government operations, including eight new revenue-neutral staff positions.
Nearly 86% of all new revenue is dedicated to education. Supervisors emphasized their commitment to ensuring school employee raises remain on par with county staff, with revenue from a proposed 1% meals tax increase expected to fund the pay boost. That public hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025.
Supervisor Monica Gary (Aquia District) supported that strategy, stating, “I’m not comfortable taking the plan we had to earmark the meals tax for schools and giving it to the jail.”
Budget Cuts and Tradeoffs
To bring the tax rate below the originally proposed level, supervisors approved over $4.1 million in cuts, including:
Reduced funding for agencies such as the Economic Development Authority and Fredericksburg Regional Alliance.
- Scaled-back vehicle purchases.
- Delayed salary increases from July 1 to January 1.
- Shifted sheriff’s vehicle purchases from ongoing to one-time funds.
Despite these reductions, the board left a $344,959 funding gap, instructing the county administrator to find the savings elsewhere in the budget.
Supervisor Meg Bohmke (Falmouth District) expressed frustration with how some changes were introduced during the meeting, saying, “We should have all been properly informed at the same time… I don’t like doing this in front of everybody. This is really kind of embarrassing.”
Jail Funding Sparks Debate
A narrow 4-3 vote resulted in the board rejecting a proposed $2.1 million increase to the Rappahannock Regional Jail budget, opting instead to maintain the facility’s current level of funding. The decision prompted immediate questions about its potential impact on jail operations and employee compensation.
Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung (Garrisonville District) asked, “Does that mean jail officers get no pay increase?” Supervisor Darrell E. English (Hartwood District) added, “I’m not comfortable with that,” though he ultimately supported the cut.
Supervisor Crystal Vanuch (Rock Hill District), who frequently clashed with colleagues during the meeting, warned about long-term impacts: “Pretty soon we’re going to have a tariff tax.”
When you’re literally dealing with a narcissist to work with, this is what, at some times, you’re just like, enough is enough,” said Vice Chairwoman Tinesha Allen (Griffis-Widewater District). She later clarified the comment was directed at a fellow board member, not a constituent. The remark appeared aimed at Vanuch, amid visible friction between the two.
Chairman Deuntay Diggs (George Washington District) acknowledged the legal risks associated with the funding change but expressed confidence in resolving the matter with regional partners. “If you do something to harm people, or I perceive that it’s going to harm people, I get heated,” he said.
The board also reallocated funds collected by the transient occupancy tax (TOT), which is currently collected from hotel stays of 30 days or less, from the Parks Department to the general fund. Diggs defended the decision, clarifying, “We’re not defunding them… we are taking one to fill a placement and then the 2% is going back in.”
Capital Improvements and Bonds Approved
The board approved $84 million in capital spending for FY2026, with long-term investments planned over the next decade. Major upcoming projects include:
- Rebuilding Drew Middle School
- Renovating Hartwood Elementary
- Rebuilding the Aquia Fire Station
- Installing sidewalks on Greenspring Road
- Upgrading the Onville Road/Route 1 intersection
- Phased water and sewer system upgrades
To support school construction, the board authorized up to $180 million in Virginia Public School Authority bonds.

The Fredericksburg Film Festival runs through Sunday, with screenings and workshops taking place at various venues across the city. Each film block typically begins with a hands-on workshop, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker, offering audiences a deeper look into the creative process.
Highlights of this year’s lineup include:-
Skategoat – A young boy dreams of becoming a professional skateboarder while escaping the grip of gang life in Venice Beach.
500 Fireflies – A single father and his daughter relocate and rebuild their lives in a new town.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
MANASSAS, Va. — There’s more than meets the eye at Liberia House, one of the most historic homes in Northern Virginia. On April 19 at 2 p.m., you’ll get the rare chance to explore every level of the house—from its mysterious basement to the sunlight-filled attic—during a guided tour offered in both English and Spanish.
This special “Basement to Attic Tour” invites visitors to experience the stunning architecture of the home and learn stories of the people who once lived there, including soldiers, servants, and presidents. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. To reserve a spot, visit cityofmanassas.recdesk.com.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
Strong-Arm Robbery – Woodbridge
Prince William County police arrested three individuals following a strong-arm robbery reported early Wednesday morning.
On April 17 at 12:33 a.m., officers responded to the area of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road (22193) after a 21-year-old woman reported being assaulted and robbed by three acquaintances. The suspects allegedly stole clothing and food items from the victim, who sustained minor injuries.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
A Romantic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required
Tucked away in North Stafford, Robiolina Italian Cuisine offers an intimate setting that is perfect for a memorable date night. The warm ambiance and authentic Italian dishes crafted from scratch set the stage for an evening of culinary delight.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Now in its 8th year, the town’s beloved Peeps Show is officially underway, running from April 15 through April 19, and it's got local businesses, families, and kids competing — and laughing — with displays built entirely out of those colorful, sugary springtime staples: Peeps.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a family-friendly event for kids of all ages and adults,” said Sarah Burzio, executive director of Visit Occoquan.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Updated 1:35 p.m.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal townhouse fire Thursday morning in Woodbridge as 73-year-old Narendar Kumar Jain.
Fire and rescue units were dispatched at 6:22 a.m. on April 17, 2025, to the 14100 block of Madrigal Drive, behind BJ’s Wholesale Club on Worth Avenue, after a neighbor reported smoke coming from an adjoining home. When crews arrived, they found smoke showing from the townhouse and began search operations.
Jain, the sole occupant of the home, was found inside and removed by firefighters. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators also discovered the circuit breaker to the home’s smoke detectors was in the “off” position. Fire officials noted that while it’s unclear whether functioning smoke detectors would have changed the outcome in this case, they emphasized the critical role smoke detectors play in saving lives.
“Smoke detectors offer the best protection for you and your family to alert to a fire and allow ample time to safely escape the area,” Prince William County Fire and Rescue stated in a release. “Everyone should routinely check their smoke detectors and change batteries on a regular basis.”
The fire was quickly extinguished, and no other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Hello,
We’re thrilled to introduce our new Date Night Spotlight series — a handpicked guide to the most romantic, independently owned eateries across our region. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening out or celebrating something special, we’re here to help you discover the hidden gems that set the mood just right.
This Week’s Spotlight: Robiolina Italian Cuisine
Robiolina: A Romantic Escape to Italy — No Passport Required
Nestled in North Stafford, Robiolina offers an intimate, candlelit atmosphere and unforgettable scratch-made Italian dishes that are perfect for sharing with someone special.
From crispy calamari and rich lamb ravioli to their signature beet-infused Robiolina Ravioli, this restaurant brings both flavor and flair to your night out. Pair it with a glass of wine — or bring your own bottle — and end on a sweet note with their decadent chocolate cake or creamy cheesecake.
Read the full feature on Robiolina
Coming Next Week: Bistro L’Hermitage, Occoquan
Looking ahead, we’re headed to Bistro L’Hermitage, tucked in a charming cottage near historic Occoquan. Known for its French country ambiance and impeccable cuisine, it’s one of the most romantic spots in Northern Virginia.
Help Us Plan Future Spotlights!
We want to know your favorite local places for a date night!
Fill out our quick survey and suggest your go-to romantic restaurants:
Thanks for reading — and here’s to your next unforgettable evening out.
Uriah KiserÂ
Founder and Publisher
Potomac Local News
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something