Prince William County residents are invited to participate in a virtual community meeting on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Hosted by the Office of Management & Budget, the event allows the public to learn about the budget details and ask questions directly to county officials.
Residents must register in advance to attend. Upon approval, registrants will receive an invitation to the webinar.
The virtual presentation follows County Executive Christopher Shorter’s recent unveiling of a $2 billion budget proposal, which maintains the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, due to rising property assessments, the average residential tax bill is expected to increase by $276, bringing the total to $5,165. Approximately 57% of this bill—around $2,956—will be allocated to Prince William County Schools under the county’s revenue-sharing agreement.
Supervisor Yesli Vega voiced strong concerns about the proposed budget, arguing that it would impose an undue financial burden on residents.
“Unfortunately, even without a rate hike, the average taxpayer will still see an increase of $276. This amount fails to account for additional taxes, including the fire levy tax, which will drive costs even higher,” Vega stated.
She emphasized the need for a thorough budget review to ensure it serves all county residents reasonably.
“That’s why we need to take a hard look at this budget and make sure it works for everyone. Last year, this Board proved that by working together, we can achieve real results—balancing the needs of our community while protecting taxpayers. My goal is to build on that success, refine this budget, and find ways to deliver much-needed relief.”
Vega encouraged residents to attend the upcoming community meeting, voice their concerns, and contribute to shaping a budget that reflects local priorities.
“It’s crucial that we hear from you to ensure this budget reflects the priorities of our community. We must continue investing in education, public safety, sustainable housing, and infrastructure while also being mindful of the financial burden on taxpayers. With your input, we can shape a budget that supports growth and stability without putting extra strain on hardworking families.”
Residents are encouraged to attend the virtual community meeting to comprehensively understand the proposed budget and its potential impact.
For more information and to register for the event, visit Prince William County’s official website.
