Lisa Vose stood before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on April 28 and described a lifetime spent in the county she loves. She moved here as a tenth-grader, rode the school bus past the neighborhood she dreamed of living in, and eventually made Clearview Heights her home.
But as property taxes have “continuously gone up and up and up,” Vose, now a retiree on a fixed income, told supervisors the increases may soon put staying here out of reach.
“This is the place I’m going to live and die,” she said, “and that might not happen.”
Her plea came during public comment at the board’s special meeting on Tuesday night — right before supervisors adopted a Calendar Year 2026 real estate tax rate of $0.9675 per $100 of assessed value. The rate (lowered from the advertised $0.985) passed on a 4-3 vote.
The decision affects thousands of homeowners like Vose. Real estate taxes remain the primary way Stafford residents fund police, fire/rescue, schools, parks, and other essential services. Even as the commercial tax base grew 9% (above the national average of 8%), residential property owners continue to shoulder most of the burden.
Average Taxpayer Impact
Supervisor Crystal Vanuch highlighted the heavy impact on residents, citing Commissioner of the Revenue data. In 2021, the average taxpayer on a home assessed under $500,000 paid $2,994 in annual real estate taxes. Under the new $0.9675 rate, that same homeowner will now pay $4,764 — a $1,770 annual increase.
Resident Brian Hudson of Hartwood echoed the frustration, pointing to a pattern of increases (11% in 2023, 10% in 2024, 3.3% the following year, and now this latest jump) that has produced roughly a 46% cumulative tax rise over four years. “This high level of taxation is unsustainable,” Hudson said.
Growth Pressures vs. Affordability Concerns
Supervisor Tinesha Allen (Griffis-Widewater District) presented detailed growth statistics during the meeting, noting Stafford’s population has grown from roughly 128,000 in 2010 to an estimated 171,000 today, adding more than 14,000 new residents since the 2020 census. She outlined major budget drivers including $15 million to open three new schools (Hartwood High School, replacement Hartwood Elementary, and Crow’s Nest Elementary), Widewater fire coverage, additional school resource officers, and public safety enhancements.
Chairman Deuntay T. Diggs and supporters described the budget as a “skinny down” version that still addresses long-overdue infrastructure needs after nearly 18 years without new school construction. A $65 million Virginia Public School Authority bond issuance was also approved.
However, when it came time to vote, the board was divided.
Final Vote Tallies – CY 2026 Real Estate Tax Rate ($0.9675)
FOR (4):
Chairman Deuntay T. Diggs (George Washington District)
Vice Chairwoman Maya P. Guy (Aquia District)
Tinesha Allen (Griffis-Widewater District)
Kecia S. Evans (Falmouth District)
AGAINST (3):
Dr. Pamela Yeung (Garrisonville District)
Supervisor Darrell E. English (Hartwood District)
Supervisor Crystal Vanuch (Rock Hill District)
Vice Chairwoman Guy supported the final rate. Dr. Yeung voted against the increase due to concerns about the burden on homeowners, seniors, and fixed-income families. Supervisor English strongly opposed it, stating, “We are chasing people out of this county who can’t pay the tax bill.”
Other Actions
The board also approved the FY2027 budget and Capital Improvement Program, authorized the school bond issuance, passed utility rate changes (with reclaimed water fees aimed primarily at data centers), and referred comprehensive plan amendments on the high-voltage power lines (North Anna to Bristers/Kraken project) to the Planning Commission.
