Stafford

Virginia’s Unfunded Mandates Drive Stafford’s Proposed 6-Cent Real Estate Tax Increase, Officials Say

By Uriah Kiser

On March 3, 2026, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 to advertise a real estate tax rate of $0.985 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026 — an increase of six cents from the current $0.9236 rate — plus a modest rise in the fire and emergency services levy to $0.014 from $0.0131.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Virginia’s Unfunded Mandates Drive Stafford’s Proposed 6-Cent Real Estate Tax Increase, Officials Say Read more

Stafford Shields Data Centers from Tax Hike, Targets Homeowners

By Uriah Kiser

While advertising a six-cent increase in the real estate tax rate to $0.985 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026—potentially adding about $430 annually to the average household bill—the Stafford County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to raise the personal property tax rate on data center computer equipment and peripherals from $1.25 to $2.50 per $100 of assessed value during its March 3, 2026 meeting.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Stafford Shields Data Centers from Tax Hike, Targets Homeowners Read more

Schools Seek More Funds Amid Proposed Homeowner Tax Hikes

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools presented a request for $18.6 million in new local funding to the Board of Supervisors during a February 26, 2026, joint meeting in Stafford County, highlighting needs for three new schools and staff compensation amid low state support and rising taxpayer pressures.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Schools Seek More Funds Amid Proposed Homeowner Tax Hikes Read more

Pay Competition Hinders Stafford School Safety Staffing

By Uriah Kiser
Decatur [Photo: Stafford County Government]

Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur told county supervisors that 10 of 17 elementary school protection officer positions are vacant, despite full staffing for middle and high school resource officers, as regional pay disparities complicate recruitment.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Pay Competition Hinders Stafford School Safety Staffing Read more

Stafford Supervisors Consider Bringing Back BPOL Business Tax

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presents the proposed FY2027 budget to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17, 2026, at the Government Center.

Stafford County supervisors reviewed a proposed $45 million increase in the FY 2027 budget during a work session, as state mandates, rising costs, and collection challenges pressure local finances.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Stafford Supervisors Consider Bringing Back BPOL Business Tax Read more

Stafford Homeowners Face $370–$462 Annual Tax Increase Under Proposed FY2027 Budget

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presents the proposed FY2027 budget to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17, 2026, at the Government Center.

The average Stafford County homeowner could pay $370 to $462 more per year under the proposed FY2027 budget presented to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17, 2026.

The increase follows a recent property reassessment and a proposed tax rate hike to offset growing state-mandated costs.

Go to Stafford Homeowners Face $370–$462 Annual Tax Increase Under Proposed FY2027 Budget Read more

Harris Teeter Planned for North Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County leaders approved the sale of the former Anne E. Moncure Elementary School property in North Stafford, clearing a major step toward bringing Harris Teeter to the area.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Harris Teeter Planned for North Stafford Read more
View More Stories