The Dumfries Town Council has voted to approve a significant salary increase for its elected officials, citing the town’s growth, increased responsibilities, and alignment with updated Virginia state law.
At the March 18, 2025, council meeting, members approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article III, Section 2.56 of the Town Code, adjusting salaries for the mayor, vice mayor, and council members.
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Dumfries Town Manager Tangela Innis has presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget for the town. The budget outlines strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community programs while maintaining the town’s real estate tax rate.
The first reading of the budget is scheduled for March 18, with a public hearing on April 1. If approved, the Town Council may adopt the budget the same evening.
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Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal to the City Council on March 11. The proposal outline a $136.75 million spending plan to strengthen public schools, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.
The proposal includes a three-cent real estate tax increase to fund these initiatives, bringing the rate from $0.77 to $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. This tax hike is expected to generate additional revenue while helping to fund essential services such as a new middle school, a fire station, and water system upgrades.
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Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle presented an ambitious plan to replace aging fire stations, upgrade firefighting equipment, and implement a systemwide approach to purchasing fire apparatus during a Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) work session on Tuesday.
The proposal, which spans Fiscal Year 2026 through 2031, aims to improve response times, station reliability, and firefighter safety while addressing rising costs and resource demands. The plan also includes a $158.3 million investment in four new or replacement fire stations and overhauling the county’s equipment procurement process.
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As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program's sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.
Mayausky: "A Worthy Program, But an Unfunded Mandate"
Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky detailed the rapid growth of the veteran tax relief program, which has significantly expanded since its inception in 2011.
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Data centers in Prince William County could see an increase in the tax rate for computers and peripherals used by data centers as the Board of County Supervisors deliberates on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The proposed tax rate for computer and peripheral (C&P) equipment is set to rise from $3.70 to $4.15 per $100 of assessed value, a move that could significantly impact data center operators and businesses utilizing advanced technology.
The Board of County Supervisors voted to advertise the new C&P tax rate, meaning they can lower the rate during their upcoming budget discussions but cannot raise it beyond the advertised amount. Some supervisors expressed concerns about the increase, arguing it could deter business investment, while others emphasized the need for additional revenue to support county services.
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Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget to the Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025.
The budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, prioritizes school funding, public safety, and community services while addressing challenges such as population growth and state-mandated tax relief programs. The All-Funds Budget totals $1,015,097,345.
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The Town of Haymarket’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget has sparked a mix of concern and debate among residents following its presentation to the Town Council on Monday, March 3. While the budget aims to balance financial stability with needed investments in public safety, infrastructure, and economic development, some residents question whether it does enough to address the town’s most pressing issues.
Residents Demand Transparency on Tax Rates
During the public hearing, several residents voiced concerns over rising property assessments and their impact on their tax bills. Bob Weir, a former Town Council member and current Prince William County Gainesville Distirct Supervisor, did not mince words when addressing the council.
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The Town of Haymarket’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget will be presented to the Town Council on Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. by Town Manager and Zoning Administrator Emily L. Kyriazi. The proposed financial plan outlines revenue projections, key expense changes, and priorities for town operations in the coming year.
The FY2026 draft budget builds on previous financial planning while incorporating adjustments for salaries, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development in alignment with the Town’s Strategic Plan.
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Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter recently unveiled a $2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, sparking a heated debate among supervisors and residents over the county’s consistent budget surpluses, rising tax rates, and spending priorities.
Under his proposal, the budget maintains the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. Yet, due to increased property assessments, the average residential tax bill will rise by $276 to $5,165.
