Budget

News

Why Stafford’s Tax Rate Is Rising While Prince William’s Falls

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Stafford County homeowners will see a higher real estate tax rate this year — $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value — as the Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on April 15. Although the tax rate is three cents higher than last year, it remains two cents lower than the original proposal by the County Administrator.

By comparison, neighboring Prince William County, with four times Stafford’s population, lowered its real estate tax rate to $0.906 per $100. Despite the rate cut, higher home values in Prince William mean its homeowners will still pay more. The average tax bill in Prince William is $5,162, based on a typical home value of $569,772. In Stafford, the average homeowner will pay $4,069 on a home valued at $434,400.

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News

Supervisors Reduce Real Estate Tax Rate Ahead of Tuesday Night Vote

By Caitlyn Meisner
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the April 15, 2025, budget markup session.

At the April 15 meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors made its final changes to the fiscal year 2026 budget and tax rates.

The Board, after fruitful discussion and back-and-forth, reduced the real estate tax rate to $0.906 per $100 of assessed value from the county executive’s proposed rate of 92 cents in February.

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News

Ashworth Asks for More Staff as Supervisors Look to Approve Budget

By Caitlyn Meisner
[KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA via Pexels]

Ahead of fiscal year 2025, Ashworth similarly requested more staff members despite the Board being reluctant to fund additional positions. In response, Ashworth sent a letter to the Board stating she would withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges if the Board didn’t approve her request.

“The bottom line is that this office was not properly staffed and funded for decades as the County grew up around us,” Ashworth wrote in an email to Potomac Local in April 2024.

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Manassas

Councilmember Vasquez Luna Pushes for Higher Business Tax Rate, Council Decides to Hold Off — For Now

By Uriah Kiser
Vásquez Luna

A push by Councilmember Sonia Vasquez Luna to raise the business computer equipment tax rate met resistance Monday night, as the Manassas City Council instead chose to maintain the current rate of $2.15 per $100 of assessed value.

Vasquez Luna proposed aligning the computer equipment tax, data center tax, and personal property tax (vehicles) at a uniform $3.50 rate, saying it would offer consistency and potentially allow the city to reduce the tax burden on vehicle owners.

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Manassas

Manassas School Board Approves Budget with Many Priorities Unfunded

By Caitlyn Meisner
The Manassas City Public School Board. [Courtesy of MCPS]

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News

Stafford Residents Split Over Proposed Tax Hike to Fund $1 Billion County Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Dozens of Stafford County residents packed the chambers Tuesday night during a special-called meeting of the Board of Supervisors to weigh in on the proposed $1.015 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget — and the tax increase that may come with it.

The meeting featured a detailed budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Andrea Light, followed by a public hearing where residents delivered emotional appeals both for and against the proposed increase in the county’s real estate tax rate.

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park Schools Unveil $64.8M FY26 Budget Focused on Literacy, Staff Pay, and Student Wellness

By Uriah Kiser

On Tuesday, Manassas Park City Schools presented the governing body with a $64.8 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget outlines key priorities to improve academic performance, boost teacher compensation, and expand student wellness and mental health services.

Superintendent Dr. Melissa Saunders and Finance Director Mr. Lyon led the presentation, which showcased the division’s efforts to balance rising costs with a continued decline in student enrollment.

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News

Dumfries Mayor’s Salary More Than Doubles—Here’s What It Means

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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News

Dumfries Proposed $12.7M Budget is 15% Larger Than Last Year

By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries Town Hall at 17739 Main Street in Dumfries.

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.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Unveils FY2026 Budget Proposal: Tax Increase, School Funding Boost, and Major Infrastructure Investments

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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