One of the pivotal outcomes of the session was the passage of a higher $3.70 per $100 $100 of assessed value Computer and Peripheral (data center) tax, which garnered a 7-1 vote in favor. It’s the second hike in as many years for this tax, up from $1.80 in 2022. Supporters have called for the county’s burgeoning data center industry, set to overtake neighboring Loudoun County as the world’s epicenter for server farms that power the internet, to pay more.
Additionally, there was unanimous support, with an 8-0 vote for setting the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. This move aims to balance meeting the county’s financial needs and alleviating the tax burden on residents. The decision means that, for the first time in years, residents will see an average decrease in their real estate tax bills of about $240 instead of the typical increase.
However, not all proposed funding allocations received unanimous approval. A notable instance was the failure to secure additional funds amounting to $3.9 million for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC OmniRide), with a tied 4-4 vote. This outcome reflects the differing opinions among supervisors regarding the prioritization of transportation initiatives within the budget.
Similarly, a proposal to allocate $833,000 for Americans for Wartime Experience, a long-talked-about museum that announced more than a decade ago that it would build a facility on 70 acres behind what is now an At Home store (formerly KMart) in Dale City, faced resistance and was ultimately rejected in a 6-2 vote.
Despite these challenges, several measures successfully gained approval during the session. This includes allocating funds for county services and initiatives, such as approving eight full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Additionally, updates to the data center ordinance were endorsed, reflecting the county’s commitment to supporting its growing technology sector while ensuring responsible development practices.
Moreover, the board approved various community initiatives to enhance residents’ quality of life. This includes funding for park updates and a litter control crew, underscoring the importance of preserving and maintaining the county’s natural resources and public spaces. Additionally, the approval of county-sponsored special events and the addition of a sustainability environmental analyst demonstrates the board’s commitment to promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Supervisors also shared their perspectives and priorities regarding the budget during the meeting. Supervisor Tom Gordy emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility while advocating for measures to reduce the tax burden on residents. Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin highlighted the need to protect small businesses while supporting necessary tax increases to fund essential services. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emphasized the importance of affordability and accessibility for county residents, advocating for measures to bridge the gap and ensure all residents can thrive in Prince William County.
The Board of County Supervisors will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to adopt its annual spending plan, which will take effect on July 1.
Caitlyn Meisner is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
Interim City Manager Douglas Keen presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 to the Manassas City Council on Monday, February 26, 2024, outlining a comprehensive plan to address various community needs and priorities.
During his presentation, Keen highlighted several key achievements from the previous fiscal year, including the successful establishment of businesses like Micron and Olde Towne Inn and the commemoration of Manassas' 150th anniversary. He also referenced the findings of the 2022 Manassas Community Survey, which informed the strategic priorities outlined in the proposed budget.
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Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky recently discussed the notable surge in property assessments in an interview with Potomac Local News Founder and Publisher Uriah Kiser, shed light on its causes and implications, as well as the role of data centers in county revenues.
Mayausky explained that the recent increase in property assessments, with residential homes rising by an average of 13% and commercial properties by approximately 23%, can largely be attributed to the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. He noted the scarcity of available houses on the market as a driving factor behind the uptick in property values despite prevailing high-interest rates. He said, "I think it is simply supply and demand."
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During the February 22, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors session, deliberations centered on potential fee increases aimed at bolstering funding for various county government operations.
Budget Director Andrea Light, addressing the board, outlined the forthcoming steps regarding fee adjustments. "We have assumed about $150,000 of new revenue based on the fee increases from development services." She highlighted the proposed timeline for implementing changes, with the Board set to vote to advertise a tax rate on March 5 and the adoption of its FY2025 budget slated for April 2.
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Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 20, 2024, regarding increased property assessments.
Mayausky's presentation, which marked his 12th time addressing the board on reassessments, aimed to shed light on the reasons behind the eye-popping surge in property assessments, which jumped 23% in two years.
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Stafford County Administrator Randall Vosburg presented the fiscal year 2025 budget to the Board of Supervisors, highlighting the county's achievements, population growth, and budget drivers.
The total budget amount for fiscal year 2025 reached a significant milestone, surpassing one billion dollars, marking a substantial investment in the community's needs and priorities. Vosburg outlined key areas driving the budget, including the county's robust population growth, which has made Stafford the third fastest-growing jurisdiction in Virginia. With a population exceeding 165,100 and a median household income of approximately $128,000, Stafford County continues to experience economic prosperity and expansion.
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Scott Mayausky, Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, has released the 2024 bi-annual property reassessment results, revealing significant changes in property values across various sectors. The comprehensive reassessment, aimed at ensuring equitable tax distribution, has led to noticeable increases in property assessments, reflective of the current market values.
Residential properties in the county have seen an average increase of 13% in assessments, indicating a substantial rise in home values. Commercial properties have experienced an even more significant jump, with assessments increasing by 23%, highlighting robust growth in the commercial sector. Agricultural properties are not far behind, with a 14% increase, while multi-family properties have seen a more modest rise of 9%.
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Prince William County has announced its proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, totaling $1.77 billion.
The average residential property tax bill in Prince William County for FY2025 is projected to be $5,098, a $243 increase, up five percent from the previous year. The budget keeps the real estate tax rate steady at $0.966 per $100 assessed property value.
This figure represents the financial obligation of homeowners within the county, encompassing the costs associated with various county services and infrastructure projects, as outlined in the proposed budget.
It focuses on critical areas, including the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, the progression of capital projects, and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery across the county.
Key highlights include a substantial increase in school funding, with a transfer of $887.2 million, representing a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the budget addresses the need for more public safety personnel and infrastructure improvements.
This financial plan seeks to balance responsible fiscal management and the need for ongoing community and economic development, ensuring the provision of essential services without raising the general tax rate.
Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter is expected to present his proposed budget to the Board of County Supervisors at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, during a public meeting at the McCoart County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Over the following months, the Board will engage in work sessions and public hearings to gather input on the proposed budget before its adoption on April 23. Noteworthy events in the budget calendar include a virtual community meeting on Feb. 24, where residents can ask questions about the proposed CIP and budget, and a public hearing on the proposed budget on March 19.
Additionally, the Prince William County School Board will present its proposed budget on April 2 through the revenue sharing agreement, where the county provides 57.23 percent of general fund revenue to the schools.
Throughout the process, the public is encouraged to participate by attending meetings, asking questions through the interactive Budget Q&A platform, or contacting their district supervisor.
The budget adoption is slated for April 23, with all meetings held at the Board Chambers in the McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge, starting at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
Prince William County police and fire and rescue employees will see pay increases and new benefits oi the coming year thanks to union lobbyists.
Deputy County Executive Quintin Hayes delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Board of County Supervisors, outlining the critical elements of the proposed collective bargaining ordinance, which supervisors approved during their meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The presentation covered various components, providing a detailed overview of the background, negotiation process, and fiscal impacts of the tentative agreements with the Prince William County Police Association (PWCPA) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Hayes began by highlighting the historical context, noting that the Board had adopted the collective bargaining ordinance in November 2022, with subsequent amendments in July 2023. He said he emphasized the significance of avoiding impasse during negotiations, an achievement for the county’s negotiating team.
The negotiating team, composed of representatives from the county attorney’s office, human resources, the fire department, the police department, and external counsel, played a role. Hayes acknowledged the team’s dedication and the input received from various county offices, including the Office of Executive Management and the Office of Management and Budget.
Supervisors voted seven to one to approve the collective bargaining agreements, underscoring the significance of this development in the county’s approach to labor relations with its first responders. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega cast the lone dissenting vote.
Woodbridge Distirct Supervisor Margaret Franklin called the process a “labor of love” and recognized that while the unions didn’t get everything they wanted, the agreement was a positive step forward.
Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry said that while initially concerned about collective bargaining, he stepped back and trusted the team, recognizing their capability to navigate the process. He noted that the package addressed important aspects such as pay, maternal leave, and other benefits, bringing the county up to speed with contemporary workforce considerations.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy also expressed his initial reservations about collective bargaining but acknowledged the importance of addressing retention issues within the county. He thanked the fire union for proactively sharing their perspectives and recognized the need to remain flexible and competitive in wages to retain trained and qualified personnel.
Gordy emphasized the dynamic nature of the region and the potential changes in wage rates among other localities, stressing the importance of flexibility to maintain competitiveness. While not his preference, he acknowledged the competitive reality of the situation and expressed his commitment to supporting the police and fire departments in their efforts to keep the community safe.
Gainesville Supervisor Bob Wier said he is torn over the agreement and will address its costs during the budget process in April. “There are people who are going to be angry with me for voting in favor of it, but the fiscally conservative, responsible side of me sees an upside in this that I rarely find, and that’s that we know what the set cost is going to be,” said Wier.
The tentative collective bargaining agreements were ratified by the PWCPA on October 19, 2023, and the IAFF on October 26, 2023. The unions managed the voting process independently.
According to Hayes, detailed fiscal impact studies examined direct and indirect costs. Direct costs encompassed wages, certification pay, specialty pay, overtime pay, and other compensation.
The agreement with PWCPA included the establishment of a pay scale committee, a $1,000 lump sum payment effective July 1, 2024, a total of $636,000, on-call pay costing an additional $3.6 million, and it entitles officers to receive one hour of overtime for each day assigned to overtime.
The agreement also calls for a 50-cent increase in shift differential pay and introduces six weeks of paid family leave at the cost of about $157,000 family leave. It also increases the comp leave cap from 80 hours to 120. Crime scene technicians will get $1 add-on pay for about $213,000 for about 95 crime scene technicians.
The agreement with firefighters featured a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 50-hour work week, which will require hiring 30 more firefights for $6.5 million. The move comes after county firefighters pleaded with supervisors to change their work schedules from a 48-hour week to a 56-hour week, promising it would improve employee retention and morale.
Supervisors also improved market adjustments for existing staff costing $1.2 million, $650,000 in stipends for certifications, paid family leave totaling $343,000, and increased comp leave cap from 80 to 120 hours.
All employees are already budgeted for a 3% merit performance increase in the upcoming budget.
The total cost for fiscal year 2025, starting July 1, 2024, is $16 million.
