Stafford tax hike would be second in 2 years, raise the average tax bill to $3,103

STAFFORD — Property owners in Stafford County could see a $120 increase in their property tax if some county leaders have their way April 16.

That’s when the Stafford County Board of Supervisors is set to approve its fiscal year 2020 tax rate. Currently set at .99 cents per every $100 of assessed property value, the proposed rate is $1.03 per every $100.

That tax increase would generate an average property tax bill of $3,103, said Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky. The Board of Supervisors sets the property tax rate each year, the biggest funding source for the county’s proposed $379 million budget.

If approved, it would come on the heels of a three-cent tax hike enacted last year that increased the average property tax bill by $76.

Stafford County Administrator Thomas Foley in March proposed a budget that did not have a tax rate increase but did allocate $3.7 million more for teachers salaries, and $1.6 million for county government employee raises.

At a recent work session between Stafford County Supervisors and members of the county school board, school officials said they needed about $ million more this year to give all employees a 5% salary increase.

Griffin-Widewater District Supervisor Jack Cavalier heard the call and motioned for the proposed $1.03 tax rate.

“If we don’t add this to the budget we will lose ground with every over jurisdiction around us, putting us further behind than we currently are,” said Cavalier.

The proposed rate passed despite objections from Supervisors Wendy Maurer and Mark Dudenhefer, who proposed leave the tax rate flat at .99 cents.

At a recent budget public hearing held at Brook Point High School, many spoke in favor of the tax hike.

“If I took my family to three movies per year, it would cost me about $120, about what it takes to fund the $1.03 tax rate,” said Matthew Lentz, a Stafford resident.

Others maintain good teachers are leaving Stafford for higher-paying jobs in Prince William and Fairfax counties to the north.

Supervisors who oppose the higher rate reminded residents that, by law, they can raise the taxes but they cannot control what the school board does with the funds. Teacher pay was the key argument for last year’s tax hike.

“I’ve heard teachers come in here and say they haven’t received [a salary] increase in 12 years. How can that be?” asked Maurer.

While the Board of Supervisors voted to advertise the $1.03 tax rate, it doesn’t have to adopt it.

“I believe in wiggle room,” said Aquia District Supervisor Cindy Shelton. “It’s a higher rate, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to give it to you.”

She urged residents to shop for services and goods within the county, so monies generated by sales taxes stay in the county.

“When you leave Stafford to shop, you’re giving Spotsylvania [County], Prince William [County] the money they need to pay their teachers and to fix their roads,” she added.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet April 16 to approve the budget at the tax rate. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.