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

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.

The Board recently voted to advertise a five-cent tax increase, which would raise the rate from the current $0.89 to $0.94 per $100 of assessed property value. If adopted, the increase would mean the average Stafford homeowner would pay an additional $229 per year in real estate taxes.

During the presentation, CFO Andrea Light explained that while the total proposed budget exceeds $1 billion, only a fraction of that is truly flexible. Over 59% of all county expenditures—about $669 million—go toward the school system, with much of the rest tied up in state-mandated services, utilities, and transportation.

Only about $209 million falls under the general government budget that the Board of Supervisors can directly allocate.

“When people hear ‘a billion-dollar budget,’ they think we can fund everything,” said Chairman Deontay Diggs. “But the reality is, a lot of that funding is restricted or already spoken for.”

The proposed increase is intended to help fund rising costs across the county, including public safety staffing, health insurance increases, debt service, and school system needs.

School Funding Tops the List

Stafford County Public Schools has requested full county funding to keep pace with enrollment growth, aging infrastructure, and competitive salary demands. Multiple speakers urged the board to deliver.

“I’m willing to pay a little more in taxes to ensure our students get the education they deserve,” said Don Gray, a George Washington District resident. “We need to attract and retain quality teachers and build schools where they’re needed.”

Michelle Wickman, a former Stafford teacher and single mother, said, “We can’t say we’re part of Northern Virginia but not tax like they do. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to pay more because I believe in this community.”

Abram Marsh, a Hartwood resident and Air Force veteran, spoke passionately about values. “Officers eat last,” he said. “We must do what’s necessary to ensure our children have the same opportunities we did.”

Nonprofits Plead for Reinstated Funds

Several local nonprofits voiced concern over proposed cuts or eliminations in county support:

Legal Aid Works, which provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, was zeroed out in the current proposal after decades of support.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg saw its allocation cut by more than half, from around $6,000 to $2,980.

Fredericksburg SPCA touted a $7,000 investment last year that helped reduce shelter cat euthanasias by 17% and asked the board to help continue its life-saving work.

Not all were in favor of the proposed hike.

Mary Hanson, speaking on behalf of her elderly parents, said, “There are seniors who’ve taken out reverse mortgages or opened their homes to adult children just to survive. They can’t afford another tax increase.”

Jenny Solt, of the Rock Hill District, added: “Families don’t get to raise their neighbors’ rent when money’s tight. The government shouldn’t either.”

Some speakers expressed frustration that business growth hasn’t translated into tax relief. “We’ve got Walmarts, Targets, Amazon, warehouses. Why are we still shouldering the burden?” asked Todd Hanson.

Others, like Renee Kendall, questioned whether more money would improve outcomes. “Nearly 60% of the budget already goes to schools, and we’re still talking about low test scores,” she said. “There’s something deeper going on, and it’s not just money.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rate on April 15, with a vote on the final FY2026 budget scheduled before the May 1 deadline.

Chairman Diggs concluded the meeting by thanking the community. “Whether you’re for, against, or somewhere in the middle, your voice matters,” he said.