STAFFORD, Va. — Chairman Deuntay Diggs of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors says the county is making “a good faith effort” to improve collaboration with the school board and engage residents following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes increased funding for schools, county services, and a higher property tax rate.
In a recent interview on the Potomac Local News Podcast, Diggs previewed a joint town hall scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colonial Forge High School Library (note: location changed from the auditorium). The event will feature members of both the Board of Supervisors and the School Board, including Maureen Siegmund, Chair of the School Board.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to see us working together,” said Diggs. “We’ve heard our constituents, and we’re going to make a good faith effort to come together.”
Budget Breakdown and Rising Costs
The recently adopted $399 million county budget includes funding increases for public safety, social services, and education — including $5 million in additional revenue for Stafford County Public Schools. The budget also anticipates a future meals tax increase, which will be considered in a separate public hearing in May.
One of the most frequently discussed points is that homeowners will see an average increase of $130 in their real estate tax bills. Diggs acknowledged the financial pressure this puts on residents, citing inflation and the limited commercial tax revenue compared to neighboring counties, such as Prince William.
“In Stafford, we reassess properties every other year,” Diggs explained. “In Prince William, they reassess annually, which means even when they lower the rate, rising property values still increase the bill. So it’s not always a tax cut in practice.”
The Push for Economic Growth
Diggs pointed to limited commercial development as a major factor behind the county’s reliance on residential taxpayers. He said the Board is prioritizing efforts to grow the commercial tax base — including exploring data centers and sports tourism.
“I want to look at other forms of investment in the commercial landscape,” Diggs said. “Downtown Stafford is important. We want to make sure we have things in the community for our constituents to do — whether that’s a movie theater, go-karts, or more restaurants.”
A New Kind of Town Hall
Unlike traditional board meetings, the town hall will allow back-and-forth discussion between residents and elected officials. Topics will include the budget, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development.
“This gives residents the chance to say how they feel and ask questions — and we’ll respond in real time,” Diggs said. “It’s about accountability in a less formal environment.”
The event is open to the public, and county staff will be present to support discussions and address any technical questions.
Event Details
- Monday, April 29, 2025
- 6 to 8 p.m.
- Colonial Forge High School Library
- 550 Courthouse Road, Stafford
- Topics: Budget & funding, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. Public Q&A encouraged.
