At 47, Jefferson, a single mother who lives in Montclair, shares how she balances raising a teenage son with managing a county of nearly a half million residents. She provided insights into her governance approach and her vision for the future of the county.
Under her leadership, the Board of Supervisors recently halted three years of consecutive property tax hikes, which are a primary source of funding for county government and public schools. The approved $2.2 billion budget focuses on critical needs like schools and infrastructure while offering tax relief to residents.
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Manassas City Council held a public hearing on the city's budget, as residents once again are facing the prospect of paying more in taxes.
The hearing held Monday, April 22, 2024, focusing primarily on proposed tax increases, notably in real property taxes. The proposal suggests a flat tax rate of $1.26, sparking a range of reactions from residents, each echoing their unique perspectives on the matter.
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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.
Among the areas of concern addressed in the budget proposal were employee retention through competitive compensation and benefits, increased funding for schools by $1.8 million, rising shared service costs by $715,000, and targeted capital improvements, particularly within the utilities department focusing on parks and recreation enhancements and economic development initiatives. Keen also proposed adding two staff members to the Parks and Recreation department to bolster programming efforts.
The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 reflects a 6.7% increase over the previous year, totaling $330 million. Notable increases were earmarked for general services, social services, stormwater management, the airport, and information technology funds, while decreases were observed in the electric and cemetery trust funds.
Property taxes remain the primary revenue source, accounting for 34% of the budget. Keen recommended maintaining the real estate tax rate at $1.260 per $100 of assessed value. However, the average tax bill is expected to increase by $266, with a corresponding $7.71 increase in the monthly utility bill.
The average proposed increase to the residential tax bill is higher than in neighboring Prince William County, at $243.
Despite a lower overall real estate assessed value growth than the previous fiscal year (6.49% compared to 10.79%), the total taxable real estate assessed value increased to $7.35 billion from $6.9 billion.
The proposed budget for Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) includes $62.01 million in local contributions, representing an increase from $58.71 million in the previous fiscal year. Additionally, $6.38 million in debt service funds have been allocated as part of the funding strategy.
The budget proposal timeline includes a town hall meeting on March 18 and a public hearing on April 22, with first and second readings scheduled for May 13 and June 10, respectively.
Council members expressed appreciation for Keen’s transparent and informative presentation. Councilmember Mark Wolfe requested a comparison between the proposed FY25 budget and FY16, while others commended the proposal as a promising step forward for the city’s fiscal planning.
With the proposed budget now on the table, the City Council and the community will engage in further discussions and deliberations before finalizing the budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The council will spend the next month delivering the budget, holding a public hearing, and finalizing its spending plan in April.
Caitlyn Meisner documented the Manassas City Council meeting.
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.”
Regarding potential stabilization factors, Mayausky pointed to the impact of interest rates, suggesting that a decrease could lead to a surge in homes hitting the market, potentially counterbalancing demand and stabilizing or even lowering property values.
Mayausky explained that the Board of Supervisors plays a crucial role in setting the tax rate, which directly affects county revenues and taxpayers. He emphasized the concept of “truth in taxation,” where any proposed tax rate exceeding the effective rate, calculated to offset assessment increases, is considered a tax increase and requires public scrutiny and hearings.
“It places the burden of tax increases on the [Board of Supervisors] and the tax rate, not the assessment office and the values of the property.”
Furthermore, Mayausky discussed the Board’s responsibility in budgeting and allocating resources, highlighting the importance of their priorities in determining how tax revenues are utilized. He acknowledged that while revenue from sources like data centers could potentially alleviate the tax burden on residents, the Board ultimately decides how to allocate these funds.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is set to advertise a tax rate to fund the county’s FY2025 budget on March 5. Once they chose the rate, supervisors can lower it, but can’t raise it before the Board adopts the final version of its budget sometime in April.
The budget proposed by County Administrator Ranfall Vosburg is, for the first time, north of $1 million, up 6% over last year. Several key areas that saw significant increases in the budget for the fiscal year, including education funding, which he proposed to grow by $19.6 million, indicating a commitment to supporting educational initiatives and programs.
Additionally, general government support saw a substantial rise of $9.3 million, reflecting investments in essential services and infrastructure. Public safety also received increased funding, totaling $7.2 million, emphasizing the county’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
Shortly after showing his budget to the supervisors, he announced his resignation, but did not say what his final day at the county will be. Vosburg came took the top local government job in Stafford after moving here from Florida 20 months ago.
Comparing Stafford County to neighboring jurisdictions, Mayausky acknowledged its higher tax rate, attributing it to its transition to a suburban-urban landscape and the absence of certain revenue streams like a business license tax. However, he expressed optimism about the potential revenue influx from data centers, citing projections surpassing a significant portion of the county’s tax base.
When discussing data centers, Mayausky highlighted their potential as a revenue boon for Stafford County, especially given its smaller population than neighboring areas. However, he cautioned that revenue streams from data centers could fluctuate due to depreciation schedules and varying computer equipment replacement cycles.
Regarding the frequency of property assessments, Mayausky explained that biannual assessments align with the county’s tax philosophy and approach, contrasting with jurisdictions where annual assessments are more common.
Mayausky emphasized that residents have until March 8 to challenge their property assessments if they believe discrepancies or inaccuracies exist.
This deadline is crucial because property assessments determine the value of a property for taxation purposes. If a property owner believes that their assessment does not accurately reflect the true value of their property, they have the opportunity to appeal it. This appeal process allows property owners to present evidence or arguments supporting their case for a reassessment or adjustment of their property’s value.
Stream the video to hear the whole conversation.
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.
Parks and recreation fees, which have seen minimal adjustments since 2014, were also scrutinized. Light explained the proposed phased approach: “The first phase would entail a 10% increase in fees in the fiscal year 2025 budget, accounting for about $240,000 in new revenue.”
Supervisor Darrell English raised questions about fee allocation, particularly for non-residents. He suggested, “Non-residents should pay more than the residents do.” Supervisor Morris clarified that non-residents pay higher fees, albeit at a 10% increase rate similar to residents.
Supervisor Pamela Yeung advocated for investment in community infrastructure, proposing upgrades to park facilities and exploring new revenue streams through events and rentals. She emphasized, “I think if we’re looking at bringing in more fees, we should consider making [unused fields] into a turf field.”
The board agreed to advertise public hearings for the proposed fee increases, ensuring transparency and community input. County Administrator Randall Vosburg, who announced his pending resignation, reiterated, “The real debate on those fees will occur at the actual public hearings on this item.”
Supervisors also discussed increasing fees for developers. The proposed fee adjustments stem from a comprehensive evaluation conducted by consultants.
Supervisor Darrell English raised concerns about the potential impact of these fee increases on residents and developers. “We need to ensure that any fee hikes are reasonable and equitable,” he remarked.
However, others, like Supervisor Pamela Yeung, expressed cautious optimism about the proposed adjustments. “We must strike a balance between generating revenue and ensuring that the county remains attractive for development,” she noted.
The discussion also touched upon the potential benefits of the increased revenue. Deputy County Administrator Morris highlighted the importance of funding critical infrastructure projects and services. “These fee hikes will enable us to invest in vital community initiatives,” Morris said.
While the debate over the development services fee increases continues, the Board of Supervisors remains committed to transparency and public input. Supervisor Vosburg reiterated, “We will ensure that the community has ample opportunity to weigh in on these proposed changes before any final decisions are made.”
The discussion comes as Supervisors prepare to advertise a Real Estate tax rate to fund Vosburg’s proposed $1 billion FY2025 budget on March 5. Once advertised for a public hearing, supervisors, by law, may lower but can’t increase the rate.
Vanuch emphasized the importance of considering the total tax burden on residents, suggesting that future discussions include the real estate tax and the fire levy to provide a clearer picture of the overall tax rate. The current fiscal year’s total tax rate stands at 94.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, with a proposed rate of 94 cents and an effective rate of 84 cents, reflecting a blend of necessary services funding and taxpayer relief.
The board discussed various tax rate scenarios, ranging from 94 to 89 cents, and the implications of each on the county’s budget and services. Lowering the tax rate from the proposed 94 cents would necessitate budget cuts, with significant concerns raised about the impact on essential services, including education, public safety, and infrastructure. The discussion underscored the challenge of aligning the county’s fiscal needs with its fiscal responsibility and taxpayer relief commitment.
In Stafford, every two and a half-million dollars in the budget is roughly equivalent to one penny on the tax rate.
Board members voiced concerns about the increasing assessments and the financial burden on taxpayers, exploring the possibility of targeted tax relief for specific groups, such as seniors and veterans, within the constraints of state law.
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.
The presentation delved into the property assessment process, with County Assessor Bart Stevenson providing detailed insights into the assessment methodology and market trends. Stevenson highlighted significant increases in residential and commercial property values, attributing the surge to factors such as low inventory, steady demand, and the rise of industrial and data center projects.
This low housing inventory has several implications for property assessments:
- Steady Demand: Despite the limited availability of homes for sale, there is still steady demand from buyers. This steady demand has kept property prices elevated over the past few years.
- Increased Property Values: The combination of low inventory and steady demand has led to increased property values. Stevenson highlighted that residential property values in Stafford County saw a significant uptick, rising approximately 13% during the reassessment period.
- Impact on Assessment Methodology: Assessors consider various factors when determining property values, including recent sales data, market trends, and property characteristics. Low housing inventory can create challenges in accurately assessing property values due to limited comparable sales data.
- Affordability Concerns: Rising property values can impact housing affordability for residents, particularly those looking to purchase homes in the area. The increase in property assessments may lead to higher property taxes, affecting homeowners’ overall housing costs.
The median home value in Stafford, as of January 2024, is $487,773.
Mayausky highlighted Virginia’s unique constitutional mandate to assess properties at 100% fair market value in his address. Effective January 1, 2024, reassessments are based on sales data, primarily from 2022 and 2023. The reassessment process, outlined by Virginia’s Code, requires at least 15 days of hearings to ensure transparency and accountability. Mayausky also emphasized Virginia’s status as a “truth in taxation” state, underscoring the importance of the effective tax rate in offsetting increased reassessment values.
As explained by Mayausky, the effective tax rate fluctuates to balance the increased property values. Per the Board of Supervisors request, re-assessments occur on a biennial cycle to accurately reflect market trends and distribute the tax burden equitably among taxpayers.
Mayausky addressed concerns about the confusion surrounding the effective rate, acknowledging the need for clarity and transparency. “I think that effective rate is confusing people,” said Hartwood District Supervisor Darrell English. “I don’t know if you can do one of your little videos, and you can put it out there and explain.”
Mayausky assured the board that efforts are made to educate taxpayers through various channels, including informational videos and online resources.
Residents were encouraged to appeal their assessments if they disagreed with the valuations, with a deadline of March 8 to submit appeals. Stevenson assured residents that the reassessment office is committed to addressing concerns and assisting throughout the appeal process.
Looking ahead, Mayausky outlined projections for future tax revenue based on ongoing development projects, particularly data centers, which are expected to contribute to the county’s tax base significantly.
During the presentation, Scott Mayausky discussed future tax projections from data centers, emphasizing their significant potential to contribute to the county’s tax revenue. Amazon cut a deal with the county to build at least four data centers, with the first to sit next to Stafford Hospital.
Mayausky noted that data centers are a high-profile class of property for the county.”We increased the land value for the identified data center projects by 429%. Fortunately, in the region, there were several sales that happened in December, so we had really good data. So we were able to be very aggressive but also very confident in the values that we put on the data centers,” he said.
Data centers typically house extensive computer equipment and infrastructure and have a high taxable value. Mayausky mentioned that a 250,000-square-foot data center building could potentially have upward of a billion dollars worth of taxable property within it. This substantial value contributes significantly to the county’s tax base.
Mayausky said the county could expect to see the full benefit of the data center reflected in the 2024 reassessment and that the county would likely see the most substantial revenue impact starting from January 1, 2026. Data center projects are expected to be fully operational by this time, with completed buildings and equipment installed, resulting in increased taxable property value.
Neighboring Prince William County, with about three times the population of Stafford County, has seen a proliferation of data centers in the past five years and will soon house the most data centers in the world.
Despite promises from county leaders of tax relief spurred by the data centers, an FY 2025 $1.77 billion proposed budget by its county administrator envisions an average increase of $243 for each homeowner. The median home value in Prince William County, as of December 2023, was $528,000.
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.
“We’re number 19 in the nation on median household income. We are the number three fastest growing county in Virginia,” said Vosburg.
High median incomes, low housing inventory, and increased home prices were identified as significant factors influencing budget decisions. The county anticipates continued growth in property values, with projections reaching $27.4 billion, driven in part by investments in infrastructure and development projects.
County residents received their bi-annual home reassessments in the mail this week and saw an eye-popping increase of as much as 23% compared to two years ago.
Randall Vosburg’s $1 billion budget increased by 6% over last year, and his presentation highlighted several key areas that saw significant increases in the budget for the fiscal year. Education funding received a notable boost with a $19.6 million increase, indicating a commitment to supporting educational initiatives and programs.
Additionally, general government support saw a substantial rise of $9.3 million, reflecting investments in essential services and infrastructure. Public safety also received increased funding, totaling $7.2 million, emphasizing the county’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
Moreover, transportation saw a notable increase of $2.8 million, indicating efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance mobility within the community. These budgetary allocations underscored the county’s priorities and strategic objectives, aiming to address pressing needs while fostering growth and development.
Efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility included identifying areas for cost savings, resulting in approximately $1.7 million in reductions. Strategic investments aligned with the county’s comprehensive plan and strategic initiatives, focusing on core services and essential infrastructure projects.
Vosburg underscored the importance of balance in the budgeting process, emphasizing the need to address community priorities while considering affordability for residents. With a commitment to transparency, the budget information will be made accessible through the OpenGov platform, allowing residents to engage with the budgetary process and provide feedback.
The presentation concluded with acknowledgment and appreciation for the collaborative efforts of county staff, constitutional partners, and the Board of Supervisors in developing the proposed budget. As the budget review process unfolds, opportunities for public input and engagement will be provided to ensure the budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the Stafford County community.
The Board of Supervisors will take Vosburg’s budget and deliberate over it during the rest of February and March. The Board will approve its version of the budget in April.
Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch highlighted the 23% increase in home values. “This is great news for the value of your homes but bad news for your pocketbooks if the board doesn’t lower the current rate,” said Vanuch.
Vanuch emphasized the implications for taxpayers, explaining, “The most recent residential property rate is 94.5 cents, including the fire levy. As we move through the budget process, if the board does not lower the rate to 84 cents, then that means that you will see an increase to your property tax bill (on average) of 13 percent.” Urging community engagement, she emphasized the upcoming vote on March 5 to advertise a property tax rate: “Remember last year when some of my colleagues voted to advertise a 40 percent increase? Please don’t wait until after March 5 to tell us what you think.”
Last year, Republicans Vanuch, Meg Bohmke, and Darrell English thwarted an attempt by Democrats on the Board to increase homeowners’ Real Estate property tax bills by nearly 40%, the most significant proposed increase in Virginia history.
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%.
Overall, the average assessment increase across all property types is 13%. These changes are part of the county’s efforts to align property assessments with their fair market values, ensuring that tax responsibilities are fairly distributed among property owners. The reassessment process complies with state mandates, with the primary goal being the fair allocation of tax burdens rather than increasing tax revenue.
Property owners in Stafford County are advised to review their new assessments as they will impact the property tax obligations for the coming year. Further information and details on how to appeal assessment decisions are available through the Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue’s office.
The higher assessments will impact the average residential property tax bill Stafford County homeowners pay. The average real estate tax bill paid by Stafford homeowners in 2024 is $3,628.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will set the tax rate in April, with budget deliberations set to begin soon. County Administrator Randall Vosberg will present his annual budget proposal to the Board of Supervisors during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the county government center, 1300 Courthouse Road, and is open to the public. It’ll be live-streamed here.
Mayausky will also update the Stafford County Board of Supervisors about his latest reassessment at the meeting.
