Data centers in Prince William County could see an increase in the tax rate for computers and peripherals used by data centers as the Board of County Supervisors deliberates on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The proposed tax rate for computer and peripheral (C&P) equipment is set to rise from $3.70 to $4.15 per $100 of assessed value, a move that could significantly impact data center operators and businesses utilizing advanced technology.
The Board of County Supervisors voted to advertise the new C&P tax rate, meaning they can lower the rate during their upcoming budget discussions but cannot raise it beyond the advertised amount. Some supervisors expressed concerns about the increase, arguing it could deter business investment, while others emphasized the need for additional revenue to support county services.
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Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter recently unveiled a $2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, sparking a heated debate among supervisors and residents over the county’s consistent budget surpluses, rising tax rates, and spending priorities.
Under his proposal, the budget maintains the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. Yet, due to increased property assessments, the average residential tax bill will rise by $276 to $5,165.
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"This is something that brings us in alignment with many other localities to move the start time for construction from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.," he said on Feb. 4.
Shorter proposed the real estate tax remain at 92 cents per $100 of assessed value, but the average residential tax bill would increase by $276. According to the budget presentation, the average residential tax bill would then total $5,165, which is up from the average $4,881 tax bill in fiscal year 2025.
A majority — 57% to be exact or $2,956 — of the average tax bill will go to fund Prince William County Schools (PWCS) due to the revenue-sharing agreement between the county and PWCS. This has been a major point of contention for some of the county supervisors and became a topic of discussion at Tuesday's meeting.
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Correction: This new data center is near Unity Reed High School, near Manassas. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Patriot High School.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
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A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.
Updated 10:30 p.m. – Local restaurant owners are voicing strong opposition to Prince William County’s meals tax, which is set to generate $42 million in Fiscal Year 2025—an increase of $10 million, or 31.25%, from the previous year.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson has signaled the meals tax will be discussed during the annual budget process this spring. "It would like to see a partial repeal of the meals tax, but it truly depends on our proposed budget for the next fiscal year," Jefferson told Potomac Local News.
The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a consistent contention among business owners, who argue it places additional strain on their already tight profit margins. Inflation, staffing shortages, and rising costs for food, rent, and utilities have made operating a restaurant more expensive, and many owners believe the meals tax exacerbates these challenges.
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A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.
While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.
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A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the rezoning and special use permit for the 16-acre site at 13271 Gordon Boulevard, allowing for a home improvement store exceeding 80,000 square feet. The project will also feature a garden center, seasonal sales area, motor vehicle rental (limited), curbside pickup, and expanded parking facilities during its February 4, 2025 meeting.
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Tim Leclerc, deputy finance director for the county, gave a broad presentation at the Jan. 14 meeting, first discussing the state of unemployment.
"According to the National Bureau of Economic Research the [COVID-19] pandemic drove the economy into a deep but short recession lasting only about two months wherein more than 21 million Americans lost their jobs," Leclerc said.
