Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget to the Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025.
The budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, prioritizes school funding, public safety, and community services while addressing challenges such as population growth and state-mandated tax relief programs. The All-Funds Budget totals $1,015,097,345.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will address two key issues at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.: unveiling the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 budget and the first official step toward the development of Musselman Park.
First Look at the County Administrator’s Proposed FY2026 Budget
One key item on the agenda is the presentation of the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 operating budget. This proposal will outline funding priorities for county services, infrastructure, public safety, and education.
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Budget Breakdown & Funding Challenges
The $503.1 million budget represents an increase of $8.3 million in state revenue based on the General Assembly’s budget, bringing the division’s total anticipated increase in state funding to $18.9 million. However, despite the added funds, the projected funding shortfall now stands at $18.3 million.
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At the February 18, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the members discussed Resolution R25-43, which proposes amending Stafford County Code Section 28-35 and modifying the Table of Uses and Standards to introduce additional oversight for data center developments. To gather public feedback, a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission is scheduled for March 18, 2025.
Reasons for the Change
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors and School Board will hold their respective meetings on Tuesday, February 25. Both meetings will be streamed live, with agendas available online.
Board of Supervisors Meeting – 5 p.m.
The Board of Supervisors will review the transportation biannual update, focusing on the Transportation Master Plan and various state and federal grant programs.
Transportation Master Plan Overview
- Phase 1 ($225 million):
- Four projects under construction: Berea Church Road, Route 1 at Telegraph/Woodstock, Staffordboro Boulevard sidewalk, and Route 1 at Courthouse Road ($57 million total).
- The Courthouse Road project has a $3.2 million shortfall. However, Berea Church Road and Telegraph Road projects are under budget, with surplus funds moving into contingency.
- Eight projects in the engineering phase totaling $168 million.
- Phase 2 ($600 million+):
- Includes four projects in engineering and 12 roadway and 33 bike/pedestrian projects in planning.
- Major areas of focus include Kings Highway, Chatham Heights, Mine Road, and Greenspring Drive.
- Phase 3 ($1 billion+):
- Proposed projects include a new north-south corridor west of I-95, running parallel to Route 1, and widening Courthouse, Mountain View, and Shelton Shop roads.
State Funding: almost $292 million, an increase of $10.5 million from last year
Departmental Savings: $890,000 in savings from departmental budgets
New School Staffing: $914,000 to staff new schools being built in the county
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Prince William County residents are invited to participate in a virtual community meeting on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Hosted by the Office of Management & Budget, the event allows the public to learn about the budget details and ask questions directly to county officials.
Residents must register in advance to attend. Upon approval, registrants will receive an invitation to the webinar.
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Updated 11 a.m. – Less than two months after announcing she would not seek another term, Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary has reversed her decision. She will run for re-election as an independent candidate.
Gary, who represents the Aquia District on the Board of Supervisors, posted on Facebook on February 20, 2025, citing encouragement from her community and family as the driving force behind her change of heart.
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Stafford County is making history with the launch of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail, a new initiative designed to highlight the county’s rich African American history. The trail, developed in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Geography, local historians, and community members, officially debuts this week as part of Black History Month celebrations.
Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Deuntay Diggs, announced the trail's opening at the board meeting on February 18, 2025. "This trail system is part of Discover Stafford's commitment to sharing the complete story of the county's history," Diggs stated. "By walking this trail, residents and visitors can learn about the powerful contributions of African Americans to our community and honor their legacy."
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Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) will hold a public hearing on its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The hearing will occur at 7 p.m. during the School Board's monthly business meeting at the School Board Chamber, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford. A work session will precede the meeting at 5 p.m.
Community members can sign up to speak in advance via an online form available until 4 p.m. on the meeting day. Afterward, in-person sign-ups will be available until 6:50 p.m. Written comments may be submitted via a digital public comment form by 6:50 p.m. on February 25.
