A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.
During the April 1, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, Bohmke, who has served 12 years on the board and four years previously on the school board, said she is stepping away from public office.
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The Texas-based travel center giant Buc-ee’s is moving ahead with plans to build its first Virginia location in Stafford County. It has submitted formal requests to rezone nearly 35 acres of land to pave the way for a massive fuel and retail complex off Interstate 95.
The proposed Buc-ee’s would sit near the intersection of Courthouse Road (Route 630) and Austin Ridge Drive, just east of I-95 Exit 140. Plans submitted to the county show a 74,000-square-foot convenience store and gas station with 120 fuel pumps, 24 future EV charging stations, and dozens of bus/RV parking spaces.
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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.
The cost of Stafford County’s long-planned courthouse replacement project has increased significantly, with county officials acknowledging major changes in scope. During the March 11, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, staff presented the latest budget updates, revealing the financial impact of the courthouse expansion.
“There definitely is a project cost increase with this courthouse,” said County Administrator Bill Ashton. “This is a new full court that will be across the street. So there is a cost increase on this, but the timing looks like it should be relatively the same.”
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Concerns Over Health and Safety
Woof Houze, located at 501 Musselman Road, has been a key facility for dog training and behavioral rehabilitation. Owner Adia Washington and several supporters spoke at a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4, 2025, detailing health concerns among staff, customers, and animals due to prolonged exposure to airborne silica dust.
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As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program's sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.
Mayausky: "A Worthy Program, But an Unfunded Mandate"
Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky detailed the rapid growth of the veteran tax relief program, which has significantly expanded since its inception in 2011.
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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.
