Prince William County supervisors vote on property tax increase amid small business struggles

In a heated session at the Prince William County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 22, 2025, concerns over rising property taxes and their impact on residents and small businesses took center stage. The atmosphere was charged as Supervisor Weir passionately addressed the unsustainable trajectory of tax increases, highlighting that some homeowners in the Gainesville district could see their tax bills rise by as much as $774 this year alone.

Weir's remarks painted a stark picture of the financial strain on families, particularly in neighborhoods like Regency at Creekside, where the demographic is primarily age-restricted and devoid of children to support local schools. He emphasized that the compounding nature of these tax hikes could ultimately drive families out of the county, a sentiment echoed by other supervisors who voiced their concerns about the economic viability of small businesses in the area.

Supervisor Gordy added to the discussion by spotlighting the struggles faced by local businesses, particularly in the Brentsville District, which houses a significant portion of the county's industrial land. He noted that many small enterprises are now putting up "for sale" signs, unable to cope with soaring land prices that have reached approximately $4 million per acre. This trend, he argued, threatens the employment landscape, as small businesses are crucial job providers compared to larger data centers that do not employ at the same level.

The meeting also touched on the allocation of $20 million to schools, which some supervisors criticized for sitting idle in accounts rather than being utilized to stimulate the local economy. Gordy pointed out that this amount translates to about $219 per household, money that could be better spent to support families and foster job creation.

As the discussion drew to a close, the board moved to vote on the proposed tax measures, which ultimately passed with a 5 to 3 vote, despite the dissenting voices of Supervisors Vega, Weir, and Gordy. The outcome reflects a growing tension within the community regarding fiscal policies and their long-term implications for residents and local businesses alike. As Prince William County navigates these challenges, the voices of its citizens remain a critical part of the conversation, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions that prioritize both economic growth and community well-being.