Prince George residents voice concerns over proposed tax rate increases

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, focusing primarily on property tax assessments and community concerns regarding rising tax rates. The meeting provided a platform for residents to voice their frustrations and seek clarity on the recent tax assessments they received.

The session began with public input, where several residents expressed confusion and dissatisfaction with their property tax assessments. One resident highlighted a significant increase in their tax bill, stating that their assessment had risen by 88%. This prompted concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the assessment process, with residents questioning how these values were determined and who conducted the assessments.

Another resident, Barbara Ammons, reported a 31.1% increase in her property taxes and sought further clarification on the hypothetical nature of the assessment figures provided. The board assured attendees that their questions would be addressed after the public input portion concluded.

Bill Steele, a resident from County Line Road, voiced strong opposition to the current tax rate of 82 cents per $100 of assessed value, labeling it as excessive. He urged the board to consider reducing the tax rate to provide meaningful relief to residents, emphasizing that Prince George County ranks as the sixth highest in tax rates within the region. Steele called for a reduction in spending to facilitate lower tax bills, reflecting a broader sentiment among residents who have faced consecutive tax increases over the past nine years.

The meeting underscored the community's growing concern over property taxes and the need for transparency in the assessment process. As the board prepares to address these issues, residents await further clarification and potential changes to the tax structure that could alleviate their financial burdens. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining how they respond to the community's concerns and whether any adjustments to the tax rate will be made in the upcoming fiscal year.