Resident urges Manassas City to lower high tax rate compared to neighboring counties

Residents of Manassas City are raising concerns over the city's proposed tax rate, which is currently set at $1.26 per $100 of assessed value. This rate is notably higher than neighboring jurisdictions, including Prince William County, which has a tax rate of $1.04. During a recent city council meeting, a longtime resident highlighted that Manassas City has the second highest real estate tax rate in Virginia, trailing only Manassas Park.

The resident, who has lived in Manassas since 1989 and is a retired employee of Lockheed Martin, argued that with a robust commercial tax base supported by major companies like BAE and Micron, the city should not maintain such a high tax rate. "It's absurd that we have... the second highest tax rate in the state of Virginia," they stated, emphasizing that the city's small footprint should not justify such elevated taxes.

The resident pointed out that while inflation and rising real estate prices have affected many areas, Prince William County managed to lower its tax rate last year, contrasting with Manassas City's decision to keep its rate unchanged. They urged city leaders to reconsider and lower the tax rate, citing the need for more responsible spending.

As discussions continue, the implications of the tax rate on residents and businesses remain a critical topic for the Manassas City Council, with calls for a reassessment of fiscal policies to better align with the city's economic strengths.