Stafford supervisors spar over FY26 budget, taxes as board weighs cuts and new revenues

Stafford County supervisors spent most of an April work session debating ways to close a projected shortfall in the proposed fiscal 2026 budget, centering on whether to raise the real‑estate tax rate, shift costs to new taxes or find program cuts.

The board’s budget staff told supervisors they face a narrow range of outcomes from the state that will affect school funding. Ms. Light, the county’s budget lead, said staff’s best case estimate of state revenue puts Stafford in a position to cover some costs but not all: "We do anticipate that expenditures overall for fiscal year 25 are going to come in at or below budget," she said, but added the board must choose how to fill remaining gaps.

Why it matters: the board is weighing whether to raise the county real‑estate tax rate to cover recurring costs — including previously approved public‑safety pay increases — or to keep the tax rate flat and make one‑time or ongoing cuts. Supervisors repeatedly said they want to avoid surprising residents…