Residents at Washington County public hearing urge board to limit tax increase as reassessments jump

Board of Supervisors members opened a public hearing March 25 on a proposed real estate tax rate range of 44¢ to 46¢ per $100 of assessed value, required under section 58.1‑3321 of the Code of Virginia. County staff said the county administrator’s recommended operating budget is based on a rate of 44¢ per $100.

The hearing drew more than 20 residents who described steep reassessments, rising utility and insurance costs, and the strain those increases impose on seniors and fixed‑income households. “We are stretched to the breaking point,” said Cindy Patterson, a longtime resident and farmer. “Please cut spending, keep our total tax bill the same, or by all means lower the tax rate.”

Why it matters: A countywide reassessment has raised many residential values by large percentages in 2025, increasing tax bills unless the Board lowers the tax rate. Commenters warned that higher tax bills, combined with rising electric and water costs, risk pushing seniors and longtime residents to leave and could reduce local spending at small businesses.

Public testimony.…